Seabourn has taken delivery of its newest ship, Seabourn Ovation, during an official handover ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, Italy.

Seabourn Ovation is the fifth ship in the line’s award-winning fleet and the newest ultra-luxury ship in the industry.

“We are delighted to take delivery of Seabourn Ovation, offering yet another reason for luxury travellers around the world to choose us for their next holiday,” said Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn.

“It has been an incredible journey to see the ship come to life, and the Fincantieri team has done a fantastic job in the construction of the ship.

“The combination of Adam Tihany’ s design vision and Fincantieri’s fine craftsmanship have resulted in yet another stunning creation. We are very proud to welcome her to the Seabourn family.”

Seabourn Ovation will build on the line’s award-winning and highly acclaimed Odyssey-class ships, ensuring that Seabourn continues to offer the newest and most consistent fleet in the ultra-luxury segment.

Said Giuseppe Bono, chief executive of Fincantieri: “It has been a great honour for all of us at Fincantieri to work with the Seabourn and Carnival Corporation teams to bring to life such a beautiful ship that in many ways is a true work of art.

“There was an extraordinary level of luxury elements and complexity involved in the construction of Seabourn Ovation, and as always, our team of world-class ship builders rose to the occasion.

“It is with much pride that we hand over a ship that sets the new standard in ultra-luxury cruising, and it is exciting that Seabourn guests from around the world will soon be enjoying wonderful cruise holidays on this magnificent luxury vessel.”   

Seabourn Ovation will begin her maiden season with an 11-day inaugural voyage departing May 5th, 2018, from Venice, Italy, to Barcelona, Spain.

The ship’s naming ceremony will take place on Friday, May 11th, in the beautiful baroque harbour of Valletta, Malta. 

One of the world’s highly-acclaimed actresses and singers, Elaine Paige, will serve as godmother and will name the ship during a spectacular ceremony that will light up the dramatic UNESCO World Heritage site and the 2018 European Capital of Culture.