SeaDream becomes first cruise line to accept cryptocurrency payments for all voyages
SeaDream Yacht Club has started accepting cryptocurrency payments from cruise passengers.
The luxury brand is believed to be the first cruise line to accept cryptocurrency as a payment option for all voyages.
Passengers can now book sailings to destinations such as the Caribbean Mediterranean, Norway, and northern Europe using bitcoin, ethereum and more than 200 of the most frequently used cryptocurrencies.
Digital currencies can be used to make secure payments for a cruise holiday on the SeaDream website or to charter its yachts exclusively for celebrations such as weddings or corporate events.
Payments will be processed using Coinbase Commerce.
The announcement was made during the opening day of WAGMI Miami, a crypto conference in America.
Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream Yacht Club said: 'SeaDream has always been an innovator, setting new standards in luxury travel. By accepting cryptocurrency, we are embracing a payment solution that is increasingly sought after by our guests.
'The ability to use cryptocurrency further adds to the convenience and flexibility of our discerning charter guests, eliminating currency exchange challenges and enabling seamless transactions.'
Cryptocurrencies have increased in value in recent months, with the bitcoin price hitting a record high of $109,000, helped by support from new US president Donald Trump.
One of president Trump's first executive orders identified the development of digital assets as a national priority.
This may raise hopes of cryptocurrencies becoming accepted more widely.
There was an unsuccessful attempt by enthusiasts in 2020 to create a floating crypto community in the Gulf of Panama. Investors acquired former P&O Cruises ship Pacific Dawn, revamped it and renamed it Satoshi after the Bitcoin founder.
The idea was that people could purchase cabins and companies could buy commercial space, with Bitcoin accepted as a form of payment, but the organisers couldn't get insurance for the ship and it was later sold to what eventually became Ambassador Cruise Line.
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