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• SeaDream Yacht Club

A few SD questions?

By artlee , May 3, 2009 in SeaDream Yacht Club

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For you experienced ones:

We are thinking about changing from Celebrity's Equinox to SD2 in December on their 9 night cruise. Some questions:

The plan says it will leave at 7pm. How much before that are you typically allowed to board? We were able to board 5 hours early on Constellation last year.

I know that tips are inclusive, but do you still tip anyway to the special service that it appears they give. I don't want to be a cheap skate, but I am trying to calculate the actual cost differences between X and SD. Should I plan on spending some for tips?

We are flying in from Charlotte. There are flights that get in around 2. Would you feel safe with that amount of extra time, or would you try to get down the day before. Again, we are trying to budget here. :)

From what I have read on these boards, you need to reserve the Balanise Beds? Is that much of a problem? Do you have the problem we encountered on Celebrity with people throwing a towel on all the chairs and leaving?

Looking at the extras we spent on upcharge restaurants(5 nights x $30 x 2 people), drinks (2/3 a day per person?), tips ($250), etc on the Constellation last year, it seams that the upcharge for SD could be as little as $300/$400 per person. What am I forgeting? Taxes and handling are listed as $500. We haven't used the spa on board, but that would be a wash anyway. I'm assuming the wines are fine and the drinks are as well, so there would be no additional needs there?

I guess I just am looking for any info that would help in our decision on whether to change or not. We are 55 and 63. We go on a cruise to relax, read, just vegg. We don't need to be entertained. We don't want to be around kids while vacationing. We like fine dining. We don't like to be around disrespectful people. On our last cruise we heards lots of people nit picking about anything and everything. It was a drag. We appreciate good service. It just sounds like this would be perfect for us. What, if any negatives, could there be in SD besides the additional costs, and am I calculating that properly?

The fee for GTY 2nd deck is currently $2799 (Equinox is $1699 -- 10 nights). I've never done a GTY type fair. Is it risky? Seems like just being anywhere on the yacht would be just fine.

Anything else you would tell someone considering SD for the first time?

Thanks to any and all thoughts.

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Disney Jen! Please tell him why he reaaly should switch!!!

Disney Jen! Please tell him why he really should switch!!!

She's part of the reason I am in this dilema!! lol

I hope Disney Jen wiil chime in but until she does, these are our thoughts...

We usually arrive the day befoe the cruise sails.

We tip the General Crew Fund but this is neither expected or advertised. We just love the service and want to give a little extra.

No reserving of beds or chairs. Never ever been a problem.

Wine and drinks are fine and very reasonable if you want to pay for something top-shelf( read scotch Dr.jbc and Disney Jen's DH)

The spa is wonderful and very reasonable. My DH wanted to smuggle one of the girls home.

You will relax, read, veg-out and meet a great group of new friends.

GTY is fine and the only way we will go from now on.

Hope this helps.:)

frequent traveler

For you experienced ones:   We are thinking about changing from Celebrity's Equinox to SD2 in December on their 9 night cruise. Some questions:   The plan says it will leave at 7pm. How much before that are you typically allowed to board? We were able to board 5 hours early on Constellation last year.   I know that tips are inclusive, but do you still tip anyway to the special service that it appears they give. I don't want to be a cheap skate, but I am trying to calculate the actual cost differences between X and SD. Should I plan on spending some for tips?   We are flying in from Charlotte. There are flights that get in around 2. Would you feel safe with that amount of extra time, or would you try to get down the day before. Again, we are trying to budget here. :)   From what I have read on these boards, you need to reserve the Balanise Beds? Is that much of a problem? Do you have the problem we encountered on Celebrity with people throwing a towel on all the chairs and leaving?   Looking at the extras we spent on upcharge restaurants(5 nights x $30 x 2 people), drinks (2/3 a day per person?), tips ($250), etc on the Constellation last year, it seams that the upcharge for SD could be as little as $300/$400 per person. What am I forgeting? Taxes and handling are listed as $500. We haven't used the spa on board, but that would be a wash anyway. I'm assuming the wines are fine and the drinks are as well, so there would be no additional needs there?   I guess I just am looking for any info that would help in our decision on whether to change or not. We are 55 and 63. We go on a cruise to relax, read, just vegg. We don't need to be entertained. We don't want to be around kids while vacationing. We like fine dining. We don't like to be around disrespectful people. On our last cruise we heards lots of people nit picking about anything and everything. It was a drag. We appreciate good service. It just sounds like this would be perfect for us. What, if any negatives, could there be in SD besides the additional costs, and am I calculating that properly?   The fee for GTY 2nd deck is currently $2799 (Equinox is $1699 -- 10 nights). I've never done a GTY type fair. Is it risky? Seems like just being anywhere on the yacht would be just fine.   Anything else you would tell someone considering SD for the first time?   Thanks to any and all thoughts. Art

wow --bottom line, I don't think you will have a dilemma

Tipping is truly optional. Contributions to the crew fund are welcomed, but not solicited.

typically you board at 2:00 p.m. - there's usually a mad rush from repeaters -- we want to get back on board ASAP. but a mad rush, means just a couple of people ahead of you on the gang plank -- that's it.

We do GTY quite a bit -- with only 3 decks to choose from, its hard to go wrong. We request 2, because we think its the best place to be when seas are rough.

we always arrive the day before (from Greensboro NC) - not unique to SD - more concerned about DELTA (doesn't ever leave the airport) and US Scareways not getting us there on time (weather, etc) and the control freak (me) not wanting to risk departure and having to catch up elsewhere.

there is no upcharge -- once you are on board - if you don't want to spend a cent --- don't. We've only gone off the "included" wine list once time in 5 cruises, so we can't advise on whether you'd need to spend more $$$ on wine -- assume its your taste. My never empty glass of champagne is never empty . . . .

Book SD -- you won't regret (and no, I don't own any stock or get any kick-backs).

Thanks a lot for your comments. I found a great video here:

http://emails.wexas.com/files/whitestar/videos/video.php?VIDEONAME=Seadream&CONNECTION=HIGH&PLAYER=FLASH&CHAPTERNAME=&Submit=Watch+the+Seadream+video#videos

Seems like anyone that has been has nothing but good things to say. We liked Celebrity but are very nervous about the mega ship experience with 2800 passengers. We like small intimate, quiet, romantic. Sounds more and more like SD.

Thanks again.

Do it. You will not regret it. We had a fantastic time every minute of every day. Relaxing, socializing, eating (and boy did we love that!) and drinking. It was probably our best vacation ever.

I think you have received some good information artlee from my fellow cruisers:D

Sorry for the delay in response but it was one of those crazy spring weekends around here. Here is my $.02:)

DJ's DH and I fly down, usually out of CLT, the day before our cruises whether they are SD or not for the reasons FT mentioned. We usually use miles/points/rewards for the hotel so it isn't an extra cost. Even if we had to pay for the hotel room the night before it is well worth it as I am a control freak/worry wart.

SD usually starts boarding at 2 p.m. We are usually right there at 2 and are on board in no time at all.

We too make a donation to the Crew Welfare Fund. It is not advertised at all. My understanding is that the crew knows who donates but not how much. We don't make our donation until the last night ... I usually stop by the concierge and add it to our bill.

It truly is a personal choice.

No chair/bed hogs on SD:D The only time you need to reserve the Bali bed is if you want to sleep out under the stars ... especially if you want the preferred and more private front Bali bed.

During the day there are always Bali beds open as well as plenty of loungers poolside as well as some in the shade of the fantail on Deck 4 and fore on Deck 6 (where the large Bali bed is located).

DJ's DH and I find the wines offered on SD fine at dinner and lunch. We did clear out the stock of Pommery champagne in March but we were celebrating two milestone birthdays and a 25th wedding anniversary.

I am not sure what brand is your normal call in terms of drinks. I am a vodka drinker and Absolute, Absolute Citron were included. There was an upcharge for Grey Goose.

DJ's DH and Dr. jbcjtc did like a Laphroaig scotch after dinner. The upcharge on it was something like $5 per drink. Dewars and other scotches were included.

In terms of gin I know Bombay Saphire is included as is Beefeaters.

It sounds like you like a low key vacation ... and SD offers exactly that with outstanding service and incredible food in an intimate setting. It truly is yachting ... not cruising. We always feel like we are on a private yacht.

We have found the folks who sail on SD to be personable and agreeable. We have sailed on SD when we didn't know anyone else on board and always found people to talk to and dine with if we wanted.

We have sailed with two other couples and sometimes we would all dine together or invite others to join us or dine alone.

As they say on SD ... "Anything is possible..."

Twice we have booked GTY 2 and found it to be a good value.

If you have any more questions please ask away ... you can see that we are a pretty friendly group here on the SD boards:D

Glad that you took the plunge, eh edhenry;)

Good to hear that the expectations that have been set here on the boards were met or exceeded:D

Thanks DisneyJen. I knew you would come through with some good info. I will have more questions for you, but not tonight.

Thanks to all.

To Frequentl Traveller:

Run, don't walk, to change your trip from Celebrity to SeaDream! My wife and I did 9 days this past December from San Juan to St. Thomas on SeaDream I, and rebooked for April 2010 for 9 days, before we left the yacht (notice I did not say "ship"). While Disney Jen covered your questions well, I would echo the comment on arriving the "day before". Mainly, it just gives that flex period and prevents any delay problems, etc. We came into San Juan and taxied over to Old San Juan, and stayed at the Hotel El Convento (which I highly recommend) for one night and only had less than a mile to the waterfront and SeaDream I.

As stated, boarding is at 2pm and after, leaves 7pm usually, and we arrived and boarded right at 2pm. Never any issues on the balinese beds, no reservation needed (except maybe evening ), wine was fine, and everything else was beyond belief, particularly the food and service.

If you are looking for conga lines, a cheesy, loud Cruise Director, pool games, ice carvings,then SeaDream is not for you. If you are looking for unmatched personal service and quality, do-what-you-want-to-do agenda, and a relaxing time, then look no further than SeaDream. After you go on SeaDream, no other option will enter your mind.

To Frequentl Traveller:   Run, don't walk, to change your trip from Celebrity to SeaDream! My wife and I did 9 days this past December from San Juan to St. Thomas on SeaDream I, and rebooked for April 2010 for 9 days, before we left the yacht (notice I did not say "ship"). While Disney Jen covered your questions well, I would echo the comment on arriving the "day before". Mainly, it just gives that flex period and prevents any delay problems, etc. We came into San Juan and taxied over to Old San Juan, and stayed at the Hotel El Convento (which I highly recommend) for one night and only had less than a mile to the waterfront and SeaDream I.   As stated, boarding is at 2pm and after, leaves 7pm usually, and we arrived and boarded right at 2pm. Never any issues on the balinese beds, no reservation needed (except maybe evening ), wine was fine, and everything else was beyond belief, particularly the food and service.   If you are looking for conga lines, a cheesy, loud Cruise Director, pool games, ice carvings,then SeaDream is not for you. If you are looking for unmatched personal service and quality, do-what-you-want-to-do agenda, and a relaxing time, then look no further than SeaDream. After you go on SeaDream, no other option will enter your mind.

I think you meant artlee??

I think you meant artlee??   Host Dan

Right you are Dan. Frequent Traveller would probably jump off a Celebrity ship!

I suspect she wouldn't be caught dead on any large ship (meaning more than 100 passengers):p

She wouldn't have to jump off because she would have never been on board to begin with.

After 25 years, you know me so well . . . . even if it was free - no large ships for me :eek:(so stop trying to convince me to change my mind DH) :rolleyes:

you guys are too funny.

It seems like this is the right move for us too. We like to veg, read, watch the ocean go by. We really appreciate superior service and can't stand poor -- I don't care service. Love gourmet dining. My wife loves champaigne. Don't want loud. Don't want unwatched kids. We enjoy other people, but sometimes just want to enjoy each other. Last trip we did not go to any of the Vegas type shows on board the Constellation. Our entertainment was having a quiet drink. Maybe playing a little roulette or slots. Gazing at the scenary. Seems like a lot of the stuff on Celebrity we really didn't take advantage of because we didn't care about it. SD on the other hand, sounds like it's entirely centered on our kind of vacation. One thing that perhaps is a dissappointment is there really seems to be no at sea time. We really don't care that much about the ports. For us it's about the ship, excuse me, the yacht. Seems like all the time is spent in ports? Is that correct? I know there are water toys while in port, so that makes it a bit different I guess.

It seems as though nobody can come up with any negatives. Is there not anything you would caution a newbie to SD about?

You guys are great. Seems like a much friendlier board than Celebrity.

Ragnar Danneskjold

"It seems as though nobody can come up with any negatives. Is there not anything you would caution a newbie to SD about?"

If you are over 6'1" tall, watch your head :D

(PS -I did a comparison of SD to Regent that includes a few, very subjective, negatives about SD. It's a ways down the threads page, you can search for my handle.)

We did not experience any negatives. We, too, were newbies and had taken 4 previous cruises, all on large ships, two on Celebrity, two on Royal Caribbean mega ships. We had a great time on every cruise despite there being some things on the larger ships which did not interest us or that we found distasteful (belly flop contests come to mind.) SeaDream was a totally different experience and is now the only way I could cruise (sail, whatever) unless I had my 3 adult kids along. They might appreciate some aspects of SeaDream, but they still are better off on larger, more amenity-filled ships with nightclubs, big casinos, entertainment, rock-climbing walls, etc.

Artlee, you sound like you would love SeaDream. We did a 5 day and we did get off at each port, but only for a small portion of our day. We enjoyed just vegging out on the ship and I, personally, was glad it only sailed when I was asleep!! On the large ships, I did not feel much motion at all. On SD, despite extremely smooth seas, motion lulled me to sleep each night and, with the help of Bonine, I did not get sick.

"It seems as though nobody can come up with any negatives. Is there not anything you would caution a newbie to SD about?"   If you are over 6'1" tall, watch your head.       (PS -I did a comparison of SD to Regent that includes a few, very subjective, negatives about SD. It's a ways down the threads page, you can search for my handle.)

I am 6' 4" and had no problem. Ol' Ragnar must have had too many martoonies. As far as sea days, since SD anchors at many islands, we stay aboard and enjoy the ship. Water, water everywhere and lots to drink!

As DJ's DH would say ... but looks arent' everything (as in funny looking):p

It seems like this is the right move for us too. We like to veg, read, watch the ocean go by. We really appreciate superior service and can't stand poor -- I don't care service. Love gourmet dining. My wife loves champaigne. Don't want loud. Don't want unwatched kids. We enjoy other people, but sometimes just want to enjoy each other. Last trip we did not go to any of the Vegas type shows on board the Constellation. Our entertainment was having a quiet drink. Maybe playing a little roulette or slots. Gazing at the scenary. Seems like a lot of the stuff on Celebrity we really didn't take advantage of because we didn't care about it. SD on the other hand, sounds like it's entirely centered on our kind of vacation. One thing that perhaps is a dissappointment is there really seems to be no at sea time. We really don't care that much about the ports. For us it's about the ship, excuse me, the yacht. Seems like all the time is spent in ports? Is that correct? I know there are water toys while in port, so that makes it a bit different I guess.   It seems as though nobody can come up with any negatives. Is there not anything you would caution a newbie to SD about?   You guys are great. Seems like a much friendlier board than Celebrity. Art

It sounds like you and your wife are a lot like DJ's DH and me. We too are all about the yacht and not so much about the ports.

With that being said ... I can tell you that given your list of things you like (vegging, reading, sight seeing from the yacht) you should enjoy your time on SD. As I have said before we hardly get off the yacht as we enjoy it so much. There are so many wonderful outdoor spaces where you can socialize, read, veg and watch the world go by ...

While you are in port all day you usual anchor so it's not like you are tied up to a dock next to some mega liner. The scenery is usually quite lovely if you like to look at water and islands. If you tire of looking at the azure ocean you can move to another spot and take in the verdant islands.

The things that I would caution a newbie include:

1. Be realistic ... Your experience maybe different that the experiences of those of us who have posted. While I think the bathrooms are luxurious ... others find them too small (but then again after a week on a 38-foot sailboat any bathroom seems luxuious;)). As always, your mileage may vary:p

2. It is a yacht not a mega liner ... meaning you may feel the motion in the ocean but, and this is a huge BUT, the captain has a lot more discretion in terms of the order of ports of call and time in port. If you have your heart set on getting to a specific island or port SD may not be for you as Mother Ocean sometimes has different plans. The captains take weather and sea conditions into consideration when making ports of call.

3. Most importantly ... once you have sailed on SD it is hard to go back to the large ships:p

Hey DJ, what did you two decide? Are you going?

Hey DJ, what did you two decide? Are you going? Jim.

We are waiting for the contractor to come back with his final numbers on a project here at the house. It's a project that I have been promising DJ's DH we would do for the last two summers but I have been able to put off until now. I kind of owe DJ's DH after the last cruise and the jewelry:p

It all depends on what those numbers look like:rolleyes:

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