cabosal1

I've been on more than a dozen SD cruises and NEVER heard of, saw or experienced a Murphy Bed ( And have stayed on floors 2, 3 &4).

Have taken many SD cruises, but never a TA. 44 ppl? Sounds a little quiet to me. Where's the "drama"?

Re SXM: We have stayed at Divi, Allegra,and Ocean Pte.pre-cruise. I liked Divi, husband didn't (don't know why but they did try to sell us a timeshare.). Had a nice bar area with live music (loved that! ), nice beach and pool. Ocean pointe (the all-inclusive you may be referencing) was relaxing, convenient to Maho bars/restaurants, and we had no food-related problems. Holland House is well-located, has ocean-front beach and relaxing bar/restaurant, great people-watching place, center of shopping area, but no pool.

Sorry, but I don't think SD's Caribbean cruises are the place for "go go go"ers. (Especially the BVI's!). Maybe plan on doing alot of SD led biking, walking, and snorkling tours. Your itinerary might help with others suggestions. Personally, we do ONLY SD and ONLY the Caribbean (14 so far.). We go for the beaches, the bars and the beauty. A sunset in Anguilla can take your breath away.

We have had cabins on decks 2, 3,&4. Portholes seemed only difference. And, yes, kinda rocky around PR. Husband has not taken a sportscoat in all our 13 cruises. Regarding excursions: We purchase some onboard, but also like to go off on our own, hire a cab or just walk around. (Those we purchase are usually the more specialized ones, ie: Monserrat, Saba,Tortola, snorkling, the Baths, etc.). Never had a bad experience on doing either.

Saba is one of my favorite SD stops. Very quirky and different from any other Caribbean stop.That being said, it has no beaches and often SD cannot get in there (sea problems?). Anguilla,in my opinion, has the most beautiful beaches, best sunsets, fanciest hotels and superb restaurants/bars. Missing Anguilla would be a mistake (My #1).

Thanks for the info. Good to know how that would be distributed. We'll continue with our individual appreciation.

I know everybody is different regarding the tipping protocol, so I think it will be up to what you feel comfortable doing. No right or wrong. That said, as veterans of 14 SD cruises, we usually tip prior to disembarkation so as to not miss any of our favorites. There is a fund you can donate to but we prefer the individual recognition. Again, your preference.

We were on SDI in December and no renovations done on bathrooms. Otherwise, renos were okay.

I don't know if you've been cruising before or been to the Caribbean before. SD is small, friendly, and intimate. The staff will all know your name and what you like. We've done 13 SD's, all on SDI and all in the Caribbean and plan on continuing to do so. You'll have a great time. You'll meet and love Christoph, Anna (she's a Brit, too) Leo, Mikkee, et al. Be sure to hit the TOY Bar and say "hi" to Josh.

Probably March 23, in Mayreau. That is the usual spot for the Bridgetown cruises.

We've been to all these Caribbean islands on SD and you should probably count on being tendered to most of them (definitely St. Barts, Nevis, St. Kitts, Ils de Sts). Some may even be Zodiacs

Unfortunately, SeaDream no longer docks across from the Sheraton in Old SanJuan. We discovered this only the morning of embarkation, when we watched from our balcony as SDI sailed on bye. I had to call SD in Miami to be told it was now docking in Pan Am dock, a short cab ride away, but definitely not walking distance. SD was good about telling me where the dock was, sending a map of the location, however prior knowledge would have been helpful. I was told this was a new docking for this year.

We have taken 12 SD cruises, all in the Caribbean. SD's excursions are very well organized and safe. That being said, we have often just gotten off the boat and there are plenty of taxi's and/or tour companies that will be there to offer their services. We've done this often and never had a problem (Kinda felt like your own private tour.).

If you like Italian food go to Cucina di Ivo in Old San Juan. (You may have to ask for help in finding it ,but if you do, it is well worth it. Nice, romantic ambiance and great food).