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All text and photographs (unless stated otherwise) © Paul Timmerman When introduced, Sun Bay offered a unique experience for the German market, as she was the first mega-yacht catering exclusively for German speaking passengers. Sun Bay I started service in May 2001. She certainly looks like a large yacht, and resembles the former Sea Goddes twins (now sailing as Seadream I and II) With a length of only 88m. and a draft of 3.5m, Sun Bay can enter many ports the larger cruise ships cannot and where these ships have to tender their passengers ashore. Sailing schedules of Sun Bay I can be altered as opportunities arise, and although there is of course a planned itinerary, it is possible to drop the anchor(s) near a deserted beach and bring passengers ashore by zodiac.
On many occasions Sun Bay I stays longer in port than originally planned. Her sailing schedule is not a fixed one as is common practice in the cruise industry. Besides, many nights are spent in port so passengers can enjoy local night life for example. When at anchor, passengers have The Marina at their disposal, a watersports centre that folds out of the stern of the ship where they can waterski, make a ride on the "banana-boat" or just swim. Of course there are organized excursions during the voyage, and these have to be booked on board at the beginning of the cruise. Sun Bay carries only 96 passengers and for each excursion a minimum number of participants is needed. For those who want to explore on their own, they are informed in detail about the best shops, restaurants and the most spectacular sights they wouldn't want to miss. As far as the atmosphere aboard is concerned, the key-word is casual, as there is no dress code, not even for "formal nights". Cruise classics like the midnight buffet and captains cocktail/ dinner do take place during each cruise, but in a relaxed and informal way. Because of its informal character and special itineraries with long hours at anchor or in port, Sun Bay could welcome its first repeat passengers after just two months! Dining aboard has the same informal character, as all meals have open sittings and there are no assigned tables. Passengers can eat when end where they like, and with whom they choose to which is very appreciated. There are many similarities with NCL's Freestyle Cruising. When these diner arrangements "modern style" were introduced on their ships, this was immediately a great success. There has been just one small problem so far. Because of its small size, Sun Bay needed stabilizers for use in inclement weather. As built, these weren't fitted, and this has caused some unnecessary sea-sickness among passengers. These were added by her builders, Cassens Werft in Emden after her first season in the Mediterranean. Cabins on the Sun Bay are quite roomy, considering the size of the vessel. Outside cabins on Columbus and Salou decks measure 16qm. All cabins have shower, toilet, minibar, hairdryer, etc. Located on Lido deck, 9 suites have balconies 43 (sqm). Public spaces are scattered on 4 decks. On deck 3, Columbus deck, the restaurant, shop and beauty-center are located, and going towards the stern we enter the Beach Club, from which the Marina, the floating watersports centre can be unfolded into the water.
Artists impression of restaurant on Columbus deck One deck up, Salon deck, we find the largest room onboard, a romm with several functions: show lounge, bar, seating area, dance room and in a corner even a small library is located, all within the same space.
Artists impression of show lounge on Salon deck Outside on this deck the Seagull buffet is the place for sun seekers to eat, a splendid alternative for the indoor restaurant mentioned earlier. Deck 5 and 6, Lido and Sonnendeck (Sun deck) are attractive decks, where one can soak up the sun and get ones so much desired tan...... A whirlpool has not been forgotten. Close at hand is Ernesto's, a popular watering hole. Completing Sun Bay's array of facilities are the fitness room and sauna. Sun Bay has a sister Sun Bay 2 since 2002, and a somewhat larger ship Orion will enter service in October 2003. She will also be built by Cassens Werft in Emden. It could be one of Cassens´ last ships as the yard has run into financial difficulties. After a few months in service and after the stabiliser-problems had been rectified passenger loads on Sun Bay seemed to reach acceptible levels. However Sun Bay II could not attract an acceptable number of passengers, and after a short time was returned to her builders. laid up, and a charterer for the brand new vessel was sought. Eventually, a company called Travel Dynamics (specialised in cultural cruises on small cruise ships) chartered Sun Bay I&II. At the moment Travel Dynamics only operate Sun Bay II. It is said that after completion of this charter, Sun Bay II will be sold to the Far East. These ships were a welcome addition to the German cruise market, which was served mostly by large liners (Maxim Gorkiy, Albatross, Europa, A Rosa Blu, Costa Marina, Aida etc) until the advent of the Sun Bay sisters. C. Columbus, Bremen and Hanseatic were the smallest units measuring 14903 GRT, 6752 GRT and 8378 GRT respectively (Sun Bay ships 2842 GRT). These latter two ships are marketed as soft-expedition ships however. Sun Bay I and her sister have been put up for sale by German KfW Bank, which is a shame as she has opened up a new niche in the German cruise market, namely those of the intimate mega-yachts. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has acquired her, and will base her in the Galapagos Islands region, where she will sail under her new name Celebrity Xpedition.
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Sonnen deck Sun Bay I
Sonnen deck Main starirway
Suite 509, Lido deck
Show lounge Restaurant
Restaurant Sun Bay I
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