Seabourn has formally introduced Seabourn Encore to the world during a glamorous and festive evening ceremony.

International recording artist and soprano Sarah Brightman presided over the naming ceremony as godmother of the new 600-guest ship, the first of two new all-suite vessels for the company.

Guests and VIPs joined Seabourn staff to enjoy the vibrant, entertainment-filled launch celebrations, as a projection screen showed the climactic moment when Brightman sent a bottle of champagne smashing against the bow of the ship.

A host of local musicians and acts, including lion dancers and stilt walkers, sent the ship and its guests off in great style.

Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn said: “The launch of Seabourn Encore not only marks the start of a new era in ultra-luxury cruising but also a major step forward in terms of growth for our company. 

“This ship is stunningly beautiful and I know guests are going to be absolutely captivated as they step aboard. 

“They will feel the connection with the rest of the fleet – but also the evolution.”

Seabourn’s guests will enjoy experiencing the rich and diverse offerings of the region, and look forward to welcoming more of Carnival Corporation’s ships to Singapore.”

Seabourn Encore is the fourth ultra-luxury vessel to join the Seabourn fleet and the first of two ships to be designed by the iconic hospitality designer Adam Tihany.

The second, Seabourn Ovation, is currently under construction and is scheduled to launch in spring 2018.

Intended to feel more like a luxury yacht, Tihany describes Seabourn Encore as sensual, soothing, elegant and glamorous, whilst benefitting from modern design elements and innovations, in keeping with Seabourn’s reputation for understated elegance. 

Seabourn Encore has an additional deck and newly expanded public areas.

With the inaugural voyage, Seabourn Encore is also marking the formal debut of several new on-board partnerships.

Spa & Wellness with Andrew Weil is being introduced working with The Onboard Spa by Steiner, offering guests a holistic spa and wellness experience that integrates physical, social, environmental and spiritual well-being. 

In Encore’s Grand Salon, the curtain will go up on a brand new show, ‘An Evening with Tim Rice’, created exclusively for Seabourn in association with Belinda King Creative Productions. 

The concert-style presentation, narrated by Sir Tim, with live music, singers and dancers, takes the audience on a musical journey through some of the award-winning lyricist’s best-known work – from Aladdin to The Lion King. 

And Seabourn Encore will also be home to The Grill by Thomas Keller, inspired by the classic American chophouse, the first of which opened on Seabourn Quest last year.

All three innovations will be rolled out across the entire Seabourn fleet by 2018.