Some Newby Questions

[FrannyK]

Hello All, 

Considering booking a Caribbean cruise this coming winter.  We've been cruising for 25 years on the larger ship lines.  Wanted to do something special for our Anniversary and Sea Dream looks so lovely.  Looking for a laid back, relaxing cruise to islands we haven't visited.  I've read all the reviews I can find, there actually aren't many, and I have a few questions/concerns.

We need shade.  Is there any shade on deck?  When I see pictures of the pool, I see no umbrellas.

We will need to keep in touch with home, does the internet work properly? 

I understand the purchased internet only includes one device?  Is this true?

To avoid sea sickness I was thinking deck 2?  I see there are port holes on deck 2 and I'm wondering if deck 3 would be best for a full window/brighter cabin?  Does it matter?

I've read complaints that the cabins get warm and the A/C isn't the greatest.  Is that a problem?

Will my husband need a sports coat or is a collared shirt fine in the evening?

Do you purchase the ship excursions or do your own thing in the Caribbean?  

Thanks for your help!

 

 

[SchnauzerPup]

Hello Franny and Welcome

 

SD is a very different experience but one that DW and I really value.

 

There are many shaded areas at or near the pool and the staff will bring out an umbrella for you.  That being said the pool is not always the center of the experience.  There are shaded areas topside near the bar, at the bow, and many other locations.  You will always be able to find a comfortable area to relax, read, chat etc.

The internet is fine and they have recently upgraded to Starlink.  I believe the plan is per cabin, not per device.  Also in the Caribbean you are almost always in range of cell service so you will have LTE as well (make sure to enable proper plan before you leave).

 

There is definitely more motion but it is at a higher rotational frequency than on the bigger ships (the larger ships tend to "wallow").  The only area I have ever found it a problem is entering or leaving PR.  Everyone is different of course but you should be alright.  The ship is not tall enough that deck matters, what does matter is how close you are to amidship.  Closer to the middle is best, avoid the bow or stern if concerned.

 

Most gentlemen where a sportscoat in the evening at least for cocktails, later it is fine to wear "country club casual"

 

It is very much a line where you need to "make your own fun".  They will certainly suggest activities and help arrange them but there is very little in the way of organized activities.  No trivia, etc.  There is a cocktail hour in the evening.  What you will find is that everyone is friendly and engaging.

 

Hope we will see you!

Edited May 11, 2023 by SchnauzerPup

[cabosal1]

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. 

[SWFLAOK]

We've done 3 SD cruises. Collared shirts and long pants are fine at dinner. We were invited to a dinner with the captain on our first cruise, and the sports jacket brought along just in case was used once. We didn't bring one on the next 2 cruises (back to back) and ate twice with the second in command without worrying about it (and he was more fun to dine with than the captain).

We were on deck 4 the first time, midship, and chose deck 3 midship on the more recent cruises. I get seasick, and our first cruise was the end of January, and we had several cold fronts come through with large seas and a number of ports rescheduled due to that. The last 2 cruises were late March, and the water was much calmer.

For the most part, the ports are via tender rather than docking in port. Tendering always takes extra time, and if there are waves, it's not fun.  Depending on how passengers are onboard, excursions may or may not be cancelled, especially if there's a large extra cost.

While I'm not really a social person normally, we enjoyed the intimate atmosphere where everyone (crew and passengers) meet each other within the first few days. The Top of the Yacht bar, and the Piano Bar are both small venues to hang out after dinner. The pool area is small, but the service around the pool is very good, and we have only seen a few people hanging around the pool all day.

We don't regret our cruises on SD and would do it again. Normally I like a balcony, but I didn't really miss it since there were places to sit outside.

[TrapperZimmy]

Hi, Franny.  We just returned from a 16-day crossing in a deck 4 cabin.  Despite several days of 4 meter swells, we did not feel uncomfortable.  Walking around may have been an issue, and a lot of glassware was broken, but we didn't hear anyone complaining of seasickness.  Schnauzer is correct that there are a number of shaded areas around the yacht.  Umbrellas can be set up around the pool and in the Crows Nest on deck 6 forward.  When the yacht is sailing, umbrellas cannot be used.

 

We purchased the wifi package and were very impressed with it.  It is fast and we were able to make phone calls with it in the middle of the Atlantic.  You purchase it for each device, either by the day or by the cruise, and the concierge programs it with a unique password for you.

 

I always take a sport coat, but only wear it if having dinner with the captain or if it is chilly when dining al fresco.  Rarely see anyone else wearing one except for those instances.  Mostly, I like to wear it on the plane because of the extra pockets.

 

A caution about excursions.  If booking on your own, don't commit any money.  It is not unusual to miss a port because of sea conditions.  Totally the Captain's discretion.

[FrannyK]

On 5/11/2023 at 3:05 PM, SchnauzerPup said:

Hello Franny and Welcome

 

SD is a very different experience but one that DW and I really value.

 

There are many shaded areas at or near the pool and the staff will bring out an umbrella for you.  That being said the pool is not always the center of the experience.  There are shaded areas topside near the bar, at the bow, and many other locations.  You will always be able to find a comfortable area to relax, read, chat etc.

The internet is fine and they have recently upgraded to Starlink.  I believe the plan is per cabin, not per device.  Also in the Caribbean you are almost always in range of cell service so you will have LTE as well (make sure to enable proper plan before you leave).

 

There is definitely more motion but it is at a higher rotational frequency than on the bigger ships (the larger ships tend to "wallow").  The only area I have ever found it a problem is entering or leaving PR.  Everyone is different of course but you should be alright.  The ship is not tall enough that deck matters, what does matter is how close you are to amidship.  Closer to the middle is best, avoid the bow or stern if concerned.

 

Most gentlemen where a sportscoat in the evening at least for cocktails, later it is fine to wear "country club casual"

 

It is very much a line where you need to "make your own fun".  They will certainly suggest activities and help arrange them but there is very little in the way of organized activities.  No trivia, etc.  There is a cocktail hour in the evening.  What you will find is that everyone is friendly and engaging.

 

Hope we will see you!

Such good news that shade and umbrellas are available!  Also great the wifi works fine.  Yes, we are looking for a different experience and this seems to fit the bill 🙂  Thanks for your response.

 

[FrannyK]

On 5/12/2023 at 10:17 AM, cabosal1 said:

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. 

What wonderful news my husband won't need a sportscoat!  Thanks for your description of the excursions too.

[FrannyK]

15 hours ago, SWFLAOK said:

We've done 3 SD cruises. Collared shirts and long pants are fine at dinner. We were invited to a dinner with the captain on our first cruise, and the sports jacket brought along just in case was used once. We didn't bring one on the next 2 cruises (back to back) and ate twice with the second in command without worrying about it (and he was more fun to dine with than the captain).

We were on deck 4 the first time, midship, and chose deck 3 midship on the more recent cruises. I get seasick, and our first cruise was the end of January, and we had several cold fronts come through with large seas and a number of ports rescheduled due to that. The last 2 cruises were late March, and the water was much calmer.

For the most part, the ports are via tender rather than docking in port. Tendering always takes extra time, and if there are waves, it's not fun.  Depending on how passengers are onboard, excursions may or may not be cancelled, especially if there's a large extra cost.

While I'm not really a social person normally, we enjoyed the intimate atmosphere where everyone (crew and passengers) meet each other within the first few days. The Top of the Yacht bar, and the Piano Bar are both small venues to hang out after dinner. The pool area is small, but the service around the pool is very good, and we have only seen a few people hanging around the pool all day.

We don't regret our cruises on SD and would do it again. Normally I like a balcony, but I didn't really miss it since there were places to sit outside.

Great info, thanks so much.  Might bring a sports coat anyway, just in case.

[FrannyK]

3 hours ago, TrapperZimmy said:

Hi, Franny.  We just returned from a 16-day crossing in a deck 4 cabin.  Despite several days of 4 meter swells, we did not feel uncomfortable.  Walking around may have been an issue, and a lot of glassware was broken, but we didn't hear anyone complaining of seasickness.  Schnauzer is correct that there are a number of shaded areas around the yacht.  Umbrellas can be set up around the pool and in the Crows Nest on deck 6 forward.  When the yacht is sailing, umbrellas cannot be used.

 

We purchased the wifi package and were very impressed with it.  It is fast and we were able to make phone calls with it in the middle of the Atlantic.  You purchase it for each device, either by the day or by the cruise, and the concierge programs it with a unique password for you.

 

I always take a sport coat, but only wear it if having dinner with the captain or if it is chilly when dining al fresco.  Rarely see anyone else wearing one except for those instances.  Mostly, I like to wear it on the plane because of the extra pockets.

 

A caution about excursions.  If booking on your own, don't commit any money.  It is not unusual to miss a port because of sea conditions.  Totally the Captain's discretion.

I had a feeling that umbrellas wouldn't be able to be used while sailing/windy.  Thanks for confirming that.  So, the wifi IS per device which means my husband and I would have to purchase two wifi plans for the cruise?  If the wifi is on my iphone can it not be switched to my ipad?  Just trying to plan...

[TrapperZimmy]

That is my understanding.  It is neither per cabin nor per passenger.  Whether the concierge can remove it from your phone and place it on your tablet is something you might need to discuss with her. But do you want to keep doing that throughout the trip?  You may need to do a cost-benefit analysis.  Because Zimmy and I needed to keep up our business activities, we each needed our phones on wifi.  I would have liked to have been incommunicado to really feel I was on vacation, but in the long run that would have been very costly.  I guess it would depend upon whether you could do everything on one device or if you need both.  Remember that you can probably get free (unsecured) wifi in restaurants and bars on the islands, if that satisfies your needs.

 

By the way, we know that people were doing face time and Zoom during the sailing, so the Starlink connection was really good.

[FrannyK]

8 minutes ago, TrapperZimmy said:

That is my understanding.  It is neither per cabin nor per passenger.  Whether the concierge can remove it from your phone and place it on your tablet is something you might need to discuss with her. But do you want to keep doing that throughout the trip?  You may need to do a cost-benefit analysis.  Because Zimmy and I needed to keep up our business activities, we each needed our phones on wifi.  I would have liked to have been incommunicado to really feel I was on vacation, but in the long run that would have been very costly.  I guess it would depend upon whether you could do everything on one device or if you need both.  Remember that you can probably get free (unsecured) wifi in restaurants and bars on the islands, if that satisfies your needs.

 

By the way, we know that people were doing face time and Zoom during the sailing, so the Starlink connection was really good.

Thank you TrapperZimmy.  We will figure something out.  

[garysarah]

I think a sports jacket is a good idea just for the sake of chillyness. I am currently in Tangiers on SD2. I wish I would have brought a little warmer things. Dining room can be chilly and dining outdoors is windy.  No flip flops at dinner. 

You can probably just pay $10/day with our phone plan also. You will always be close enough for shore service except maybe in the middle of the night.  We've stayed on all the decks and don't see value in having a slightly larger window. A little less chance of waves too.  We've had no problem with temperature control. It was updated last year.  If we're going to do excursions we use the ships.  Otherwise we explore on our own.

[FrannyK]

Thanks, I was wondering about the wind when dining out on deck.  I guess a jacket would do us both good.   I've read that dinner dining is either on deck or inside, not a choice.  Is it ever uncomfortable hot dining on deck?

 

I had read the waves were worse on deck 2 with the portholes, that's why I was considering decks 3 or 4.  Great news the AC is working properly.  I didn't consider the $10/day travel pass on Verizon.  I will check that out.

[garysarah]

I just confirmed that for a 7 day cruise it is $99 per device.  Not transferable between devices.  Also, I can't get phone service on 2nd deck. Have to be outside. 

[garysarah]

Dinner is either inside or out, however,  if you want to eat outside when everyone else is eating in. They will accommodate you. I don't think they do the other way around.  It's ridiculously windy here right now but some people want to eat outside no matter what!

[FrannyK]

54 minutes ago, garysarah said:

I just confirmed that for a 7 day cruise it is $99 per device.  Not transferable between devices.  Also, I can't get phone service on 2nd deck. Have to be outside. 

Thanks for confirming this.  

[TrapperZimmy]

On 5/14/2023 at 12:21 PM, FrannyK said:

Thanks, I was wondering about the wind when dining out on deck.  I guess a jacket would do us both good.   I've read that dinner dining is either on deck or inside, not a choice.  Is it ever uncomfortable hot dining on deck?

 

I had read the waves were worse on deck 2 with the portholes, that's why I was considering decks 3 or 4.  Great news the AC is working properly.  I didn't consider the $10/day travel pass on Verizon.  I will check that out.

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.

[SchnauzerPup]

17 hours ago, TrapperZimmy said:

The bigger question is do you want to be closer to the dining room, the pool, or the piano bar/casino/spa and gym.

Is it even possible to be "far away" from anything on SD? 😉  

[FrannyK]

20 hours ago, TrapperZimmy said:

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.

Oh this is such great news!  Wonderful they have fans and curtains and heating lamps!  Seems like they thought of everything!  I don't think I need to be close to any particular area since the ship isn't that big.  But, GarySarah reported they get no cell service on deck 2 which has me wondering about deck 3 again...

[FrannyK]

Just booked deck 2 mid-ship for end of February.  Very excited!  Thanks for all the great info.

[FrannyK]

Side question:  Is there a location on board where my husband might have a cigar?

[TrapperZimmy]

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.

[FrannyK]

Thank you TrapperZimmy.  Feel the same way about cigar smell, but happy my husband has that option, if desired.

[Piaa]

FYI .. in the Caribbean they will try to serve dinner outside as much as they can and if they do, nice shorts and polo shirt are perfect for dinner for the men (no need for long pants but long pants are required for dinner should they be serving inside)  

 

I'm sure in the cooler climates they will serve indoors most of the time (but having only sailed with SeaDream in the Mediterranean in the summer and in the Caribbean I have no idea)

 

Hubby never takes a jacket.

[FrannyK]

3 hours ago, Piaa said:

FYI .. in the Caribbean they will try to serve dinner outside as much as they can and if they do, nice shorts and polo shirt are perfect for dinner for the men (no need for long pants but long pants are required for dinner should they be serving inside)  

 

I'm sure in the cooler climates they will serve indoors most of the time (but having only sailed with SeaDream in the Mediterranean in the summer and in the Caribbean I have no idea)

 

Hubby never takes a jacket.

Thanks for this Piaa.