On an ultra-luxury cruise, travelers can fully relax and unwind in their spacious, oceanfront suite. As most suites boast a private veranda, it's often tempting to relax outdoors, sipping a fine wine or favorite cocktail while admiring the breathtaking Eastern Mediterranean vistas. Inside this luxurious home away from home, the suite's well-designed living area offers top-quality, comfortable furnishings and state-of-the-art entertainment. Sumptuous bedding, including high-thread-count sheets, soft duvets, luxurious mattresses, and a choice of pillows, ensures restful sleep. Guests can refresh in their opulent, marble bathroom, complete with ample storage space, high-speed internet, and an array of thoughtful amenities.

Incredible dining and culinary experiences await locales and food enthusiasts alike. Indeed, an ultra-luxury ship's specialty restaurants rival the finest restaurants worldwide. New and enticing culinary choices are constantly emerging. In January 2024, Seabourn launched a new MEDITERRANEAN-inspired specialty restaurant SOLIS on Seabourn Quest. Two top chefs, both previously with Michelin-starred restaurants, curate this restaurant's creative menus. SOLIS will also debut on Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation, and Seabourn Sojourn later in 2024.

One beloved facet of an ultra-luxury cruise is intuitive, personalized service. Well-trained, experienced crew members immediately address guests by name and quickly learn preferences such as favorite drinks or activities. For added pampering, the ship's full-service spa and wellness center offers luxurious spa treatments and salon services. Travelers can also participate in yoga, exercise, and wellness classes, or opt for one-on-one personal training or wellness consultations. Additionally, the ship's inviting pool deck is the perfect place for swimming, relaxation, and sunbathing.

Those sailing the Eastern Mediterranean will absolutely love the exclusive signature events often offered by ultra-luxury cruise lines. For example, during an "Evening at Ephesus" - at a time when the magnificent Roman/Greek archaeological site is typically closed to visitors - guests can experience the ultimate private cocktail party. With the iconic Library facade, amphitheater, and other ancient ruins as a backdrop, they'll savor fine wines, cocktails, and canapés while listening to a live classical music performance by an orchestra. This kind of signature event is truly magical for guests.

Back on the ship after a day of exploring ashore, guests can relax and freshen up in their suite. Afterward, it's time for social conversation and drinks, a delightful dinner, and entertainment in the ship's theater, lounge, or even on an open deck. On an ultra-luxury ship, guests are treated to a variety of complimentary shows, live music, and other forms of entertainment.

To experience the Greek island of Corfu in a unique, flavorful way, we recommend the "Villa Roses Greek Culinary Experience & Garden Party." This immersive journey begins with a stroll through Old Corfu, impressively flanked by two Venetian fortresses and characterized by winding medieval lanes and a grand palace. Next, travelers venture to Kommeno Bay, an exclusive suburb, and enter the luxurious Minto Villa or Villa Moses. Within the villa's kitchen, a local professional chef conducts a private Greek cooking lesson, revealing the secrets of a traditional Corfu recipe.

One absolute jewel of a port call for most cruise travelers is Kotor in Montenegro, a small country on the Balkan Peninsula's western side. Travelers often stroll Kotor's Old Town, savor the local red wine made from Vranac grapes, or explore other coastal towns. A must-do experience for birders and eco-enthusiasts is visiting Skadar Lake National Park, one of Europe's largest bird reserves, boasting 270 different bird species.

Nestled in the Aegean Sea, Santorini's gorgeous caldera was dramatically shaped by a 16th-century volcanic eruption. Today, atop majestic cliffs rising from an underwater caldera, the picturesque, whitewashed towns of Fira and Oia overlook the sparkling sea and neighboring islets. A private catamaran excursion offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Santorini coastline while guests savor Champagne and delectable appetizers. Afterward, relax on the beach of Nea Kameni, hike to a volcanic crater, or experience Santorini's natural hot springs.

After entering Dubrovnik's 13th-century Old Town via the Pile Gate, cruise guests often feel transported back in time. Highlights of the walled medieval town include Sponza Palace's elegant courtyard and intricate stone carvings, a Dominican church and monastery, and the Venetian-Baroque Church of St. Blaise. For a bird's-eye view, travelers can climb a staircase to stroll along the Old Town's ramparts. Alternatively, a shore excursion to a family home in the nearby Konavle region offers cultural immersion as guests savor traditional Croatian specialties including brandy, wine, and olive oil.

In 2024, a growing trend among travelers is the desire for extended vacations. Ultra-luxury cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean offer an ideal platform for this, with the option to book pre- or post-cruise tours for an even more immersive experience. Greece, for instance, beckons with UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Byzantine-era monastic complex of Meteora, a breathtaking testament to human spirituality and architectural ingenuity. Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, awaits with its iconic Acropolis, dominated by the Parthenon, a sublime masterpiece of classical architecture.