Waves&Wind: SEADREAM. 2) The ship and the experience

We shouldn´t expect a huge amount of facilities. There are not dozens of lounges, and not a big display of options. Who cares¡. SeaDreams is not a cruise ship; it sells “dreams at sea”. Being a migration bird, both yachts are always searching for sun, and benign climates. SeaDream ships are specially designed, to offer pleasant days under the sun. Before setting sail, Jinny my personal cabin stewardess, had brought me the distinctive SeaDream gift. A lovely personalized pyjamas with my name on it. I would classify the ship as a boutique vessel. A dinning room decorated with valuable Norwegian glass items, very intimate, with a dedicated service in the lower deck. In the main one, a huge swimming pool, a welcoming lobby and small lounge which has several functions.

In the upper deck, the library, gym-Spa, and on the open decks, there a big space for “al fresco” dinning with wicker chairs, and wooden tables everywhere. I did love the Top of the Yacht Bar, perhaps the liveliest area of the ship, and epicenter of social rendez vous under the stars. Big deckchairs which can be turned into full size beds, and delicate lining to sleep under the stars on both sides of the open decks. We have to phase out the traditional vision and idea of a traditional cruise.

No shows, noisy and tacky parties, and although there´s a small casino, and piano bar, the virtues of the SeaDreams are others. I could define the experience as making one felling special at every single moment, in a private elegant environment. That´s to say tailor made vacations. ¿How could be the perfect day at SeaDream?. After a smooth navigation, and a magical dawn in a sweet like honey Aegean sea, sailing in an almost furtive way, we get to impressive destinations like Santorini. The friendly crew are ready on deck, to take me to a beautifully set table for breakfast.

I wonder how they are able to say good morning adding my name. I do feel really pampered. I choose the perfect one by the Santorini clifts. Fine Norwegian china, luxurious tableware, and a perfect breakfast buffet is the perfect way to start my day. Perfect cappuccinos, freshly baked pastry, and fantastic service. As I am having breakfast, and I feel quite tiny contemplating the Santorini landscape, thousands of passengers from other ships should be waiting in their ships lounges. The cable car will be too busy. But we don´t need to hurry in SeaDream. Our ship anchors really close, and she will be staying in port until late night, which make it perfect to get ashore, after the cruisers had left. We can enjoy the sunset, have a glass of wine in an empty Santorini local bar, when it´s quiet. No rules, just pure enjoyment. While I get ready to go ashore, some passengers are already at the pool. There are always deckchairs for everyone. Being an all inclusive sailing, all drinks, food will be served any time you wish. Excursions on SeaDream are special, individualized, and even sportive. We have some mountain bikes on board as well.

We may go back to the ship as often as we wish. It´s always a short hop. So short that we can touch it physically from the port. We have a special tent with wicker chairs, cookies and drinks, and an exclusive waiter, for us to be relaxed while we wait. Other ship passengers should queue under the heat. Many people come back to have lunch or to enjoy the Marina Deck. ¿Marina Deck, pardon me?. There´s a door in the ship stern which opens for the sea to be enjoyed. All inclusive as well, prepared for us to practice any water sport: swim in the open sea, motor skiing, floating bananas, snorklings. The ship usually calls at unusual bays, and some ports of call are out the beaten track which is perfect to enjoy unexpeceted sights.

The most important time of the day, is the daily cocktail by the pool. Forget about the dress codes, dress as you wish. No tuxedos, no ties, only smart casual clothes, as we were in our private yacht. On the second day, we will know anyone on board. The company philosophy is clear: casual days and nights, no rules. Perhaps we want to spend a few hours in the cosy library, or be being pampered at the SPA, with Balinese orientation. The Jacuzzi is great, and many people love to get ashore to have a local dish or glass of wine after the other cruise passengers had left. It´s simply perfect walking around in Mykonos virtually empty after five o clock. If we are looking for the perfect experience, go for the night under the stars on the deckchairs. The crew will prepar a bed for you on deck. Although the ship is not particularly lively, bars are always a big fan, and the piano bar offers delightful melodies every night, with the perfect drinks.