The Yachts of Seabourn is pleased to announce the appointment of Captain Karlo Buer as master of Seabourn Odyssey, the fleet’s newest ultra luxury yacht, set to debut in June 2009.  Captain Buer will be assigned to duty at the Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy in early 2009, where he will supervise his senior officers as they familiarize themselves with the state-of-the-art vessel during its completion. On delivery, he will assume command of the yacht and steer Odyssey through its launch and into its maiden season.

Seabourn Odyssey will be the cruise industry’s first ultra-luxury addition in six years, carrying a maximum of 450 guests in luxurious all-suite accommodations measuring from 295 to over 1,600 square feet, 90 percent of which will feature private verandas.  Upon its launch, the cruising yacht will offer guests five dining alternatives, five lounges and bars, an expansive pool and sunbathing area, and a spectacular two-deck, indoor/outdoor spa facility of more than 11,400 square feet.

“We are delighted to place Seabourn’s newest vessel in the hands of such a talented and experienced master, and anticipate smooth yachting for the Odyssey under Captain Buer’s command,” said Pamela C. Conover, president and CEO of Seabourn. “Captain Buer brings to Odyssey’s helm close to 20 years of experience with Seabourn, including overseeing the construction and launch of our second vessel, and so we are pleased to have him managing this important new venture.”

A native of Oslo, Norway, Buer first went to sea on freighters in 1970 at the age of 16, on a whim. He has worked for various cruise lines over the years including Royal Viking Line and Exploration Cruise Line.

Buer joined Seabourn in 1989 as the supervising captain on the construction of the fleet’s second yacht, Seabourn Spirit. Upon the vessel’s launch, he took a shoreside job in Seabourn’s Oslo office for a year or so, and then returned to sea as captain of the Spirit beginning in the summer of 1991. He has subsequently captained Seabourn Pride and Seabourn Legend as well.

Buer earned a Master’s license from the Norwegian Merchant Marine Academy in 1980. Married with one daughter, age 22, Buer’s homeport is still Norway.