CRUISING the Med in style is the ultimate Honeymoon trip.

Away from land-based destinations, surrounded by calming, deep-blue seas and cossetted by a caring crew, cruising is the perfect balmer to follow the wedding excitement.

On the aptly-named SeaDream 11, more mega-yacht than cruise-liner, with just 100 passengers and 95 crew, grace and style are the keynote.

This doesn't mean full dress and tuxedos, it's casual-style all the way, no ties if you wish, but no shorts in the dining room.

With an age range from twenties upwards, there's an activities programme to please the highly-athletic, with bikes and mountain-bikes on board, as well as jet-skis and water-skis. Plus, a well equipped Gym with Spa for the daily-toners.

I flew from easy-accessible Luton with Easyjet to Nice, where the luminosity of the light and pink sunshine knocks you back with joy.

Along the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais, crowds filled the beaches, everyone seemed to be eating ice-cream, bare legs and arms are now deep brown. You've hit summer on the Riviera and it feels wonderful.

At the Embarkation, the blue-hulled SeaDream stands glinting in the sunshine, beside elegant jet-set yachts, where the slap of water and rattle of masts add to the thrill in sparkling sunshine. With a personal handshake from Captain Dahl we're welcomed on board, unpack fast and there's time for a stroll round Nice or coffee at a quayside restaurant before sailing.

The first night's seven course dinner is served in the main Topside Restaurant with flavours from Provence, accompanied by fine wines and with verbal description from the wine waiters. The Lavender season is over, but the scent lingers on and, our veal is sprinkled with a hint of lavender blossom, long-remembered.

On day two, home-stresses fade fast and we stop at our first port, pastel-coloured Portofino, with its fishing-nets laid out to dry on the pier, colourful quayside restaurants and elegant shops. The energetic hike-off with James the activities man, while the rest meander through narrow, leafy lanes, potter around gift shops and enjoy ice-cream at the cafes.

Portofino, base of the rich and chic trebles its population during summer and many celebrities have homes here. At night we have dinner on the top deck under the stars where dreams grow bigger and we're all getting to know each other fast; people from Mexico, the U.S., Britain and other parts of Europe. Small is beautiful and the limited number of people make for a clubby atmosphere.

Next stop is Livorno for a day-long visit to Florence with its many sights, or trip to the historic, walled-town of Lucca with its ancient stones, churches and monuments. Some of us hire cars and drive leisurely through the Tuscany countryside and amble through this lovely town redolentwith history and good pasta restaurants. Bike enthusiasts could cycle along the 60 feet wide ramparts but there aren't enough of them to form a group.

Monarco, a favourite comes next, the part of the Riviera that conjures up yachts, villas and palaces. There's a choice of a long walk to the Royal Palace to see the changing of the Guard and visit the lovely Cathedral where the late Princess Grace lies in State and wander the back streets.

Lower down, Monte Carlo, the gambling town buzzes with excitement and the Casino. Full of costly shops and famous restaurants like Cafe de Paris, part of the fun is to sip a drink or coffee in the sunshine and watch the world stroll by. There seems to be an Art Gallery in every street in St. Tropez plus many restaurants.

We all trot off early to visit the local market with the Head Chef who buys freshly caught fish for this evening's dinner as well as cheese and fruit. Samples of cheese and wine are plentiful, then we all amble off for our own exploring.

Famous Impressionists were captivated by the quality of the Riviera light, Dufy and Picasso among others and, at The Annociades Museum in the St.Tropez Port, there is always a stimulating exhibition.

At the Royal Academy in London until mid-November there's some vivid paintings by others similarly inspired, including Derain and Kandinsky.

Cassis, quieter than other resorts, has a pretty central area near the port with cafes, shops fronting pastel houses and a good span of smooth sands. High Cliffs make for an attractive coastline and the brave can take boat-rides through hair-raising inlets.

Porquerolles, last call, is a tiny island off the Hyeres coast, a protected area and nature compound with a fine botanical garden, picturesque village and small harbour.

Then it's turn around and back to Nice all lit-up at night with a festive air. Time to take an evening stroll before the last night on board, and to say farewell to new friends across the globe.

Fact File:

Sylvia flew with Easyjet from Luton: Tel: 0870 - 6000 - 000 or book online at easyjet.com. EasyJet flies frequent daily services to Nice from Gatwick and Luton. Prices start at £40 return including tax.

Contact local Travel Agents for details of SeaDream Cruisers; 1 & 11. Mediterranean and Caribbean Cruises - SeaDream Yacht Club.

Reading:

Cadogan Guides: Provence and

South of France; Lonely Planet, Provence

Rough Guide: Provence and Cote d'Azure