SeaDream Yacht Club, which currently operates two small sailing cruise ships, has announced plans to add a third, larger vessel to its fleet in 2029. This decision comes amid rapid market growth and takes into account the fact that the company’s two existing ships have already been in service for 42 years.
The company announced on 1 September that bookings are now open for the inaugural voyage of the *SeaDream III*, which is due to depart from Hong Kong on 10 July 2029. An extensive itinerary has been presented for the ship's debut year, taking the new vessel from the Far East to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, India, Arabia, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. It will then cross the Atlantic in autumn 2030, reaching Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. SeaDream's first round-the-world cruise, a 180-day voyage concluding in London, is scheduled to begin on 5 January 2031.
The vessel is currently in the design phase, according to SeaDream's statement to The Maritime Executive. It will be built by China Merchants Cruise Shipbuilding, in collaboration with European technical and engineering suppliers. The new ship is expected to have a gross tonnage of 16,500, compared to 4,333 for the current vessels
Many details about the new ship have not yet been revealed. But it is known that it will accommodate 230 passengers. This is up from the 112 carried by the current ships. It will measure 151 meters in length. It will also have a crew of approximately 200. SeaDream emphasizes that it will "remain true to the principles that define" its operations. These include an intimate, yacht-like atmosphere and personalized service.
The company has noted that there will be a wider variety of passenger accommodation. However, unlike other luxury ships, which focus on suites with private balconies, 20 of the cabins on the new ship will not have balconies.
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SeaDream I and SeaDream II pioneered the modern ultra-luxury cruise ship category. Introduced in 1984 and 1985 as Sea Goddess I and Sea Goddess II, respectively, they have operated under several different names over the years. Over the course of more than 40 years, they have operated under Cunard, Royal Viking Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, and, finally, SeaDream Yacht Club. By focusing on a yacht-style experience, these two vessels have cultivated a loyal clientele and a niche following; they were most recently refurbished in 2023 and 2024.
In 2019, SeaDream revealed its plans to construct its inaugural new cruise ship, entering into an agreement with the Damen shipyard for a 155-metre-long, Polar Class 6 vessel. Initially scheduled to enter service in September 2021, the order was cancelled just a few months later
Source: Shipping Italy.
#Damen shipyard #SeaDream I, SeaDream II, SeaDream Yacht Club sailing cruise ships, SeaDream Sea Goddess I, new cruise ship Royal Viking Line
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