But it’s not the size that matters for SeaDream Yacht Club’s loyal and repeat customers, with only a maximum 112 passengers occupying 56 ocean-view staterooms.

Add top-notch service from the award-winning crew of 95 and gastronomic cuisine that could grace some of the fine dining restaurants in Paris – and it’s easy to see why the two yachts, as SeaDream Yacht Club prefers them to be known, attract the upper echelon who like to be seen and every whim pampered.

The boarding procedure on SeaDream 1 in Monte Carlo was as good as it gets – a no-fuss operation with no queues. And a bottle of champagne (French, of course), on ice in every stateroom.

Unlike the mega liners crammed with thousands of passengers, there are no nightly entertainment extravaganzas on board the SeaDream yachts, but who needs them when you can gorge on black Russian caviar (during a Mediterranean season, SeaDreamers consume around a 100 kilograms) and some other tasty morsels over pre-dinner drinks and then choose from an extensive dinner menu. And it’s simply yachting smart-casual with no need ever for jackets, ties or formal gowns.

Afterwards, it’s off to sing and dance to the music in the piano bar – or the ‘Top of the Yacht’ bar –  where ever-attentive staff will show off their cocktail skills.

Back at your spacious stateroom – with flat screen TV, DVD and CD – the house (sea) maids are not to be outdone by the waiters with their delightful towel arrangements of animals in the form of elephants and turtles – not to mention the bombardment of fresh towels and designer toiletries.

On other decks, there’s a golf simulator with 30 international courses to tackle, a gymnasium with state-of-the-art equipment, Asian spa, outdoor massage, beauty salon, a boutique, well-stocked library with internet and casino. In port – depending on the water conditions – you have the use of mountain bikes, kayaks, Zodiacs for water skiing, snorkel gear and a banana boat. For the less energetic, passengers can accompany the executive chef ashore to sample local delicacies.  

After leaving Monte Carlo, SeaDream 1 headed for St Tropez, Cassis, Bonifacio in Corsica, Portoferraio on the island of Elba, Portovenere (from where you can visit Cinque Terre – five picturesque villages of pastel-coloured houses and terraced vineyards, which cling to the Ligurian cliffs on the west coast of Italy) and, finally, the stylish resort of Portofino. You can either take an escorted tour ashore or explore on your own.

On the last morning, it’s back to Monte Carlo after seven magical days and 662 nautical miles (1226 kilometres) aboard SeaDream 1.

Official motto: ‘It’s yachting, not cruising – enjoy the difference’.

Email enquiries to info@seadream.com or visit www.seadream.com.