SeaDream Yacht Club vs Emerald Yacht Cruises: Which to choose?

Ships: Emerald Yacht Cruises

Emerald Cruises expanded into the ocean cruising space more recently, having made their name in river cruising. Their new-build sister yachts Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara launched in 2022 and 2023 respectively, showcasing a sleek silhouette which looks more akin to a private super-yacht. Accommodating a maximum of 100 guests each, the yachts are thoughtfully designed with a contemporary and elegant style, and guests will enjoy attentive service from the crew of 75.

A third innovative yacht will join the fleet in 2026, Emerald Kaia, which has the same modern elegance as the first two vessels but represents an exciting evolution, with a larger guest capacity of 128 and reimagined onboard spaces.

Dining on SeaDream Yacht Club

Despite the yachts' small size, you can expect a wide-ranging menu of culinary delights, prepared by expert chefs, and complimented by wines chosen by the resident sommeliers. Cuisine incorporates local flavours of the region as well as 'always available' favourites, plus plant-based menus and options to accommodate other dietary preferences and requirements.

All meals are included in the fare, and you can choose to dine indoors in the Dining Salon or al fresco, plus you can enjoy SeaDream's signature dessert extravaganza, poolside sandwiches, hors d'oeuvres and more. The al fresco Topside Restaurant offers a relaxed spot for breakfast, lunch, and select dinners.

Dining on Emerald Yacht Cruises

On board the Emerald yachts you can enjoy open dining in a relaxed and elegant setting. La Cucina Dining offers buffet-style breakfasts and lunches, with a la carte offerings in the evening. Expert chefs will create dishes with locally sourced ingredients, inspired by the destination, and the adjoining Terrace allows you to dine al fresco. For light bites during the day, head to the Aqua Pool Café for sandwiches, gelato, and coffee.

Exclusive to Emerald Kaia and carrying an additional charge, the Night Market Grill is an intimate venue for just eight guests to enjoy an Asian-inspired meal where the chef prepares dishes in front of you.

Rooms & Suites on SeaDream Yacht Club

Guest accommodations on board SeaDream I and II were completely renovated in 2022 and offer a comfortable, well-designed space with ocean views from either porthole or picture windows. The Yacht Club Staterooms on decks two and three feature 195 square feet of space with a seating area, writing desk, bathroom with multi-jet shower, flat-screen TV, and luxury bath robes and slippers. Two Yacht Club Staterooms can also be combined to create a Commodore Suite, offering twice the space and amenities.

If you prefer a spacious home from home, the Admiral's Suite offers 375 square feet of space with three picture windows, separate bedroom with en suite bathroom featuring shower and bathtub, and a comfortable living and dining area. Alternatively, the generously sized Owner's Suite boasts 447 square feet of space with a separate master bedroom, expansive living area, and ample storage. The SeaDream yachting experience is all about the outdoors so don't be put off by the window-only staterooms, as the entire yacht becomes your own personal verandah.

Rooms & suites on Emerald Yacht Cruises

Fifty guest staterooms and suites grace Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, and there is a surprising variety from which to choose. All boast a sleek and contemporary style, decorated in neutral colours with modern fixtures and fittings, and luxury ESPA bath amenities. Oceanview staterooms begin at 182 square feet and are located on deck 3 of the yacht, with a king-sized bed, modern bathroom with shower, and a picture window. If you prefer a private balcony, opt for a Balcony Suite situated on decks 4 and 5, or a Deluxe Balcony Suite which is larger in size at 382 square feet, with a separate bedroom and lounge.

If a large outdoor area is a must, the light-filled Terrace Suites at the aft of deck 5 offer an expansive dual aspect private terrace or the similarly designed and located Yacht Suites on deck 4 boast more space including a walk-in wardrobe. The epitome of luxury comes in the form of the two Owner's Suites each boasting over 1,100 square feet of space including a large private terrace, modern bathroom with shower and bathtub, and separate living and dining area.

The new Emerald Kaia has 64 suites, most of them larger in size than their counterparts on board the sister yachts, and the Owner's Suite design has been enhanced to include a spa pool on the private terrace.

Onboard activities & facilities on SeaDream Yacht Club

The SeaDream experience is a true lifestyle, and you will quickly become accustomed to this special way of travelling. Where conditions and regulations allow, the onboard water sports marina platform offers the chance to get out on the ocean with snorkelling equipment, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, jet skis and more. Other active pursuits include daily morning yoga on deck and SeaDream's Golf Simulator if you wish to practice your swing, plus the use of the onboard fitness centre. For rest and relaxation, visit the only Thai-certified spa at sea where you can enjoy massages and beauty treatments, take a dip in the saltwater swimming pool and hot tubs, or browse the onboard library.

Evening entertainment is relaxed and low-key with regular live guitar or piano music, and there is a small casino on board. A special experience on warm evenings is SeaDream's 'Starlit Movies' during which the pool deck becomes an open-air cinema, or head up to the Sun Deck where upon request the Balinese Dream Beds can be transformed with luxurious bed linens to enable you to sleep under the stars.

Onboard activities & facilities on Emerald Yacht Cruises

Emerald's state-of-the-art marina platform on each of their yachts offers complimentary use of water toys including stand-up paddleboards, floating mats, SEABOB water scooters, a water trampoline and more, subject to conditions, plus you can swim and snorkel straight from the marina when the yacht is anchored in certain locations. Exclusively on Emerald Kaia, there is a water slide and a dedicated Marina Lounge. As part of Emerald's wellness facilities, you can enjoy the onboard gym, with classes led by the dedicated wellness coach, or relax in the infrared sauna. The salon offers beauty treatments, and the Elements Spa is a relaxing sanctuary for a massage or facial.

Light evening entertainment in the form of live music often graces the main lounge, and you will find a small boutique for any gifts or souvenirs.

Bars & socialising on SeaDream Yacht Club

The yacht's small size lends itself well to getting to know your fellow guests and you will find the SeaDream experience to be inherently social. The Top of the Yacht bar is a popular spot for meeting new and old friends, catching up over a drink, and enjoying the sea breeze and views. This social hub is open from morning to evening, and you can enjoy early risers coffee or a nightcap here.

During a leisurely day spent on deck, swing by the Pool Bar for a refreshing drink or an expertly made cocktail, and as day turns to night, head to the Piano Bar to enjoy live music and request your favourite song.

Bars & socialising on Emerald Yacht Cruises

On board the Emerald yachts you will find plenty of areas to relax, enjoy a drink, or socialise with your fellow guests. On warm evenings, the Sky Bar is an expansive open-air space on the top deck, perfect for enjoying the sunset with a cocktail. The Amici Bar and Lounge is a central hub on deck three, near the restaurant and a popular pre-dinner meeting point, and this is also the venue for briefings to learn about the next day's plans, plus light entertainment.

The intimate Observation Lounge offers a serene sanctuary to relax with a book, play a game, or track the yacht's route, and the adjacent terrace is perfect for taking photographs as you sail through picturesque landscapes.

Itineraries & Shore Excursions on SeaDream Yacht Club

SeaDream's yachts come into their own in the Caribbean, where they spend winter hopping between sun-soaked isles and hidden bays, visiting lesser-travelled gems only accessible by small ship. In summer you will find the yachts in Europe, sailing the French and Italian Rivieras and Greek Isles, benefitting from being small enough to transit the narrow Corinth Canal. In summer 2025 and 2026, SeaDream II spends time in Northern Europe including the spectacular Norwegian Fjords.

Shore excursions are not included but can be pre-booked in advance of travel for an additional cost, and there will often be complimentary crew-led activities such as hikes in certain ports of call, and independent use of the onboard bicycles. Don't miss SeaDream's 'Champagne and Caviar Splash' event during Caribbean voyages: an exclusive beach barbecue with luxurious refreshments served in the surf.

Itineraries & Shore Excursions on Emerald Yacht Cruises

Emerald's yachts winter in the Caribbean, visiting the Grenadines, Leeward Isles and Windward Isles, and in summer you will find them right at home with the super yachts of the French Riviera, as well as sailing Greece, Italy, and the Adriatic coast. In 2026 and 2027, new yacht Emerald Kaia sails the beautiful Seychelles, as well as visiting ancient wonders in Egypt and Jordan.

Emerald often offers at least one complimentary excursion per voyage, depending on the destination, and a selection of excursions which can be purchased for an additional cost, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the destination. EmeraldPLUS events are exclusive experiences such as a beach barbecue with a live band in the Caribbean, or a musical performance in Europe.

What's included with SeaDream Yacht Club

• All meals including dinner under the stars or in the lavish dining room
• Drinks including champagne and select premium brands
• Use of the onboard marina including water toys and snorkelling gear
• Bicycles to use ashore
• Champagne and caviar beach barbeque in the Caribbean
• Gratuities

What's included with Emerald Yacht Cruises

• All meals
• Beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks
• Complimentary WiFi
• Use of the onboard marina platform and water toys
• Selected excursions in key ports
• Return economy class flights from London and overseas airport transfers. *Conditions apply

• All taxes and gratuities