The dining salon is extremely elegant and inviting, and has bird’s-eye maple wood-panelled walls and wood-accented decor. It is cozy, yet with plenty of space around each table for fine service, and the ship provides a floating culinary celebration in an open-seating arrangement, so you can dine whenever, and with whomever you want. Course-by-course meals can also be served in your cabin, or out on deck.

Tables can be configured for two, four, six, or eight. They are immaculately laid with settings of real glass base (show) plates, Porsgrund china, pristine white monogrammed table linen, and fresh flowers, while wall sconces house some superb glass ornaments). Candlelit dinners are part of the inviting setting. There is even a box of spare spectacles for menu reading in case you forget your own. You get leather-bound menus, and supremely attentive, close to impeccable personalized European service.

The SeaDream Yacht Club experience really is all about dining. This ship will not disappoint, and culinary excellence prevails. Only the very freshest and finest quality ingredients are used in the best culinary artistry. Fine, unhurried European service is provided.

The ship has exquisite, creative cuisine, and everything is prepared individually to order. Special orders are welcomed, and flaming desserts are showcased at your tableside. You can also dine, course by course in your suite for any meal, at any time (you can also eat à la carte 24 hours a day if you wish). And, thankfully, there’s never a hint of baked Alaska!

Good-quality table wines are included in the cruise fare for lunch and dinner. Real wine connoisseurs, however, will appreciate the availability of an extra wine list, of special vintages and premier crus (at extra cost). If you want to do something different with a loved one, you can also arrange to dine one evening on the open (but covered) deck, overlooking the swimming pool and stern – it can be a magical and very romantic setting.

A new, informal Topside Restaurant has been created from what used to be the outdoor cafe. Now it has glass sides and a glass roof. Informal dining is the theme here, whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Teak tables and chairs add another touch of class. And if you are hungry, no matter at what time of the day or night, you can “raid the pantry” and find something tasty to eat. Additionally, caviar (sevruga malossol) and champagne (Pommery) are always available whenever you want them.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008