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Seabourn Ovation is christened in musical Malta festivities

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Seabourn's Rick Meadows and the ship's godmother Elaine Paige applaud Seabourn Ovation
A festive naming ceremony for Seabourn Ovation in the baroque harbor of Valletta, Malta, debuted the Seabourn anthem by lyricist Sir Tim Rice with a performance by the acclaimed actress and singer Elaine Paige, the ship's godmother.

A full orchestra ensemble performed the themed musical work, 'We Sail to See the Lives of Others,' and provided additional entertainment during the Friday evening ceremony, held on Seabourn Ovation's Pool Deck.

Paige officially named the ship and released a bottle of champagne to break on the bow.

'Newest, most consistent fleet in ultra-luxury cruising'

Seabourn Ovation brings 'a new era' for the line as the 'newest, most consistent fleet in the ultra-luxury cruise category,' Seabourn president Rick Meadows said.

'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 on board,' he added.

Capt. Stig Betten also spoke at the ceremony.

The evening was capped with a fireworks display that lit up Valletta harbor.

Seabourn Ovation is the fifth new ship to join the Seabourn fleet over the past decade, and the second vessel, following Seabourn Encore, designed for the line by hospitality design icon Adam D. Tihany.

New alfresco dining venue

Seabourn Ovation features all-veranda-suite accommodations and a new alfresco dining venue, Earth & Ocean at The Patio.

The ship departed May 5 on its 11-day maiden voyage to Barcelona. Next up is a 14-day 'Vintage Europe' itinerary to Ijmuiden (Amsterdam), followed by a 14-day 'Midsummer Baltic' sailing that arrives in Copenhagen in late June. Next is a seven-day 'Baltic & St. Petersburg' cruise.

A variety of Northern Europe voyages follow to destinations that include the Norwegian Fjords and North Cape, Scandinavia and the British Isles. A 30-day 'Viking Realm Exploration' ends in Dover on Oct. 1.

On Friday night naming festivities were also held for TUI Cruises' Mein Schiff 1, in Hamburg