SeaDream vs. Seabourn

[commodoredave]

Commodore Dave,

 

I note you have recently sailed with both Windstar and SeaDream.

 

We are weighing options between the two on an Athens to Istanbul cruise this summer, Windstar seems to have raised their game (at least with ship refurbishment) and are much less expensive (even when considering tips and alcohol), but SeaDream itinerary seems more interesting with later nights in port.

 

Would love to hear observations you might have comparing the two. I know it is been commented on in the past but your experience seems more recent.

 

Thanks.

 

Rich, we just got off the Windsurf on Feb 2, but our first SeaDream is scheduled for December 14 later this year in Costa Rica. So can't do a comparison between those two lines.

 

I can say that our Feb Windsurf cruise was our 4th with that line, and it was the best yet on WindStar. For my money, small cruise ships are the best experience and WindStar is good value for money.

 

We are sailing on the Seabourn Pride in September, which will be on 2nd on that ship. It's a little pricier than Windstar, as is SeaDream. But I know that the Pride is worth the extra money, and expect/hope that SeaDream will be too. We would have done Windstar again in Costa Rica instead of SeaDream, but they are no longer doing that itinerary, instead replacing it with Panama Canal. So we are giving SeaDream a try.

[richb21]

Thanks, Dave, now i see it.

 

my hunch is it's hard to go wrong with either, so with only 7 days, am going with the better itinerary and spend the extra money.

[commodoredave]

Rich, I'm kinda thinking we will both be happy with SeaDream!

[frequent traveler]

Commodore Dave,

 

I note you have recently sailed with both Windstar and SeaDream.

 

We are weighing options between the two on an Athens to Istanbul cruise this summer, Windstar seems to have raised their game (at least with ship refurbishment) and are much less expensive (even when considering tips and alcohol), but SeaDream itinerary seems more interesting with later nights in port.

 

Would love to hear observations you might have comparing the two. I know it is been commented on in the past but your experience seems more recent.

 

Thanks.

 

Haven't been on wind star but did the Athens to Istanbul. On SD. Unequivocally, the best voyage ever. You will not regret. Our review from 2010 is on this board if you want details. The later nights in port are great. And the crew knows this itinerary well. The excursions are good (we chose to do a couple of private tours too).

 

Glad you are choosing this one.

 

FT

[gcmv]

FT, I just read your 17 pages-thread from 2010 - what a fantastic cruise it was! :)

 

I think I have to do the Istanbul -Athes cruise (September 6th - 2014) as a seadream-newbie ... ;)

 

Ralf

[frequent traveler]

FT, I just read your 17 pages-thread from 2010 - what a fantastic cruise it was! :)

 

I think I have to do the Istanbul -Athes cruise (September 6th - 2014) as a seadream-newbie ... ;)

 

Ralf

 

We did in late May - water was awfully chilly in a couple of (most) ports. I used the kayaks most days, but didn't venture into the sea. I would love to able to go in September. All the locals recommended and European holidays are over (low children risk!) I wouldn't mind doing this itinerary again.

 

Have fun -if you go, please post here.

 

FT

[richb21]

We are doing august, water will plenty warm, cross my fingers no children on board (sorry:() and temps below 100 degrees!!

[gcmv]

temps below 100 degrees!!

 

Sorry, but I think you'll have at least 100 degrees in most parts of the Eastern Med in August - that's the reason why I like to do the trip in September.

 

@TC: There are some other options left to check - perhaps Tere Maona, Seabourn, Silversea, Regent or the "new Windstar Pride".

Lots of comparisons to make and decisions to take - I hope I will take the right one.

If it is SeaDream, I'll write here - promised!

 

Ralf

[knotheadusc]

Europe in August is also when lots of locals go on vacation and things get closed.

 

Of course, Europe is awesome most times of the year... I just like it better at some times over others.

[Threedox]

My husband and I took our first cruise ever in 2011 on Seabourne. We are boaters, but were not thrilled about the idea of going on a a big cruise ship, so that's why we were drawn to Seabourn. At the time, we researched Sea Dream, Seabourn, and Windstar. Ultimately, we chose Seabourn (we liked the idea of having the open air in our room (the tiny balcony). We loved our trip. The rooms, including bathroom and closet, are spacious. And the food was excellent. The biggest issue we had, though, was that the hot tub was always broken, and the pool was completely uninviting (in an alcove area, giving it the feel of an indoor pool).

 

We are really looking forward to trying out Sea Dream at the end of this summer. The outdoor space, especially the pool, looks great. And it seems like the water sports will be better. Also, from what I understand the crowd may be a bit younger on Sea Dream than on Seabourn (we are 48 and 51 years old).

 

In any event, I don't think you can go wrong with either one!

[Jim Avery]

You are exactly right about the pool deck. We LOVE the pool deck on SeaDream and have spent most days there. We loved our Med cruise on Seabourn Spirit but the pool is useless. Age varies. Mostly 50-70 would be my guess but age is not really an issue on board. We have had fun with (and still keep in touch with) younger and older new friends. It is all about passenger interaction and not the diversions like casinos, shows, etc.

[Threedox]

Absolutely agree about the age differences. . . it is all about the interactions, and we also enjoy meeting people of all ages :)

[Zimmy]

Forget about age. It is all about attitude. We know people in their 80's who are young, and we know other people who were old in their 40's. SeaDream attracts young people of all ages.