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Linda Coffman

 

Cruise Diva's CRUISE DIARY
~ SEADREAM II ~

Caribbean Yachting Adventure

Friday—Jost van Dyke, BVI

SeaDream I

Mirror, mirror...
Perched atop SeaDream II's Dream Beds with our "early riser's coffee" and freshly squeezed juice, we noticed a ship approaching. A really familiar looking ship. It was like seeing our yacht in a giant sea-going mirror. Or was it a mirage? Or some weird Bermuda triangle sort of occurrence? None of the above—it was SeaDream I. As she came alongside, the sister ships saluted one another as crew members and passengers (at least those of us who were up at 7am) waved.

Jost van Dyke beach party

And what was a non-morning person such as I doing up that early? Quite simply, I was looking forward to the day ashore—relaxing under a shady palm tree, the beach barbeque, and, especially, the "SeaDream Champagne & Caviar Splash"!

Our crew began the process of taking everything ashore as soon as SeaDream II anchored. Then it was our turn to make the transfer in zodiacs via the stern watersports platform. Sliding out of a zodiac for a "wet landing" at the White Bay beach wasn't terribly difficult, especially with the assistance of waiters already in the surf. Their task was a bit more complicated as they balanced trays of welcome-ashore Rum Punch and Painkillers to greet us.

"Champagne & Caviar Splash"

Chefs were already hard at work preparing a tantalizing luncheon as spa therapists stood by to offer guests a 'Massage Under the Palms'... then, the pièce de résistance—the "SeaDream Champagne & Caviar Splash," followed by lunch.

For those who wished to do a bit of exploring, local guides were on hand to offer island tours on all-terrain vehicles.

What more could we possibly ask for? Not a lot, but there is the infamous Foxy's, a watering hole in Great Harbour known by sailors throughout the Caribbean. In the past, SeaDream guests have hiked there to work up an appetite, but it's not a morning kind of place. Stopping by Foxy's has become so popular that SeaDream II repositioned after dinner so we could tender ashore and check out the action.

He said: Our yacht spends more time in port, offering the opportunity to see more than just the highlights of each island.

She said: Plus, Captain Anderssen has the flexibility to alter the itinerary. Between our beach party and the revelers at Foxy's, the population of Jost van Dyke (only about 150 residents) must have TRIPLED for the day!

Saturday—Virgin Gorda, BVI

Bitter End Yacht Club

After an early morning stop at Spanish Town to debark guests on tour, SeaDream II repositioned to North Sound, Virgin Gorda where the rest of us were afforded the use of facilities at the exclusive Bitter End Yacht Club.

Aptly named, our cruise was also coming to the "bitter end" and, after a final afternoon of water sports activities from the stern platform of SeaDream II, it was time to take care of the business of packing. Taking a break at The Top of the Yacht Bar, Mel wondered... "The bar has a blender, I wonder if the bartender can make a chocolate milkshake." Yes, he could and he did. Wishes, as well as dreams can come true.

Later, Captain Anderssen bid us farewell during cocktails in the Main Salon. Guests toasted him and his staff with a well-deserved standing ovation.

A final dinner and cocktails with new friends... we all hate to leave.


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Photographs: © M. D. Coffman


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