36 Night Cruise sailing from Singapore to Athens aboard Seabourn Pride.

The ship that started it all inspired one critic to declare that "Seabourn is in a class by itself." And in 1988, when the sleek, 10,000-ton Pride emerged from the Schichau Seebeckwerft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany, that was literally true.

At that time, most ships of Pride's size (and there were more then than now) carried more than 400 guests. Seabourn Pride, christened by Ambassador Shirley Temple Black, topped out at half that many.

The idea that every guest sailed in an expansive, ocean-view suite was revolutionary. The concept of open-seating dining accommodating all guests was exceptional. And the notion of including nearly everything for the cost of the fare was a rare thing as well. But the most important element of the Seabourn experience, to founding president Warren S. Titus, was the unparalleled level of personalized service provided to guests.

Hand-picked staff, recruited from the finest European hospitality schools and hostelries, are re-trained and managed according to the philosophy that every request is a golden opportunity to create delight, that the unexpected pleasure is what truly makes an experience memorable, and that the rendering of the very best service is a product of professional pride, not influenced by the expectation of a gratuity.

That remains a core value of all Seabourn ships today. By a trick of history, Seabourn Pride and its sisters remain as exceptional today as they were when launched - in a class by themselves.

Highlights of this itinerary:

Singapore
Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, Singapore joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963. Two years later, it became an independent island-state, developing into one of the world's most prosperous countries. With ultra-modern skyscrapers combined with a medley of Chinese, Indian and Malay influences, Singapore is a dynamic city rich in contrast and color, exhibiting a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture.

Mumbai
Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) is a captivating city, known for its striking contrasts. The fastest growing, most affluent and industrialized city in India, Mumbai represents the ever-changing face of today's India: the old coupled with the dynamic new. This vibrant city is a kaleidoscopic mixture of intriguing people and incredible places, where within a block or two you can find modern skyscrapers, ornate Victorian buildings, and bustling bazaars.

Muscat
Oman, "The Pearl of Mystic Arabia," is one of the oldest civilizations on the Arabian Peninsula. Wedged between the Arabian Gulf and the Western Al Hajar Mountains, Muscat boasts an ancient history and rich Islamic heritage, evident in its prominent landmarks such as forts, castles, towers and mosques. Since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development, leading to the growth of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society.

Dubai
The United Arab Emirates is strategically located at the crossroads of East and West, and the traditional trading routes from Asia and the Far East to Europe and further afield are even more significant today than they were hundreds of years ago. Nestled at the very heart of the Islamic world, the country is unique in its embrace of the Western world. Here you can see the contrasts of the nomadic Bedouin people, and the opulence and splendor of the Sheiks, set against a backdrop of Western lifestyles.

Salalah
Salalah, Oman's ancient incense capital is an oasis with lush vegetation resulting from seasonal monsoons. The city's roads wind through groves of coconut, papaya and banana trees, and roadside stands sell fresh fruit and coconut water. The tropical atmosphere is a striking contrast to the otherwise arid landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula. Even the Queen of Sheba fell under the spell of the area's treasure far greater than gold, and sent gifts of frankincense to impress Solomon. Today, the beautiful sand beaches, cultural history, archaeology and natural diversity draw visitors to this ancient paradise.

Aqaba
Aqaba is a sleepy fishing village with a long and historic past. At various times, the port was a stopover on ancient caravan routes, a garrison for Roman troops and meeting place for pilgrims en route to Mecca. Recent excavations have revealed a third-century church, one of the worlds oldest. In medieval times, Aqaba was an important part of Palestine before being absorbed into the Ottoman Empire, a time when Lawrence of Arabia figured in local history. Today Aqaba is important as Jordan's only deep water port and the jumping-off point for excursions to Petra, the country's premier historical attraction.

Athens
Piraeus has been the port for Athens since 482 BC. The busy harbor is filled with ferries and cruise ships making their way to the Greek Islands and other Mediterranean cities. The busy metropolis of Athens and its treasure trove of antiquities lie just a few miles from the port. Even as the reality of the modern city took hold, with its high-rise apartments, crowded sidewalks and bustling traffic, the beauty of the Acropolis, the outstanding museums, charming cafés, sidewalk markets and startling views come together in a cultural mosaic for all to enjoy.