It’s only a few more days until the Seabourn Odyssey is christened. The 32,000-ton, 450-passenger vessel  will be the line’s largest and will offer all-suite accomdations (90 percent with verandas), four restaurants, and an indoor/outdoor spa. Odyssey is the first luxury cruise ship built in over six years and the first new yacht for Seabourn in 15 years. The vessel will feature Seabourn’s famous high crew to guest ratio that can make any guest feel like they are on their own private superyacht. Fortunate guests will feel special and cared for with offerings from the scented ‘Pure Pampering’ baths drawn by the stewardess to an intimately shared ‘Caviar on the Surf’ beach party.

 The Odyssey will be christened Wednesday in Venice, Italy. Guests aboard the maiden voyage will share the unprecedented honor of acting as godparents, an honor usually reserved for royalty or celebrities. Seabourn says their guests are the primary reason the Odyssey was built and it made sense that guests should participate in an event symbolizing the beginning of Odyssey’s career. The christening ceremony is the first time hundreds of guests will directly participate. Godparents will be provided remote control mechanisms that will “trigger” champagne to crash against the vessel while the sun sets over Venice. Afterwards godparents will also see their names engraved on a plaque displayed on board, further distinguishing them as a part of Odyssey history.

After the christening in Venice, the Odyssey will embark on a 14-day voyage through the Dalmatian coast, the Greek Isles and Turkey. Among the Odyssey’s exotic sailings include Seabourn’s first-ever World Cruise in January, 2010. The 108-day voyage travels from Bora Bora to Bali, Sydney to Saigon and Hong Kong to Istanbul, and touches five continents.

www.expertcruiser.com will be onboard the June 22 pre-inaugural voyage from Venice. Look for more blog posts and ‘Tweets’ from the ship