Seabourn Announces Farewell Voyage for Iconic Seabourn Odyssey
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Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, has announced a special 22-day Farewell Voyage for the iconic Seabourn Odyssey. Departing on September 2, 2024, from Seattle, Washington, to Yokohama, Japan, this one-of-a-kind voyage will feature a number of memorable tributes to Seabourn Odyssey’s greatest moments, including appearances from the original team and performing cast, incredible local artists, and unique gifts and memories to be made with their Seabourn family.
In honour of this sailing, John Barron and Handré Potgieter will return as cruise directors for Seabourn Odyssey’s final voyage. Both Barron and Potgieter were part of the original onboard team when the ship launched in 2009. Seabourn President Natalya Leahy will also be on board in Seattle to personally wish farewell to guests and the onboard team as they embark on this special voyage.
“Returning as cruise director for Seabourn Odyssey’s Farewell Voyage is a heartfelt journey for me, filled with memories of her inception in the shipyard, the exhilaration of her maiden voyage, and the joy of witnessing guests embark on her for the first time,” said Barron. “I’m thrilled to co-host this voyage with my dear friend Handré. We will celebrate 15 years of unforgettable moments, friendships, and the legacy Seabourn Odyssey leaves behind.”
The farewell voyage will offer special entertainment and activities, including a special walk down memory lane with Belinda King of Belinda King Creative Productions, bespoke acts by guest performers such as piano entertainer Roy Tan and vocalist Corlea Botha, and a number of distinguished guest speakers as part of its Seabourn Conversations program. Guests are also invited to join artist Donna Lewis for the ship’s complimentary Artist in Residence mixed media classes inspired by the ports of call visited by Seabourn Odyssey.
During the 22-day Farewell Voyage, Seabourn Odyssey will traverse the glacial scenery of Alaska’s southern reaches, visit the wildlife havens of Kodiak Island and Dutch Harbor, and explore the cultural enclaves of Japan’s Hokkaido Island to revel in the first turn of fall foliage. This final voyage promises to be a magical ‘full circle’ experience, brimming with emotion and sweet surprises, as Seabourn bids farewell to their beloved ship.
The ship will embark on an 11-port journey, including five stops in Japan across two islands, marking a fitting end to its illustrious service.
Highlights of the voyage include:
- Kodiak Island: With two-thirds of the island covered by a national wildlife refuge, Kodiak offers large stretches of private wilderness and beaches for guests to enjoy. Visitors may catch a glimpse of the island’s eponymous bears or step into Kodiak’s World War II defence encampment and military museum at Fort Abercrombie.
- Hubbard Glacier: Cruising the Hubbard Glacier offers the quintessential Alaska experience. Guests will navigate past towering icy walls and feel the rumble of the glacial calving. The Hubbard is North America’s longest tidewater glacier and continues to impress as it “gallops” forward and grows.
- Hakodate, Japan: One of Hokkaido’s largest cities, Seabourn Odyssey, will arrive just in time to see the start of Japan’s fall foliage. A key highlight here is a gondola ride to the top of Mount Hakodate, offering city vistas and a sample of Hokkaido’s extraordinary natural beauty.
