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SeaDream Yacht Club prides itself in providing a small-ship experience closer to yachting than what you find on other lines. You'll sail with a maximum of 112 guests, and the identical ships — launched in 2001 and appropriately named SeaDream I and SeaDream II — have a carefree atmosphere and a resort casual dress code.
Other aspects that make a SeaDream sailing memorable: The food is delicious, the wine is free-flowing (and complimentary!), the piano bar is usually packed, and caviar and Champagne are served on the beach. Both yachts also underwent multi-million-dollar refurbishments in 2022 that completely redesigned the staterooms, installed new teak decking, and added two couples’ Jacuzzis on deck 6 forward for 360-degree views. What’s not to love?
Water Sports Marinas: Both ships have retractable marinas that can be opened when seas are calm. From there, guests can ride personal watercraft, paddle glass-bottomed kayaks, or snorkel. This adds to the feeling of that authentic yachting experience that is missing on most other small-luxury cruise lines.
The Champagne and Caviar Splash: This casual party with upscale food and drink is thrown on Caribbean beaches. The bar is set up by the crew on a surfboard in the shallow water, and a barbecue lunch is served. Again, the intimate nature of a cruise with just 100 guests sets SeaDream sailings apart — with guest-and-crew camaraderie an integral part of the experience.
The Itineraries: SeaDream I and SeaDream II visit a mix of popular and more off-the-beaten-path ports on itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Caribbean. Examples include a cruise from Venice (where SeaDream’s yachts are allowed to dock while larger ships no longer can) to Dubrovnik that calls on five atmospheric smaller ports in Croatia, and a Southern Caribbean sailing that visits Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, and five smaller islands in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Sleeping Under the Stars: SeaDream makes up the double-wide Balinese beds on deck with sheets, pillows, and duvets so you can sleep out in the open air. Reserve the beds at the front of the ship early — they’re the biggest, quietest, and most private, and are quickly booked.
Everything Is Included: All-inclusive here means numerous wine options with lunch and dinner, not just one. It also means cocktails in the alfresco Top of the Yacht Bar and fresh, hot popcorn with movies. And it means no tipping unless, of course, you want to reward the amazing servers.
Grown-Ups: Affluent, mature couples with convivial personalities and a taste for the good life like the social nature of these intimate ships. Without the more rigorous pace and flashy entertainment of larger ships, SeaDream guests revel in relaxed days and enjoy evenings filled with conversation, laughter, and sing-a-longs in the popular piano bar.
You Won't Find Balconies: Don’t expect private verandas on these vessels, which were built before balconies became common. The accommodations, however, are otherwise plush in every way, from the luxurious bed linens to the marble bathroom with a multi-jet shower.
