Need Info, Celebrity vs SeaDream

How do you think they compare?

This ship 10/91

That ship 11/95

Whatever ship 12/98

here a ship 13/99

there a ship 14/00

everywhere

a

ship ship 15/05

<font size="3" color=red>Over 1 year</font> into my LMBO cruise

Yikes, that's like trying to compare a luxury SUV with a tour bus. Both are nice, but....

Newt,

Our very first cruise was on the Sea Dream I in the Med. in October, 2002. We just booked the Celebrity Xpedition to Galapagos for November 7th. On paper, SD and Xpedition appear very similar in amenities, service, capacity, etc.

We LOVED SD and are hoping the Xpedition is at least an equivalent experience. Will post a comparison of Xpedition and Sea Dream I when we return.

Ingrid.

Newt:

Just returned from Celebrity Xpedition in Galapagos. Two years ago, we did the Sea Dream I in the Med. Here's my take on the two:

Food -- Sea Dream hands down the better of the two. Unfortunately,

Xpedition is forced to use local Galapagos produce. The food on X

was adequate. The food on SD is exceptional.

Service -- Xpedition actually wins this one. Sea Dream service was very

good, but there could be no improvement to the service on

Celebrity's Xpedition. On my SD cruise, there was room for

improvement in the service area -- slow dinner service, incorrect

orders served, etc. Got the impression that we had a transitional

crew on our SD cruise. SD came across as trying too hard to

please.

Excursions -- Xpedition is truly all-inclusive. All excursions (two per day) are included in the cruise fare. SD charges extra for shore excursions. Many are

cancelled due to lack of participation.

Ship -- SD is a slightly larger vessel. It is more luxurious in every aspect. Staterooms are equipped with more state-of-the-art equipment and finer furnishings. There are balinese beds, outdoor pool & spa, piano bar with live entertainment, casino, library with internet access, and generally more space on the SD.

Xpedition is a very nice ship, but on our sailing the hot tub wasn't functional. There isn't a pool on Xpedition or any of the above amenities.

Overall -- Xpedition to Galapagos is about the wildlife and the outdoor adventure. It is an active vacation with hiking, zodiac rafting, snorkeling, and other outdoor excursions. Sea Dream is about taking a luxury cruise and being pampered.

Which ship you choose depends on the experience you seek.

Hope this helps. Feel free to email with questions or comments.

Ingrid.

Newt:

Just returned from Celebrity Xpedition in Galapagos. Two years ago, we did the Sea Dream I in the Med. Here's my take on the two:

Food -- Sea Dream hands down the better of the two. Unfortunately,

Xpedition is forced to use local Galapagos produce. The food on X

was adequate. The food on SD is exceptional.

Service -- Xpedition actually wins this one. Sea Dream service was very

good, but there could be no improvement to the service on

Celebrity's Xpedition. On my SD cruise, there was room for

improvement in the service area -- slow dinner service, incorrect

orders served, etc. Got the impression that we had a transitional

crew on our SD cruise. SD came across as trying to hard to

please while Xpedition crew & staff gave exceptional service while

making it seem effortless and natural.

Excursions -- Xpedition is truly all-inclusive. All excursions (two per day) are included in the cruise fare. SD charges extra for shore excursions. Many SD excursions are cancelled due to lack of participation.

Ship -- SD is a slightly larger vessel. It is more luxurious in every aspect. Staterooms are equipped with more state-of-the-art equipment and finer furnishings. There are balinese beds, outdoor pool & spa, piano bar with live entertainment, casino, library with internet access, and generally more space on the SD.

Xpedition is a very nice ship, but on our sailing the hot tub wasn't functional. There isn't a pool on Xpedition or any of the above amenities.

Overall -- Xpedition to Galapagos is about the wildlife and the outdoor adventure. It is an active vacation with hiking, zodiac rafting, snorkeling, and other outdoor excursions. Sea Dream is about taking a luxury cruise and being pampered.

Which ship you choose depends on the experience you seek.

Hope this helps. Feel free to email with questions or comments.

Ingrid.