SDI - Jan. 11 sailing from San Juan

[zqvol]

I don't know about knowing a LOT about engines but as a retired ship Captain I have had the exact scenario on a tank ship on which I worked. A twin engine ship, we lost one engine (crankshaft) and proceeded to work several months on one engine while the other was repaired while underway. You do not have to compensate oil but there are severe penalties in the oil business for delayed shipment or missed ports. Once all the parts are available, the parts and a crew of diesel technicians were flown to the ship. They sailed with us for the entire duration of the repair. This is what will happen when they have all the parts for SDI's engine. Let me correct one of your statements. Frequent Traveler (the "Volvo Penta guy") is a girl.:eek: She is a corporate attorney for Volvo. Do not make her mad calling her a guy!:eek::D Just kidding, Teresa is a great shipmate. Lots of fun at the TOY Bar.:D The Caribbean should be ok as the distances between ports are short. If it is not fixed by the Transatlantic, I fear that will cause some expensive delays along the line. Hope they get it handled asap.

 

I can assure you that you do not want to get on her bad side, much less make her mad.

[sunswimsail]

Thanks for the info. Us girls can be one of the "guys" :)

My concern is Panama to San Juan is a distance, compared to say a BVi sailing.

[Dave Stuart]

Would you happen to be from Destin, FL. Dave?

 

No Jim, I am not

[orchard hill]

I appreciate everyone keeping the rest of us informed of the engine issue and am sorry to hear the Panama to San Juan sailing will miss out on a couple ports.

I'm hoping with the close proximity of ports it won't be an issue on our sailing.

 

We have a free day to spend in San Juan before sailing and are our planning to spend our time exploring Old San Juan. Does anyone have suggestions of things to or see?

[frequent traveler]

I don't know about knowing a LOT about engines but as a retired ship Captain I have had the exact scenario on a tank ship on which I worked. A twin engine ship, we lost one engine (crankshaft) and proceeded to work several months on one engine while the other was repaired while underway. You do not have to compensate oil but there are severe penalties in the oil business for delayed shipment or missed ports. Once all the parts are available, the parts and a crew of diesel technicians were flown to the ship. They sailed with us for the entire duration of the repair. This is what will happen when they have all the parts for SDI's engine. Let me correct one of your statements. Frequent Traveler (the "Volvo Penta guy") is a girl.:eek: She is a corporate attorney for Volvo. Do not make her mad calling her a guy!:eek::D Just kidding, Teresa is a great shipmate. Lots of fun at the TOY Bar.:D The Caribbean should be ok as the distances between ports are short. If it is not fixed by the Transatlantic, I fear that will cause some expensive delays along the line. Hope they get it handled asap.

It takes a lot more than this to get me mad :) I consider being the " Volvo Penta guy" a great honor but having worked with boat builder it's not simple when you switch models. Let's hope SD finds a stash of parts somewhere.

[busyman15]

I would look to change trips while you still can. Being so many days at sea and with the internet going out, it may not be as much fun as you hoped.

 

I am stuck on the Jan 4 one because I can't change air, but you might have more time to fix it.

[flygod]

Look forward to meeting with whoever turns up! I'm the fat bearded baldy Scotsman!

I have been on SD once before and have found it to meet exactly my needs, apart from price!!!, so decided to come back.

Was a bit fed up at the news, but to be fair it may well allow us to take SD through the Corinth Canal in 2014 since - as Europeans - we felt it hard to justify full price SD fares when we can hop to Rone, Athens or Santorini in a few hours on a low cost flight.

While, as a paying passenger, I feel a little hacked off, as a businessman I can understand how the SD owners must be feeling. as my wife said: do you think they really make enough money from SD to make it worth all this hassle?

But finally, I feel most for the crew. Life must be very uncertain for them. If the ship needs new engines will it get them, or be scrapped? If a long dry dock is required...? You get the drift.

Light rain here at the Panama Canal today. After the buffet scrum at our hotel, can't wait for SD.

[Zimmy]

Have a wonderful trip, Flygod. I think you will. We were on the trip where the engine failed, and we missed two ports - but we had a fantantic time!

 

And be sure to post and let us know how things went, when you return.

[flygod]

Hi Zimmy,

Will do, probably after trip since Internet and holidays don't really mix!

Having a cocktail in the Radisson Colon having just wAtched the Coral Princess depart. 2,000 pax and 1000 crew - all SD would fit in one lifeboat!

Tomorrow it is our turn - and a Royal Caribbean ship with 2500 pax and 900 crew.

Think this is why we choose SeaDream!

[Jim Avery]

Bon Voyage, Flygod. Enjoy the heat, I think there is a blizzard heading to Scotland.:eek::D Looking forward to your review when you return to the land of the internet.:D

[commander courageous]

Thanks for the updates on the engine problems.

 

We are aboard in February in the Caribbean ... no problem.

 

But, we are also on the April trans-atlantic crossing from San Juan AND rapidly approaching the 120-day "drop dead" date for cancellation for full refund. No way are we going "cross the pond" with one engine.

 

Just last week, a SeaDream reservations representative told me "the engine problem was fixed". Should we not expect the company to give us accurate information on which to base our decisions OR guarantee that if the problem is not fixed by April, we can get a FULL REFUND.

[Jim Avery]

Thanks for the updates on the engine problems.

 

We are aboard in February in the Caribbean ... no problem.

 

But, we are also on the April trans-atlantic crossing from San Juan AND rapidly approaching the 120-day "drop dead" date for cancellation for full refund. No way are we going "cross the pond" with one engine.

 

Just last week, a SeaDream reservations representative told me "the engine problem was fixed". Should we not expect the company to give us accurate information on which to base our decisions OR guarantee that if the problem is not fixed by April, we can get a FULL REFUND.

 

Maybe Flygod will check in and describe the "fix". Seems like the main problem has been that communication from SeaDream has been somewhere between non existent to misleading. I think most people just want information so they might make appropriate choices.

[Glpcboat]

We have been watching this thread with interest regarding the status of the Seadream1 engine, and yes Jim, it would be really good if we could have an official update on this so we can make appropriate choices.

 

We were just about to book the 9 day sailing from Barbados mid March, and luckily I checked here before handing over the credit card details. We are holding on until we know the latest on the engine situation. We love Cruising with Seadream and this is by far our preferred option for our upcoming vacation. We don't want to book until we know for sure that the sailing won't be changed or cancelled. Please Seadream management put us out of our misery.

[JES4845]

This is getting stranger and of greater concern by the day and posting. If the problem was fixed last week as a SD rep said LAST week per post above why is THIS week's voyage the one where ports were dropped so folks are at sea most days of the 7-day voyage this week? We will get a report from those on board this week as soon as they get Internet access and then we will know the truth. If it turns out it was fixed at the last minute, which seems highly unlikely from those on here who know about marine engines, then good for all concerned. But if this exposes a misrepresentation, then buyer beware!

[Jim Avery]

JES, there is lots of information available out there about the owner, his issues, and their effect on SeaDream. I am not posting them, or links, here as this forum is about cruising and I don't want to be pulled for it. Google the right questions and you can find what you are looking for. Some sites need translation to English.

[abenaki]

For accurate information that you need to make decisions, why don't you pick up the phone and call your appropriate SD office, either in Oslo or Miami. Don't wait for official information and company policy to come to you via a website like this, and certainly don't rely on the internet for accuracy.

 

Cruise Critic is the modern equivalent of the village well. Old ladies gossiping and surmising and kvetching, but the information is often just opinion and conjecture from the (usually) disgruntled.

 

Seadream is what it is, and certainly is not the right fit for everyone's cruising taste. Sometimes the "criticism" here is just people who don't quite fit, and want the company to change to suit their own needs.

 

If you are a person who doesn't like to "go with the flow", on many levels, Seadream will probably not be for you. Like it for what it is, or go off and find a line that pleases you more.

[JES4845]

Abenaki, not sure what prompted your reply as unless I'm mistaken I didn't see you on this thread previously. For that matter, I don't recall many if any other SD postings from you but welcome. Free speech is a wonderful right. We are all entitled to our opinions, but facts are facts.

 

Those who frequent this forum are avid cruisers with extensive experience generally and certainly on SD as the postings clearly demonstrate. We have made nine voyages in five years. You? The concerns expressed are genuine and real. SD customers are passionate about the ships and crew, which should be an advantage if handled properly by the owner and management. We speak up precisely because we like SD and love the staff but see issues that impact whether we or others rebook.

 

What is the purpose of a forum on a web site devoted to cruises and information on same if not to share and discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of any cruise line. Any business large or small ignores or dismisses the Internet at its peril. If you actually think that merely contacting a business these days and taking what they say at face value is sufficient without taking advantage of the Internet, limitations and all, then IMHO you are mistaken. That said, it is your choice, it isn't mine. Many of us, myself included, have spoken to the Miami office, including at the highest levels. The owner's son voluntarily injected himself into these threads, which was a welcome development until promised follow up never occurred. No one is sitting by idly waiting for anything or anybody. We are on this forum precisely because we aren't the types to be passive but actively learn as much as we can to spend our precious time and vacation dollars wisely. We do agree on one thing and that is ultimately we each can take our cruise business elsewhere. Sadly, your approach seems to be the SD approach and we all know where that will lead.

[commodoredave]

JESI4845, I agree with you completely. The issue here is that SD is NOT communicating in ANY way (direct to customers, on their own website, on CC, to the travel industry, etc), which is why we are all trying to help each other out on CC from our own experience. The other issue is that SD is misleading people. On my cruise a few weeks ago, I was told the SDI engine issue had been fixed, but clearly it was not. The same was apparently said by a SD agent over the phone but was also not true.

As a result, a lot of people who like SD and would book again are holding off doing so for very practical reasons. This is NOT smart management by any measure.

[Jim Avery]

Hi Abenaki.

Sorry, calling SeaDream has been proven by many to be the way to not get information. You are apparently upset because some on this board have the nerve to say things are not all well with SD. They are not. The people posting here, for the most part, are long time SeaDream fans. Commodoredave is a first time SeaDreamer but a very well traveled cruiser. We are, to a person, not saying anything bad about the fabulous crews on board. All troubling issues come from management. Now you mentioned that it is all rumor and speculation here. Ok, here are some facts from public records or cruise industry trade publications. The owner has had a number of his other companies go into bankruptcy in the past few years. Larry Pimentel left, in part, over a decision by the owner to take funds from SD to help some other companies. Pam Conover is a new tonnage specialist hired and then left having only done a few dog and pony shows. There are no plans at this time for a newbuild or a purchase/refit published anywhere. There is more out there if you wish to look. And not in People magazine but in respected trade publications. Finally, and another fact, on our recent trip on SDI, we had no problems on 4 deck though some on 2 deck reported toilet troubles. The broken engine did not cause any missed stops as the distances between ports was very short. In my review I once again praised the crew but did not belabor the cosmetics. The ship is in the worst condition I have personally seen. The exterior hull paint was faded and streaked with rust showing in places. Rust spots, albeit small, were visible in places around the pool deck. No big deal other than I have never, ever, on either ship seen a rust spot. The Captain said we had 92 crew on board. It seemed a bit more short staffed than that though all were working very hard for us. Now, SDI is 30 years old. A fact. Another fact, Cunard has been operating passenger ships for over 175 years. Of all the hundreds of Cunard ships over the years, Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) was the longest serving Cunarder and was retired at 40. In order to reach that milestone, she had complete engine replacement (at massive cost) at roughly the halfway mark of her illustrious career. Unless SD undertakes similar engine replacement, I doubt there will be a SeaDream in 10 years or less. Sorry if this upsets you but it might be time to take off the rose colored spectacles and look at the facts. I am glad we had the chance to enjoy SeaDream when it was SeaDream at its best. SeaDream is a good fit for us but between our last two SD trips, we sailed on 4 other lines. Bashing people for speaking about things you do not like is not a good way to go. If you have some facts to the contrary concerning the issues raised by concerned SeaDreamers, I would love to read them.

[knotheadusc]

All of this is so sad to read. We really enjoyed our three SeaDream cruises and I hate to read about how things are starting to slide.

[JES4845]

Sadly, we decided this past weekend to try other cruise lines for the first time in our lives after many trips on SD starting over five years ago all but one of which was spectacular. I have never been on a ship other than SD! We feel like we are letting the SD crew down as many feel like family but we know there is nothing we can do in light of the issues discussed here despite our best efforts and many here on these threads. Strangely, when I informed SD here in the USA by email of the latest and final cancellation they didn't make any attempt to talk us out of it. This means that since we returned from the kids/group-plagued trip to the Black Sea this past August we have over the past few months cancelled all three of our future bookings totaling 31 days/nights worth tens of thousands of dollars in revenue. This is the first time in over five years we aren't holding at least one if not more future bookings. Who knows whether we may come to regret this decision but it is time to see what other options exist and whether we enjoy them. SD is unique but we aren't comfortable having advance deposits and associated travel plans (flights, hotels, etc) hanging in the balance under these conditions.

[commodoredave]

Sadly, we decided this past weekend to try other cruise lines for the first time in our lives after many trips on SD starting over five years ago all but one of which was spectacular. I have never been on a ship other than SD! We feel like we are letting the SD crew down as many feel like family but we know there is nothing we can do in light of the issues discussed here despite our best efforts and many here on these threads. Strangely, when I informed SD here in the USA by email of the latest and final cancellation they didn't make any attempt to talk us out of it. This means that since we returned from the kids/group-plagued trip to the Black Sea this past August we have over the past few months cancelled all three of our future bookings totaling 31 days/nights worth tens of thousands of dollars in revenue. This is the first time in over five years we aren't holding at least one if not more future bookings. Who knows whether we may come to regret this decision but it is time to see what other options exist and whether we enjoy them. SD is unique but we aren't comfortable having advance deposits and associated travel plans (flights, hotels, etc) hanging in the balance under these conditions.

 

Sorry to hear it, but your decision is a natural and logical outcome of the current uncertain situation at SeaDream. Unfortunately, you are not alone and others are also making decisions to cancel current bookings or not make future bookings. SD management needs to wake up.

[vandrefalk]

Knot, things are not beginning to slide. The crew and food and ambiance are as great as ever. I think what we are all hearing is frustration about communication -- over the engine, over sea days -- just a general lack of communication. There may be a few rust spots here and there -- but it has been three years since SDI was in dry dock, and they are scheduled at the end of the crossing, where I imagine all those problems will be fixed. After all, you can't haul the ship out of the water at any given moment! And I saw one of the engineers replace a step to the jacuzzi late one evening -- completely replacing it with new teak -- so they are not doing any shortcuts on the maintenance they can. And we've had toilet issues before -- usually because some idiot put something down there they shouldn't have!

 

I think you may hear something in the next week or so. But keep in mind that SD doesn't have a board of directors or shareholders to respond to. It is a wholly owned family business -- which means Mr. Brynstad (sp?) is the sole source of approved communication. I suspect it frustrates the rest of the staff sometimes, but everything goes through him, I think. I don't think he understands the purpose or the impact of the SD CC board -- after all, he is in Norway! I'm hopeful that the shore-based folks can convince him that we love SD, but have some legitimate complaints about the lack of communication. We can just see what happens.

 

For those of you "jumping ship" -- you may enjoy it -- you may not. We did Regent in Alaska (since SD doesn't go there!) and enjoyed the ship but truly missed the feeling of being "cared" about -- it just wasn't there. We will try other lines for itineraries that SD doesn't do, but for us, SD will always be the first choice.

 

I'm sure Miami is aware of these discussions, but not sure of how much leeway they have in responding. I'm willing to give them a break and see what happens.

 

Vandrefalk

[rl787]

I am not a Seadream regular however I can understand all the frustration that regular passengers are feeling. I agree mostly with what Vanderfalk has said except his view that Mr. Brynstad is Norwegian and does not understand how his clients feel about poor communication, he may not but he is a successful businessman and an entrepreneur of his nature does understand one thing, business, I feel he does know the principal that poor comms over this engine matter means his clients MIGHT out of desperation cancel or not book with SD in the short term and therefore try another line.

This man is not a fool and I do feel there will be positive news in the next few weeks, this is a successful company that will eventually solve the issue.

[commodoredave]

I hope SeaDream resolves the engine issue soon and restores complete confidence with the proper communication.

As others have correctly stated, major repairs on an old engine can be difficult and expensive, never mind the ongoing maintenance costs of two 30-year-old ships. Add to this the fact that Byrnstaed's other businesses in Norway have had financial difficulties and Pam Conover recently quit as SD's CEO after just one year, and it is easy to see why some people are having second thoughts about booking with SD.

The longer it takes SD management to communicate, the greater the uncertainty will get and the more business they will lose. Even someone sitting in Norway must realize this.