I GAZE across at the pink sunset dipping into the sea on the starboard side and at the majestic view of the St. Barts’ lights straight ahead. This island is part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago and is considered the most glamorous of the Caribbean islands. Imagine a super laid-back St Tropez and you’ll be right in the vibe.
Pool area onboard SeaDream
Although there’s plenty of time (like all night) to go ashore to one of the Michelin-starred restaurants, we prefer to stay on board to enjoy an indulgent SeaDream dinner. Our Irish executive chef Neil Anthony Breen, trained under Theo Randell and Giorgio Locatelli, claims that his real inspiration for culinary expertise has been drawn from his grandmother, whose hospitality he seems to emulate by welcoming every guest to dinner each evening.
The extensive menu includes the chef’s choices, plus pages of alternative cuisine selections for starters, entrees and main courses (including vegetarian and vegan offerings) and followed by an array of indulgent desserts. To complement the phenomenal dining experience, our sommelier is on hand to pair each course with a selection of superior wine. SeaDream offers 24-hour room service, ranging from tasty sweet or savoury snacks to gourmet first course plates – so there’s no excuse to ever be hungry.
Piano Bar onboard SeaDream
We embark on our SeaDream II yachting adventure from Puerto Rico with just 70 passengers and a crew of 93 to discreetly fuss over us. Our daily routine commences with a sunrise yoga class on the upper deck, followed by an alfresco champagne-fueled breakfast buffet. SeaDream’s intimate inside dining room and spacious lounge have recently been renovated and its cosy cabins have marble ensuite bathrooms.
The swimming pool and adjacent jacuzzi take centre stage on the main deck, next to the pool bar, which is an open all day until midnight. Balinese beds on the upper deck are perfect for sunbathing couples during the day and can be made up as a bed at night to drift off to sleep under the gaze of the moon and stars.
Jost Van Dyke beach
One night, the main deck area is transformed into an outdoor cinema, with popcorn, ice cream and drinks served during the screening. Other nights are spent socialising either in the intimate piano lounge, in the onboard casino, or at the top deck bar where our drinks of preference are ready and waiting for us. SeaDream facilities include excellent wifi coverage and a fully stocked library with a couple of PCs.
Our star SeaDream activity is the onboard water sports marina which includes complimentary use of jet skis. And for the perfect relaxation experience, we book an appointment for a Thai massage in the tranquillity of the SeaDream spa.
Library onboard SeaDream
Ports of call are reached with a tender docking at small piers that are set away from the large docks used by the noisy cruise ships. The wet landing at Jost Van Dyke, one of the British Virgin Islands, allows us to wade out of the water onto the white sandy beach, where we head straight to the Soggy Dollar Bar to enjoy their famous creation, the Painkiller cocktail.
Dining Alfresco onboard SeaDream
The Land Adventures team organises excursions at each destination, our favourite being the bicycle ride on Fisher’s Cove (another British Virgin island), where our guide Taylor leads us on a spectacular ride that finishes at a deserted idyllic beach, where we enjoy a glass of champagne while lying on the warm sand and gazing out to sea. That afternoon we join the SeaDream beach party where caviar and champagne are served from a floating bar in the sea.
Admiral Suite onboard SeaDream
On our final morning, we head to the top deck one last time and look out at the verdant hills set behind the resplendent sea. We are heading towards the US Virgin Islands of St Thomas to disembark, where our weeklong SeaDream adventure draws to an end. The perfect tonic to prepare us for the long British winter ahead.
by Amanda Bernstein
Departing on November 9, 2019 from Charlotte Amalie St Thomas to San Juan, this seven-day all-inclusive voyage starts from £2,609 per person, excluding flights, transfers and land adventures. For further information or bookings please visit www.seadream.com or call 0800 783 1373