Yacht experience a luxurious Seadream to behold

Line offers destinations to Caribbean, Mediterranean; calls in Israel on horizon

If you’ve ever seen Seadream I and Seadream II, the intimate, 112-guest ships of Seadream Yacht Club (seadream.com), you’d be forgiven for mistaking them for private yachts. With their royal blue hulls and gleaming white superstructures, they look a bit like something only the very wealthy can afford.

The cool thing about Seadream’s cruises is that they do give you a taste of the good life. Passenger-to-crew ratio is nearly 1:1, and each vessel boasts 56 luxurious staterooms and suites. Elegant informality is the word of the day, with Seadream I and Seadream II offering inclusive beverages, gratuities, and exquisite cuisine.

These are the ships for people who hate big ships. That’s why you’ll find uncommon features, such as ample deck space that encourages guests to dine al fresco as they wish. Water sports platforms encourage you to jump in the ocean and go for a dip when conditions permit, and Seadream even offers an openbridge policy that allows guests to visit the Navigation Bridge at designated times.

Seadream likes to say, “It’s Yachting, Not Cruising.” That’s certainly true of one of Sead ream’s most popular features: the ability to sleep out under the stars on-deck, thanks to the yacht’s unique Balinese Dream Beds that are outfitted nightly with plush Belgian linens. And because of their (relatively) small size, these 344-foot-long (105-metre) beauties can call in out-of-the-way ports across the globe.

While you might picture the Caribbean or the Mediterranean as being the ideal destinations for Seadream’s yachts, the line frequently offers interesting itineraries that go well beyond these marquee destinations.

In 2021, Seadream is expanding its Mediterranean season by adding calls in Israel for the first time. Calls on Ashdod will allow guests to explore nearby locales like Tel Aviv and the Old Walled City of Jerusalem, while visits to Haifa will provide the opportunity to visit sights like the Hanging Gardens of Haifa.

In addition, Seadream is going to be sending both yachts on increased itineraries in Greece in 2021 to keep up with demand. All voyages in 2021 will include at least one overnight stay in port, allowing guests to go ashore as they please and experience the nightlife of various locales.

“We are looking forward to visiting Israel for the first time and returning to some of our favourite Mediterranean destinations,” said Andreas Brynestad, executive vice-president of sales, marketing and operations for Seadream Yacht Club. “These itineraries truly showcase what makes Seadream unique. We have a great season planned and are confident both new and returning guests will love exploring the Mediterranean with Seadream I and Seadream II.”

Even in the Caribbean, Sead ream manages to craft itineraries that take guests where other lines simply don’t. These include ports of call like Nevis, Îles des Saints, Saba, St. Kitts and Marigot, the latter of which is located on the French side of St. Maarten, perhaps better known for the port of Philipsburg.

Seadream is taking things to the next level in 2021 with the launch of Seadream Innovation. The company’s first-ever purpose-built cruise ship, Seadream Innovation keeps the sleek and intimate vibe that Seadream is known for while continuing to add luxurious features.

Seadream Innovation will have the company’s first balcony suites, three water sports marinas, multiple dining venues, and will even be outfitted to Polar Class ice standards, meaning Seadream can take its brand of casual luxury anywhere in the world, including the Arctic and Antarctic.

You’ll have to wait a few more years for Seadream Innovation to hit the scene, though her inaugural season sailings are already available for reservation.

Happy yachting. Visit portsandbows.com, sponsored by Expedia Cruiseshipcenters, 1-800-707-7327, www.cruiseshipcenters.com, for daily updates on the latest cruise news, best deals and behind-the-scenes stories from the industry. You can also sign up for an email newsletter on the site for even more cruise information. Aaron Saunders may be contacted directly at portsandbowsaaron@gmail.com