TrapperZimmy

Just my opinion, Jim, but we've never felt the need for a larger room, even on a 16-day crossing. Yes, a larger bathroom would be nice, but the current bathroom is still nicer than walking to the backyard with a flashlight. Enlarging the bathrooms might be problematic because in the Commodores they are not back-to-back. You could do it, I suppose, if you took two adjacent Commodores, converted the second and third suites to one, and made the first and fourth into single suites. But if more Admiral Suites would get the Averys back on board, I second the motion.

To which motion are you referring, Jim?

I guess the big difference is if you wanted separated twin beds, as Dan apparently was expecting. I wonder if there is some consistency as to where the Murphy is located in all rooms, like either the forward or the aft room. The only thing SD says on the website is that some rooms have a permanent queen bed.

We stayed at the Athens Hilton before a cruise a few years ago. It is a very modern hotel with an excellent restaurant. We were able to walk to the Plaka, a distance of about a mile and a half. We always go to a cruise at least a day before sailing. I'd suggest two days to help you deal with the jet lag.

Glad you've been having a good time. Actually, 40% repeaters is kind of low these days. We've been on trips where it is closer to 80%. The crew changes aren't really unusual. Those officers have been on board for a while. When we were aboard in January, they were planning their vacations. I still have problems grasping the idea that we go to them for vacation, but they go home for vacation.

Since we haven't done that itinerary on SeaDream, the only question I can address is your last one. Seasickness, or should I say rough seas, can occur anywhere and at any time. We've been in water that is notoriously rough, e.g. Bay of Biscay, and felt nothing. We've sailed all around the Med from Lisbon to Alexandria and the only rough water we have encountered was a short trip from Haifa to Ashdod (on Azamara). And that was due to a storm. SeaDream rides well, so being a small vessel is not really a factor. That being said, we always bring enough Bonine for each day of the cruise. I usually take one before embarkation and then only when it gets really choppy, which is rare. After our first cruise on SeaDream, where just about everyone was sick coming out of San Juan, we've done over 20 sailings without incident.

It won't be exactly the same. All the staterooms have been redecorated and significantly improved. Electrical outlets and USB ports by the bed, for instance. More storage space, too. Two whirlpools in the Crow's Nest and a water slide on Deck 3. However, you are likely to recognize crew members, which is the best part.

And, as I always advise, don't put down any non-refundable money because ports of call may change at the last minute do to sea conditions.

Jim, just walking from bow to stern on that monster ship is more exercise than I want to get on my vacation.

Can't comment on "go go go" because we mostly like to "relax relax relax." But I do have a comment about Anguilla. This past winter we finally made it to the island and took SD's excursion to the beach, which was beautiful. It was on the itinerary for two previous trips over the years, and each time we got there the seas were too rough to anchor and tender in. The consolation prize was an extra day in St. Barts. The advice I always give is don't book anything anywhere that you can't cancel without penalty.

Only the ones who get to see it. But it is good for those of us who sail on fancy ships to see up close what poverty looks like in lands of no opportunity. And if we are prompted to do something about it, either on the island or at home, it is worth the trip.

Rothko is right. Just follow the money. If I ran a Caribbean island, I would waive all port charges for any ship with 4000 or more passengers. We'd make it up on mai tai and t-shirt sales alone. Frankly, I think the only reason these ships go to an island is to meet the requirement of having a foreign port on a round trip US cruise. Otherwise, there is so much to do onboard that there would be no reason to get off. And the company would make more money keeping the passengers on board where they pay for everything beyond the basics.

Yes, 700 is hardly a megaship. Think ten times that. We have done a number of sailings, although not recently, on the R ships, with Renaissance, Oceania and Azamara. They run about 630 passengers with deck 8 being the penthouse suites. It is a nice size ship and easy to get around. But they are still large, as far as we are concerned. When you have to wait in line or get a number for a tender, it takes away from the relaxation. The great thing about the cruise industry is that there is a cruise for everybody's taste and interest. Check out Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas which will launch soon. The largest ship yet, with something like 20 dining venues. Seasickness is not necessarily related to the size of the ship. Our worst case of it was on Azamara during the 24 mile trip from Haifa to Ashdod. By morning, everything in the room was on the floor. On the other hand, we did the crossing on SDII a couple of months ago and had 3 or 4 days of rough seas with glassware crashing all over, and didn't even need the Bonine.

I debated as to whether I should respond because I really find the smell of cigars to be disgusting. However, I will tell you the published policy. I will also tell you that in all of our experience we have found that there is rarely more than three of four people smoking on the yacht. SeaDream's smoking policy onboard limits the use of smoking tobacco products only to certain areas on the outside decks. SeaDream respects our patrons' personal decision to smoke but at the same time ensures that passive smoking should not be forced upon our guests and crew involuntarily. SeaDream's humidors carry a fine selection of cigars for purchase. For the comfort and convenience of all our guests, cigars, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and pipe smoking is permitted only at designated areas on Deck 3 and Deck 6 except during meal hours. Smoking inside the vessel is not permitted.

We've never felt it was too hot to eat on deck. When eating outside, they do not enforce the "no shorts rule," and there are ceiling fans they can turn on. There are also heat lamps if it is chilly. As for the wind, if it is problematic, there are clear curtains they can roll down on the sides of the yacht. Garysaragh is (are?) correct that when the dining room is open they will allow al fresco dining, but when dinner is served topside, that is for everyone. I suppose you could use room service if you don't want to be out. As for the waves, I can't see that being on any particular deck would make a difference, except that low and midship is the best location for those prone to seasickness. I kind of think it would be nice to be up close and personal with the waves washing against the ship. You actually spend so little time in the room that it doesn't matter whether you have windows or portholes. The bigger question is do you want to be closer to the dining room, the pool, or the piano bar/casino/spa and gym.