SeaDream Yacht Club’s first Norway voyage sailed from Oslo on Saturday becoming, perhaps, the world’s first ocean cruise line to resume international operations.

SeaDream had initially planned to sail with one ship, SeaDream I, for nine voyages. After the first cruises started quickly selling out, SeaDream II was added, raising departures to 21.

Size matters

Thanks to their size, SeaDream’s 112-passenger superyachts are able to quickly adapt their itineraries to comply with government regulations. SeaDream chose Norway this summer for its extremely low incidence of COVID-19, and the destinations were hand-picked by SeaDream CEO and Founder Atle Brynestad.

The ships also visit Skagen in Denmark.

SeaDream’s almost 1:1 crew to guest ratio allows them to provide a luxurious experience while also protecting health and safety. The pause in operations was an opportunity for the crew to hone their skills, rejuvenate the yachts and complete the World Health Organization’s official COVID-19 course for hygiene procedures and infection management.

Good news to the industry as a whole

‘Our preparation has paid off as we are able to maintain the experience of luxury on board while ensuring everyone’s health, comfort and safety,’ EVP Andreas Brynestad said. ‘Everyone around the world has been affected by the health crisis. This historic moment feels like good news not just to our team, but our industry as a whole.’

(Seatrade)