Here are TLE we had tended to take a wide berth of cruise liners, that was until we tried out the Royal Caribbean Harmony of The Seas Luxury Class. So our ears pricked up when we heard about the recent launch of the Seabourne Encore in Singapore. Constructed in the Fincantieri shipyards in Maghera near Venice the Encore is the latest ship by the Seattle-based Seabourn to take s slice of the premium end of the cruise market.

Designed by legend Adam Tihany the 300 all-suite ship is petite in size when compared with many other cruise liners at just 690 feet long by 92 feet wide. But it?s this size that is it’s advantage as it easily glides into many smaller ports navigating away from the giant liners and the crowds.

The Encore is 13 levels in height and offers plenty of space for its 600 passengers and includes two swimming pools, six whirlpools a library a small casino to try your luck at a luxurious spa,  seven lounges and bars and at least six dining options, one of which is The Grill by Thomas Keller. All cabins on the Encore are suites of course – with balconies and bathrooms finished with marble sinks, separate baths and showers. Whilst entry level rooms are generous in size the Wintergarden Suites are 5 times the size and have a solarium with outside tub and sea views.

Fares in the Mediterranean this summer start from £350 per night and include all drinks, fine wines and champagne, gratuities and dining. Wifi is also included for passengers in top gra...