JerryInIL Posted July 5, 2018 #1 Share Posted July 5, 2018 We are a older couple considering a SD cruise and wonder if there are frequently large travel groups (family, work, etc) on the Caribbean cruises? On a small ship it could be a little intimidating (or possibly more fun). And while on the subject, what is the typical age demographic on the Caribbean cruises? TIA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zimmy Posted July 5, 2018 #2 Share Posted July 5, 2018 On our many SD cruises we have never encountered a large group which impacted our enjoyment of the voyage. Perhaps we've been lucky. The only time we experienced anything like that was a New Year's cruise, and the passenger mix was mostly families - including some large extended families (not young children - teenagers). While we enjoyed the cruise, we ultimately decided that the holiday cruises were not for us and so we no longer choose them. Regarding age, that's really difficult to say on SD. We've been doing this for many years, so obviously we have aged as we travel SD. There are passengers in their forties, and sometimes passengers in their eighties. Everyone seems to socialize together just fine. We've dined with much younger people, and also much older people. It doesn't seem to make much difference. There is kind of a mindset of the typical repeat SD passenger, and it is not about age. I think you'll be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Avery Posted July 5, 2018 #3 Share Posted July 5, 2018 We have sailed SD since 2004, most years once or twice, and (mostly) have had enjoyable fellow passengers. The good outweighs the bad by a large margin but we did have a large family group and 30 kids onboard in the Caribbean around Easter time one year. The kids were from infant to teens and really took over the ship. Had that ever occurred again we would have dropped SD from our list. Fortunately the few kids encountered since then have been of no impact to our cruises. I tell you this only to show that it can happen. Not often but possible due to SeaDream's lack of a solid policy on restricting children on board. This is a huge advantage for Viking Oceans as they do not allow passengers under 18 years old. Not that Viking Oceans is the same type of cruise as SeaDream. Both very good in different ways. This topic has been discussed for years here and I do not think SD has any plans to change. As in life, there are no guarantees but the odds are with you. You should have a great trip on SD.:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrapperZimmy Posted July 5, 2018 #4 Share Posted July 5, 2018 Not sure what you mean when you say "older couple," but as Zimmy says, age doesn't really matter unless it matters to you. One of the great things about SeaDream is the general willingness of passengers to make new friends, whether it is for a week or for a lifetime. And yes, we have sailed with some groups onboard, but I'd have to agree again with Zimmy (I always agree with her), they really haven't impacted our enjoyment of the yacht. If you haven't already, do check out the SeaDream website. It gives a good picture of what the cruises are like. I think you will like the informality, but if you are expecting entertainment, be advised that the passengers are pretty good at entertaining themselves. btw, we are in the NW suburbs. Think racetrack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerryInIL Posted July 5, 2018 Author #5 Share Posted July 5, 2018 (edited) Thanks for all the responses. Sounds like we should be okay if we avoid the holidays. BTW, older as in boomers (65ish) Edited July 5, 2018 by JerryInIL Clarification Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zqvol Posted July 6, 2018 #6 Share Posted July 6, 2018 We have had a number of cruises where large groups have impacted the dynamic on board the ship. Some groups were families, other work incentive groups, and some just large groups of friends. This is one of the main reasons we are hesitant to book SD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerryInIL Posted July 6, 2018 Author #7 Share Posted July 6, 2018 We have had a number of cruises where large groups have impacted the dynamic on board the ship. Some groups were families, other work incentive groups, and some just large groups of friends. This is one of the main reasons we are hesitant to book SD. Possibly SD would give out information on this if asked and allow a re-booking? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Avery Posted July 6, 2018 #8 Share Posted July 6, 2018 Possibly SD would give out information on this if asked and allow a re-booking? We have gotten info when we called and asked specific questions about passenger mix and, in fact, did change one booking. If you are inside final payment it might not work. For sure there will be charges to change inside final pay date. Give it a whirl.:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerryInIL Posted July 7, 2018 Author #9 Share Posted July 7, 2018 We have gotten info when we called and asked specific questions about passenger mix and, in fact, did change one booking. If you are inside final payment it might not work. For sure there will be charges to change inside final pay date. Give it a whirl.:cool: I'll just invite 90 family members and not worry about it :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Avery Posted July 7, 2018 #10 Share Posted July 7, 2018 I'll just invite 90 family members and not worry about it :) That is always the best way! Well, if you have 90 family members you like....:eek:;p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerryInIL Posted July 7, 2018 Author #11 Share Posted July 7, 2018 that is always the best way! Well, if you have 90 family members you like....:eek:;p lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrapperZimmy Posted July 7, 2018 #12 Share Posted July 7, 2018 I'll just invite 90 family members and not worry about it :) When do we sail, Cousin Jerry?:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Avery Posted July 7, 2018 #13 Share Posted July 7, 2018 When do we sail, Cousin Jerry?:cool: Hahaha, If this works for you it should work for me, Cousin Trapper..... We need Cousin Ho-Hum along too......:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerryInIL Posted July 8, 2018 Author #14 Share Posted July 8, 2018 Hahaha, If this works for you it should work for me, Cousin Trapper..... We need Cousin Ho-Hum along too......:cool: I think we have our own group now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Avery Posted July 8, 2018 #15 Share Posted July 8, 2018 And a good group it is too! Just let us know when your charter is approved and the rest of your kinfolk will show up......;p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerryInIL Posted August 1, 2018 Author #16 Share Posted August 1, 2018 We might be traveling with babies/children, so a group of screamimg, vomiting millenials might be perfect cruise companions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrapperZimmy Posted August 1, 2018 #17 Share Posted August 1, 2018 We might be traveling with babies/children, so a group of screamimg, vomiting millenials might be perfect cruise companions. Not sure if you are referring to the Averys and the Zimmys as millennials, but we are all from several millennia ago. We just might corral your children with our walkers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Avery Posted August 1, 2018 #18 Share Posted August 1, 2018 Lol! I see Trapper is well into the second bottle.......🍸😎 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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