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Seabourn is returning to Istanbul, launches private air service

istanbul (seabourn photo)
Istanbul will be offered on four open-jaw sailings in October 2020 PHOTO: Seabourn
Seabourn became the latest cruise line to announce a return to Istanbul, in late 2020, and launched private chartered jet service for exclusive transportation to and from ports and for mid-voyage overland options.

Istanbul and other Turkey ports

In October 2020, Seabourn Ovation will sail four weeklong eastern Mediterranean voyages, Istanbul to Piraeus (Athens) or Piraeus to Istanbul.

The 'Ephesus & Greek Isles' itinerary (Oct. 10 and Oct. 24) embarks at Piraeus for the Greek ports of Patmos, Agios Nikolaos (Crete), Mykonos and Skiathos, as well as Bozcaada and Kusadasi, Turkey, before arriving at Istanbul. The Kusadasi call features an included 'Evening at Ephesus,' a private classical concert under the stars in the ancient ruins.

'Turkish & Aegean Treasures' (Oct. 17 and Oct. 31) sails from Istanbul to Myrina, Rhodes, Santorini and Spétsai in Greece, while also visiting Çesme and Bodrum along the turquoise coast of Turkey, before arriving at Piraeus.

The voyages can be combined at savings of up to 10%.

In addition,  second ship, Seabourn Odyssey, will visit several cities in Turkey during its 2020 eastern Mediterranean season. Those include Cesme, Kusadasi, Fethiye and Bodrum.

Seabourn Private Air

The new Seabourn Private Air uses a global network of operators that offer jets in a range of sizes and models, with accommodation for groups of any size on request. Available aircraft include light charter jets capable of carrying five to eight passengers, mid-size jets for seven to eight passengers and heavy private jets with capacity for nine to 16 passengers.

The service gives access to thousands of airports catering to private aircraft and most major international airports.

Unlike many jet card or fractional options on the market, Seabourn Private Air provides up front, comprehensive pricing for a package that is a similar standard to the Seabourn cruise itself.

Travelers pay for the aircraft rather than by the seat, so the more passengers, the lower the cost per person.

What's included

Packages include private valet luggage service, ground transfers and Seabourn-brand food and beverages including Regiis Ova caviar, K+M Chocolates, Montaudon Champagne and a range of complementary spirits. Also part of the package are cabin attendants, required on some aircraft, or available upon request if not required, and next port protection up to 1,000 miles from the original destination.