JoAnne B

We usually stay at the Crane. They have accommodations ranging from a hotel room to penthouses with private rooftop pools. Small shopping village and a variety of good restaurants including Zen, a delicious Thai/Japanese that is highly rated.

We were on the same TA and had a very different experience. Granted boarding was a bit of a challenge as another vessel was in our spot and there was nobody to collect our bags at the taxi drop. The walk from the taxi drop off to the check in

dragging our bags was less than ideal. But once on board it was hugs all around. Many of us headed for the lounge for snacks, drinks, and greetings, although not necessarily in that order.

The first couple of days we had a fair amount of motion, but people seemed to handle it well. It didn't seem excessive to us and not as bad as some years past. We always anticipate more motion than on the mega ships.

We rather enjoyed the food and service was on point. We ate several meals in our suite and it was served by course. The chef was always at the pass for lunches, checking each plate before it was served. If he stepped away Silvia was right there to step in. Plating was lovely. We really enjoyed the meals.

We noticed some areas of the vessel where touch ups were needed, but hopefully this is planned for next year's dry dock.

We had need for medical help on a recent cruise and we,too, were impressed with the on-board doctor and Brenda's help. Poor Phil was unconsous and came to disoriented and looking up at what seemed like half of the staff crowded into our suite making sure he was okay.

It is a shame that you had such an unpleasant experience. Phil tends to get seasick. And it truly is miserable. After Madeira the sea calmed down and the weather was pleasantly warm for the rest of the voyage. Reid's is such a lovely hotel. The agent did well to place you there. Immigration can be a real pain so it is good that you had assistance. Our neighbors on the island always come onboard for lunch and "catch-up" of island gossip and politics and always are given a hard time by immigration/customs.

I just got word that the 2018 fall crossing will be delayed a bit. Just a little longer to wait.

Well, the good news is that we boarded and left port. Only to sit off Nice until about 3:00 today when we finally got clearance. The problem was fixed last night but red tape kept us here. Missed st tropez. Would have gone on to cassis, but... Cassis refused to let us stop for some unknown reason. No fear, Capt. Lund found another stop for tomorrow. Just not Cassis. Of course being a hardy lot it was taken in stride. Along with another glass or so of wine.

Regarding crew, I was told that staff and crew stayed aboard and was well cared for. No loss of wages and flexible work schedules and good food. They were totally rested up for this totally well behaved (how did that happen) roster and greeted us with lots of hugs!. Sadly Capt S will not be aboard for the crossing, but will join in the Caribbean the following cruise.

Never heard back from luggage free, but lovely Brenda and other staff on SD1 took over and assure me that all is well and the bags will be transferred tomorrow. This is why I love SD. The vessel may be older but the crew and staff is spot on!

JoAnne

Yes! SDI will sail on Saturday as scheduled. Except from Nice not Cannes. Bit of scrambling to arrange transfer change. SD is providing a shuttle from Cannes but we are in Monaco. Also have luggage shipped ahead that is in limbo. SD says we have to work it out thru luggage free who says "don't worry. We'll take care of it" which translates to worry!worry! worry! In the meantime SDl purser is also working on it. Next will turn hotel concierge lose on it. Wonderful hotel, really impressed! Best $100 continental btrakfast we've ever had.

I am getting a bit concerned and am anxious for any information on the 10/29 cruise. I am not going to be happy if we make the long trip and are cancelled. We leave tomorrow and are on the crossing as well.

Years ago we were on a mega line when they sold the ship out from under the bookings. Not only did the line only give a $50 on board, they transferred everybody to another ship with different departure date and itinerary with no right to cancel (we were past the final payment date). They refused to allow anybody to cancel or choose a different date, even a couple on their honeymoon whose wedding plans were disrupted, and,yes, it was hidden in the gobbledegook contract. Considering that I think SD is being generous. I still won't be happy If they do another last minute cancellation.

That is good news indeed. Wine cruise here we come!!!

We too have our tickets for both the 29th and the 5th but I'm guessing that those on the cancelled cruises also had tickets. We head to nice on the 26th so I hope to know the status by then.

We're on the 29th cruise out of Cannes, then on for the crossing. Not too keen on doing a crossing at this point but we'll see.

We don't have time to stay over in Barbados this year but I love the Crane. They have a Thai/Japanese restaurant to die for. Plus there is a penthouse with a roof pool and barbeque with outdoor kitchen. But the rate since we run into the holiday is prohibitive.

And for old friends on the crossing, please don't be shocked when you see Phil...he's been in chemo since right after the spring cruise and it has had a profound impact on his appearance.

We went to Troy a couple of years ago on a land tour from our hotel. It was definitely interesting, but we are admitedly suckers for ruins. I enjoyed the drive and was able to stop in a small village grocery after lunch. Quite an experience!

I am glad to report that I am back on SD I for the fall crossing. All at SD worked hard to resolve this impossible problem. I cannot imagine why the onboard "booking" was never done as there is a financial reward for bookings. There appears to be a real problem with that one employee and I hope that Miami watches him a little closer. I will never have blind trust again and will insist on paperwork instead of "don't worry". Having said that I am sorry that the person who booked the cabin later had to cancel and hope that it is not for health or other unpleasant circumstances. I was happy to receive the call from Diane at SD Miami that the suite was available.

So I'll start counting the days until Malaga. I was thinking of spending some time in Barbados after but the hotels appear to be selling out quickly. I did notice that some of the "all inclusives" only consist of a meal plan, and do not include beverages. After 13 days on SD that would never do. Anybody have a favorite hotel or resort there?

Thanks. Maybe we're being shunned because our team cleaned up in trivia. I' still hoping that they will sort it out so I can retain my faith in SD.

Whatnot

We took unworldly from Amsterdam to Budapest a few years ago. Had a great time, but mid trip the captain got into a fight with another staff member ( we never learned which one) and left the next morning black eye and all. After some scrambling they brought aboard a replacement captain and we were on our way. Not a word was said publicly about the incident. Hope you have a great trip.

Love SeaDream so I hesitated to post this, but anybody who booked future cruises on SDI recently should check their reservation asap. We literally chased after our club director to book the fall crossing. On the last day he assured us that the booking was in order but gave us no paperwork. On disembarkation day I tried again, still no paperwork. I should have insisted, but trusted that he was holding the suite (owners w/wait list for admiral's which is our favorite). Signed for cc and wait list charge. Came home and found out my TA was told there was no res, only the wait list. It doesn't make sense since you need a confirmed booking to wait list. And they have since sold the suite. I have called and called SD but, they keep putting me off. So i'm in limbo. I know that my booking was not the only one mishandled, so it would be wise to confirm any onboard reservation.

I have on occasion seen discrete envelopes given, but never felt pressure to tip. We do contribute to the crew fund as it is hard to single out individuals since everybody is service oriented. However I have given small tips to individuals who went out of their way to accommodate my mobility impairment; their special attention enhances my enjoyment of the yacht experience. I always include a personal note acknowledging appreciation. Two individuals got tears in their eyes showing me it was not expected.

We loved the Amazon on the Navigator. Although we sprang for a forward suite with wrap around deck we found the wind was too strong while sailing. In fact they tied down all of the furniture except two lounge chairs and a small table we had to keep on the side. Mosquitos kept us from taking food outside or being out at night. So much for watching the view from outside with a glass of nice wine. I like the penthouse suites, not the lowest category where the view is blocked. Otherwise the view from the suite is wonderful. I keep the drapes open at night so I can wake up with the sun shining in over the water.

We ran short on water midtrip in the Amazon not even Pelligrino for a couple of days (now that is a crisis!). They shut the launderettes, asked us to limit showers, etc. No big deal, but you may want to plan ahead.

You might want to take small gifts for the kids in the village stop. Pens, pencils, nail polish (the girls loved this), lip gloss, books. They bring kids from other villages and don't actually live there but they are cute and like interacting.

I would love to do this cruise again someday!

JoAnne

We did the rt Miami last fall and it was a delightful trip. Downside is you spend a lot of time in the caribbean, interesting ports but not the Amazon. You get a taste of the Amazon, but if you want the jungle experience one of the smaller vessels that go to Iquitos might fit your likes better. Nov water levels were low so a few of the more interesting tours were cancelled. Also water was rationed during part of the trip..thepassenger laundries were locked off for a couple of days, etc. Just a minor inconvenience.

The Navigator was a great ship for this itinerary. Lots of activities for the days onboard and interesting tours for port days. I highly recommend this cruise. Actually we may repeat it next year.