Yes, this is how it should be: cloudless skies up above us and deep-blue Tyrrhenian Sea all around us. In front of us is a wonderful panoramic view of Ponza Island, enticing you to its shores with the promise of the typical Italian attitude to life. It’s great that you can do this at any time – simply by using the shuttle from our yacht. But first, we will enjoy the glorious peace, the wonderful setting and the cool drinks on the comfortable sundeck of the SeaDream II – with «It’s yachting, not cruising» on its flag – as it pursues this motto on its voyage through the Mediterranean with exclusivity and a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere.
Summer holiday – what does it make you think of? Sun, sea, relaxation or sports activities, cultural experience, party? In the best-case scenario, probably a little bit of everything. How this can be achieved in a sophisticated yet leisurely manner soon becomes clear on the voyage out on the SeaDream II. The stylish yacht, which sets off on its voyage to selected destinations from the port of Civitavecchia, is one of just two ships owned by the SeaDream Yacht Club. With the number of guests limited to 112 passengers, the family-run Norwegian company places emphasis on an exclusive, unique travel experience that is far removed from a typical cruise. Instead, this is private-style yachting with a special combination of relaxation, recuperation and the Mediterranean lifestyle. Thanks to its size, the SeaDream can also call in at smaller ports, thus bypassing the large cruise terminals and leaving you to explore tourist attractions, restaurants and shops in peace. On board, there are around 95 outstanding crew members to attend to the guests. They know every guest by name and spoil us with their attentive service. On SeaDream’s four open decks, each with lots of space and plenty of seating, the sea breeze and breaking waves are always close by. Whether you enjoy the view from one of the deck chairs, sink into one of the heavenly Balinese dream beds or marvel at the sunset from the «Top of the Yacht» bar with a cocktail in hand, you feel the freedom, the vastness and the feeling of being amongst friends.
With the original charm of Ponza still in our minds, the next location, this time, a very fashionable hotspot draws us in under its spell: Capri invites us to take a stroll and enjoy a spot of international designer label shopping. Here, instead of a coffee, you are welcome to have a glass of champagne – we will blend in and enjoy the classy atmosphere of the «Grande Dame». Back on the yacht, we travel further along the wonderful Amalfi coast – rightly declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO – to the coastal town of Amalfi, where at the Domplatz, we couldn’t resist tasting the Limoncello produced here. The next day brings yet another highlight: We drop anchor in front of the Sicilian Island of Lipari – right in a turquoise cove. An ideal opportunity for watersport fans as there are many different inclusive offers on the SeaDream II: Swimming out from the bathing platform or snorkelling is simply amazing! If you like to be a bit more active, you can paddle on a stand-up paddleboard, or choose to go kayaking or jet-skiing. Safety is, of course, paramount; whilst you are in the water, the crew ensure that you are fully able to enjoy the sea without any risk from currents and away from other ships. Later, you can meet up on the sun deck, exchange experiences and use the last of the sun’s rays to do a few lengths of the yacht’s pool. All guests – predominantly Scandinavians and Americans, we are the only passengers from Switzerland – agree that after the first few days on the SeaDream, they have managed to let go of their hectic everyday life. This is what a relaxing holiday is.
Casual lifestyle at a high level – it is true for this eleven-day voyage; it is always like this, wherever we are. The state rooms of SeaDream II are comfortable, well-equipped and spacious; the suites provide you with even more space for personal enjoyment. On mild summer nights, you can also sleep in the SeaDream beds out on deck (not really recommended if you don’t sleep very soundly). Naturally, the pampering programme on board has a large and comprehensive range of culinary delights on offer. All drinks, such as beer, selected wines and sparkling wines as well as soft drinks, cocktails and spirits are included. Various premium drinks are also offered for an additional charge. Fresh pastries and hot coffee are available for early risers with an extensive breakfast served later on. The pool bar offers a selection of fresh snacks throughout the day. We recommend the lunchtime buffet with fresh Mediterranean appetisers and light à la carte dishes. We enjoy the varied dinner the most up on deck – although the dining salon on the SeaDream II also boasts a stylish elegance. There is no end to the highlights worth seeing on this voyage: Taormina, which rises on a precipice above the sea in eastern Sicily. Corfu, the green island in the Ionian Sea with countless shopping opportunities. Kotor, the ancient trade and port city in Montenegro – the approach across the winding fjord is a special experience. And finally Dubrovnik in the south of Croatia with its magnificent old town. Here, the journey is the destination – in the best sense.
