Having worked in the cruise industry for over 15 years, I like to think I know my way around. I have my favourites, those I’m less keen on, and a bucket list of ships and experiences I hope to tick off one day.
Out of all our partners, SeaDream Yacht Club has always been the one I’ve found slightly elusive. Founded in 2001 by Norwegian entrepreneur Atle Brynestad, even the word ‘club’ in the name feels fitting. If you know someone who’s sailed with SeaDream, chances are it wasn’t their last time. Our loyal SeaDream guests love the yachts – and they almost always come back for more.
But it’s not a household name – certainly not like other ultra-luxury cruise brands. And newcomers often need convincing. It’s not lost on me that many of our first-time SeaDream clients are a direct result of word-of-mouth from friends or family who’ve sailed before.
My own SeaDream experience is limited. Some 15 years ago, I attended a travel trade event aboard SeaDream I near Tower Bridge. It was dark and rainy – not quite the glamour of Monte Carlo or a sun-drenched Caribbean island. I left intrigued, but not entirely convinced. In my mind, I formed the opinion that at least half of what makes people fall in love with SeaDream is the experience – the destination, the camaraderie among guests, the late-night movies on deck, and the afternoon naps in a Balinese bed.
SeaDream II in London (it was sunnier than this, promise!)
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.
The Piano Bar
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.
The Top Deck
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.
Yacht Club Stateroom on Deck 4.
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.
The Topside Restaurant
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.
The Top of Yacht Bar.
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.
The Library, complete with Hadeland glass (Hadeland is owned by SeaDream’s Atle Brynestad)
Even after just a short time, the crew address you by name and remember 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.
The Lounge.
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.
If you would like to discuss a SeaDream sailing with us or request a quotation for an upcoming itinerary, please call 0800 008 6677. Alternatively, if you have any questions, please leave a comment below.
SeaDream II at night.
