Immersive, intimate luxury: Seabourn is redefining Asia travel

Words: Agatha Zarzycki

What could be dreamier than a six-star, all-inclusive boutique hotel on water that masters personalised comfort and unparalleled adventure? Introducing Seabourn’s fleet of private, yacht-like ships, which traverse Asia’s secret spots and World Heritage Sites that have been handpicked by experts. From exclusive, local experiences that leave you with a meaningful sense of place, to curated comforts such as ocean-front suites and decadent dining, here’s why Seabourn’s Asia itineraries are some of its best (aside from the fact you can experience Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam in one trip – and not have to unpack even once).

Intuitive, all-inclusive service

Picture this: you’re at a private members-like club, taking in sights of the sea on an expansive, open deck. There’s complimentary welcome Champagne, and the servers, entertainers and spa therapists all know your name. They also know your latest music obsession, that you hate mushrooms and that it’s your husband’s birthday on Friday, as you’ve mentioned this in passing. Naturally, thoughtfully, they’ve taken notes. You also mentioned your husband’s favourite dessert, the one his grandma used to make, and, on Friday, the chef will recreate it, surprising both of you. Tipping is neither required nor expected. At any time, you can luxuriate in your own spacious, ocean-front suite, which brings a sense of home, but is also big enough to entertain if you decide to host an in-suite cocktail party organised by Seabourn staff. And you can enjoy your pre-selected drinks from your fully stocked bar on your private veranda. Did we mention you’re on a Seabourn ship, about to anchor in Tokyo?

Deep-dive destinations

There’s no doubting Seabourn is a destination doyen – it journeys to more than 425 marquee cities across all seven continents, including lesser-known ports and hideaways. On Seabourn Encore, one of the most admired ships in the ultra-luxury category, you can experience a 14-night voyage across Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, starting in Hong Kong and ending in Singapore. Meanwhile, the intimate Seabourn Quest is heading to Japan in autumn, when russet shades set the scene for samurai castles and serene gardens. The smaller, southern islands won’t be missed either – including the vibrant arts district of Ishinomaki and Wakayama’s arresting canopied architecture. And if there’s one trip to earmark for 2026, it’s Seabourn Encore’s first ever journey during Japan’s cherry blossom season.

One-of-a-kind itineraries 

There’s scanning a destination, its tourist highlight reel, this museum and that landmark everyone has a photo of, and then there’s feeling and experiencing it the way Seabourn lets you. Stay overnight in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, where more than 800 square miles of villages and rice paddies meet downtown’s sleek skyscrapers, their styles blending traditional Vietnamese and European influences. Aquaphiles can kayak through the rainforest-rimmed emerald waters of Unesco-listed Hạ Long Bay and take advantage of Seabourn’s Marina Days with complimentary water sports. Korea’s seaside city of Busan holds its International Film Festival in September this year (book tickets in advance) for film fans, and Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, the largest religious building in the world, is a must-do for antiquarian adventurers.

Local, exclusive experiences 

Seabourn offers more than insider insights – it takes you to places that even some locals aren’t in on. In the Japanese town of Yuasa, the rumoured birthplace of soy sauce, tastings are essential, as are enchanting tours of local breweries. At Beppu (aka thermal bath bliss), on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, it’s all about traditional hot water baths, detoxifying steam soaks and rejuvenating mud immersions (note that the Hells of Beppu bubbling hot springs are for viewing, not bathing in!). Those seeking to combine food and entertainment shouldn’t miss an evening at the famous Majestic Hotel dating back to 1925, including cocktails on the rooftop terrace, a special dance and music performance and dinner at one of Saigon’s finest Vietnamese restaurants.

Authentic, culinary creativity

There’s good reason why a favourite – and complimentary – experience for Seabourn guests is Caviar in the Surf. Reinvented at the world’s most secluded and stunning beaches, such as Koh Kood in Thailand, it goes thus: as you’re sunbathing, taking in pearlescent sand and storybook waters, the sound of lapping waves is overshadowed by the rumble of a speedboat. The crew hops out, wading in waist-deep water, placing caviar and Champagne on a surfboard. Yes, it’s for you. Then there’s shopping with the chef at local food markets, whose fresh produce, seafood and spices make their way back to Seabourn’s on-board menus. Restaurants on deck are seriously impressive, too (and included), such as fine-dining feat Solis, which serves Mediterranean dishes like poached lobster.

Tip: Secure a restaurant reservation by visiting Seabourn Square, a multi-purpose concierge lounge at the ship’s centre, where there’s also a speciality coffee bar, library and computer centre, plus dedicated staff who you can ask genuinely anything.

Set sail with Seabourn