SeaDream - Why It's Special - by authority Howard Hillman

Why the
SeaDream is special

tips you can trust

The SeaDream II (and its twin sister the SeaDream I) are the world's best boutique-sized luxury cruise ships. It sails the Mediterranean in the summer, but is most appealing when sailing the Caribbean in the winter.

Note: My section focuses on the Caribbean. And I refer to the SeaDream II on these pages simply as "SeaDream".

Top 10 reasons to
sail the SeaDream

My top 10 list is based on my onboard experiences and my interviews with passengers.

Passenger rapport

Because the SeaDream accommodates only 112 passengers, a pleasing rapport among them quickly develops.

Passenger profile

Your cruisemates are educated and well-traveled. They are more adventure spirited than typical cruisers. Many have sailed the SeaDream two or more times before (a satisfaction indicator). Most passengers are career-active, not retired. The age spectrum usually runs from 25 to 70, with 35 to 60 the average.

Onboard activities

There is much to do on the SeaDream - but without an overly structured schedule. Examples: Swim, jet-ski, kayak, and water ski directly off the ship's onboard marina. Leisurely dine with your family and friends indoors or al fresco. Socialize in the bars and main lounge. Laze on the outdoor Bali Beds on the top deck. Read my Onboard activities and spaces and Dining and Watersports pages.

Suites

All cabins are suites, ocean-view and well-appointed. Cabin photos & layouts

Public spaces

They are spacious, comfortable and stylish, and well-appointed. Read my Onboard activities & spaces and Dining pages.

Service

The SeaDream staff gives professional, attentive and personalized service. You're an individual, not a face.

Dining

The food and dining ambiances are among the finest in the industry. Dining

Itineraries

The SeaDream's shallow draft lets you visit interesting petite ports of call like St. Barts. The itineraries purposely stay clear of ports overrun with tourists. Itinerary insights and Itinerary maps

Ship personality

I believe the term "Cruise Ship Yacht" better describes the SeaDream than "Cruise Ship" because the low guest count fosters camaraderie. View the Deck plans.

Dress code

It's smart, stylish casual - as befits a refined, relaxed cruise. You won't see tux-clad passengers onboard a tropical cruise. Neither will you find sloppily dressed cruisers.

Value

Although the SeaDream fare is higher than average, almost everything is covered. This includes meals, premium drinks, tips, and watersport toys. Those items are extras on most cruises - and add up quickly and substantially. And you won't be enjoying the quality of the SeaDream's food, service, cabins, public spaces, and overall experience.

Perfect?

Operating a cruise ship is complex with countless opportunities for something to go wrong. Not even a luxury cruise ship - including the SeaDream - can be perfect. However, the shortcomings I detected (such as a forgotten toast order at breakfast) were minor.

SeaDream is not the right ship ...

If you love huge ships with flashy entertainment, big casinos, glitzy decor, people-filled public spaces, and partying till dawn.

If you like highly structured onboard activities such as bingo and goofy poolside contests.

If you don't mind waiting in long lines and hearing frequent public address announcements.

If you're cruising with children. The ship has no organized activities or video game rooms for them. And there will be few if any kids aboard for them to befriend and play with. (However, a bright, courteous, well-traveled teen or preteen with good social skills would fit it.)