SeaDream Yacht Club
“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air…”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
Getting to Know SeaDream Yacht Club
Their Motto: It’s Yachting, Not Cruising
Itineraries: Caribbean • Mediterranean • Trans-atlantic
Cruise fare includes: accommodations, all meals and beverages, including premium wine and liquor.
Gratuities: included in your cruise fare.
History
If you’re not familiar with SeaDream Yacht Club, it’s worth it to delve a bit into their compelling history. You’ll soon find that the backstory is as interesting as their two mega-yachts, SeaDream I and II. The tale begins with Norwegian businessman Atle Brynestad. If you’re a Seabourn fan, you’ll recall that he was the founder and owner of that line until the company merged with Cunard in the 1990s. Always the maverick in the cruise industry, Brynestad wasn’t content to simply sit on the sidelines. As cruise conglomerates were making a push toward larger and larger ships, he still saw the allure of intimate vessels paired with topnotch service. So, in July 2001, Brynestad acquired the 110-passenger Seabourn Goddess I and II back from Cunard and SeaDream Yacht Club was born.
Just a month later, travel-industry veteran and former president/CEO of Cunard, Larry Pimentel, joined SeaDream as co-owner, chairman, and CEO. The cruise line made its official debut on September 1, 2001. We all know what happened just ten days later. The terrorist attacks of September 11 changed so much in America and around the world. Every industry was affected but within a fortnight, the travel industry landscape had changed dramatically as individuals canceled vacations and business trips and hunkered down at home to weather the political and economic turmoil.
While the timing for the line’s debut was inauspicious, Pimentel and Brynestad stuck to their guns. They were confident in their concept and went ahead refurbishing the yachts and sailing existing itineraries. By 2002, SeaDream I and II were already basking in accolades from guests and travel industry insiders. The company went about the business of building a strong customer base and, today, each sailing runs at capacity or close to it.
How did SeaDream blossom at a time when so many other travel companies went bust? They focused on well-maintained intimate ships, excellent service (95 crew pamper 56 couples), unique ports of call, and amenities that other ships lack. This mission is what keep SeaDream loyalists returning to the yachts year after year.
In 2009, Pimentel decided to step down and leave SeaDream. Insiders don’t expect any major changes to the lines day-to-day management.
Onboard Vibe
When James Bond meets a new love interest, where does he whisk her off to for a romantic vacation? I’m betting it’s a SeaDream voyage! You’ll find that while the ships are uber-elegant, there’s also an easiness to the day-to-day activities. The onboard vibe is friendly and relaxed and you’ll be able to be as active (exploring ports of call or hanging out at the ship’s aft marina) or as lazy (sipping a drink as you lounge on deck reading a good book) as you wish.
Fellow Travelers
The age of your fellow travelers isn’t important on SeaDream; it’s their attitude that counts! Most SeaDream enthusiasts are well educated, well traveled, and ready for an adventure. You’ll meet honeymooners, those celebrating their thirtieth wedding anniversaries, and those who don’t need a special occasion to sail the open waters.
Dress Code
Casual dress is the norm during the day while elegant casual is the order of the evening.
Food & Wine
SeaDream passengers enjoy some of the finest service to be had at sea and the dining experiences are on par with the best restaurants in major U.S. cities. Breakfast and lunch are served at the Topside Restaurant (both a la carte and buffet options are available). In the evening, you’ll enjoy the elegant surroundings of the Dining Salon. With open seat dining, you’ll appreciate the flexibility to enjoy a romantic dinner for two or join several couples for an evening of excellent cuisine and conversation.
Entertainment
SeaDream I and II are megayachts and the evening entertainment is generally low key, including music in the Piano Bar or Top of the Yacht Bar, dancing in the Main Salon, Starlit Movies on the aft pool deck, and a Casino (local laws permitting). A wide variety of CDs and DVDs are available to enjoy in your stateroom. Pre-loaded iPods may also be borrowed for the duration of your cruise.
Children’s Program
SeaDream does not offer a children’s program and babysitters are not available on board. Therefore the company strongly urges parents to think carefully before booking a SeaDream cruise for the entire family. However, mature, well-traveled children thirteen years of age and up may travel with SeaDream.
Smoking Policy
There is a no smoking policy in staterooms and all interior spaces. Smoking is permitted on Decks 3, 4, and 6.
The Ships
For detailed information about each SeaDream ship, click on the links below:
- SeaDream I (110 passengers)
- SeaDream II (110 passengers)
- No further yachts are in development at this time
Book This Cruise Line If…
…you prefer an intimate, low-key motor-sail-yacht that calls upon gorgeous but out-of-the-way ports of call.
For More Information…
…talk with your travel agent, call SeaDream at (800) 707-4911, or visit the SeaDream website.