The top three seagoing passenger vessels in the world according to the 2009 edition of the Berlitz Guide are SeaDream I, SeaDream II (and scoring a bit higher) Europa, a cruise ship operating primarily for the German speaking market.
In the book Ward makes this point: “There really is no best cruise line in the world or best cruise ship--- only the ship and cruise that is right for you. After all, it’s the overall enjoyment of a cruise as a vacation that’s really important. Therefore, different criteria are applied to ships of different sizes, styles and market segments throughout the world (people of different nationalities seek different things in their vacations.)”
The 2009 edition of Douglas Ward’s highly-regarded, independent cruise industry bible, named SeaDream I and II as the tops in its Five Star Club winning out over a field of 20 contenders. Europa was rated Five Stars Plus.
Commenting on this feat, Atle Brynestad, SeaDream’s Owner and Chairman, said “This is truly an amazing honor for us. We are delighted that we have rated so spectacularly once again in this world-renowned guide by the passenger shipping expert Douglas Ward. We thank him and his publishers but we also want to point out that this honor is due to a total team effort. Not only are our shipboard officers and staff responsible for this, but also our SeaDream colleagues in all of our offices ashore. We have an incredible band of SeaDream colleagues and they should be saluted for their extraordinary work.”
Douglas Ward’s objective evaluations of passenger vessels come from predetermined criteria that include scores for the quality of the ship, its accommodations, cuisine, service, entertainment and overall cruise experience. (Please note that while Europa has an elaborate entertainment program and received 90 out of a possible 100 points for entertainment, SeaDream---which believes in the yachting concept whereby guest are able to entertain themselves---received no score in the entertainment category.)
In his review of the SeaDream mega-yacht cruisers Ward makes these comments:
Overview: “The two SeaDream ships really are the ultimate exclusive boutique vessels---like having your own private yacht in which hospitality, anticipation and personal recognition are an art form practiced to a high level.”
Suitable For: The SeaDreams (SeaDream I and II) are best suited to sophisticated, independent and well-traveled couples…”
Cuisine: “The SeaDream Yacht Club experience is really all about dining. The ships will not disappoint, and culinary excellence prevails. Only the freshest and finest quality ingredients are used in the best culinary artistry.”
Service: “Fine, unhurried European service is provided.”
Spa/Fitness: “the holistic approach to well-being plays a big part (on SeaDream yachts) in relaxation and body pampering…”
Pimentel concluded: “SeaDream Yacht Club has received many awards, honors and accolades for the years---either rated at the very top of the scale or scoring in the top percentile---the Berlitz awards are perhaps the best indication of our excellence.”
