SeaDream Yanks Ship From South America

Citing operational challenges, SeaDream Yacht Club has decided to end South American cruising aboard its SeaDream II for the 2007–2008 season. The vessel, one of two luxury yachts the company operates, will instead be redeployed to a series of five- and nine-night sailings in the Caribbean. Larry Pimentel, SeaDream's president and CEO, blamed the decision on strict cabotage laws, a recessive regulatory environment, provisioning challenges and Brazilian crime problems. At the same time, Pimentel brandished a new approach for SeaDream II, which hinges on visits to smaller and less familiar Caribbean yachting-style ports such as Gustavia, St. Barts and Cruz Bay, St. John. The company said that guests currently booked on affected cruises will be given the option to rebook on a Caribbean or Mediterranean voyage, or given a full refund if they opt not to rebook. The SeaDream II's redeployment will not affect SeaDream I, which will continue to operate its published schedules for 2007–2008.