Looking for a Dream Cruise? Look to SeaDream Yacht Club!

I love to take cruises and my partner and I were looking for a Mediterranean cruise that was a bit on the exclusive side. Well, I found out about SeaDream Yacht Club. They're based right here in my hometown of Miami, but offer luxury cruises all over the world. I decided to give them a try.

I found a cruise that left out of Civitavecchia (near Rome) and we were able to spend a couple of days in Rome before boarding a train to the port city. If I had it to do over again, I would schedule a car service from Rome to the ship.

I knew the cruise would be wonderful not only because of the reputation SeaDream has built (with top awards from Berlitz, Conde Nast, and Travel Leisure), but also because of the vessels themselves. SeaDream has only two small ships or yachts. These were formally with Cunard as the Countess I and II. SeaDream took them and completely rebuilt the ships. There is a wealth of information on their website, but I will tell you the ships are delightful. My favorite part was the sundeck and the Balinese sun lounges that you could actually sleep on under the stars if you wished.

The cuisine was remarkable for all seven days with plenty of cocktail receptions in between the fantastic meals. They even offer a trip to the market with the head chef if you wish to pick up some tips from the best.

When going ashore to visit you have use of a Segway Human Transporter to help you cover as much ground as possible. I think it is worth mentioning that SeaDream takes extra care to be sure that plenty of water or other beverage of your choosing is supplied in your stateroom. Also, as you can see, I have found the plush robe to be very comfortable.

Check out more about SeaDream Yacht Club at the SeaDream Yacht Club website

What Not to Wear While Traveling

Dear Sky Steward,

Last year there was a lot in the news about people being removed from flights and/or humiliated while traveling by air. Do you have any advice that you can give to me so that I not only travel in comfort, but have a little flair as well?

Thanks,
Fashionista Wannabe, Locust Valley, NY

Dear Fashionista,

The Sky Steward wishes to emphasize that most of the people that were removed from flights or humiliated were not really using too much sound judgement when putting their ensembles together for their trips. You would never choose a skirt that rises two feet above the knee, would you? The Sky Steward understands that you are simply looking for alternatives to being too formal. After all, the days of 1950's air travel are long gone. There is no need, however, to give up on traveling in style.

The Sky Steward keeps his wardrobe recommendations for traveling very simple; keep it classic and conservative and regularly consults with his fashion coach Stephen Licata, who also owns retail clothing boutiques in South Florida and the Hamptons. The Sky Steward applauds you for reaching out for advice. If travellers do not wish to dress up too much for travel, here are some suggestions:

For Men: Jeans or other casual pants are fine, but add a sport coat, blazer, or a t-shirt with light vest and take it up a notch. Athletic shoes are OK, but some casual loafers (he prefers Gucci of course) or italian style driving shoes are much better.

For Women: A scoop neck or v-neck solid t-shirt with a lightweight cashmere sweater (they are only $39.00 at K-Mart) plus a stretch jeans or another pant that a percentage of stretch (such as Lycra blend) for comfort.

He would also suggest a loafer/ballet slipper with an attractive buckle that dresses them up perfectly. Make sure to coordinate your belt and shoes.

And don't forget the simple leather buckle belt. Do forget the bling (no jeweled belts please) and grunge is completely grounded (everyone knows that, right?).