Anyone cruised on SD across the Atlantic? [Archive] - Cruise Critic Message Board Forums

frequent traveler

June 28th, 2005, 06:19 PM

Have any cruisers taken a repositioning Sea Dream voyage across the Atlantic? We've been discussing the possibility (hopefully no children with no cultural stops and airfare costs) but have heard the service is less than the otherwise wonderful standard due to the crew's other required duties. Is the spa open? Are the pool & casino open? Restricted menu with no port stops? Any feedback would help us in making decision.

Thanks
FT

lildan

June 29th, 2005, 09:57 AM

Hi FT

no have not sailed the Atlantic and if I ever did it would not be on SD....the reason being the one bad evening/night we had three weeks ago on the sailing from Sardinia to Sorrento which was the only real bit of open water we had on the whole cruise....and boy was it rough and this is the Med not the Atlantic!!!

As soon as we left the shelter of the island it started and went on all night...of 107 guests only about 40 of us made it to dinner...and then we were careful about what we ate....it was the gastronomic menu evening and the chef had done us proud...the only trouble was I couldn't face 6 courses of "rich" food so I had a salad and then....asked for a Baked Potato....which was served without question complete with silver lid and flourish by the waiters...

also a number of the thai/malaysian crew were really ill poor girls as they had not experienced rough water before...the receptionist said she gave out nearly all her supply of sea sickness tablets (I took 1 before dinner and then 1 before bed just to be on the safe side)....and some people even had shots from the doctor...

personally I think SD is too small to weather bad seas but you could be lucky and have a really smooth crossing !!!

xxH

frequent traveler

June 29th, 2005, 10:19 AM

Thank HH -- that's the source of debate with my hubbie -- he wears the patch and I go for the seasick pills only as needed. We had a couple of "rough" nights in the Caribbean where the spa girls and one passenger needed shots, but other than that not too bad.
I have a funny feeling I'm not going to win this one.

Best -
FT

its_my_dime

June 29th, 2005, 12:36 PM

....and boy was it rough and this is the Med not the Atlantic!!!

The fact that it looks "enclosed" on the map is deceiving. All the way back to ancient history, there are stories of sudden storms, rough weather and shipwrecks in the Med.

Anyhow, we have had good luck with Reliefbands (the things that look like a watch and zap the underside of your wrist.)

High up front cost (usually $79.00 each) and they have to be worn exactly right but there is no "lead time" or out-of-it feeling associated with medication.

More info is available at various web sites.

upscalecruiser

June 30th, 2005, 10:05 AM

I have done 3 crossings on SeaDream, and everytime the weather was nice and smooth. Leaving Malaga / Lisbon the temp. would be around 66/68F, then after a few days it was up to about 75 - 79 and stayed around 80 for the rest of the trip over to the caribbean.
I hear they are bringing on interesting lectureres this fall, I am considering doing another one. The food and service is the same as on any regular cruise, if you have cruised SD before, you will recognize a lot of their nice onboard crew, and they all recognize you. As well, the price for the crosing you just can't beat it.
:)

frequent traveler

June 30th, 2005, 02:33 PM

Thanks for the response --upscale cruiser.

I'm giving serious thought to going this fall - by myself - since my hubbie has a signficant dislike of rough water and there is no single supplement charge. Have you checked on airfare -- I can't find anything less than $1500 for the departure/arrival ports.

Thanks
FT

ctbjr1309

June 30th, 2005, 05:34 PM

Frequent Traveler:

I have the opposite situation as yours. My wife isn't interested in a crossing but I'd love to do it. I have never investigated the pricing situation but it looks you have. Are you saying that one person occupying a cabin by him/herself pays the one person charge and that there is no additional charge for the missing second occupant?

That is very tempting, if it is the case. Thanks in advance for sharing your the benefit of your knowledge with me.

frequent traveler

July 1st, 2005, 12:02 PM

ctbjr1309

July 3rd, 2005, 09:39 AM

Hi CTBJR-
Check out the April 22 press release on the Sea Dream web site. The press release announces the speakers on each ship and then states that no single supplement is applicable. If you run down any great airfare - please let me know.
FT

FT,

I had forgotten about that. Thanks for the reminder. I doubt that I'll be able to take advantage of this in 2005. Perhaps another year, however....

frequent traveler

September 8th, 2005, 10:59 AM

:D As if I needed convincing, thanks Upscale Cruiser - your comments help cement my decision. Got great airfare to Tenerife (through one of Sea Dream's partners listed on the new Website - really good service) and am making my first cross-Atlantic Sea Dream cruise this October. No island stops but no telephone, fax, internet nor Crackberry (Blackberry).

Can't wait! :)

FT

vandrefalk

September 8th, 2005, 11:27 AM

Frequent Traveler --

Will be most interested in your experience on the crossing! DH and I keep talking about it -- but not sure I'm ready for 12 straight days of sea. While I generally love sea days, we did 5 across the Pacific several years ago. We enjoyed it, but I was ready to do something different after 5 full days. Of course, maybe I could just live on a balinese sun bed!:)
Vandrefalk

DisneyJen

September 8th, 2005, 01:53 PM

How wonderful FT!! I will be very interested in hearing how the crossing goes! Are you ending in West Palm as that is where we are picking it up for the repo from West Palm to STT.

frequent traveler

September 8th, 2005, 03:57 PM

Yes, Disney Jen, we are ending in Palm Beach -- but a few days earlier than your departure -- we arrive on a Thursday, Nov. 3 -- wonder if there is a private function? or they just need time to get the ship ready knowing you are coming on board!!!

DH can't take the time off work and would go stark raving crazy with 12 days at sea. Me with --- no cleaning up, someone to make my bed, refresh my towels, replenish the Bulgari toiletries and serve me champagne and caviar all day -- I think I will have a tough time getting off the ship (assuming this nasty hurricane season ever winds down).

only 42 days until departure!!

FT

DisneyJen

September 8th, 2005, 04:51 PM

FT - How wonderful your 13 days at sea will be:)

I wonder if they'll need the 3 days to get things ship shape again after the crossing ...some paint here and there and whatever maintenance they will need to do after spending the winter in the Med.

Either that or they are having a private event:p

Hopefully Mother Nature will have blown all these hurricanes out of her system!

frequent traveler

September 30th, 2005, 04:01 PM

:D
Less than 3 weeks until I get on a plane to Tenerife, Canary Islands to pick up Sea Dream II for the Atlantic crossing.

Any suggestions on what to do in Tenerife for 36 hrs before I board?

Thanks

FT

daninnyc

September 30th, 2005, 04:29 PM

FT -

I am jealouse Do tell us you'll send us live updates. The last time I was in Tenerife, I was 19 and a very bad boy - I am sure your not going there for the same reasons. Safe to say that you will almost certainly find a group of Dutch and/or German tourists who will be enjoying the sun and drink. Where are you staying when your there?

A solo crossing sounds great to me. You will definitly be relaxed when you arrive in the new world.

Dan

frequent traveler

September 30th, 2005, 04:49 PM

:cool:

Dan --

Don't be so sure I'm not going for the same reasons you went at 19 - well maybe not all the reasons if you were single then. But I am running away from work, kids, husband, and house for two weeks . . . .no fax, no phone, no Crackberry . . .

Right now I'm booked at the Sheraton -- in Santa Cruz de Tenerife -- fairly close to the docks I think. Did that in case my flights were delayed but if you have a better suggestion?

My Spanish is very very basic -- will that be a problem?

And yes, I do plan to do live updates to this site (hopefully, early in the day before the never empty glass of champagne reduces my wittiness and typing skills!) My husband's only comment -- try not to fall overboard!!

FT

daninnyc

September 30th, 2005, 08:39 PM

Ft -

From what I can remember Tenerife is a resort town, and most people will be able to speak some form of English - lots of young men from England were there at the time I was there (believe me I know) and I dont think you'll have a problem. The daytime activities are what you would do in say....the Dominican Republic (it just reminds me of Puerto Plata) BUT... nighttime you should have some fun at the hotel bars and various other places with those Germans and Dutch...it gets very happy after say...9pm.

I think you should pack me in your suitecase...then try explaining it to the captain..say three days into the cruise! I wish I was going....that is a fabulous trip and I give you KUDDOS of credit for going by yourself....thats rest and relaxation!

frequent traveler

September 30th, 2005, 09:57 PM

Hey Dan -

It sounds like you would be a blast on the Atlantic - if you can fit in my roll aboard . . .

Its amazing when 12 nights across the Atlantic is less expensive than a 7 night cruise (I wonder if they remember how much champagne and caviar I can consume?) but . . . .oh well - could be the beginning of a great tradition. I'll let you know how the slumber party works out!!! ;)

FT

DisneyJen

October 1st, 2005, 08:25 AM

I will be interested in those updates, pre or post champagne, FT:p

I have DH to the point where he will consider a crossing next year. I just don't know how he would do without his Crackberry.

I am so excited for you FT! What a wonderful gift you are giving to yourself ... and your family.

daninnyc

October 1st, 2005, 10:25 AM

Jenn -

Don't you have a cruise coming up?

Jim Avery

October 1st, 2005, 10:51 AM

Hi Teresa:
We are so exited to live vicariously through your posts on the transat. Hope your passenger mix is as good as ours was on SDII in Mexico last December. Remember to take some permanent colored markers so you can collect autographs on your personalized PJs. The group from Texas started that. Texans can always be counted on for a good time. If you know who with the tattoo you know where from our SDI trip last March came to the pajama party, she probably would only have the top on. Better to show the tattoo. Wish we were going too but all vacation used up. But remember what an old boat captain down here told me long ago: "Were not here for a long time, were here for a good time".
All the best,
Jim & Lois.

daninnyc

October 1st, 2005, 11:13 AM

FT -

Tell me we will survive without a jacket for dindin....or should I just bring one so as not to look stupid?

Dan

daninnyc

October 1st, 2005, 11:17 AM

FT -

forgot to mention your choice of hotel....I think you did good. The hotels on the island are nice - but think European and Puerto Plata style nice. I think you will find the Sheraton a little less...well, rustic but that will be a good thing.

Dan

frequent traveler

October 2nd, 2005, 08:38 AM

Hi there :)

Dan -- My husband took a sport coat the first time and wore it once. He didn't take a jacket for the second Caribbean SD cruise and didn't feel out of place at all.

I say it was about 50 - 50 any night - a lot depended on age (the older the gentleman, the more likely the jacket . . . unfortunately on our 2nd cruise, the older the man the more likely he was wearing a Speedo (eek!)). If you plan to hit a night spot in St. Bart's (which we didn't) jackets were pretty much standard for that night on each SD cruise.

Jim Avery wore a "no wrinkle" blue blazer (from Travel Smith I think) which my husband is going to get before his next trip anywhere. He would rather be "overdressed" rather than underdressed . . . me, I'll just stay in and order room service and read a trashy novel before getting dressed up on my vacation. ;)

Jacket or no jacket -- the trip will be great. if you are stopping at Nevis - the rain
forest hike is very much worth doing (even if the island is in dry season like it was on our 2nd trip).

Jen -- if your husband is willing to pay for it, you can get internet service in your room for the ever present computer (I'm not telling my office) or he can check his e-mails via the computer in the library (small charge) -- there are fax numbers, etc -- I just don't plan on using them!!!! Seriously, even my boss thinks its a great way to recharge after a busy time so I just can't wait . . . who knows, if its really great, this may become my "annual recovery from 3rd quarter closings, re-charge before the year end crunch, run away from home trip." :D

FT

DisneyJen

October 2nd, 2005, 03:27 PM

DH and I board the Sunday after FT brings the SD2 back to the States. Needless to say I am counting the days and checking the door every time I hear the UPS truck:p

Last year DH took his trusty navy blazer and he wore it the nights we dined in the Dining Room. There really was a mix of men who did and didn't wear blazers.

We did the internet in the room last year on an every-other-day basis... this was a compromise solution. And of course DH has a world phone so as long as we could see a cell tower he had his Crackberry.

FT you are so RIGHT about the Speedo equation.

Are you packed yet?

frequent traveler

October 2nd, 2005, 04:07 PM

:) Disney Jen

Haven't packed "for real" yet, but did a "test run" this weekend. The goal was to see if I can get everything I need for 14 nights away from home in the two pieces I can carry-on.

Glad to say that with the help of those wonderful storage bags (where you seal and then push the air out) it looks like I won't have to fool with checked luggage in Madrid and Tenerife.

Only 18 days to go! :D

FT

frequent traveler

October 6th, 2005, 04:56 PM

Just 14 days until I leave for Tenerife and Sea Dream II's Atlantic crossing.

FT :)

DisneyJen

October 7th, 2005, 09:32 AM

Woo Hoo FT:D

frequent traveler

October 8th, 2005, 09:18 AM

I just realized that I will be on Sea Dream II for both Halloween and the UT-Bama 3rd Saturday in October.

Wonder if the satellite tv will get the game?

Should I take a halloween costume (no comments from the peanut gallery about needing only a black hat!!) :rolleyes:

FT

DisneyJen

October 8th, 2005, 10:01 AM

FT ... I wonoder if there will be anything special on Halloween aboard SD. You could always dress in college appropriate regalia and say you are at UT or Bama alum:D

I wonder what television stations you will pull in while at sea.

frequent traveler

October 14th, 2005, 08:44 AM

:D This time next week I'll be in Tenerife -- just 27 hrs short of boarding time for Sea Dream II.

FT

ctbjr1309

October 14th, 2005, 08:52 AM

FT,

Are you planning to provide progress reports directly from SD 2 as you cross the Atlantic? Those of us boarding in WPB will be most interested to hear from you then, if possible.

Have a great trip.

DisneyJen

October 14th, 2005, 09:39 AM

We will be living vicariously through your progress reports FT! I will be interested in hearing how you like Tenerife as DH and I had a discussion about it last night.

Ctbjr and I know that you will have the ship and staff trained and at the ready with champagne in hand for our boarding in West Palm!!

frequent traveler

October 14th, 2005, 11:06 AM

Yes, I'm going to try to make daily postings -- I'm planning a full agenda: spa treatments, visits to the gym (I've never taken a yoga class, so another first if available on this cruise as it was in April), menu suggestions and I will graciously pass along any requests to your crew for the PB sailing.

Who knows, if my office has no emergencies, and my family decides they can get along without me, you guys sound like such fun, maybe I'll hang around for your cruise!! -- I wish,:D but I do look foward to checking in.

FT

DisneyJen

October 14th, 2005, 11:21 AM

We would LOVE for you to extend your voyage FT:p And I suspect Bill would love for all of us to stay in STT and join him the following week.

I can hardly imagine how excited you must be to start this adventure!

Make sure you leave some good lounging around the pool books for us in the library;)

ctbjr1309

October 14th, 2005, 11:52 AM

Glad to hear that you're planning to fit us into your very busy schedule while onboard. Can't wait to hear how you enjoy the trip. I had HOPED to do it myself (was even booked for a couple of months) but just couldn't come to grips with the length of time out of the office given my firm's 10.31 fye. Maybe a Spring crossing another year!!

Will be interested in learning from you which of the crew will be on board for the Nov. 6 sailing. Specifically, the Chef, Activities Director, Chief Steward, Wine Steward and Head BARTENDER, to name a few of the most important personnel.

wulicny

October 14th, 2005, 01:05 PM

We would LOVE for you to extend your voyage FT:p And I suspect Bill would love for all of us to stay in STT and join him the following week.

Hey! The more the merrier, I always say!:D

frequent traveler

October 17th, 2005, 10:01 AM

:D

Three more days til departure -- still the dilemma to check luggage or try to live within the restraints of carry-on?

I just have visions of the transfer between Delta and Air Iberia at JFK sending my luggage off to Alaska and it not arriving in Tenerife until two days after I'm at sea.

FT

DisneyJen

October 17th, 2005, 10:51 AM

Another option FT would be to send you luggage to the hotel via UPS or DHL:D

frequent traveler

October 17th, 2005, 11:47 AM

What a great idea - thanks for reminding me. I've shipped items in the US but forgot about this option!!
Thanks
FT

DisneyJen

October 17th, 2005, 03:16 PM

Glad to be of help FT:D

Let us know how you make out!

frequent traveler

October 17th, 2005, 03:59 PM

Its a little bit different to do this internationally. I have to fill out specific forms and ship by tomorrow in order for it to get there. So, looks like I'm packing tonight.

FT

Jim Avery

October 17th, 2005, 04:44 PM

HI FT:
Have a great trip, wish we were going. Did hear that the tattooed lady was considering booking this trip. You can handle it, just drink more champagne! Guess Philip will have to get his eggs bennie at Denny's for the next 2 weeks. I miss those eggs. Mighty good. All the best,
Jim & Lois.

DisneyJen

October 17th, 2005, 06:19 PM

Thank goodness you have been thinking about packing FT! That should make it a little easier this evening.

Perhaps your DH should pour you a glass of champagne so that you are in the right frame of mind for packing:p

frequent traveler

October 18th, 2005, 09:22 AM

Went home and packed -- then pulled out half of what I was going to take. Lo and behold -- it all fit in a roll aboard, so no checking or shipping luggage.

It's amazing what you can get in a suitcase when you decide you will take only one pair of dress shoes.:rolleyes: No shoe fetish on this trip.

I decided that if I end up wearing my dinner, the on-board laundry will be utilized.

Or maybe we can follow Jim & Lois Avery's guidelines and everyone wear the Sea Dream pajamas!

In forty eight hours I'll be headed to the airport!!!:)

FT

wulicny

October 18th, 2005, 09:48 AM

Pleasant journey, FT! I know you will enjoy yourself, and make sure the ship is in shape for Disney Jen, then me! :D

I'm glad you don't have to ship your luggage. That's one less thing you have to worry about. We shipped on piece home when we were on the QM2 last November, and it wasn't worth it. But that was a 10-night cruise with three formal nights, a Pirate's Ball, and a cold New York start/finish. So, we really did have a lot of clothes to pack.

THis time, starting and stopping in St. Thomas (with one night pre- in Charlotte Amalie and three nights post- in Caneel Bay), I think we might be able to get away with one large suitcase, one garmet bag, and two rollerboard carryons.

DisneyJen

October 18th, 2005, 10:08 AM

Good news on the luggage front FT! It is amazing how much room shoes take in a suitcase.

I am going to shoot for two roll aboard and two carry bags ... the key will be telling DH he CANNOT take his laptop:p I suspect we will end up with one large suitcase so we can carry our STT purchases as hand luggage.

FT ... T-minus ....