In pictures: The ultra-luxury Seabourn Encore

Life looks very good aboard Seabourn's newest ship, which is headed to Australia in the new year.

Luxury cruise line Seabourn has released the first images of its newest ship, Seabourn Encore, which launched in Italy earlier this month.

Designed by renowned hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany "to feel more like a luxury yacht" than a cruise ship, Encore can accommodate 600 guests in 300 suites, each with a private veranda.

New features on board include a relaxation area called the Retreat, featuring a whirlpool and private cabanas with TVs and fridges stocked with a personalised selection of drinks. There's also a spa treatment cabana, sun loungers and a bar.

The Retreat aboard Seabourn Encore. Supplied

Culinary highlights include dishes developed by three-star Michelin chef Thomas Keller in signature restaurant The Grill by Thomas Keller, a dedicated sushi restaurant (the first aboard a Seabourn ship) and a Shopping with the Chef excursion which involves a visit to a local market.

There will also be the new production An Evening with Tim Rice, featuring the work of the English musical theatre legend, along with a spa and wellness program focused on mindful living.

The Colonnade, an indoor-outdoor dining option for breakfast and lunch, aboard Seabourn Encore. Supplied

Seabourn Encore will be christened in Singapore on January 7 before arriving in Australia on January 22, where it'll spend nearly two months cruising in local waters.

Voyages include a 16-day Australia and New Zealand cruise from Sydney to Auckland from February 2, priced from $15,999, and a 16-day Queensland Coast and Great Barrier Reef voyage from Sydney to Bali on March 6, from $8499.

Encore will return to Europe in April and spend the northern summer cruising the Mediterranean.