Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	440
Accommodation	200	173
Food	400	371
Service	400	370
Entertainment	0	0
Cruise	500	434

How this score is created

This small ship was originally built with money from about 800 investors, and operated under the Norske Cruise banner. It has an ultra-sleek profile, with deep blue hull and white superstructure, and the ambience of a private club. When it was acquired by SeaDream Yacht Club in 2001, the ship was completely refurbished, with many changes to both public rooms and outdoor areas, and several new features were added to create what is now an extremely contemporary, chic, and desirable ship.

A new “top of the yacht” bar, crafted in warm wood, has been added, as have eight special alcoves equipped with two-person sun loungers with very thick cushioned pads (and two equipped for one person): however there is quite a bit of noise from the adjacent funnel. At the front part of the deck there are more sun loungers and a couple of hammocks, as well as a golf simulator (with a choice of 30 courses). You can sleep under the stars if you wish, and cotton sleep suits are provided.

Inside, there is a delightful feeling of unabashed but discreet sophistication. Elegant, chic public rooms have flowers and pot pourri everywhere. The main social gathering places are the lounge, a delightful library/ living room with a selection of 1,200 books, a piano bar, and a casino (two blackjack tables and five slot machines). The library has been enlarged and moved to what was formerly a lounge area, and now provides a very comfortable, warm and cozy setting (good for afternoon tea or coffee).

The two SeaDream Yacht Club ships really are the ultimate boutique vessels – like having your own private yacht in which hospitality and anticipation are art forms practiced to a high level. The staff is delightful and accommodating (“no” is not in their vocabulary); if there is anything special you want, you have only to ask, and staff are only too happy to oblige. The dress code is resort casual by day (one could almost live in one’s bathrobe), informal (yacht casual) by night (many passengers do like to dress for dinner in the formal dining room). Oriental rugs are a feature of the lobby. Fine-quality furnishings and fabrics are used throughout, with marble and blond wood accents. Among the ship’s toys are several Segway Human Transporters (two-wheel personal riding machines, for which there is a charge), as well as mountain bikes for use in ports of call (no charge).

So what type of persons will enjoy the SeaDream Yacht Club experience? Answer: those who enjoy life without dressing up, bingo, discos, or entertainment, and those seeking a totally unstructured lifestyle, with the attraction of watersports at no extra charge. It is for experienced, independent travelers who don’t like regular cruise ships, large ships, glitzy lounges, a platoon of people and kids running around, or dressing up (no tuxedos or gowns allowed, and no tie required). The SeaDreams provide the setting for personal indulgence and refined, unstructured and langorous private living at sea, in a casual setting. One delightful event during each cruise in warm weather areas is a “caviar in the surf” beach barbeque.

All drinks (except for premium brands and connoisseur wines), sevruga caviar and gratuities are included, while port charges and insurance are not included. Life could hardly be better at sea – so, as many regular SeaDream Yacht Club passengers say: why bother with ports of call at all? Embarkation never starts before 3pm, in case you are eager to get aboard. These pocket-sized ships would be ideal for charters.

The price of a cruise is just that: the price of a cruise. Air and/or other travel arrangements can be made on your own, or through your own travel agent, or you can use the excellent services of Total Travel Marine (with offices in London and Miami and 24-hour, 365-day service), the agency that specializes in first, business or coach air arrangements as partner to SeaDream Yacht Club. The onboard currency is the US dollar.

The SeaDream ships were the first of the mega-yacht-style ships when they were built, but none of the cabins has a private balcony (ships with private balconies made their debut just a couple of years later).

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008