Having been lucky enough to have stayed on a few super-yachts in the past, when I was invited to experience SeaDream 2’s latest trip around the Bahamas I asked myself is this Yachting or cruising…

So, fully rested overnight from our smooth journey from London to Miami, we embarked on the ship from the deluxe departure lounge in West Palm Beach. We noticed of the 112 guests, the maximum occupancy, dozens of the couples greeted each other like old friends, which it turned out they were! As we began chatting with them, 90% American, we learned that nearly all of them had been on either SeaDream 1 or 2 at least two to 10 times. These SeaDreamers were well experienced and have sailed on many of the routes and nearly all of them had pre-booked their future sailings, up to the end of 2025!

Our Stateroom

Once onboard we were shown to our luxury Stateroom on level three and introduced to the staff responsible for our in-room comfort throughout the journey. Our room was perfect, the double bed with bedside cabinets were superb, and the bedroom area also had a dressing table, mirror and plenty of plug sockets. The sitting room featured a desk, coffee table, velvet sofa, large TV, glass shelving with glasses, and mini fridge stocked with beers and soft drinks which was restocked daily. The shower room  was of the highest quality, with a fabulous powerful shower and superb toiletries – Elm Organics, luxurious and sustainable products, from Norway.

The SeaDream Team

How do they do it? Every single member of the SeaDream team knew our names, at every point of the Yacht, it’s ‘good morning Mr and Mrs Rose, good evening Mr and Mrs Rose, have a great day Mr and Mrs Rose, is there anything else we can get you Mr and Mrs Rose…’ It’s truly impressive. The team is extremely friendly, energetic, fun, and well-informed, and nothing was too much trouble for them, in fact, they hugely enhanced our wonderful trip.

The Spa

We were pretty jet lagged after our journey from the UK and thoughtfully we had been booked to have a facial in the only Thai- certified spa at sea. We welcomed the peace and quiet of the therapy rooms and the expertise of the therapists, it was an hour of heavenly relaxation, as well as highly effective treatments. We were so impressed we arranged to have a couples treatment one evening, which involved a gorgeous full-body exfoliation, some time in the sauna and steam room, a shower, and an amazing full-body massage, this was a couple of hours of pure indulgence!

To ready myself for our fabulous evenings I also booked in for a couple of blow drys with the onboard hairdresser, a very professional lady who managed to return my salty sea-soaked hair into silky glamorous locks.

Dining

Every morning was a delight, breakfast time was when you greeted your fellow guests to find out what they were doing that day,  staying onboard, or going ashore for one of the numerous exciting excursions. The fifth-floor al fresco breakfast area was buzzing every morning with full-on chatter from table to table.

Breakfast was a veritable feast, with buffet style and table service, featuring an extensive menu and specialities, ensuring your day gets off to the best start. We enjoyed fresh fruit and pastries most mornings, accompanied by steaming hot coffee and orange juice, with a treat of a hot choice of an omelet, or eggs benedict or even steak, the decision was tough but always tasty.

Lunch on board was equally as delicious as breakfast, but we didn’t see this much as we were usually on shore on an excursion. However, the days we did manage lunch on the yacht was incredible and included a feast of fresh fish, mussels, tuna, prawns, salads, and amazing desserts.

Dinner was exceptionally special as well, al fresco most evenings, weather permitting, and five courses of deliciousness. The menu caters to all, changes every evening and includes wine pairing. The first evening we dined on a very small area of the yacht, known as the VIP area, it was romantic and a wonderful way to dine under the stars. The cuisine was of the highest standard, varied, tasty, and presented artistically. It must be said that if you had a particular request, maybe it was a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary the chef will go out of his way to create something amazing, such as – L’oeuf Poule Au Caviar “Surprise”, succulent lobster, filet mignon, and delectable desserts. This is just a small example of some of the stunning dishes you may sample while onboard.

Dining options also include raw, vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian and organic, as well as healthy food choices, and of course an extensive wine menu for the wine connoisseur. Nearly all beverages are included in the trip price, but in addition to those complimentary wine selections, the SeaDream cellar is stocked with a varied collection from the Old and New World.

Dining on board SeaDream was a foodie heaven, it was exceptionally memorable, every day!

The Yacht

The yacht, classed as a mega-yacht, has 56 Staterooms,  and two suites, with a maximum of 112 guests and a large crew of 95. The yacht is 344 feet in length and was named “Best Small Luxury Cruise Ship of 2023”, and rightly so, it certainly lives up to this reputation.

It’s easy to fill your days onboard, if you’ve had enough of sunning yourself on the pool deck on the sumptuous sunbeds, you can pop into the spa or relax in the library that is filled with dozens of books for you to enjoy. Most mornings you can partake in a little yoga or head to the state-of-the-art gym. In the evenings after dinner there is a Black Jack table, Karaoke and a DJ on various evenings, or simply enjoy a cocktail in The Top of the Yacht Bar. There is also an onboard boutique with fabulous brands, such as Boss, Villequebrun, and Sea Dreams’ own merchandise, as well as sun creams, sunglasses, hats and jewellery.

The excursions

The excursions should be booked as you join the yacht, some have limited spaces. They are varied – cycle rides around small exotic islands, snorkeling, swimming with pigs, a dolphin experience, lobster lunches on sand bars, jeep tours checking out island caves. Best of all, a champagne and cocktail fuelled, caviar beach party, totally in keeping with the SeaDream ethos. We ventured off of the yacht most days to explore these stunning Bahamian islands. Our route took us from West Palm Beach, via Nassau, to several small islands called the Exumas and back to West Palm Beach, seven days and nights of sheer unadulterated bliss.

Routes

SeaDream 1 and 2 follow the sun during the winter months, the destinations will take you to the Bahamas, the Caribbean and the British Virgin Islands, and at the end of April, they cross the Atlantic which takes 13 days, to sail around Europe, taking in the coastlines of Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and many more ports.

Conclusion

We felt extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to experience this very special trip, it is in our opinion one of the most exclusive and luxurious yachting adventures in the world today, and we made some amazing memories, as well as some great new friends.

As a final note he Yacht can be chartered by one family/group and with all-inclusive, it is always a very good deal and perfect for that extra special celebration.

This is one to add to your bucket list, without a doubt!

PS It’s definitely yachting not cruising!

Contact info Miami:

A:  SeaDream Yacht Club, 601 Brickell Key Drive Suite 700, Miami, FL 33131
T:  Toll-Free: +1 800-707-4911
E:  Information
W: Sea Dream

Contact info Oslo:

A:   SeaDream Yacht Club, Pustutveien 18, NO-1396 Billingstad, Norway
T:   +47 67 79 25 85 (new number as of mid-2022)
E:  Information
W: Sea Dream

Written by Luxuria Lifestyle International Group Editor Debbie Stone