SeaDream Yacht Club

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SeaDream Yacht Club fleet

Review of SeaDream Yacht Club

SeaDream Yacht Club (seadream.com) is a privately-owned cruise line company headquartered in Norway (Oslo). It was established in 2002 by Larry Pimentel and Atle Brynestad. Atle is a Norwegian industrialist and also the founder of the top-luxury brand Seabourn.

SeaDream's Owner, CEO and Chairman is Atle Brynestad. The company's managing team is led by Bob Lepisto (President) and Andreas Brynestad (Executive VP). In September 2023, as Senior VP of Communications was appointed Rune Thomas Ege (previously employed by Hurtigruten/Group and Expeditions). In January 2024, Walter Littlejohn III was appointed CSO/Chief Sales Officer.

The company's Founder, Owner and Chairman Atle Brynestad (1953-born Norwegian) founded SeaDream Yacht Club and Seabourn Cruise Line as well as the Norwegian retail chain Smart Club AS (1995-founded/2008-acquired by Coop Norge SA) via his company CG Holding (Oslo-based holding company) specializing in investments in the retail trade and renewable energy services. CG Holding's assets include the Porsgrund Porcelain Factory (producing flatware) which is currently the only one in Norway still in operation.

One of the industry's small cruise lines, SeaDream delivers a luxurious, yet unpretentious "yacht cruise" experience in destinations, such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, Northern Europe. Itineraries are quite flexible and allow the captain to linger in a port of call if passengers wish so, or to depart early in case rain spoils plans. Following the purchase of two luxury cruise ships (operated before that by Cunard), the new all-inclusive line promoted its innovative style of cruising as "yacht-like". Since its first day of operation, formal wear code is not required as the onboard dress code is officially "resort-casual".

SeaDream Cruises logo - CruiseMapper

In 2022, the company celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a USD 10 million (EUR 8,8M) drydock refurbishment project for both yachts, conducted at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport Bahamas.

Highlights of the luxury brand's sea travel experience are the delicious cuisine, outstanding service, 5-star luxury hotel amenities, sophisticated enrichment program, and exotic itineraries to remote bays and harbors where other cruisers can be rarely seen.

SeaDream Yacht Club is one of the industry's most all-inclusive cruise lines. Its deals are inclusive of gratuities, all beverages (including alcohol and cocktails), all shore excursions and tours, also the equipment at the watersports marina platform, However, passengers have to pay extra for Spa treatments and the ultra-premium liquor brands at the onboard bars/lounges.

SeaDream yacht cruise ship

The following YouTube video is an official SeaDream release about its "top luxury yachting" experience. It shows all the yachts' best features, including suites as configurations/furniture and cabin amenities, all the sophisticated relaxation, entertainment and dining options on the ship, along with the onboard facilities and activities.

 

SeaDream cruise passengers are sophisticated, laid-back, well-heeled and well-traveled. Ages range largely, starting from guests in their 30s. Solo travelers and occasional large groups of family and friends are not uncommon, though couples predominate.

SeaDream fleet

SeaDream's current fleet includes the yachts SeaDream 1 (1984-built as "Sea Goddess I"), SeaDream 2 (1985-built as "Sea Goddess II") and SeaDream Innovation (2021 September, newbuild on order). However, in December 2019, the company canceled the SeaDream Innovation shipbuilding project and announced that a second-hand vessel will be eventually purchased in 2020.

All shipboard meals are open-seating, with many 2-seat tables available, making the brand a great choice for romantically inclined travelers. Weather permitting, dining is available on the yacht's open deck. Expensive Champagnes are poured generously. There is a weekly Champagne Splash party with caviar. Another unique offer on the yachts is the "sleeping under the stars" experience. It includes either an 8-person bed (on ship's open deck forward) or a double Balinese lounger facing the sea (aft of the "Top of the Yacht Bar").

In 2023, SeaDream announced plans to upgrade its yachts with shore power connectivity. SeaDream 2 was upgraded in 2023, while SeaDream 1 in 2024.

(Coronavirus crisis) Passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, SeaDream yachts suspended passenger shipping operations in the period March 18, 2020, through July 2021.

Operations were planned to resume on September 7, 2020, but SeaDream started a mini-cruise program in Norway (June-September 2020) with 12-day Norwegian coastal itineraries between Oslo and Tromso on the superyacht SeaDream 1. SeaDream 1 restarted on June 26 (Mediterranean from Seville). SeaDream 2 restarted on June 26 (Greek Islands from Athens).

In early-November 2020, following a COVID outbreak on SeaDream 1, the company canceled the Caribbean 2020 winter program. All affected bookings received full refunds transferred as FCC (future cruise credit) with rebooking.

In August 2020, SeaDream introduced the "Ultimate Booking Assurance". The new policy guarantees a full monetary refund or 120% FCC for all bookings on voyages departing between July 22, 2020, and June 30, 2021, in case that the cruise is affected by travel restrictions from the customer's country of origin. Rebooking SeaDream cruises with rescheduling the initial booking is allowed even for not affected by travel restrictions voyages.

 

Itinerary of SeaDream Yacht Club

Currently, the company owns and operates two superyachts/sisterships - SeaDream I (1984-built) and SeaDream II (1985-built). SeaDream Innovation was a newbuild on order, planned for delivery and inauguration in September 2021. However, in December 2019, the company canceled the shipbuilding project and announced its intentions to instead acquire a second-hand vessel.

Cruises 2024-2025-2026

In December 2022, SeaDream Yacht Club announced its Caribbean 2025 schedule of both boats. The itineraries included exotic islands like Mayreau, Bequia, Prickly Pear, and Puerto Rico's uninhabited Culebrita Island, among many others.

SeaDream’s 2025 Caribbean program runs from January through April (2025) and includes 32x different itineraries.

SeaDream's yachting vacations offer ample opportunities to relax in ultimate luxury, enjoy 5-star al fresco dining, highly anticipatory service. The Caribbean's turquoise water is perfect for the superyachts' enhanced watersports marina that is complete with a new water slide and equipped with snorkeling gear, sailboats, kayaks, wakeboards, stand-up paddleboards, Hobie Cat catamarans, a banana boat, a floating island and trampoline, and wave runners/jet skis.

In January 2023, SeaDream opened for booking voyages from its schedule 2025 (Caribbean, Mediterranean, Scandinavia/Northern Europe).

Caribbean itineraries (a total of 32 voyages/January-April 2025) visit a new island each day. The 2025 Caribbean winter season (begins on November 15th, 2024) includes islands like Bequia, Mayreau, and Prickly Pear, Iles des Saintes (Guadeloupe), Culebrita Island/off Culebra.

In May 2023 were announced 2025 holiday season in the Caribbean featuring pristine and unspoiled island destinations like St Barths, Prickly Pear, Anguilla, Lovango Cay USVI/private island, and Mayreau, among others.

Holiday 2025 Caribbean voyages are scheduled from November 2025 through the New Year's week of January 2026. The 14 different itineraries visit BVI/British Virgin Islands, the Spanish and French West Indies, the Puerto Rico Archipelago, as well as rarely explored destinations in Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Highlights of SeaDream’s 2025 Holiday Caribbean itineraries include:

  • Spanish & British Caribbean Delight (Dec 13-20, 2025) from San Juan to Philipsburg, St Maarten
  • Windward Islands Discovery (Nov 16-23, 2025) from Marigot to Bridgetown, Barbados
  • Tropical New Year’s I (Dec 27, 2025-Jan 3, 2026) from San Juan to St. Thomas.
  • Tropical New Year’s II (Dec 28, 2025-Jan 4, 2026) from San Juan to Bridgetown, Barbados.

Mediterranean itineraries (35 voyages between May-October 2025) visit ports in 14 countries. Mediterranean 2025 season (starting on May 2, 2025) is based on 5- to 11-night sailings. New for the yacht cruise brand destinations are Thasos/Ios Island Greece, Reggio Calabria (Italy), Seville (Spain), Frejus/Menton (France). 8 itineraries feature Corinth Canal transition. Overnight stays are offered in 9 ports, including Amalfi/Livorno (Italy), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Valletta (Malta), Ibiza (Spain), Jerusalem (Israel), Istanbul (Turkey).

Scandinavia and Northern European itineraries (14 voyages between May-August 2025) visit 12 countries. The program starts with SeaDream 2's 10-night voyage (departing on May 5, 2025) from Lisbon to Bordeaux. A special, 7-night itinerary (departing May 15th) offers cruising on Thames River to London-Greenwich, where the yacht anchors overnight alongside HMS Belfast (adjacent to Tower Bridge). For booking are available 7-8-10-night itineraries. In Norway are visited off-the-beaten-path destinations like Maloy, Kalvag, Vikoyri, Rosendal, and Svolvaer.

SeaDream 2's Northern Europe/Baltic program includes ports in Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Lithuania, Finland - Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Frederikshavn, Ronne, Warnemunde, Sassnitz, Visby, Klaipeda, Kuressaare, Tallinn, Helsinki, Turku, Mariehamn/Aland.

In July 2023, SeaDream Yacht Club unveiled its 2026 Caribbean collection, consisting of 33 distinct itineraries available on both SeaDream I and SeaDream II. These voyages cover 39 captivating destinations from January to April. The sailings offered range from 10 to 11 days and introduce exciting new features, such as overnight stays in Bequia, evening beach parties in St Kitts, and full nights in St Barts (Gustavia). Additionally, passengers can look forward to enjoying the famous 'Champagne and Caviar Splash' beach barbecue.

Among the noteworthy itineraries is the 10-day "Best of the Secluded Caribbean" journey, starting from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and concluding in Bridgetown, Barbados. This itinerary includes visits to the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St Barts, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. The prices for this itinerary start at GBP 4,361, based on a departure date of January 10th, 2026.

Another appealing option is the seven-day "Bountiful Bahamas" voyage, departing roundtrip from Palm Beach. This itinerary encompasses various locations in the archipelago, including Andros Island, Emerald Bay, San Salvador, Staniel Cay, and Grand Bahama. The lead-in price for this itinerary is GBP 3,366, based on a departure date of April 12, 2026.

Greek Isles 2025

In February 2024, SeaDream Yacht Club announced the expansion of its Greek Isles cruises in 2025. Among the additional offerings is a 14-night in-depth yachting adventure, a standout feature in the series. This 14-night voyage seamlessly combines two new Yachting the Greek Isles itineraries, presenting guests with the opportunity to explore 13 distinctive Greek ports aboard the all-inclusive luxury yacht SeaDream I.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the itinerary blends iconic Greek landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and picturesque yachting harbors. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a harmonious blend of cultural discovery and scenic marvels, while also indulging in activities like hiking, beachcombing, and exploring charming local villages.

The newly introduced 7-day Yachting the Greek Isles voyages in June and July 2025 promise unparalleled exploration of classic Greek locales, including several ports not previously visited by SeaDream.

These voyages offer signature SeaDream experiences such as overnight stays in Mykonos and late-night departures from Santorini, allowing guests to savor the allure of these iconic destinations free from the crowds typically associated with cruise ships and day-trippers.

The Yachting The Greek Isles voyage departing on June 29, 2025, includes visits to VolosDelos, Mykonos, Patmos, and Skopelos, among other enchanting destinations.

Similarly, the July 6, 2025 voyage features lesser-known gems like Folegandros and Symi, along with popular sites such as Santorini and Milos, renowned for its unique volcanic landscape.

Guests opting for a third consecutive voyage can indulge in an extended exploration of the Greek Isles, with additional stops at HydraIteaZakynthos, and a memorable transit of the Corinth Canal, before concluding their journey in Malta.

In addition to the 2025 offerings, SeaDream I and SeaDream II continue to explore the Greek Isles in 2024 and beyond, reaffirming SeaDream Yacht Club's commitment to delivering exceptional yachting experiences in this captivating region.

Looking ahead to 2026, SeaDream Yacht Club plans to return to the Greek Isles with an array of new ports of call and the introduction of 14-day in-depth slow travel voyages, promising even more immersive experiences for discerning travelers.

Mediterranean 2026

SeaDream Yacht Club's Mediterranean 2026 program (May through September) groups 27 voyages, 82 ports (including 7 new call ports) in 14 different countries as well as the brand's first 2-week-long itineraries.

Maiden ports scheduled for summer 2026 season are in Portugal (Setubal), Croatia (Primosten), Turkey (Cesme), and Greece (Kythira, Kythnos, Syvota, Tinos).

Two 14-day itineraries (themed "Grand Mediterranean & Adriatic Explorer") visit iconic Med destinations like Corsica Island (France), Malta (Valletta Harbour), Italy's Sicily Island (Taormina), Capri Island (Marina Grande) and Venice City. Overnights are scheduled for ports in Italy (Amalfi, Sorrento, Capri), Croatia (Hvar), Balearic Spain (Ibiza Town), and France's Cassis and Sanaray-Sur-Mer.

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