Just Back: Seabourn Odyssey Cruise, Barbados

With a love (and incredible knowledge) of cruising and a special connection to Seabourn, Cadence Travel Advisor, Karyn Farr shares with us her recent experience aboard the Seabourn Odyssey in the Caribbean.

Cadence: Tell us about the trip you just returned from!
Karyn: I just returned from a fabulous week at sea aboard the Seabourn Odyssey, traveling roundtrip Barbados through the beautiful Caribbean. This ship is close to my heart as I was fortunate to be aboard Seabourn’s very first World Cruise on this same ship in 2010.  She still looks great!

C: Traveling during these times look a little different. Tell us about your experience.
K: Safety protocols included a negative PCR test to board the ship in Barbados as well as proof of vaccination. Seabourn also required a COVID test just prior to boarding the ship. We were initially told we would be required to wear masks on the ship, but with only 87 guests aboard, it turned out masks were not required of guests, only the crew.

To maintain safety, our ‘bubble’ continued at port stops as we were not permitted to go ashore except on an authorized ship-sponsored shore excursions. Guides were always masked. Our shore excursion while in Barbados consisted of a small group of fellow cruisers. We enjoyed sightseeing but had little-to-no contact with locals. We noted that at a few port stops, the stores and shops were closed with almost no cars on the streets. 

C: What was the staff and service level like on the ship?
K: We met a lot of new crew members, including the Captain, who we dined with on the one “formal night”. We found all crew members to be very ‘service oriented’.  The Cruise Director and staff were top of the line professionals, especially when overseeing the daily ‘killer trivia’ teams. I was fortunate to be on the one that won 5 of the 6 games!

C: What were some of the activity highlights?
K: The cruise included two ‘beach days’ at private facilities: the famous ‘Caviar in the Surf’ beach event with champagne, a delicious BBQ lunch and the marina toys – we kayaked; and one at a private hotel beach, but it rained, so we didn’t go ashore.

C: We have to know about the food!
K: The French and Indian chefs presided over the most wonderful recipes, and as has always been my experience in the past with Seabourn, the food was MARVELOUS. I even found a new favorite dessert:  Passion Fruit Sorbetto, which I had every day for lunch (which I blame for the 5 lbs gained).

C: Were you able to enjoy any onboard entertainment?
K: Yes, the entertainment was excellent.  The singers and dancers performed with the same passion they would have if the ship had been full.  One of our favorites was a dance couple from Ukraine who headlined a Latin show with amazing stamina and innovative moves to die for.

C: Do you have any plans to travel again with Seabourn?
K: I was booked on a few segments of the 2022 Seabourn World Cruise, but due to the current travel restrictions in Asia and the Pacific the itinerary had to be canceled. Fortunately, the World Cruise is scheduled again in 2024 with the exact dates and ports. I am so excited to be on the books again for 2024!  

Thanks for sharing, Karyn! Let us know in the comments below - is a Caribbean cruise on your travel wish list?