The world's finest ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn marked a major construction milestone with a traditional coin and launch ceremony for its newest ship, Seabourn Ovation, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri, Italy. Seabourn Ovation is set to welcome guests and begin sailing in May 2018, the company said in its press release.
The time-honored coin and launch ceremony is an enduring maritime tradition that calls for a "madrina" to preside over the celebratory events. Serving in this significant role was Jan Stearman, Seabourn's longest-serving female shipboard team member, who joined the company 22 years ago, and a well-known and respected cruise director. Along with Seabourn President Richard Meadows, Fincantieri Shipyard Director Paolo Capobianco and Seabourn Ovation Captain Stig Betten observed the welding of two commemorative gold coins to the ship's mast. Stearman then cut the ship's cord to allow water to flow into the ship's building dock. The ship will be "floated out" from its dry dock and moved to its outfitting dock at the shipyard, where it will undergo final construction until the ship is delivered in 2018.
Following the ship's delivery, Seabourn Ovation will embark on an 11-day inaugural voyage departing May 5, 2018, from Venice, Italy, to Barcelona, Spain. The ship will go on to spend the majority of her maiden season cruising the waters of Northern Europe, offering a series of seven-day Baltic and Scandinavian cruises between Copenhagen and Stockholm, which will include the line's signature three-day stay in St. Petersburg, Russia. Seabourn Ovation will also sail on longer 14-day voyages, visiting the majestic Norwegian fjords and British Isles.
Like its sister ship Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation is being fashioned by notable hospitality design icon Adam D. Tihany with contemporary interiors, modern design elements, and innovations consistent with Seabourn's reputation for understated elegance. The new ship will round out the current planned expansion of the line's award-winning and highly acclaimed fleet.