Private charters (individuals and corporations) make up about 25 per cent of SeaDream’s worldwide business mix. And it’s hoping to boost that figure next year.

“We’ve enjoyed a whole-of-ship charter from Australia every year since opening representation here in 2003,” said a SeaDream spokesman. “We also have an increasing number of small groups of friends and business acquaintances travelling together for which SeaDream provides an ideal, intimate yacht-like ambience.”

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

During free-seating dinners – either on deck or in the plush dining room (depending on the weather) – a sommelier serves up a variety of fine French, Italian or Spanish wines, while waiters fuss around with attention to detail their priority.

Afterwards, it’s off to sing and dance to Sammy’s music in the piano bar or the ‘Top of the Yacht’ bar, where chief bartender Xander will show off his skill making cocktails such as a ‘Painkiller’or ‘Mai Tai’. If fact, you can have a cocktail or French champagne – or anything else alcoholic – for free any time of day or night almost anywhere on the yacht – apart from the bridge.

Back at your spacious stateroom with its king-size bed, flat screen TV, DVD and CD, the house (sea) maids are not to be outdone by the waiters, making up delightful towel arrangements of animals in the form of elephants and swans They also re-stock the bathroom with designer toiletries, while the room bar is topped up at no cost every day.
 
And if you don’t want sleep indoors, the crew will make up one of the Balinese beds on deck for a night under the stars. But be quick and book one or you’ll miss out.
 
If the weather isn’t warm enough to lounge by the pool, other decks have a golf simulator with almost 40 international courses to tackle, a gymnasium with state-of-the-art equipment, Asian spa, indoor and outdoor massage, beauty salon, boutique, well-stocked library with internet and a casino.

In port – and depending on weather conditions – you have the use of jet boats, kayaks, Zodiacs for water skiing, snorkel gear, banana boat and mountain bikes.

After leaving Civitavecchia, SeaDream 1 headed for Bonifacio in Corsica, Porto Servo in Sardinia, Positano, Amalfi, Capri, Sorrento and back to Civitavecchia. At each port you can either take an escorted tour or explore on your own.
  
Yachting – not cruising – in style with SeaDream is as good as it gets.

• For Mediterranean (and Caribbean) itineraries in 2012, go to www.SeaDream.com