SeaDream I Captain Kristian Kivimaki

Kristian Kivimaki

Kristian Kivimaki was born in Rauma, Finland, a seaside town rich in maritime traditions such as shipbuilding, a maritime college, and an archipelago boating culture. In Rauma, it is impossible not to be wedded to sea. While growing up, Kristian was interested in foreign cultures and visiting faraway places. He began his maritime education by studying at Maritime College at the State University of New York, before continuing his studies in Rauma. 

Kristian began his career working on cargo ships in the 1990s, before working on Ro-Pax vessels and, eventually, working in different capacities with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. His first cruises in the Caribbean convinced him that there is no other place to be than the turquoise waters and sunny shores of the islands. After a brief time spent working on board passenger ferries for the Swedish-Finnish cruise ferry company Silja Line and completing his pilot licenses for the Finnish and Swedish archipelago, he returned to the sea and began his “dream job” sailing with SeaDream Yacht Club in 2018.  

“In addition to visiting the most pristine islands of the world, I am grateful that I work with a wonderful crew who has become my second family. Each day is a new adventure, where I have the privilege of meeting interesting guests from all over the world.” 

When he’s not aboard a SeaDream yacht, Kristian lives on an island located just 100 kilometers south of his birthplace, near the city of Turku, Finland, with his wife and two sons. He enjoys biking, hiking, playing hockey, spending time in his cabin, and—of course—traveling.