However, after being fortunate enough to sail aboard the newly refurbished SeaDream II, I've now completely grasped this - it's about the lifestyle on board, and the way the experience is delivered.
We sailed from Rome to Marseille and were treated to stops in the heart of Bonifacio, St Tropez and Cassis. Three ports that truly demonstrate the fact that SeaDream I and II are yachts, not ships, and can visit these small, charming and high-end ports with ease. SeaDream's small yachts can dock or anchor in the heart of the action, allowing you to venture ashore within walking distance of the town or village.
Our Yacht Club Stateroom on Deck 3 was tastefully decorated in beiges and creams, with cleverly positioned mirrors to reflect the light, making it a bright and airy space. This freshly refurbished décor is present across the other three grades of accommodation on board, and sister yacht SeaDream I will undergo the same changes in March 2022.
Some of these Yacht Club Staterooms can be combined to create a Commodore Suite, for double the size and double the bathrooms. You've also got the choice of staying in an Admiral Suite to benefit from a large bathroom with bath tub and separate shower, and more space for a lounge and dining table, or you can opt for the Owners Suite, with even more living space. With SeaDream there's no balcony staterooms or suites - the yacht itself is your balcony.
A voyage with SeaDream includes all meals, drinks and gratuities, and the yachting concept is key whether you're going ashore or staying onboard. Rather than having a menu of excursions, the Yacht Club offers one Land Adventure per port at an additional cost - these range from bike rides and beach trips to wine and food tastings, or, as we experienced, a complimentary 'Shopping with the Chef' excursion in St Tropez. Chef Tomasz arranged an exclusive Rosé tasting with oysters, snails, French cheeses, nuts and fruits at 'Le Cave du Golfe'; a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon where the Chef and Club Director insisted that nobody's glass should be empty!
SeaDream's Club Director provides a brief overview of each port of call the night before you arrive, with details of what you can see, what that place is renowned for and any hints and tips on how to enjoy your time ashore. You're then armed with ideas to wander ashore at your leisure and do your own thing.
If you decide to remain on board, you're welcome to find a cosy spot on one of the Balinese beds or sun loungers, relax in one of three Jacuzzis, float in the picture-perfect open-air pool or head to a quiet corner in the library and lose yourself in a must-read book. You can also reward yourself with a spa treatment at the only Thai-certified Spa at sea, challenge yourself to a workout in the gym or (weather and port authority permitting) head down to the watersports marina for a spin on the jetskis or an exhilarating ride on the yacht's banana boat.
You certainly cannot deny the quality and taste of every dish served on board. SeaDream's two restaurants serve delectable dishes for dinner in the Dining Salon and delicious menus for breakfast and lunch in the Top Side Restaurant. In warmer weather you can ask to dine up on deck or benefit from in-suite dining instead. Reflecting the various nationalities of the crew, SeaDream's menus provide dishes from all corners of the world, some traditional, some fusion, so you're really spoilt for choice, and they'll always cater for special dietary requirements too.
Every evening SeaDream's resident pianist plays in the Main Salon whilst guests congregate for pre-dinner drinks and canapés. After dinner, the pianist will head up to the Piano Bar for a singalong around the transparent piano top, or provide background music for guests having a flutter in the small casino. If you're in the mood for dancing, head up to the Top of the Yacht Bar (no prizes for guessing where this is located) where the barman is more than happy to serve you until you decide to head to bed.
Other benefits of yachting with SeaDream in warmer weather are the opportunities for 'Starlit Movie' nights outside on the pool deck with pillows, blankets and fresh popcorn, or you can sleep under the stars out on the Balinese beds, which are made up with plush Belgian bed linens so that you can fall asleep listening to the soothing sounds of the sea. In the Caribbean, SeaDream also serve their signature 'Champagne and Caviar Splash' with a gourmet beach barbecue, a glass (or three) of bubbles and fine caviar as you party away in the sand.
Accommodating just 112 lucky guests, this gorgeous mega yacht is ideal if you're looking to fully relax, switch off and unwind from your everyday life in comfortable, cosy and quiet surroundings. All the while, you'll be looked after like a treasured member of the family by dedicated, efficient and friendly crew.
