SeaDream

Ask me whether I prefer a gigantic cruise ship packed with exciting features, and a luxurious small ship, and I’ll have a hard time deciding. I love both – but they’re very different.

There are several cruise lines that specialise in the more luxurious small-ship experiences – one of the key players being SeaDream Yacht Club.

And if you’re only used to the idea of cruising as being those bigger ships, you might be quite surprised by what a cruise line like SeaDream can offer…

SeaDream Yacht Club’s Owners

SeaDream Yacht Club is a private cruise line owned by Atle Brynestad, who founded the cruise line in 2001. Brynestad had previously formed Signet Cruise Line in 1986, which very quickly transitioned to become Seabourn, another luxury cruise line.

SeaDream has remained under Brynestad’s ownership since it was first formed, and unlike most major cruise lines it continues to be privately owned with no announced plans to go public. Smaller cruise lines often remain private as they are more manageable without the need for rapid funding to boost the fleet.

It’s always styled as SeaDream too – the capitalisation sometimes gets people thinking it’s Sea Dream Yacht Club but it’s one word, and always has been.

The company is headquartered in Oslo, Norway.

SeaDream Yacht Club Ships

There are just two ships in the SeaDream Yacht Club fleet – SeaDream I and SeaDream II. They are identical twins and so offer an almost identical experience on-board, with the only differences being in any food or cultural activities which will be related to the destination of the ship at that time.

There were plans for a third ship to join the fleet in 2021, which would have been named SeaDream Innovation. It was planned to be twice the size of SeaDream I and SeaDream II. However, the ship was cancelled only a few months after it was first announced in 2019.

Yacht Size

Each SeaDream yacht is 355 feet long and has a gross tonnage of 4,253 GT. They are 47 feet wide at the beam with three passenger decks, and have a maximum guest capacity of 112 passengers and 95 crew.

Gross tonnage is the best measurement of the size of a cruise ship. Despite the name it has nothing to do with weight – it’s a measurement of the internal volume of the ship – so it takes into account the length, width, height and number of decks.

As a comparison, the biggest cruise ship in the world is Icon of the Seas and she has a gross tonnage of 250,800 GT. This means that the SeaDream yachts are more than 58x smaller than Icon of the Seas in terms of the space on board – quite the difference.

They aren’t the smallest cruise ships in the world – nor are they even on the list of the smallest 10 – but they are certainly much smaller than many of the major ocean cruise ships you can book today.

One Sacrifice – Balcony Staterooms

None of the staterooms and suites on SeaDream I or SeaDream II have balconies, but they do all have an ocean view. The staterooms have a single large window, while the suites all have a window for both the living area and the bedroom.

There are three types of suites on each SeaDream ship. 

The Owner’s Suite is the largest, measuring 447 square feet. It has a master bathroom and a second guest bathroom, with a spacious living area. It is close to the pool on Deck 3.

The Admiral’s Suite is a little smaller at 375 square feet but it again has a master bathroom and a second guest bathroom. It is situated close to the library.

The Commodore Suite is actually a combination of two Yacht Club Staterooms, with the bed removed from one and converted into a living area. There are 8 possible Commodore Suites on each ship, depending on guest bookings, with a maximum floor space of 390 square feet.

Everything Included with SeaDream

SeaDream cruises include a lot of services and extras that you would normally have to pay extra for. All of your food on the ship is included, along with a selection of drinks from an open bar (including paired wines for dinner). Complimentary shore excursions are also available.

SeaDream promises a “gastronomical experience” on both ships, with a fine-dining multi-course menu served every evening. Not a fan of the options? There’s an ever-present a la carte menu you can also select from.

Other food options include breakfast, your welcome aboard hors d’oeuvres, lunch served topside, poolside sandwiches, cookies and pastries, and more. There’s an open bar throughout the day that serves drinks to you anywhere on the ship, while the onboard sommelier carefully selects inclusive wines to pair with each dinner course.

Shore excursions, including guided tours, are included in your fare as well, as are your gratuities.

Are SeaDream Cruises All-Inclusive? Not Quite…

SeaDream cruises are not all-inclusive – there are some elements you will have to pay for. Premium drinks are charged at an additional cost, while the spa on-board is not included and must be paid for.

It would be fair to describe SeaDream’s cruises as more-inclusive, and you could certainly enjoy a cruise with SeaDream without paying a penny extra on top of your cruise fare.

SeaDream Yacht Club Life On-Board

Life on a SeaDream cruise is designed to be extremely relaxing – this isn’t about rushing between different activities on board, but enjoying life at a more sedate pace, whilst being treated like a VIP.

It has an upmarket feel, but don’t expect an uptight atmosphere – this isn’t posh, but it is luxury.

Things To Do on a SeaDream Cruise

Despite the small size of a SeaDream ship, there is still quite a lot you can do during your cruise when you aren’t in port.

Each ship has a small pool where you can swim and sunbathe, while there are a number of Balinese Dream Beds which are the signature lounger beds of the cruise line – perfect for napping or soaking up the sun’s rays.

Anyone feeling sporty can try the golf simulator on Deck 6, which has a range of clubs you can borrow and the chance to try 30 of the world’s most renowned courses – virtually, of course.

Or if you’d prefer something more relaxing, then the complimentary yoga sessions are a good option. Held on deck, they help you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Plus there is the on-board spa and salon, and a gym if you want to keep fit.

At night, the pool deck hosts open-air movies and concert screenings, or you can head indoors to the casino. If you aren’t feeling lucky then there’s a piano bar for a quiet drink, or a library that has a selection of board games.

One of the best features of the SeaDream yachts is the marina platform.

On certain days your ship will temporarily halt in the waters to allow guests to enjoy a selection of watersport activities, including personal sailboats, catamarans, kayaks, wakeboards, waterskis, paddleboards, banana boats and a floating island with trampoline. Quite the list!

For a closer look at what life is like onboard a SeaDream yacht, take a look at my video, which is a deck-by-deck walkthrough of the SeaDream II…

SeaDream Service

The service on SeaDream ships is exceptional. These aren’t just called yachts for the sake of it – the service really will make you feel like this is your own personal yacht, even if you are sharing it with 100 or so other guests.

The crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.2 is one of the best in the world of cruising. Again, going back to the comparison with Icon of the Seas, which hosts up to 7,600 guests and has a crew of 2,350 for a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:3.2 and you can see how stark the difference is.

SeaDream’s Dress Code

SeaDream does not have a formal dress code. Instead, consider it as “yacht casual”. By day, that includes shorts, t-shirts and activewear. By night, it generally means polo or collared shirts and trousers, casual dresses, or fashionable tops with slacks or capris.

There are only a few requests, and that is that guests refrain from wearing denim, shorts, t-shirts, tattered clothing or bathing suits to dinner or around the public areas of the ship in the evening. But ties are never generally worn, and most people don’t bother with a jacket either.

SeaDream Yacht Club Destinations

While SeaDream ships can offer varying destinations, both ships primarily spend their summer in the Mediterranean and the winter in the Caribbean.

Caribbean cruises are ideal for enjoying the yachting lifestyle. You’ll sail between small islands, enjoying the beautiful weather from the top deck with a host of exciting activities, including plenty of marina days.

As well as the more popular destinations in the region, such as Bridgetown and Gustavia, you’ll also get to experience smaller ports that big cruise ships can’t get to, including Low Bay in Barbuda, or South Friar’s Bay on St Kitts.

Mediterranean cruises are similar – guests will benefit from the small ship sizes as they explore some of the more visited Med destinations alongside smaller ports not normally accessible to cruise ships. So alongside major ports like Barcelona and St Tropez, your itinerary may call at smaller Greek Islands, or picturesque coastal Italian towns like Chioggia, just south of Venice.

Of course, because the ships sail in both the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, that also means you have the opportunity to enjoy a transatlantic cruise.

The shared experiences on board your ship are ramped up during these, giving guests the chance to really get to know each other and bond over relaxing, luxurious activities as you sail from Europe to the Caribbean or in the opposite direction.

Finally, there are also a select few itineraries that are designated as wine cruises. These special sailings focus on visits to local vineyards, with tours (and tasting sessions!) helping you to understand more about the wines you drink and the work that goes into them. Then during dinner, enjoy the same wines you’ve just seen being made, paired with fine dining menus.

SeaDream Cruise Costs

SeaDream yacht cruises are not cheap, but considering how much is included that doesn’t mean they are unreasonably expensive either. Depending on the time of year, a cruise will typically cost from £3,000 ($3,600) to £5,000 ($6,100) per person for 7 nights.

Those SeaDream Yacht Club prices are not inclusive of your port fees, which may add an additional £250-350 ($300-430) to your per-person rate.

And those rates are for a standard stateroom – if you want a suite, they tend to cost a lot more, typically around 270% more. So for a stateroom costing £5,500 per person per week, expect the Owner’s Suite to cost around £14,000 per person.

Whether those prices are worth it depends on your own personal budget and the type of experience you want on board. Mass cruise lines would typically be much cheaper, but wouldn’t include the same amount of drinks or shore excursions and would ask you to pay extra.

Still, a SeaDream cruise will typically cost more than an equivalent cruise on a cruise line like Royal Caribbean or P&O even when you’ve paid extra for a drinks package and excursions. But remember that you’re paying for the premium experience, the peace and quiet, and the ultra-attentive service.

If you enjoy fine dining, prefer a tranquil ship and appreciate being treated like a truly special guest, then SeaDream’s higher fares are probably justified for you.

Final Thoughts

SeaDream Yacht Cruises is a cruise line unlike any other. They are a world apart from the massive cruise ships that host thousands of passengers, but they’re also quite dissimilar to other luxury small-ship sailings, thanks to the yacht-casual atmosphere on board.

This isn’t ultra-luxury, although you’ll be treated as if it was. SeaDream is all about relaxation, fun and exploration with fine food and drink and quality entertainment, but without any real formality. If you want to feel like you own a yacht, then SeaDream’s cruises can make that happen.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

SeaDream Yacht Club offers boutique, luxury voyages on its two identical yachts – SeaDream I and SeaDream II.

I’m excited to show you what makes SeaDream Yacht Club so special. These yachts are pretty tiny compared to the cruise ships you may be used to, so we’ll also cover what I feel SeaDream may be missing, compared to traditional cruising.

I was invited to spend the week aboard SeaDream II on a cruise around the Greek Isles, and I soon discovered, that ‘yachting’ is quite different to ‘cruising on a small ship’.

Here’s what a SeaDream yacht voyage is like…

1. The atmosphere onboard is elegant yet relaxed

Luxury does not have to mean formal. And SeaDream does this wonderfully.

Onboard, there are no strict dress codes. The only request is that gentlemen wear long trousers and closed-toed shoes when dining in the Main Dining Salon in the evening. When dining out on deck, as is done whenever the weather allows, shorts are just fine.

While other cruise lines may require jackets and ties from the guests. Or require crew members to cover tattoos or wear smart shoes. This isn’t SeaDream. What matters most here is that everybody feels comfortable, guests and crew alike.

2. The crew members are exceptionally friendly

As I walked into any room I was always greeted with “Hello, Mrs Fielding”. And this wasn’t any special treatment just for me… It seemed that every crew member was tasked with learning the name of all 112 guests on board. And what a stellar job of that they did!

If ever I had an empty glass, someone would be right over to ask if I would like another drink. And they even offered to clean our sunglasses!

On a SeaDream yacht, the guest-to-crew ratio is almost 1:1. This meant that the crew members had plenty of time to chat, get to know the guests, and learn our preferences.

3. A unique chance to experience off-the-beaten-path destinations

Small islands and tiny towns can only be visited by the smallest of ships. And this is something that I didn’t fully understand the value of until I cruised with SeaDream.

While there is undeniably an attraction to visiting big cities like Rome and Barcelona, the off-the-beaten-path destinations hold a charm that’s hard to beat.

Whether it’s having the beach all to yourself, enjoying lunch in a cafe that’s not often visited by tourists, or getting lost in a maze of narrow winding streets with nobody around, the small ports are the best.

I probably wouldn’t want to spend a whole week on a tiny Greek Island with a population of 2,000 people. But spending the day there, relaxing on a secluded beach is delightful.

4. The gourmet cuisine is second to none

The food onboard our SeaDream yacht was the best I’ve ever had. For years, I’ve wanted to write an article about ‘the best cruise lines for vegans’, but I didn’t have a clear thought on which to make number one. SeaDream has made that decision easy – and the guide is coming soon, I promise!

Whether you have a special dietary requirement, enjoy traditional meat and fish dishes, or wish to try exciting culinary creations with rare and interesting ingredients, you’re sure to be very well catered with SeaDream.

The menu is exciting and varied, and of course, I loved the four-course plant-based menu which changed every day. If ever there was a dish I didn’t fancy, the chef would have no qualms about making something else, with no need to order ahead of time.

As the main courses were served, each would be covered with a metal closh, and each person’s food would be revealed simultaneously as the group of waiters said ‘voila!’

Each menu is designed to make the most of the fresh local ingredients that are available in each region, and everything is tasty, colourful and healthy.

At breakfast and lunch, there’s a buffet in addition to the menu. The fruit and salads were the freshest and tastiest I’ve ever had.

5. Dining outdoors at every opportunity

SeaDream yachts have enough seating for every guest to dine outside at the same time. You’ll always have the option to dine alone, with friends, or be seated at a table with others who would also like to meet new friends.

Usually, the ship doesn’t set sail until after dinner, meaning that you can enjoy spectacular views of the places you have visited as you eat.

If the weather doesn’t suit outdoor dining, there’s also space for every guest to dine together indoors in the Main Dining Salon. However, given that the itineraries are carefully planned with climates in mind, the need for indoor dining is rare.

6. Sliding from the ship into the sea

Sliding from the pool deck of a ship into the sea really is an experience like no other – and it’s one that I would certainly recommend that you try if you’re able to!

Once you hit the cool and refreshing water, it’s just a short swim to the back of the yacht to climb aboard before returning to do it all over again. And of course, unlike the water slides on the big ships, on SeaDream, there’s never a queue!

7. A huge range of watersports to try

The marine platform at the back of the yacht offers access to the sea so that you can enjoy swimming, snorkelling, or simply floating with a pool noodle. 

For those who feel a little more adventurous, a range of water sports are available such as kayaks, jet skis, banana boats and wakeboarding.

8. Nourishing the mind and body

Upon returning from a traditional cruise, many of us will be feeling a little bloated and sluggish thanks to the late nights, jam,-packed schedule and over-indulgence in pizza slices and ice cream cones.

However, after my SeaDream cruise, I felt relaxed, refreshed and recharged! Of course, eating the rainbow of fruits and vegetables in every meal helped. As did the relaxed itinerary with time to laze in the sunshine.

But what I especially enjoyed was starting the day with a class of yoga, tai-chi or even Tibetan bowl meditation, before a leisurely and healthy breakfast.

9. Thoughtful little touches and gifts

Every day we returned to our cabin, there was a new surprise. On the first night, we received Sea Dream II branded pyjamas, embroidered with our names. And not only that, but my name was correctly spelled as ‘Jenni’, rather than ‘Jennifer’ as on my passport, and they had also correctly guessed what size I would require!

I won’t share details of all the gifts we received here, so as not to spoil the surprise for anyone who has their first SeaDream cruise booked. But let’s just say, there was no need to shop for souvenirs!

On our anniversary, we found our cabin decorated with bunting, rose petals and a pair of swans made of bath towels. We were also presented with a Happy Anniversary cake after dinner.

10. Sleeping under the stars

SeaDream yachts have Balinese beds on the top deck. As well as providing a great spot for sunbathing, these can be made up for night-time sleeping, on request.

On our anniversary, we spent the night under the stars which was incredibly romantic. We watched the sail away at midnight and then saw the sunrise in the morning. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I think everyone should try at least once.

11. Jacuzzis for two

Another lovely place to spend some time with your significant other is in one of the couples’ jacuzzis at the front of the yacht. Because these only fit two people, you can be sure that you won’t have to share with a stranger!

You’ll have control over the temperature and the bubbles, and crew members will even bring you drinks and snacks while you soak!

12. The fastest internet at sea

If you need to keep your business running while you’re at sea, or need to keep in touch with family members via video call, then fast wifi is important. SeaDream yachts use Starlink wifi, so it’s as fast as it is at home.

There are also public computers in the library, so you can use the internet free of charge there too.

13. Service that exceeds expectations

It appears that nothing is too much trouble for the crew members aboard SeaDream yachts. And in fact, whatever we could think to ask, it was always met with a YES! 

Different pillows? Of course! Stocking the mini bar with Coke Zero? No problem. A veggie burger that’s not on the menu? Yes, the chef will make it, and it will be the best burger you’ve ever had.

When presented with red and white wines as dinner, I asked if rosé was an option. Of course, it was. And then at dinner the next evening, the sommelier appeared and asked ‘More rose, Mrs Fielding?

14. Everything is included

On a SeaDream cruise means that you don’t have to worry about what you’re spending, and you’ll get no surprises at the end.

All meals are included, as are the drinks and gratuities. The mini bar is free too, and you can have it filled with your favourite drinks.

Optionally, you may choose to purchase wifi, shore excursions, spa treatments or gifts from the onboard shop. For connoisseurs, speciality wines are also available for an extra charge.

Things I didn’t love about SeaDream Yacht Club…

Of course, no cruise line is perfect for everybody. And in my opinion, it’s much better to be perfect for your ideal audience, than try to please everybody and end up disappointing for all.

So of course, there were a few minor things that we missed compared to the bigger ships. These may not be a problem for you at all, but here are a few things that are worth mentioning.

There are no drinks menus

You won’t find a drinks menu on a SeaDream yacht. Why? Well, because your waiters and bartenders will be happy to serve you whatever drink you like.

This is a fantastic level of service, yes. But I can’t deny that I love picking up a cocktail menu, browsing the specialities on offer and trying new drinks.

The lack of a menu meant that I stuck to my old favourites (mojito, strawberry daiquiri, espresso martini and appletini). Or I would ask the bartender for a ‘surprise’, which of course, he would always be happy to make.

But for me, I did feel a bit lost without a menu of drinks to choose from.

You can’t have a balcony

Given the small size of the yachts, with only six decks, it’s not possible to have a balcony, as you would be simply too close to the water!

Honestly, I’m not really a ‘balcony person’, so this didn’t matter to me. Although I do know that some people feel like it’s a balcony or nothing. So this is worth mentioning.

Our room was light, airy and modern, with a large picture window, so we always knew what the weather was like outside.

The air conditioning was very good, and we could have any temperature we wanted, from far too warm to far too cold, as well as the perfect medium.

The open decks are always just steps away, and sleeping under the stars is also an option for those who feel like they can’t do without the fresh air.

Evenings are quiet

Evenings are very relaxed on SeaDream. At 6.30 pm you’ll enjoy a little live music with pre-dinner cocktails and canapes.

Dinner is served from 7.30 pm until 9.30 pm and after that, it seems that most guests opt to retire to their cabins for the night.

If you do want to stay up, there is some more live music to enjoy or you can have a quiet drink in the bar. There’s a single table set up in the casino and we did enjoy the occasional game of chess. But you certainly shouldn’t expect shows, comedians, acrobats or anything too fancy.

Movies Under The Stars was very enjoyable on one evening. Plus, our cabin had a huge TV, so a movie in bed was also a nice way to end the day. Popcorn, Pringles and cookies are also available via room service.

At first, it felt a little weird to head back to our room after dinner. But I soon realised that can actually be a great idea, especially if you want to get up early and make the most of the morning.

Who SeaDream Yacht Club is for

The majority of guests on SeaDream yachts are couples aged 40 and over. This cruise line is perfect for those seeking romance, so I would also definitely recommend it for honeymooners.

As there are only around 100 guests on board, most people are quite sociable and this is a great way to meet like-minded people and make lifelong friends. However, if you prefer to keep to yourself, you always have the option to sit alone.

Children are allowed on board, but I wouldn’t say that this cruise is suitable for families with kids. However, if you have teenagers who enjoy quiet relaxation, gourmet food and watersports, then this could be a good option for your family.

SeaDream cruises are best for people who enjoy being active. Most ports use tender boats and the steps from the yacht to the boat can be quite steep, so if you would struggle with that, then I would recommend choosing a larger ship as these tend to be more accommodating to people who are less physically able.

Most of the guests on our cruise had sailed with SeaDream before, and many of them had enjoyed over 100 nights on board. It’s clear that this is a cruise line that people want to return to again and again, and many of the guests I chatted to over dinner said that once they found SeaDream, they would never sail with anybody else.

How to book

To learn more about SeaDream Yacht Club you can visit SeaDream.com. For expert help with planning your holiday, I recommend that you speak to the experts at Panache Cruises, who will be happy to assist.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me