British Virgin Islands
If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own yacht, the two Sea Dream Yacht Club cruise ships — Sea Dream I and Sea Dream II — are the next best thing.
Originally Sea Goddess I and II, the ships were gutted in 2002 and reborn as the Sea Dreams. They were renovated again in 2006 and 2007. And today, they are two of the most luxurious ships afloat, carrying just 110 passengers.
These cruises are refreshingly unstructured with no schedules, and flexible itineraries that take advantage of serendipitous events. If passengers are enjoying their time ashore, the Captain may decide to stay in port a little longer.
Service is truly a cut above and many of the staff have worked on the private yachts of the rich and famous. So they’ll have no trouble meeting your requirements.
Food aboard Sea Dream II.
You’ll be hard pressed to find better food on any cruise ship. And what’s best about Sea Dream is that you can eat virtually all your meals outdoors. Breakfast and lunch are served in the open-air Topside Restaurant. And when the weather’s fine, you can dine under the stars out on deck.
What could be more romantic that that? Just let the Maitre d’ know in the morning that you’d like to dine al fresco.
With lots of polished wood and crisp, white linens, the pretty Dining Salon is an attractive alternative when the weather doesn’t cooperate. And there are lots of tables for two. The cuisine and service here are first rate, and vegetarian and light selections are always available.
Since each dish is prepared to order, the chefs are usually happy to accommodate special requests. In any case, don’t miss the soufflés.
House wines, which are included, are quite good, or you can order something from the wine list. And Champagne, which is also gratis, flows freely most of the time.
Room service is available, and they’ll even deliver to one of the fabulous Balinese beds located out on deck.
Accommodations aboard Sea Dream II.
These ships are designed for people who want to spend most of their time ashore or on deck. While the staterooms are outfitted with top-quality furnishings and amenities, at just under 200 square feet, they’re not the roomiest cabins at sea. Suites are about twice as big.
Deck Two cabins have portholes, and there are windows in Cabins on Decks Three and Four. There are no balcony cabins, but the ship itself has lots of uncrowded teak decks to choose from.
Far and away, the most memorable place to sleep is out on deck in one of the Balinese Beds. You’ll need to reserve one in advance, but you won’t soon forget the experience. The staff will even provide rose petals, chilled Champagne, candlelight, chocolate truffles, and pajamas monogrammed with your first name for the occasion. The huge bed at the front of the ship is actually quite private.
Facilities aboard Sea Dream II.
There’s a spa with eight Thai massage artists and a small gym. But the best way to exercise on these ships is by using the watersports platform at the stern. You can windsurf, jet ski, or waterski, or take out a kayak.
Mountain bikes are also available for gueststo use. And if you want to keep up your golf game, there’s a simulator.
Passengers looking for a casual, yet sophisticated getaway, where virtually everything from tipping to cocktails is included, will likely love Sea Dream II.
Find other top cruise ships for couples here.
British Virgin Islands Image Flickr: CircumerroStock