SeaDream II Review May 2025

Fast forward, and I’m back in the same spot, stepping onto a tender once again – this time for an overnight stay aboard SeaDream II. The weather’s kinder, which definitely makes a difference, and most importantly, I have more time onboard. Perhaps now I’ll understand what draws guests back again and again – and discover whether SeaDream really is as special as they say.

SeaDream keeps things warm and simple: a friendly greeting from the crew, a glass of champagne, and a chance to mingle on the pool deck before heading off to see my accommodation. The yachts are easy to navigate, and with a maximum of just 112 guests, it’s immediately striking how quickly you begin to feel at home.

In terms of layout, Deck 2 is home to the retractable watersports marina (though not much use on the Thames, sadly), as well as the dining salon – the ship’s main restaurant. Deck 3, where guests are welcomed with a glass of champagne, features the pool bar, swimming pool, card room, and the onboard boutique.

On Deck 4, you’ll find more outdoor space, the Piano Bar, and a small casino if you fancy trying your luck at blackjack or a card game. This deck also houses the SeaDream Spa, which offers multiple treatment rooms, and a surprisingly well-equipped fitness centre given the yacht’s intimate size.

Decks 5 and 6 are where the outdoor experience really comes into its own. The open promenade is ideal for stretching your legs, and the Topside Restaurant offers a light, breezy setting for relaxed dining. At the very top, you’ll find the Top of the Yacht Bar, hot tubs, sunbeds, and of course – those famous SeaDream Balinese beds.

I was staying in a Yacht Club Stateroom on Deck 4. Renovated in 2022, these updated rooms bring a sense of contemporary style while still retaining the classic ‘yachting’ feel. Dark woods, brass accents, and deep navy tones all play their part, and I’m almost certain everything felt brighter than on my first visit.

It’s worth noting that there are no balconies on SeaDream’s yachts – not even in the higher categories. For some, this might seem like a dealbreaker, but in reality, it’s something most guests embrace. People naturally congregate on the open decks, where space is plentiful and the sense of shared experience is part of the appeal. That easy onboard camaraderie is one of the main reasons SeaDream has such a loyal following.

Unsurprisingly, mealtimes were another highlight. For dinner, we dined in the ship’s main restaurant (the other being the more casual Topside Restaurant). Each dish was about as close to perfect as you could hope for – fresh, beautifully prepared, and flawlessly executed.

SeaDream doesn’t shout too loudly about its food, but if this meal was anything to go by, it really should. Not only is the cuisine of an exceptional standard, but it also caters brilliantly to a wide range of tastes. Alongside a rotating menu of the chef’s specialities, there’s an ‘Always Available’ selection featuring international favourites, as well as plant-based and organic options. There are even speciality dishes designed for guests with specific dietary requirements – something many luxury lines talk about, but few deliver this well.

Breakfast, served continental-style on Deck 5 at the Topside Restaurant, offered a generous selection of hot and cold options. Special mention goes to the avocado on toast – made with actual avocados rather than the strange puréed paste I’ve been served on other ships lately.

After dinner, everyone gravitated towards the Top of the Yacht Bar, where we spent the rest of the evening enjoying cocktails, chatting with other guests, and soaking up the view. Socialising is clearly a fundamental part of a SeaDream holiday, and the open decks, varied seating, and comfortable loungers make it easy to connect with like-minded travellers.

Of course, if you prefer your own company, there are plenty of quiet spots to retreat to – and even a golf simulator where you can while away an hour or two (not that I’ll be troubling the Ryder Cup selectors any time soon).

At this point, it would be remiss not to mention the crew, who, in my view, are truly at the heart of the SeaDream experience. From the moment you step aboard to the moment you disembark, they go out of their way to ensure you’re looked after. It’s not stuffy – there are no white gloves – but the service is attentive and genuinely warm.

Even after just a short time, the crew address you by name and remembers your preferences. Many of them have been with SeaDream for years, which speaks volumes about the atmosphere they’ve helped create. It’s almost a cliché to describe something as feeling like family – but on SeaDream, it’s perhaps more fitting than on any other ship I’ve sailed. It’s a testament to the passion behind the brand that started with Mr Brynestad all those years ago.

Over the weekend, I found myself thinking a lot about luxury and what it truly means. SeaDream helped me realise it’s not about chandeliers, designer logos, or even the price of the bed, however comfortable it may be. Real luxury, perhaps, lies in the simplicity and the freedom of the experience. Some call it ‘quiet luxury’, but with SeaDream, it’s even more subtle than that – almost unspoken. And yet, within just a few hours onboard, it starts to become clear. It continues to reveal itself, little by little, in every detail.