April 13, 2012 by adannunzio
SeaDream’s Spa presents a contemporary new brochure featuring a highly enhanced, extensive list of treatment options and products from the best names in beauty.
The specialized array of treatments by La Prairie® of Switzerland include a 90 minute “La Prairie Caviar Firming Facial”. Extravagant and powerful, caviar extract is a blend of intensive moisturizers and unique sea proteins which immediately firms and pampers your skin, leaving you glowing.
Alongside the exquisite selection of La Prairie® treatments and products, the Spa also features treatments by Thalgo®. The laboratories at Thalgo® have unique expertise in harnessing the effectiveness of marine algae. “Ocean Memory”, is a popular 120 minute combo – full body exfoliation, full body massage and full body algae mousse application.
In keeping with the Spa’s Thai philosophy, HARNN® has been added to SeaDream’s Spa line up for its traditional Asian treatments and use of natural, active ingredients for hair, skin & body.
On the yacht, sun and salt air is no match for MOROCCANOIL®, the originator of professional Argan Oil hair products. Treat your tresses to a relaxing poolside, hydrating hair mask.
The manicure and pedicure options are plentiful too. Indulge in a long lasting nail Shellac from ESSIE®, the Spa’s nail product of choice. Salon services include eyelash tinting, waxing, haircuts and hair coloring by Wella®.
Once you enter SeaDream’s Spa you are well on your way to a state of relaxed bliss. The Spa is Thai certified and the only one of its kind at sea. Each yacht features (8) therapists to ensure that all your spa needs are being indulged. Don’t let the petite size of the Thai ladies fool you, their stature belies their strength.
With all ocean view treatment rooms, the Spa is a relaxing environment to let the tensions of everyday life drift away. SeaDream’s Spa combines the essence of Asian wellness philosophies with traditional European spa.
BONUS: After your treatments, you need only dazedly walk a short distance back to the comfort of your stateroom. There you may continue your relaxed state of well-being, reclining in your plush SeaDream robe, settling into your soft Belgium linens, listening to the soothing ocean waves lap outside your window. Pure bliss.
April 12, 2012 by adannunzio
Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Pierre has found a new home at SeaDream Yacht Club.
His first exposure to the hospitality industry was at a young age, when he worked both front of the house and as a waiter in family owned restaurants. Pierre attended the Graduate School of Business at the University of Cape Town where he earned a degree in Hotel Management. While studying, Pierre worked in small boutique hotels in and around Cape Town. He held positions in various departments so he could gain experience in all aspects of hotel operation.
Once he graduated, he left Cape Town to work at a hotel on the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It was there, he says he “got the travel bug and wanted to see the world”. His first job at sea was aboard Cunard’s QM2 as a waiter. He also took an opportunity to work on the QE2 for her last world cruise.
Pierre elected to work for SeaDream because of the small size. On SeaDream he says “you are not just an individual, but part of a big family.” He added, “I like the opportunity to see the world and travel. I also enjoy meeting new guests every week and seeing so many repeat guests come back year after year. I really get to know our guests during a voyage.”
One of his more memorable experiences aboard SeaDream was when he arranged a renewal of wedding vows for a couple that had been married for 25 years. “The yacht was in Capri, Italy and it was very special. The wife surprised her husband and it was like they fell in love for the first time. The husband was so happy, and we as a team managed to make there voyage even more special.”
Of the places he’s sailed with SeaDream thus far, Pierre especially enjoyed the Baltic. “There are many places I would still love to visit. I would most like to visit South America in the near future” he said.
Pierre speaks English, Dutch and Afrikaans. He loves landscaping and gardening on his time off. He has a 5 year old dog named Charlie (a Boxer that is full of energy). We suggest golfers ask Pierre about his game…he is a single figure golfer (that is a handicap of 9 or lower!)
April 9, 2012 by adannunzio
Auto Enthusiasts & Jet Setters — Join SeaDream I for the F1 Monaco Grand Prix 2012
Enjoy luxurious accommodations aboard the 112 guest mega-yacht, SeaDream I and take in the one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world. Now just 50 days before the departure of the 70th Grand Prix of Monaco 2012!
Taking place May 24-27, 2012 the race is held on a narrow course laid out in the streets ofMonaco, with many elevation changes, tight corners and a tunnel, making it one of the most demanding tracks in Formula One. In spite of the relatively low average speeds, it is a dangerous place to race.
Auto enthusiasts and jet setters flock to Monte Carlo for the race, the warm climate, the famous casino and the chance to rub elbows with a Prince or movie star. Although it has a reputation for being a glitzy tax haven for millionaires, the Principality offers an array of exceptional cultural attractions including the Princess Grace Rose Garden and the Oceanographic Museum.
Sail with SeaDream I, voyage #11221 embarking in Nice, France on May 26 then spend May 27 in Monte Carlo followed by five more days of heavenly Mediterranean yachting. After Monte Carlo this itinerary calls on St. Tropez, France; Portovenere, Italy; Viareggio (gateway to Florence), Italy; Portoferraio, Elba, Italy; Portofino, Italy with disembarkation on June 2 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Voyage fare starting at $4,599 per person.
More About the Grand Prix…
SeaDream I will be anchored off Monte Carlo, Monaco on the day of the annual Formula One Grand Prix race! The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the world’s most iconic and challenging motor-racing events; the Monaco Grand Prix is at present, the last ‘street course’ remaining in the Formula One calendar.
The first Monaco Grand Prix was held on the 14th of April 1929 and was won by a Bugatti driver. Brazil’s Ayrton Senna has won the race more times than any other driver, with six victories in the period 1989 to 1993, followed by England’s Graham Hill with five wins.
The race is staged around the narrow, winding streets of Monte Carlo. The main attraction of the Monaco Grand Prix is the proximity of the speeding Formula One cars to the race spectators. The twisting 77-lap 2.08 mile circuit offers incalculable opportunities for spectators to witness the thrill of screaming engines, smoking tires and the genius of the drivers over the 260-kilometre race on a course that allows no margin for error.
The circuit is laid out through the city streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine, passing along the seafront of the famous harbor. Several grandstands are set up around the course. The largest is the K grandstand with a panoramic view over the harbour and the race course along the seafront area especially from the higher seats. A giant screen is visible from this grandstand.
SeaDream is offering the following optional race package:
A numbered seat in the upper levels of the K stand.
Guided assistance to walk you from the yacht’s tender location in Monaco’s Fontvieille yacht harbor to the grandstand entrance (approximately 20-25 minute walk).
A copy of the official race program.
SeaDream boxed lunch.
Ear plugs!
The race is due to start at 2:00pm and lasts approximately 2 - 2 1/2 hours. Due to large crowds that attend this unique event anually, you may have to leave the SeaDream yacht early.
Reservations for the SeaDream race package are on a “first come, first served” basis. Seating in the “K” stand is in heavy demand. SeaDream makes no guarantee that seats can be secured on receipt of your reservation form. If the K stand is unavailable, SeaDream will attempt to offer an alternative location.
Payment must accompany the booking form. No refunds can be made once your reservation is made, unless the grandstand tickets can be re-sold onboard prior to the race.
Seating in the grandstands is not covered. Please dress for the weather with appropriate sun protection and perhaps a disposable raincoat. Umbrellas and large bags are firmly discouraged.
Refreshments and snacks are available from concession stands and toilets are located under the grandstand. If vacating your seat, you must take your ticket with you.
Once you’ve reserved your stateroom aboard voyage #11221, please contact SeaDream for a race package reservation form.
This adventure is extremely limited and has the potential to sell out very quickly.
April 4, 2012 by adannunzio
BRIDES Magazine’s BEST HONEYMOONS 2012 names the best resorts, cities, islands and cruise lines for your big getaway. The article appears in the April 2012 issue on news stands now.
SeaDream is named in the list of top Cruise Lines, with only four others. It reads: “Less cruise ship and more yacht, this intimate line offers voyages for no more than 112 passengers-with crews of 95. Staterooms come with sitting areas and personalized stationary; seadream.com.
April 2, 2012 by adannunzio
SeaDream Yacht Club’s 112 guest SeaDream II, which sails Caribbean voyages November through April departing primarily from San Juan & St. Thomas, earned a near perfect score of 99 on its most recent United States Public Health (U.S.P.H.) inspection. To earn a 99 score (100 being perfect), cruise ships must receive perfect marks on all 42 items that comprise the U.S. Public Health Service’s comprehensive Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) checklist. The unannounced inspections, which are conducted twice a year and required for any cruise ship with an international itinerary calling at a U.S. port, evaluate vessels in a wide variety of areas, including adherence to proper food handling, preparation and storage procedures, and overall galley cleanliness. Ships’ potable water supplies used in spas and pools are evaluated, as well.
March 27, 2012 by adannunzio
Last month, SeaDream’s Executive Chef, Gilles de Cambourg hosted a special “by invitation only” dinner at the exclusive, Pacific City Club in Bangkok, Thailand. The Chef presented an eight-course menu featuring some of the most popular dishes from SeaDream’s Menu Dégustation.
Richard Jones, SeaDream’s Business and Development Director for Asia was in attendance. He was pleased to not only present guests with a lovely dinner but also to introduce them to the concept of yachting with SeaDream Yacht Club.
The menu for the evening:
L’Oeuf Poule au Caviar Surprise
Steamed Lobster on Marinated King Crab Tartar with Orange Dressing and Herb Phyllo Crisp
Cream of Pumpkin Soup with Tarragon and Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Pear Sorbet with Hibiscus
Pan fried Sea Bass Fillet with Grilled Zucchini, Wild Mushroom Risotto and Truffle-Olive Oil Jus
or
Chateaubriand of Beef with Gaufrette Napoleon Potato, Green Asparagus and Sauce Pays d´Auge
Warm Morbier Cheese on Seaweed Brioche Bread with Caramelized Mix Berries
Grand Marnier Soufflé with crème Fraîche Ice Cream
Homemade Petits-Fours and Chocolate Truffles
March 22, 2012 by adannunzio
Where dreams at sea come true
Those who have traveled on SeaDream understand the special atmosphere that exists on board, with guests and crew alike referring to their stay as being a home from home.
Indeed, with so many guests returning year after year and crew who work season after season, there is a distinctly family atmosphere to be found, whichever vessel you travel on.
And the family feeling is exactly what two of our SeaDream I crew members decided to create recently in the far reaches of Thailand as Executive Chef, Gilles from Brittany and Spa therapist, Tima from Thailand tied the knot, cementing a relationship that began almost as soon as they embarked on their SeaDream careers.
Gilles and Tima joined the crew of SeaDream I in mid-2007 and quickly found each other at their first crew party – or rather, photos were being taken and they found themselves in the same frame. Away from the camera and the party, Gilles quickly found they had much to talk about. Both being new to SeaDream they had much in common with a desire and passion to see the world and the fantastic places SeaDream visits. This, according to Gilles, helped the romance blossom: “Working in the same place and seeing countries together, coupled with the atmosphere created between the crew on SeaDream, certainly helped us develop a bond.”
Tima joined the SeaDream crew after training in her native Thailand and working in the Maldives, and Gilles helped make her feel at home on board. “It was wonderful being on board and having someone make feel so special.”
After knowing each other and working aboard SeaDream for five years, the happy couple finally took the next step and got married in the picturesque Thai town of Kanchanaburi in January 2012. The town is best known as the setting for the famous 1957 Hollywood movie Bridge Over the River Kwai, starring William Holden, Jack Hawkins and Alec Guinness. The Oscar winning movie depicted the story of allied prisoners of war who were who used to build a railway from Thailand to Burma. Keeping the French-Thai connection, the film was based on a book by French author Pierre Boulle, so the town provided the perfect setting for the couple to tie the knot.
Gilles and Tima are by no means the first couple to meet their dream partner at sea, with a host of other couples finding love on board. At SeaDream, we are now wondering who the next couple will be?
March 20, 2012 by adannunzio
Turkish Delight
The Turkish Riviera (also known as the Turquoise Coast) has a comfortable climate, warm sea, more than a thousand kilometers of shoreline along the Aegean and Mediterranean, and abundant natural and archeological points of interest. This coastline is the home of scholars, saints, warriors, kings, and heroes, as well as the site of numerous well-known myths. For these reasons, this stretch of Turkey’s coast is a popular national and international globetrotter destination.
Turkey is such an incredible blend of cultures and history. In fact is has 10 properties inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Turkey truly has something for everyone; Mediterranean cuisine, hamams (Turkish baths), history, awe inspiring architecture, mosques, museums, beaches and more. In 2012, SeaDream calls on the following Turkish ports;
Antalya: With its narrow cobbled streets of historic Ottoman era houses, the old center of Antalya has been restored to retain much of its historical character.
Bodrum: Once a tiny fishing port, you’ll see why it’s become a vacation paradise; perfect climate, natural beauty, magnificent history and a bustling nightlife.
Demre: Known as the ancient city of Myra, its home to the earliest church of St. Nicholas (the original Santa Claus), built in the 6th century. Myra has some of the most impressive and well preserved ruins in all of Turkey.
Dikili: This picturesque, popular summer resort is famous for its thermal springs. Of historical interest is the Merkez Mosque, a rare example of a wooden construction dating from 1789 and built without using any nails.
Fethiye: Famous for its water in brilliant shades of turquoise and aquamarine, it is frequently rated among the top 5 beaches in the world by travelers and tourism journals alike.
Göcek: This is a popular destination for yachtsmen. Its secluded bay is protected from over development and remains a peaceful, quiet settlement with lovely restaurants and cafés along the promenade
Istanbul: The city’s abundance of important historic buildings and exciting new art galleries and museums provides visitors with more than enough to see. For first time visitor’s, no trip is complete without seeing Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome.
Izmir: The ancient city known asSmyrna and is one of the oldest settlements of the Mediterranean basin. Epic poet Homer (9th century B.C), the author of “the Iliad” and “The Odyssey” was born in Izmir.
Kepez: Is the location of perhaps the most moving site in all of Turkey: the World War I battlefields of Gallipoli. Equally interesting, is the option to explore one of the most famous ancient sites in the world, the archaeological site of Troy.
Kusadasi: Tour the magnificent archaeological site of Ephesus including the Terrace Houses and the House of the Virgin Mary. You may also visit the stunning sites of; Priene, best known for its 4th-century Athena Temple; the ancient city of Miletus, and Didyma, home of theTemple ofApollo built in 560 BC.
Date Embark Port Debark Port
SDII Jun 9-16 Athens (Piraeus), Greece Athens (Piraeus), Greece
SDII Jun 23-30 Athens (Piraeus), Greece Istanbul, Turkey
SDII Jun 30 – Jul 8 Istanbul, Turkey Athens (Piraeus), Greece
SDII Jul 8 -14 Athens (Piraeus), Greece Athens (Piraeus), Greece
SDI Sep 1-11 Athens (Piraeus), Greece Istanbul, Turkey
SDI Sep 22- 29 Istanbul, Turkey Athens(Piraeus), Greece
SDI Sep 29- Oct 6 Athens (Piraeus), Greece Athens (Piraeus), Greece
SDI Oct 6 – 13 Athens (Piraeus), Greece Athens (Piraeus), Greece
March 16, 2012 by adannunzio
Pastry Chef, Garfield Anderson…. and his Chocolat au Fondant
When SeaDream I Pastry Chef, Garfield Anderson was a child growing up inIreland he liked to help his mother with the family cooking. “It was a passion that just never went away,” he says today. He also decided early on that he would be a traveler. “I wanted to go around the world,” he says, and to date he has been around it seven times. “The sea bug got me,” he adds.
Garfield Anderson was born in Portadown, Northern Ireland. As a catering student at Portadown College he received high honors. In fact, upon graduation he was awarded a bronze medal from the city and it’s Guilds Institute. Garfield then attended Belfast College of Technology where he studied food preparation, including advanced baking and pastry design.
In 1989 when offered a position on the Cunard liner QE2, wanderlust struck and he took advantage of it. Rising through the ranks, he eventually held the posts of Chief Baker and Chief Pastry Chef. For a period, he left the sea and returned to the UK where he worked in various bakers’ positions. Garfield joined SeaDream Yacht Club as Pastry Chef for SeaDream I in 2001. “What I really enjoy about SeaDream is the ability to create my own dessert menu,” Garfield says. What is his favorite dessert creation? “Chocolat au Fondant” he responds quickly. For those SeaDreamers whose taste buds are jangling at the very thought of Chocolat au Fondant, here is the recipe;
Chocolat au Fondant
Ingredients
180 grams Baker’s Chocolate
180 grams butter
4 eggs
125 grams granulated sugar
140 grams sifted white flour
Dash of vanilla essence
Method
Melt chocolate and butter together over low heat.
Whisk eggs, sugar and vanilla essence together and add the chocolate mixture.
Fold in flour and mix thoroughly.
Pour into buttered ramekins.
Bake in 375 degree oven for 15 minutes.
Turn out the Fondant on plates and serve with vanilla ice cream.
March 15, 2012 by adannunzio
The Greek Islands are perhaps the most magical collection of islands anywhere in the world. Where else do you find such an irresistible combination of ancient history and sheer beauty? The landscape is a beguiling mix of sea and mountain. It is here that you’ll discover a balanced blend of ancient wonders, sun-soaked beaches, lively clubs, serene seaside taverns, exceptional shops and delicious cuisine.
The azure Aegean waters have long been a playground for sailboats and motor yachts from around the world. Few travel experiences compare to a holiday in the Greek Islands. Join SeaDream May through October 2012 as we visit (17) different Greek ports! Greece lifted their cabotage law, meaning non-Greek flagged vessels may now sail a voyage consisting only of Greek ports. SeaDream has several round trip Piraeus (Athens).
We call on the “famous”Greek Island ssuch as Mykonos, with its unique white cube Cycladic architecture set around a picturesque fishing-village. It’s a labyrinth of narrow, stone streets lined with fabulous shops, delicious cafes, clubs and art galleries. Santorini is another well-known, must see. Sculpted by intense volcanic activity, the gleaming white villages of Oia and Fira crown the black rock crater like glistening jewels.
Historically speaking, few islands rival Rhodes, located in the easternAegean Sea. The Old Town of Rhodes, behind its impressive walls and moats, is one of the most important medieval sites inEurope. SeaDream’s walking tour will take guests in to medieval Rhodes visiting the most impressive Palace of the Grand Masters.
SeaDream has also discovered the charms of several islands that have kept tourism to a more sedate scale. For example, easygoing Hydra with its crescent-shaped harbor, around which is centered a strand of restaurants, shops, markets, and galleries The charm of Hydra town certainly lies in her rich history, beautiful port and waterfront unspoiled by motorized vehicles.
Several voyages include the rare opportunity to transit the Corinth Canal. This canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It is 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) in length and only 21.3 meters (70 feet) wide, making it too narrow and impassable for most modern ships. When SeaDream makes her way through its quite breathtaking.
SeaDream’s 2012 Greek Voyages
Embark Date Voyage # Duration Embark Port Debark Port
5/30/2012 21217B 10-nights Venice Piraeus (Athens)
6/9/2012 21218A 7-nights Piraeus (Athens) Piraeus (Athens)
6/16/2012 21218B 7-nights Piraeus (Athens) Piraeus (Athens)
6/23/2012 21219A 7-nights Piraeus (Athens) Istanbul
7/8/2012 21221B 6-nights Piraeus (Athens) Piraeus (Athens)
7/14/2012 21221D 7-nights Civitavecchia (Rome) Civitavecchia (Rome)
7/21/2012 11228 7-nights Dubrovnik Piraeus (Athens)
8/25/2012 11233 7-nights Civitavecchia (Rome) Piraeus (Athens)
9/1/2012 11234 10-nights Piraeus (Athens) Istanbul
9/29/2012 11237 7-nights Piraeus (Athens) Piraeus (Athens)
10/6/2012 11238 7-nights Piraeus (Athens) Piraeus (Athens)
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