First launched in 1984, SeaDream I is one of two intimate and identical twin ships operated by SeaDream Yacht Club. In 2022, along with its sibling, the vessel underwent a $10 million (£7.6 million) bow to stern refurbishment. To this end, this review can be applied to both SeaDream I and SeaDream II.
Overall rating: 9/10
Style and Character 9/10
SeaDream’s tagline is “It’s Yachting, Not Cruising”, and this sleek vessel, with its beautiful classic lines, wooden decks and retro décor, delivers a totally different experience to big cruise ships. With an open-air bar and restaurant, it’s designed for warm weather itineraries and spending time outdoors.
When it’s time to head inside, there’s a comfy lounge, wood-panelled library and cosy Piano Bar. The yacht-like feel extends to a casual dress code, which is a touch more elegant at night, with no formal evenings.
Cabins 7/10
The cabins had a complete makeover in 2022, and they are generously appointed with a complimentary mini-bar, deluxe bed linens, a marble-clad bathroom, multi-jet shower and plush robes. However, they are smaller than many cabins on newer ships – particularly the bathrooms – and there are no balcony options.
One notable oddity is the lack of tea and coffee making facilities, which means you have to call room service for a morning cuppa. There are only two suites, the larger Owner’s Suite and the Admiral’s Suite, and some regular Yacht Club cabins can be connected to create the so-called Commodore Suite.
Food and Drink 9/10
Weather permitting, most meals are eaten al fresco in the lovely Topside Restaurant, and by comparison the ship’s main dining room seems rather dark and staid. Across the board, the standard of food is outstanding, with creative buffets and à la carte dishes that are imaginative, beautifully presented and flavoursome.
As a vegetarian, I had the best dishes I’ve ever eaten at sea and it was refreshing to see plenty of veggie and vegan dishes alongside other options on the main menu. Another highlight is the poolside “Dessert Extravaganza”, an open-air, evening event featuring a vast selection of gourmet cakes, tarts, pastries and house-made ice cream.
A convivial gathering spot for cocktails is the upper deck Top of the Yacht Bar, while night owls regroup after dinner in the Piano Bar, where there are seats around the grand piano.
Service and Facilities 10/10
Crew members are exemplary and go out of their way to help passengers and make them feel at home. Nothing at all is too much trouble. SeaDream hits the sweet spot by providing a style of luxury and top-notch service that’s friendly and intuitive; never fawning, awkward or stuffy. By day two everyone called me by name – don’t ask me how – and the barman knew my favourite cocktails.
Facilities are upmarket and extensive for such an intimate ship, with a retractable watersports marina and a Thai-certified spa. SeaDream I never feels crowded and there’s plenty of space around the pool and sun decks, while more active types can head to the gym or golf simulator.
Entertainment and Excursions 8/10
As much of the joy of sailing on SeaDream I is being out on deck, entertainment is low-key and mainly involves the small band playing in various venues. Daytime fun centres around the pool and marina platform where there’s an inflatable slide, jet skis, paddleboards and other water toys.
At night there’s a small casino and a standout SeaDream experience is the chance to sleep out under the stars on a comfortable Balinese daybed made up with pillows and a duvet. One evening, you can expect to watch a movie out on deck, complete with popcorn. There’s a good choice of shore excursions, which err towards experiences such as food and wine tastings and cookery classes, along with more standard sightseeing tours.
Value for Money 9/10
SeaDream’s all-inclusive fares cover meals, snacks, 24-hour room service, free-flowing premium drinks, watersports and tips. Shore excursions start at around $129 (£93) and Wi-Fi is $35 (£26) per day or $99 (£75) per week for unlimited use. Laundry and spa treatments are extra. Unlike most cruise ship spas, it’s particularly noteworthy there’s none of the dreaded hard sell after treatments.
Access for guests with disabilities?
SeaDream I isn’t well suited to guests with mobility issues. There is one wheelchair accessible cabin, with an adapted bathroom, and a lift between all passenger decks. However, access to the tender – frequently used for transfers ashore – and the marina platform are respectively down a gangway and flight of stairs and are not fully accessible. To make the most of a SeaDream cruise you need to be fairly active and mobile.
Family-friendly
While SeaDream accepts children over the age of one, the ship is not geared for families and there are no facilities for youngsters. Any teenagers would be in the minority.
About our expert
Jeannine Williamson
Jeannine has clocked up thousands of nautical miles on an A to Z of worldwide rivers, from the Amazon to the Zambezi. When she’s not afloat, you can find her beside the water at home on England’s south coast.