Some Questions from a first timer

[maryella]

We will be on the April 13 sailing from SJ to Barbados with our family of four. We booked 2 GTY cabins on the lower deck. I check the web site with my confirmation periodically and was wondering when they will post a cabin number for us? I am hoping that we will at least be on the same deck as our daughters.

Also, I know the dining is open seating but do you have to make a reservation? What time do most people dine in the Caribbean? Having just returned from a 2 week stay in Anguilla we were eating around 8:00----do the passengers eat that late? Finally do you share tables with other passengers at larger tables or are the tables just for four?

Oh and how is the workout room? Does it have threadmills?

Thanks and looking forward to our first time on SD. I am excited to see some of the islands on the itinerary that we have never been to before.

[DisneyJen]

Welcome a "board" maryella!

 

DH and I booked a GTY2 for our upcoming March 16 cruise on SD1. I checked the on-line registration about once a week. I learned of our cabin assignment (415) on Feb. 20, which was about 3 weeks before our cruise.

 

Did you use a TA or book yourself? Your reservations should be tagged so that they try to keep you on the same deck.

 

No need to make a reservation for dinner. Just show up and you will be seated at a table for four or a larger table if you would like. If memory serves, I believe that dinner seating is between 7 and 9 p.m. in the Caribbean ... you'll have to check the daily program to see the exact times. Most people arrived in the first 30 minutes while others arrived later and were seated promptly.

 

There are treadmills in the workout room ... or so I have been told:p

 

Bon voyage!

[Jim Avery]

Started packing yet, Jen?

[DisneyJen]

Started packing yet, Jen?

 

Mentally I have:p

[Cammiem]

We will be on the April 13 sailing from SJ to Barbados with our family of four. We booked 2 GTY cabins on the lower deck. I check the web site with my confirmation periodically and was wondering when they will post a cabin number for us? I am hoping that we will at least be on the same deck as our daughters.

Also, I know the dining is open seating but do you have to make a reservation? What time do most people dine in the Caribbean? Having just returned from a 2 week stay in Anguilla we were eating around 8:00----do the passengers eat that late? Finally do you share tables with other passengers at larger tables or are the tables just for four?

Oh and how is the workout room? Does it have threadmills?

Thanks and looking forward to our first time on SD. I am excited to see some of the islands on the itinerary that we have never been to before.

 

Hi maryella!

 

We are on the same voyage. It's going to be a wonderful week!

 

It looks like DisneyJen has answered your questions. The crew will accommodate your every whim. If you want to dine as a family of four, you may do so. You'll meet so many wonderful people onboard that you may find you're dining as a table of 8 or 10, which is what we did on our last SeaDream voyage...every night. I was always impressed that we never had to wait for our large table (or any table, for that matter) to be assembled.

 

You & your daughters will have a fabulous time. :)

[maryella]

Having read through several months of previous posts in preparation for our upcoming trip I was very upset to recently come across these posts:

 

Just found out that there are at least 2 kids on this sailing so we may look for another date. We really don't like being around kids on vacation and I am concerned that on a smaller ship it would be an issue. I have visions of cannonballing 8 year olds in my head:(

 

 

Two teens will not be a big deal. There is really no where on the ship for them to run around, or cause a stir. There are no activities, so for the most part with only two when they are on board they are likely to be almost invisible, except at meals

 

 

I'm usually the grinch and anti-children -- but unless the two are incredibly misbehaved, I don't think you will notice them. Thirty yes, but two, probably not. SD has plenty of open space - if you stay on ship at an island stop, they will most likely go on island. And if you go on island, you should be able to avoid them (SABA is about the only place you might run into them since SD usually commands all the taxis - a grand total of six).

 

 

Two teens so far from what I see on the Roll call boards. Really concerned about this now as the overall ambiance will be different :( and we were looking forward to adults only. Why do they advertise "Only 55 Couples" and then allow kids? Seems a bit misleading

 

The two teens everyone is referring to are my daughters and frankly I am sickened by this talk. Had I seen these before I paid my final deposit I would have cancelled my reservation. Who wants to spend a vacation amoung such narrow minded and grumpy passengers that will not give us the time of day because we are traveling with our daughters. But it is too late and we will be on this cruise.

So to set the record straight my daughters are not children but young adults at 16 & 18 years old. They are extremely well traveled and mature. They are content to read and listen to their IPODS and just be together as a family. I am sure they are better behaved than some of you will be after a few martinis. It wont hurt you to smile and say hi when you see them, they don't bite.

[Jim Avery]

Why would you consider it "narrow minded and grumpy" for people to want what SeaDream markets, "55 privileged couples". SeaDream (and Seabourn-see the similar threads over there) are not for kids. Kids change the dynamics of the small ship immensely. Not their fault, fault of the parents that have no feelings for the other passengers on these very nice, but small ships.

Just an opinion.

[DisneyJen]

maryella ... I am sure that you and your family will have a wonderful trip.

 

It sounds like your DDs will enjoy the laid-back atmosphere on SD. My DD, who will be 16 in November, is at the reading booking and listening to IPOD stage as well. As a matter of fact, when we cruised on HAL in November she spent more time with us in our suite and on our aft balcony than anywhere else.

 

I am sure that the staff and other passengers will be warm and welcoming.

[Cammiem]

Having read through several months of previous posts in preparation for our upcoming trip I was very upset to recently come across these posts:

 

Just found out that there are at least 2 kids on this sailing so we may look for another date. We really don't like being around kids on vacation and I am concerned that on a smaller ship it would be an issue. I have visions of cannonballing 8 year olds in my head:(

 

 

Two teens will not be a big deal. There is really no where on the ship for them to run around, or cause a stir. There are no activities, so for the most part with only two when they are on board they are likely to be almost invisible, except at meals

 

 

I'm usually the grinch and anti-children -- but unless the two are incredibly misbehaved, I don't think you will notice them. Thirty yes, but two, probably not. SD has plenty of open space - if you stay on ship at an island stop, they will most likely go on island. And if you go on island, you should be able to avoid them (SABA is about the only place you might run into them since SD usually commands all the taxis - a grand total of six).

 

 

Two teens so far from what I see on the Roll call boards. Really concerned about this now as the overall ambiance will be different :( and we were looking forward to adults only. Why do they advertise "Only 55 Couples" and then allow kids? Seems a bit misleading

 

The two teens everyone is referring to are my daughters and frankly I am sickened by this talk. Had I seen these before I paid my final deposit I would have cancelled my reservation. Who wants to spend a vacation amoung such narrow minded and grumpy passengers that will not give us the time of day because we are traveling with our daughters. But it is too late and we will be on this cruise.

So to set the record straight my daughters are not children but young adults at 16 & 18 years old. They are extremely well traveled and mature. They are content to read and listen to their IPODS and just be together as a family. I am sure they are better behaved than some of you will be after a few martinis. It wont hurt you to smile and say hi when you see them, they don't bite.

 

maryella,

 

I think many people book SeaDream for what they advertise: a small-ship cruise that pampers 55 couples. Translated: no children. I also think that many people, myself included, immediately think the worst when we hear children are involved in anything, not just an SD cruise. Whiny, running, cannonball-splashing, screaming, complaining, obnoxious...plug-in any adjective you want. I'm sure that's what the posters of posts you've quoted above were concerned with. So, please don't be offended or worried that you and your family won't be welcome or feel comfortable. You all will have a wonderful time.

 

There was a lovely teenager on our last SD voyage. She was mature, polite and wonderful! She did not change the dynamics of the cruise or appear out of place.

 

I've considered bringing my well-behaved children on an SD voyage, but it won't be until they've reached the ages of your daughters.

 

I am looking forward to meeting you and your family once aboard. I am certain your daughters are charming & polite (I'm sure you are, too:D ). I can guarantee you that DH & I are not narrow-minded or grumpy, nor do we fear that your lovely daughters will bite. :)

[suzcruised]

Does Seadream really push for 55 and older, I had heard it was a younger crowd, we were hoping for a little more fun group then on our SilverSeas and The World cruises.

[raingage]

They were refering to 55 couples, not the age 55....

[Cammiem]

Does Seadream really push for 55 and older, I had heard it was a younger crowd, we were hoping for a little more fun group then on our SilverSeas and The World cruises.

 

raingage is right -- it's 55 couples. We're in our early 40s. Believe me, SD is FUN! :D

[frequent traveler]

maryella

 

since I am one of the posters quoted, I feel I have to echo Cammiem's comments -- your "children" - really young adults and your family will have a lovely time and will not be "shunned,'" even by a "grinch" like me.

 

However, if your "children" were poorly behaved - and unfortunately some of us have been on SD with parents with young teens who, at best, can't handle the adult laid back environment and who, at worst, are unruly hellions (cannonballs in the small pool when it IS NOT empty, repeatedly interrupting the cruise director when he's speaking to everyone in the lounge about the next day's activities, getting in yelling fights with each other at the dinner table - with the parents not doing a darn thing, and these weren't "isolated events') - it would be a different story.

 

Hope you and your family enjoy the trip.

 

FT

 

yes, Jim, I know the advertised market is 55 adult couples . . . but we've both been on a cruise with a "misbehaving adult couple" - I'd trade that one couple on our Easter cruise with well behaved young adults any time.

[Jim Avery]

Hi FT:

Have you read the thread about kids on Seabourn? Funny that there were Seabourners in the past that thought there should be no kids on Seabourn but would bring theirs on SeaDream. I guess the shoe is on the other foot over there now. You know what they say about glass houses. Have a great rest of the weekend.

Jim.

[DisneyJen]

Hi FT:

Have you read the thread about kids on Seabourn? Funny that there were Seabourners in the past that thought there should be no kids on Seabourn but would bring theirs on SeaDream. I guess the shoe is on the other foot over there now. You know what they say about glass houses. Have a great rest of the weekend.

Jim.

 

I have been following that thread on the Seabourn board as well Jim. It is interesting for me to read the comments, especially since we have sailed both lines. Honestly, we felt like we were the "kids" when we sailed on Seabourn even though we are in our mid 40s:eek: We don't feel that age is an issue for adults when we are on SD.

 

The only issue I had on SD with children was on our first cruise a few years ago when there was a baby celebrating its first birthday and a toddler of 3, both of whom were on either side of our cabin:eek: I don't know what the parents or their TA's were thinking as there is just no place for kids (say under 15) on SD.

 

I know that there are some young adults who have better manners than some of us "real adults." :p

[frequent traveler]

Hi FT:

Have you read the thread about kids on Seabourn?

 

I hadn't read the thread until now - once the Seabourn "regulars" confirmed that if you didn't want to go formal you weren't allowed in public places - I stopped lurking there.

 

by the way ZQVol should have boarded his "mass market" not to be named cruise ship by now . . . but somewhat apprehensive since he read somewhere that 6 to 9 ft seas were expected somewhere along the route . . .

 

Don't want to hijack the thread but . . . Jim - don't suppose you and Lois will be in Arizona the weekend after Memorial Day? We're heading out to Phoenix so ZQVol can play golf constantly and I can see Kenny Chesney from 3rd row center and would love to see you guys . . . even if its on land and not SD

 

FT

[Jim Avery]

FT:

We are there over Memorial Day weekend. Back to Florida on the 27th. Reply to jimlois@mchsi.com so they dont lift the thread for being too personal.

Jim.

[maryella]

Thank you for some of your supportive posts regarding our upcoming trip with our "young adult" daughters.

Having just scrutinized the SD website I can not find any refernece to the cruise being limited to "ADULT" couples.

Couples to me means a pair and my daughters are a pair.

In fact there were two references to the contrary welcoming children to the cruise:

 

"SeaDream is a great place for family reunions bringing grandparents, children and grandchildren together."

 

The other one was under terms & conditions:

 

No child under the age of one (1) year at the time of sailing will be accepted as a Guest.

 

So it seems the cruise IS marketed to families and is not an adult only experience. I don't know where you can go now adays that is child free unless it clearly states that NO children are allowed (or you charter your own yacht). It seems that the issue is really about misbehaving children, teens or adults. I would share your concerns about this issue as well after paying this kind of money for this trip. It is not fair to assume that just because a passenger is a young adult that they will misbehave. Unlimited alcohol is more likely to contribute to misbehaving adults than teens (who don't drink) on this cruise.

As for the description of 55 "PRIVLEDGED" couples that is also nowhere to be found on the SD site however I do consider myself privedged to be with our daughters on this cruise.

[Bryn295]

Just found this wonderful board...

 

Anyone else booked on the April 20 SD I cruise out of San Juan?

 

This will be our second Sea Dream cruise (both on SD I). The first was

in the Med. Can't wait to be back on board Sea Dream!

 

We had one young family on our first SD cruise which surprised us because it was a November sailing. Those two ladies were so

well behaved you would never know they were on board.

 

Bryn

[Cammiem]

Just found this wonderful board...

 

Anyone else booked on the April 20 SD I cruise out of San Juan?

 

This will be our second Sea Dream cruise (both on SD I). The first was

in the Med. Can't wait to be back on board Sea Dream!

 

We had one young family on our first SD cruise which surprised us because it was a November sailing. Those two ladies were so

well behaved you would never know they were on board.

 

Bryn

 

Hi Bryn,

 

What were your sailing dates in the Med. in November? We were on SD I Nov. 3-10. It was our first, too.

[Bryn295]

We did a late October sailing, but it has been 2 years since our

last sailing. We've tried some other cruise venues but have gravitated back to SD. There's just no comparison. The only other small ship

we've done (more for location than ship ambiance) was Celebrity

Xpedition to Galapagos. That was a once in a lifetime trip.

[frequent traveler]

Thank you for some of your supportive posts regarding our upcoming trip with our "young adult" daughters.

Having just scrutinized the SD website I can not find any refernece to the cruise being limited to "ADULT" couples.

Couples to me means a pair and my daughters are a pair.

In fact there were two references to the contrary welcoming children to the cruise:

 

"SeaDream is a great place for family reunions bringing grandparents, children and grandchildren together."

 

The other one was under terms & conditions:

 

No child under the age of one (1) year at the time of sailing will be accepted as a Guest

 

 

Maryella -

 

I only play a lawyer in real life, but if I win the Powerball lottery I will just cruise SD forever and give up being a lawyer (no real loss) -

 

in the interest of real life disclosure . .

since your daughters are underage . . . will they really enjoy the "champagne & caviar splash?" And your daughters as a "couple"? yes, Children are welcomed as part of a charter. . . but please, don't take it out of context.

 

 

The Entertainment - the descriptions of the Top of the Yacht Bar, the Casino, The Piano bar, clearly again aren't for underage folks . . but again, as long as your family doesn't expect the adults to change their behavior in these spots - you will have a great time.

 

Have a good time, you are giving your children an unbelievable experience. . . hope you all enjoy.

 

FT

[surfklutz]

Maryella -

Your children will have a wonderful trip on SeaDream. On one of my first SeaDream trips I brought both my teenager daughters. They had a blast and I don't believe they were at all disruptive to the other passengers. The crew fawned over them, the captain was wonderful and it was a trip of a lifetime for all of us. Both my girls are married now so I am glad we had one family trip on SeaDream before they both left home.

[jbcjtc]

Maryella, My husband and I will be on this wonderful cruise with you and your daughters. It will be our third Sea Dream cuise (we won't ever choose another). Your family will have a geat time and we look forword to meeting you aboard!