Latest Sustainability News | July 01, 2024

SeaDream Yacht Club Completes Shore Power Upgrade

As the first luxury cruise line, SeaDream Yacht Club has upgraded its entire fleet with shore power connectivity. With the installation of the advanced shore power technology, both SeaDream yachts can turn off their engines and reduce emissions to zero in ports that offer shore power facilities.

“This is an important milestone and a significant step in our journey to more sustainable cruising,” said Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream Yacht Club.

SeaDream II completed the upgrade last fall, while SeaDream I successfully underwent the upgrade during a recent yard stay at Naval Rocha Yard in Lisbon, Portugal. The upgrades make SeaDream Yacht Club the first luxury cruise line to retrofit its entire fleet with shore power connectivity. 

This summer, both SeaDream yachts will explore yachting harbors of the Mediterranean, including Greek Isles and the French and Italian Rivieras, before transiting to the Caribbean for the 2024/25 winter season. 

“Visiting some of the most beautiful destinations on the planet comes with a responsibility. We are committed to having a positive impact in the communities and destinations we visit. Our employees, our guests, and our partners are all an important part of our ambition to inspire more sustainable travel,” said Brynestad.

Complete Yacht Upgrade

The drydock of SeaDream I also marked the final step in a full keel-to-mast upgrade of SeaDream’s twin yachts. The 10+ million-dollar project includes upgrades of all suites, staterooms, public areas, and open deck spaces on both yachts.

Featuring new and modern décor, while retaining the intimate luxury of the SeaDream yachts, the upgrades include enhanced stateroom space, and luxurious lounging spaces such as the open deck area forward on Deck 6, featuring hammocks, a golf simulator, plush sun loungers, and two new couples’ hot tubs with unobstructed views. 

The project also saw SeaDream’s signature marinas expanded by adding the first and only water slide on a cruise ship to take you directly from ship to sea. 

During the spring drydock, SeaDream I upgraded the panoramic gym, as well as the sauna, and the SeaDream Spa – the only Thai-certified spa at sea.

Small Scale Makes Big Impact

Since founding modern yacht cruising in 2001, SeaDream Yacht Club has shaped and defined boutique cruising as the antithesis of mass tourism. The recent upgrade of shore power capabilities marks the latest in a decades-long commitment to sustainability in luxury travel. 

SeaDream’s yachting itineraries are optimized for slower speed and lower fuel consumption, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions compared to traditional cruises.

SeaDream was the first luxury cruise line to ban the use of cheap, polluting heavy fuel oil (HFO). Since 2013, the company has powered its yachts with lighter, less polluting fuel, significantly reducing emissions. 

More than a decade ago, SeaDream Yacht Club was the first cruise line to introduce a full plant-based menu. Offering the widest selection of plant-based alternatives at sea, as well as sourcing more goods locally and minimizing food waste, substantially contributes to a reduced carbon footprint.

SeaDream Yacht Club was the first luxury cruise line to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastic across the fleet, replacing plastic items with more sustainable options or removing single-use items altogether.

  

All SeaDream guests receive a personalized glass bottle, which can be refilled at water stations across the yachts, significantly reducing the number of plastic water bottles. In addition, biodegradable, organic luxury bath amenities from Elm Organics Norway are available in all staterooms and suites.

All SeaDream Yacht Club voyages include late-night departures, often with overnight stays, aiming to maximize time spent in port for deeper cultural immersion and enhance local value creation for local communities and businesses.