SD I -July 14, Venice to Athens

[Zimmy]

You CAN legally ban children. There are adults only resorts. And Renaissance had a policy of no smoking and no one under the age of eighteen. And there were no exceptions - we tried to book a holiday cruise with a family group of nine which included one sixteen year old - they refused us, which was their right. It was wonderful while it lasted but after 9/11 Renaissance went under, and to my knowledge no cruise line has done something similar since then. Business is tough, and since the 2008 crash especially so.

 

But really, considering the small number of children whose parents actually do take them on SD, how much business would SD lose with a no children policy? And they seem to wreck such havoc when they are there, how much business does SD lose because of it? In our five or six SD cruises we have never encountered a small child. On our one New Years cruise there were no small children but a lot of high school & college age kids. And we didn't find it pretty - drunk fifteen year olds wandering around the ship at 1 a.m.? But I'm not suggesting that SD ban teenagers, although that was our first and last New Year's cruise (and we would probably spend every New Years on SD otherwise). But children under ten? SD has to lose more business than they gain by having toddlers onboard.

[frequent traveler]

Travel schedules right now are limited by academic calendar due to job. SD so long as they permit children (and Sandals and other venues are adults only) will be a shoulder season only luxury - especially after a child jumped on ZQVOL in the pool this pm.

 

I thought it was very polite to wait until a child finished snorkeling in the hot tub before I entered this am. The child did not return until after I exited so perhaps my reputation as the grinch is spreading. (serious, the child had mask and snorkel on and was kicking around)

 

 

FT

[CDreamer]

:::snip:::a child jumped on ZQVOL in the pool this pm. ::: I thought it was very polite to wait until a child finished snorkeling in the hot tub before I entered this am.

 

:eek::eek::eek: Wow, NOT good!! I am really surprised these young kids are not being supervised or corralled by parents (who obviously have the ultimate responsibility), crew, Capt... or someone! We've had a few kids on board from time to time but they were always well behaved.

 

When everyone needs to dance around unruly kids it's just not fair to the rest of the passengers. One of the reasons we chose SD years ago was because it was advertised as a "couples' cruise" and wasn't geared towards kids.

 

FT: <<Shopping and swimming in Hydra are FANTASTIC !>>

 

HA!! DJ and I were right, FT - you DID need that extra shopping bag!! :D

 

Seriously, glad to hear you are carving out your own good times there, despite some of the road blocks on board, and I'm really enjoying the pics. Have been through the Corinth Canal and to Delphi (amazing), but have never been to Hydra. Looks nice!

[zqvol]

:eek::eek::eek: Wow, NOT good!! I am really surprised these young kids are not being supervised or corralled by parents (who obviously have the ultimate responsibility), crew, Capt... or someone! We've had a few kids on board from time to time but they were always well behaved.

 

When everyone needs to dance around unruly kids it's just not fair to the rest of the passengers. One of the reasons we chose SD years ago was because it was advertised as a "couples' cruise" and wasn't geared towards kids.

 

FT: <<Shopping and swimming in Hydra are FANTASTIC !>>

 

HA!! DJ and I were right, FT - you DID need that extra shopping bag!! :D

 

Seriously, glad to hear you are carving out your own good times there, despite some of the road blocks on board, and I'm really enjoying the pics. Have been through the Corinth Canal and to Delphi (amazing), but have never been to Hydra. Looks nice!

 

No she didn't - we had it shipped home!

[Jim Avery]

So, FT & Z, given the kid issues, on top of the flight issues, are Yall still sailing Thanksgiving.?:eek:

[frequent traveler]

So, FT & Z, given the kid issues, on top of the flight issues, are Yall still sailing Thanksgiving.?:eek:

 

We cancelled Thanksgiving due to flight issues but were planning on booking spring break while on board. Not going to do that now-no more travel during potential school holidays even though it's in early March, not close to Easter this year. After this week we would have cancelled Thanksgiving even without flight issues.

 

FT

 

Another good dinner tonight and the staff are amazing. - I mentioned I really missed the cheese rolls and tonight Job pointed to one in the bread basket! Dessert was white chocolate souffle with Bailley's ice cream (I was good and only had two courses before that- tomato & coriander soup and prime rib). But when the truffle dish arrives- it contains not one but three of my favorites, a fistful of marshmallows covered in dark chocolate. Nickola has made sure that we are not neglected! Then when we arrive back at the cabin a a plate with 5 more are waiting! Guess what is for breakfast tomorrow?

 

This is after I don't like the California red wine that is the house pour and Xander opens a bottle of the Spanish red I liked so much from last week.

 

I hate to think about leaving this voyage without another one booked. I absolutely hate it but refuse to pay for the "privilege" of being contained with unrestrained small children.

 

FT

[Jim Avery]

We have Costa Rica booked and have high hopes of it being an "Adult" cruise but will watch closely. This kid stuff is just not OK. this does not seem to be an issue over on Seabourn and our one trip with them was wonderful and all Adult. As it should be.

[Jim Avery]

We cancelled Thanksgiving due to flight issues but were planning on booking spring break while on board. Not going to do that now-no more travel during potential school holidays even though it's in early March, not close to Easter this year. After this week we would have cancelled Thanksgiving even without flight issues.

 

FT

 

Another good dinner tonight and the staff are amazing. - I mentioned I really missed the cheese rolls and tonight Job pointed to one in the bread basket! Dessert was white chocolate souffle with Bailley's ice cream (I was good and only had two courses before that- tomato & coriander soup and prime rib). But when the truffle dish arrives- it contains not one but three of my favorites, a fistful of marshmallows covered in dark chocolate. Nickola has made sure that we are not neglected! Then when we arrive back at the cabin a a plate with 5 more are waiting! Guess what is for breakfast tomorrow?

 

This is after I don't like the California red wine that is the house pour and Xander opens a bottle of the Spanish red I liked so much from last week.

 

I hate to think about leaving this voyage without another one booked. I absolutely hate it but refuse to pay for the "privilege" of being contained with unrestrained small children.

 

FT

 

In reading all your posts, your experiences in the two weeks back to back have perfectly illustrated the inconsistent nature of the SeaDream experience. The food and service seem to be consistent but the passenger make up (especially small children) can really mess with the complete experience. IMHO, really silly of management to allow such inconsistency.

[whatnot]

Have enjoyed reading your posts and seeing your pics. So sorry that the kid issue has tainted your trip. I can't understand why SD allows it to happen but I do think it has something to do with the reduced prices and trying to fill up the yacht. Last summer we sailed in late June and July in the Baltic and there were no kids. That cruise was 10 days long, sold out quickly and the price was fairly expensive. Maybe you need to look for cruises that parents won't be as likely to bring their kids on. We are doing the Black Sea on May 25 2012. I don't think that will be a kid magnet cruise. Join us on that one or is it too early for academic break?

[whatnot]

Sorry, I meant 2013.

[Zimmy]

Whatnot has a point. Last summer we did a back to back at the very end of the Baltic cruises before the ship sailed in the Med - Amsterdam to Bordeaux to Lisbon. It was the end of July/beginning of August, and not a kid in sight. Also fairly expensive - these ports were new to SD so they filled up quickly and did not have to discount.

 

But while this may work, the philosophy of "look for something not discounted" really does bother me. We shouldn't have to spend more to get what SD, in their promotional material, promises in the first place.

 

And it didn't work for FT - her cruise was discounted at the last minute and then filled up with what none of us want to travel with. So she paid full price and then paid the emotional price of a discounted cruise anyway.

[frequent traveler]

Patmos today – we did the monastery and cave on our own. Today the was the day of St. Anne and our taxi driver stopped at the cave first. Right in the middle of liturgy – not a good idea, as the cave (which is used as a Greek church) was full and the service was being conducted in Greek (of course) by the abbott. Went on to the monastery – you should do. The museum is very good. I am not a museum person, but the preserved books on vellum are masterpieces. Jewelry, altars, scenters, etc – we went first thing in the morning and beat the crowds and overwhelming heat. 30 Euro for the trip. Cab driver leaves from pier, drops you off at cave, picks you up and delivers you to monastery and then picks you up and returns to pier. 90 minutes to 2 hr trip.

 

Got to ride the zodiac over and was a bit a tense when we were greeted by armed soldiers. Turned out an Israeli cruise ship is anchored right next to us and the island is on alert after the most recent bombing.

 

Not very good shopping here – but great liquor prices. I think we have hit our limit! But we have a sampling of everything. ZQVOL bought way too many cookies at a bakery and has donated to the crew. I’m reaping all the benefits as everyone is thanking me and I know nothing about Greek pastries (too many nuts!).

 

Lunch today had wonderful gazpacho (spiced it up this week and turned down the cilantro). We thought we were going to eat off ship as is our tradition on the Greek isles but none of the cafes really appealed to us. So we ate on board – my favorite mustard egg salad was on the buffet and two lunch specials: the fish and chips plus a “Kansas city burger” – it had blue cheese on a pecan bun plus raisin cole slaw. I combined the two – had the burger sans pecan bun plus the homemade chips. There were a lot of each special being served. Had another of Gideon’s wonderful caprihainas.

 

Too hot to be on deck. Tried the pool but gave up when 3 ten/eleven or so year olds invaded in fins and snorkel gear. Even though they quickly moved on to the hot tub, I moved up to the Bali bed where Nickola cheerfully put up an umbrella. But with the ship only on one anchor I can’t stay in shade long enough to be comfortable – so I guess I’ll head back up on deck when we start sailing. Sail away drink is Kir Royale. Yum yum.

 

Coming back from town on the life boat, another guest – who normally sails in May/June indicated that July is the absolute worst month to sail SD for children as July is when everyone goes on holiday. I should have known that but this was the only itinerary that allowed us to do both Croatia and Corinth Canal so now we know – late May, early June should be OK. That will be our target IF ZQ Vol’s schedule permits. There are a couple of Caribbean voyages that should also work – so long as we also configure around European and British school holidays. Biggest concern will be the ‘last minute’ sales that will allow preschoolers on board. Not sure how to avoid unless we also book at last minute when we can confirm how many preschoolers are booked. Last night the 3 yr old was at the concierge desk by himself chatting away to staff when we came down from dinner. And his mom & dad went to swim in the ocean leaving him and his 5 yr old brother in the pool by themselves in the afternoon (I guess it was ok since they had on water wings). SD staff can’t be watching for this type of negligence.

 

But again, as long as SD senior management brings their own children on board (two of the children in fins and mask in the pool and hot tub today are the children of a gentleman who introduced himself as Bob Lepisto’s equivalent in Norway) – what can staff do? (These children are generally well mannered and he was not present during the snorkeling).

 

Have to say, a couple of the other guests have more gumption than I do. When I got to the pool, there was one chair open between several others – so I took it. After I settled in, a guest came to the end of the row and started whining (I literally mean this) that “someone” had moved her stuff while she was upstairs. Turned out she had been trying to save 8 vacant chairs for more than 3 hours . . . and a couple of other guests had gotten tired and moved all her stuff to an end table . .. so 3 other parties plus me were able to use the chairs. I looked around and said to another guest – there was nothing on this chair, so I assumed it was OK, then they told me the whole story. It was funny – but it was not SD that handled, but another guest. I actually take my towels to the dirty towel bin when I leave so people know the chair is free. I just assumed everyone else does, but I guess not.

 

Oh well, a lot to look forward to – just not getting on the scale when I get off SD. I know I’ve abused words such as “great” or “amazing”, but if I don’t finish something, there’s a concern I don’t like it and what can be done to fix it or get me something else. I like to taste a lot of different things on the menu but I don’t think the word “sample” is in the dictionary. Between the fresh towels, new amenities, constant refill of the ice bucket (I swear our attendants are invisible) and the mini-fridge, I am so spoiled. When ZQVol left the movie early the other night, the DVD was delivered to our room so he could finish watching the movie. I could go on and will likely do so in our “formal” review, there’s a lot more you haven’t read here . . . but nap time is calling.

have a great day. I'm looking forward to my Kir Royale after hopefully swimming off the Marina Platform (if I can stay awake -didn't yesterday). Cocktails and dinner outside.

FT

[DisneyJen]

Thanks for the update FT ... have a Kir Royale for me:p

 

You have definitely convinced us that we need to do the Med/Greece in shoulder season!

[zqvol]

Pictures from Patmos.

 

 

This is working pretty well with FT doing the writing and me getting to take care of the photos.

 

I enjoyed Patmos today. Two rides on the jet ski for a long time. Set my personal speed record of 51mph. It is nice when the sea is flat as glass!

[DisneyJen]

Pictures from Patmos.

 

This is working pretty well with FT doing the writing and me getting to take care of the photos.

 

I enjoyed Patmos today. Two rides on the jet ski for a long time. Set my personal speed record of 51mph. It is nice when the sea is flat as glass!

 

DJ's DH will be insanely jealous to read how fast you were able to go on the jet ski! Saw the pics on FB ... I think you forgot the link here:p

[Jim Avery]

I think your last minute booking idea is the only way to go. Otherwise, by the time you find out it has filled with kids, you are in the no refund zone.:eek: Even in the Caribbean, for a couple, with flights and a hotel, SeaDream is a $10,000+ week. I know you have paid significantly more for your current holiday. For these per diem rates, the world is full of options that don't involve rolling the dice as to whether or not you are going to get the advertised product. We have loved SeaDream but, as mentioned earlier, have had kid issues on fully half of our trips. Not a good thing.

[knotheadusc]

So glad our next SD is in mid May and not July!

[Jim Avery]

So glad our next SD is in mid May and not July!

 

We have had these issues in Mid March, Late October, and early December.

[knotheadusc]

We have had these issues in Mid March, Late October, and early December.

 

Even so, I think the likelihood of it happening is lessened when you pick a cruise that isn't smack in the middle of summer holidays. Besides, even if there are a lot of kids on our May cruise, at least the weather is likely to be somewhat more pleasant. July in southern Europe is usually pretty hot and not every place has embraced the wonders of air conditioning!

[overwurked]

Just to add some additional perspective, in my 10-12 SD cruises (don't recall the exact number) - many during holidays - while there have been times when more or less children have been on board, as a whole my experience has been that they are generally well behaved. I have had more issues with badly behaved adults than children. Its a shame that this seems to not be the case on this trip but in my experience that is the exception not the rule.

[frequent traveler]

Just to add some additional perspective, in my 10-12 SD cruises (don't recall the exact number) - many during holidays - while there have been times when more or less children have been on board, as a whole my experience has been that they are generally well behaved. I have had more issues with badly behaved adults than children. Its a shame that this seems to not be the case on this trip but in my experience that is the exception not the rule.

 

I actually agree. No problem last Christmas and with the one exception of an Easter cruise early in SD's history - after which SD changed its pricing policy we have had no problem with unruly or unwatched children until this voyage. I am more concerned about the impact of the late fare reduction and will just avoid school holidays in the future. SD just doesn't have the staff or set up when parents won't watch.

 

Off to Greek night dinner :). Wearing really loose clothes:D

FT

[knotheadusc]

Just to add some additional perspective, in my 10-12 SD cruises (don't recall the exact number) - many during holidays - while there have been times when more or less children have been on board, as a whole my experience has been that they are generally well behaved. I have had more issues with badly behaved adults than children. Its a shame that this seems to not be the case on this trip but in my experience that is the exception not the rule.

 

 

That's true. On my last SD cruise, I witnessed a man attempt to start a fight and two other guys helping themselves to liquor in the piano bar. Sometimes the adults are definitely not as well behaved.

[ctbjr1309]

FT, with all of the discussion about childish behavior on board this week I'm surprised not to have heard anything regarding our mutual friends who I understood were to be on board this week. What gives?

[zqvol]

Just back from dinner, chef did a great job, but it is a bit tough to cook Greek food for someone who has eaten it his entire life. Everything was well done.

 

Found the bean soup (fasoulia) interesting, menu said white beans came out as black eyed peas. Now I like black eyed peas but I have never seen Greek soup made with them, but what the heck it was delicious!

 

The moussaka was very nice just the right flavors and they got the cinnamon just perfect. It was probably the best flavored dish of the night. FT and I both had spanakopita which was nice but not like what we make at home. It could have used more Feta and garlic and onion, but if you don't eat it all the time you would never know that those things were missing.

 

All in all the chef did an excellent job.

 

My dessert was really nice, I had a pear and figs in honey sauce. reminded me of what my grandmother and aunts made years ago. The only comment that I had was that I wish that the fruit could have soaked in the juices for a couple of weeks, but of course that is not possible on a ship.

 

Evening end with a nice chat with Pierre, wonderful hotel manager.

[frequent traveler]

FT, with all of the discussion about childish behavior on board this week I'm surprised not to have heard anything regarding our mutual friends who I understood were to be on board this week. What gives?

 

Everyone is playing well in the sandbox together. Children are only being children in a place not designed for children and marketed as an "couples cruise"

 

Another gorgeous evening. Great fashion show. SD has some new bags that are really tempting and can Mikee really work a cat walk! Too stuffed to talk about Greek night but will post what ZQVOL didn't later. Only 11 people are getting off for Ephesus tomorrow . Could be a crowded yacht

 

FT