SeaDream Yacht Club achieves milestone in sustainability with shore power installation

   June 17, 2024 ,   Cruise Industry

With the installation of advanced shore power technology, both SeaDream yachts can now shut off their engines and reduce emissions to zero in ports equipped with shore power facilities.

SeaDream II completed the upgrade last fall, while SeaDream I successfully underwent the upgrade during a recent yard stay at Naval Rocha Yard in Lisbon, Portugal. These upgrades make SeaDream Yacht Club the first luxury cruise line to retrofit its entire fleet with shore power connectivity.

This summer, both SeaDream yachts will explore the yachting harbors of the Mediterranean, including the Greek Isles and the French and Italian Rivieras, before transiting to the Caribbean for the 2024-2025 winter season. The drydock of SeaDream I also marked the final step in a comprehensive keel-to-mast upgrade of SeaDream’s twin yachts.

The $10+ million project includes enhancements to all suites, staterooms, public areas, and open deck spaces on both yachts. Featuring modern decor while retaining the intimate luxury of the SeaDream yachts, the upgrades include expanded stateroom space and luxurious lounging areas such as the open deck on Deck 6, featuring hammocks, a golf simulator, plush sun loungers, and two new couples’ hot tubs with unobstructed views.

The project also expanded SeaDream’s signature marinas by adding the first and only water slide on a cruise ship, providing direct access from the ship to the sea.

During the spring drydock, SeaDream I also upgraded the panoramic gym, sauna, and the SeaDream Spa – the only Thai-certified spa at sea.

Since founding modern yacht cruising in 2001, SeaDream Yacht Club has shaped and defined boutique cruising as the antithesis of mass tourism. The recent upgrade of shore power capabilities marks the latest in a decades-long commitment to sustainability in luxury travel. SeaDream’s yachting itineraries are optimized for slower speeds and lower fuel consumption, significantly reducing emissions compared to traditional cruises.

SeaDream was the first luxury cruise line to ban the use of heavy fuel oil (HFO). Since 2013, the company has powered its yachts with lighter, less polluting fuel, significantly reducing emissions.

More than a decade ago, SeaDream Yacht Club introduced a full plant-based menu, offering the widest selection of plant-based alternatives at sea. The company also sources goods locally and minimizes food waste, substantially reducing its carbon footprint.

SeaDream Yacht Club was the first luxury cruise line to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastic across its fleet, replacing plastic items with sustainable options or removing single-use items altogether. All SeaDream guests receive a personalized glass bottle, refillable at water stations across the yachts, significantly reducing plastic water bottle use. Additionally, biodegradable, organic luxury bath amenities from Elm Organics Norway are provided in all staterooms and suites.

All SeaDream Yacht Club voyages feature late-night departures and often include overnight stays, maximizing time spent in port for deeper cultural immersion and enhancing local value creation for communities and businesses.