SEATTLE — The new Seabourn Ovation was introduced to the world on May 11 in a festive naming ceremony in Valletta, Malta.

A lineup of celebratory events was planned for Seabourn’s newest vessel, including a live performance by the ship’s godmother, actress and singer Elaine Paige OBE. Following her performance, she made a traditional blessing and released a bottle of champagne that was broken against the ship. The moment was broadcast on a large viewing screen for guests of the maiden voyage and other invited attendees to see.

Seabourn Ovation godmother Elaine Paige gets a special bridge tour from the ship’s Captain, Stig Betten (left), and Staff Captain, Stefan Tsvetkov.

“The launch of Seabourn Ovation brings us to a new era for Seabourn where we further reinforce our position as the newest, most consistent fleet in the ultra-luxury cruise category,” said Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn. “The ship is another major step forward in the growth of Seabourn and an opportunity for us to provide guests with the finest luxury travel experience available at sea today. Like her sisters in our fleet, Seabourn Ovation is such a beautiful ship, and I know that guests and cruise industry observers are going to be very impressed from the moment they step onboard.”

A full orchestra ensemble on the Pool Deck performed the themed musical work and provided additional entertainment during the evening ceremony. Guests also witnessed the debut of the new Seabourn anthem written by Sir Tim Rice, titled: ‘We Sail to See the Lives of Others’, which was performed publicly for the first time. The evening capped with a brilliant fireworks display that lit up the harbour of Valletta.

Seabourn Ovation is the fifth ultra-luxury vessel to join the Seabourn fleet over the past decade, and features all oceanfront suites with private verandas, newly expanded public areas and a brand-new, al fresco dining venue, ‘Earth & Ocean at The Patio’.

Seabourn Ovation is formally christened by award-winning actress and singer, Elaine Paige, during the ship’s naming ceremony in Valletta, Malta

Following its inaugural Mediterranean Spring cruise, which departed on May 5, the ship will then move onto a 14-day Vintage Europe headed for Ijmuiden (Amsterdam), Netherlands, and a 14-day Midsummer Baltic, arriving in Copenhagen, Denmark in late June, before heading to Russia as part of a 7-day The Baltic & St. Petersburg cruise.

Seabourn Ovation will then explore Northern Europe, beginning with a 21-Day St. Petersburg & Scandinavian Gemscruise around the coast of Norway. The ship will retrace itself again with a 7-day St. Petersburg & The Baltic and then turn north and west with a series of cruises including a 14-day Majestic Fjords & North Cape; a 21-day Capitals of Northern Europe from Scandinavia to the British Isles; a 14-day Norway, The British Isles & Edinburgh; a 21-day Northern Europe Panorama; and then a 7-day The Baltic & St. Petersburg. The ship will round out the summer with a 21-day Baltic Gems & Majestic Fjords; a 14-day Scenic Fjords & North Cape; and, finally, a 30-day Viking Realm Exploration, arriving in Dover (London) on October 1 for the start of its autumn season.