SeaDream Yacht Club

SeaDream's motto is that this is yachting, not cruising, and the distinction is fair. The twin vessels are closer in scale to a large private motor yacht than to any ship, and the days follow a yacht's rhythm: a morning at anchor off a small island, a marina platform lowered at the stern for swimming, sailing and paddleboarding, and a late departure after dinner ashore.

Much of life takes place outdoors. Meals are served on deck whenever the weather allows, and Balinese daybeds on the top deck can be made up for a night under the stars. The crew is large for the number of guests, and learns names and habits within a day. In the Caribbean, a beach barbecue with champagne and caviar served in the surf is a long-standing ritual.