Conde Nast Traveler Readers Again Name Seabourn 'Best Small-Ship Cruise Line'

SEATTLE, Oct. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second year in a row, Seabourn has been named the "Best Small-Ship Cruise Line" by readers of Conde Nast Traveler in the magazine's 24th annual Readers' Choice Awards.  This is the third time in four years that the magazine's well-traveled readers have recognized Seabourn as the best.

The honor is a testament to the line's consistent ability to deliver exceptional vacations and outstanding service that attract and delight sophisticated, affluent travelers.  It is only the latest of many accolades the line has garnered over the years.  Most recently, Seabourn won its third consecutive "World's Best Small-Ship Cruise Line" from readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. In addition, the line has been included on Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious "Gold List" of top travel choices for 17 consecutive years from 1994, when the list first appeared, through 2011.

"Conde Nast Traveler readers are very discerning and experienced, and we're exceptionally pleased that they named us the best once again," said Seabourn President Richard Meadows.  "We're gratified that the readers have again rewarded our dedicated and hard-working employees. This award is for the entire team at Seabourn, all of whom strive every day to provide our guests with the very finest travel experiences at sea."

In 2011, Seabourn completed a three-ship expansion, adding new ships that drew rave reviews and acclaim as "game-changers" for the luxury cruise segment.  The expansion included the launch of Seabourn Odyssey in June 2009, Seabourn Sojourn in June 2010, and the new Seabourn Quest, just launched June 2011.  Each ship carries 450 guests, providing the highest ratio of space per guest in the industry and unmatched levels of personalized service from nearly one staff member per guest. Seabourn's fleet includes the line's original trio of 208-guest ships: Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend.

All six ships offer key elements that set Seabourn apart: spacious, thoughtfully appointed suites, many with verandas; superb dining in a choice of venues; open bars throughout the ship; fine wines poured at lunch and dinner; the aforementioned award-winning service and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home on board.

Seabourn's ships travel the globe throughout the year, sailing to many of the world's most desirable destinations. Cruises of seven days to World Cruises of more than 100 days visit hundreds of ports, including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways.

For more information, contact a travel professional, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

Notes to Editors:

Seabourn is consistently ranked among the world's top travel choices by professional critics and the discerning readers of prestigious travel publications such as Departures, Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler.  Its stylish, distinctive cruising vacations are renowned for:

• Six intimate ships with just 104 or 225 suites
• Unique itineraries visiting must-see cities and hidden gems where larger ships cannot follow
• Intuitive, gracious service provided by a staff passionate about pleasing our guests
• Spacious all-suite accommodations with sweeping ocean views – many with verandas
• Gourmet dining experiences as fine as the best restaurants anywhere
• Open bars throughout the ship and fine wines poured with lunch and dinner  

Seabourn is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line and Costa Cruises. Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL andNYSE: CUK), and supports the Ocean Conservation & Tourism Alliance, dedicated to education and promotion of best practices for protecting the marine environment.

SOURCE Seabourn