By
Lynn Houghton |
SeaDream Yacht Club sets itself apart from other cruise lines by delivering its ultra-luxury product with aplomb. Its list of features is very impressive and the cruise line delivers a customer experience based on the outdoor, active lifestyle of being on a yacht.
For instance, SeaDream has one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry with 95 crew looking after a maximum of 112 guests. Magowan explains that the onboard service is without a doubt SeaDream’s main USP. “Our crew is truly outstanding, motivated and energised, and delivers service that is very hard to match anywhere else.” He continues, “Guests tell us that this is the real SeaDream difference. We offer a very personalised but unobtrusive service. We get the balance right. Service is our passion and the SeaDream staff not only manage to deliver a high level of pampering but also genuinely care about making every guest experience truly memorable.”
There are several products that are completely unique to SeaDream. The brand is recognised by the Thai Spa Association as having the only Thai Spa at sea, with services including early morning yoga, impromptu head massages on deck and a full range of high-quality spa treatments to rival any Asian luxury spa retreat.
SeaDream also has ultra-luxury dining with a difference: raw food selections are on offer and there are full tasting menus and an extensive menu for both lunch and dinner. Dining is regularly outdoors and under the stars, in keeping with the yachting concept.
Balinese Dreambeds are another example of the cruise line’s unique experiences. Magowan says: “These highly popular futon-style beds, located on Deck 6 aft, are raised above the sightline of the yacht’s railings to provide unobstructed views. During the day, they’re the perfect space to sunbathe or read and at night, for sleeping under the stars. Stewardesses make up your Balinese bed with luxury Egyptian cotton duvets and down pillows. Morning comes with a waiter presenting you with juice, coffee and croissants. It is truly magical and all fully inclusive.”
SeaDream yachts are by definition small. At just over 4,000gt, SeaDream I and II can easily get into ports, harbours and inlets that even slightly bigger vessels cannot reach. This makes for a very destination-led voyage. “Our ships tie up in Monte Carlo harbour, sail up river estuaries, reverse into Portofino, traverse the Corinth Canal and also get right up close to wonderful Caribbean beaches. This year, en route to the Baltic, SeaDream I will transit the Thames into the heart of London through Tower Bridge and berth alongside HMS Belfast. All these experiences offer SeaDream guests truly special itinerary options,” says Magowan.
He adds: “SeaDream is about ultra-deluxe informal yachting, not cruising. It is as close to being onboard your own private yacht as it is possible to be.”
This article appeared in the Autumn/Winter 2014 edition of International Cruise & Ferry Review. To read other articles, you can subscribe to the magazine in printed or digital formats.