Seadream I, 1-17-2015: First Timer Report

Boarding in St. Thomas at Crown Bay Dock was very easy and accessible, despite a little rain when boarding began at 2:00 p.m. All the formalities were handled in just a few minutes, and we were led directly to our Cabin, 309 on Deck 3. This location has worked out wonderfully, just a few steps from the pool, the Concierge and the stairway up to the Topside Restaurant and Top of the Yacht Bar.

The cabins are compact, but the full window lets in lots of light, and everything is well placed and organized. Our cabin was in very good condition, extremely clean with very nice soft furnishings. The shower provides strong water pressure and lots of hot water. As noted by others, there are only two outlets in the cabin, one U.S./110v and one Euro/220v. I brought an adapter so that we can charge multiple devices. While a little warm through boarding, the airconditioning was working at full strength once we departed, and we've been very comfortable and cool in our cabin.

We spent time that afternoon touring the ship, which is very straightforward and Deck 3 put us in the middle of everything. Again, we found the ship to be in outstanding condition for its age, and recent upgrades appear to have retained all the charm and atmosphere of the "yacht" design for address 21st century needs.

The weather improved that afternoon, and it was a beautiful departure from St. Thomas. After a brief welcoming talk from Garreth and introduction of the passenger services team, we went in to dinner. We have 84 on this voyage, which means lots of room around the ship. More than 50% have sailed previously with Seadream, and we've met several with 12+ cruises.

As described by many on this forum, the food and beverage program on Seadream is truly exceptional. Quite frankly, we doubted that it was really that good, but I can report that it exceeded our expectations. The menu selection is outstanding, portions are modest but sufficient and prepared exactly to order. We were taken care of by Tomislav on our first night, and we've enjoyed looking for a table in his section for subsequent breakfasts and lunches as well as dinner--more on that in later posts.

Our first destination is Anguilla, a new island for us.

Have a wonderful voyage, Cortesefam. And please look for our favorite SDI crew member, Doramas.

We arrived in Anguilla and took an early tender to the dock at Sandy Ground. Gareth led a biking excursion--about 12 miles RT--but many passengers headed to the beach at Shoal's Bay. 7 of us piled into a van that took us on the 15 minute ride to the reach--$6 each way pp. We secured beach chairs and an umbrella for $5/pp, and spent about five hours at the beach. The beach lived up to the description from the night before, with very soft white sand and amazing blue/green/turquoise colors in the water. Great swimming and lounging. We had lunch at Ernie's Beach Bar--food was good and right on the beach. The NFC and AFC Championship games were scheduled for this afternoon and evening. While not available on the ship's TV, Gareth found a bar near the dock with satellite access and made arrangements for passengers to be able to watch the games. The Captain delayed our departure so the passengers could watch the games, and additional tenders scheduled. We easily made passage to our next destination, Saba, on time.

Each evening starts with cocktails and snacks at 6:30 p.m., and a brief port talk and description of activities by Gareth at 7:15 p.m. These gatherings were invaluable both to meet fellow passengers and to set a plan for the next day. Dinner that evening was again excellent, and already numerous members of the crew recognized us by name, and recalled our preferences--truly amazing. With many passengers returning late from watching the games, it was a quiet night on board and at the TOYB.

Saba: After tendering in at 9:30 a.m., we formed a group that hired a taxi/van for the trip up the hill through the village of "The Bottom" to Windwardside, the main town on the island. The 30 minute drive fully reflected the challenge of constructing the single road linking the harbor to the small villages and the airport--numerous hairpin turns and a steep, winding route up the mountain. We spent about 90 minutes wandering through Windwardside, and the bright white structures with red tile roofs were a completely different environment for the Caribbean. There were a few small shops, but it was mostly the chance to experience a community with only a limited focus on tourism that stood out from so many of the islands. We did not have lunch in Saba, but returned to the ship.

We had an early departure at 3:00 p.m. with arrival in St. Barths set for 6:00 p.m. It was a very calm and sunny transit between the islands, and a beautiful entry into the harbor in Gustavia.

Cortesefam, just chiming in to say I am really enjoying your on board trip report.

Looking forward to reading more about your cruise!

The Captain delayed our departure so the passengers could watch the games, and additional tenders scheduled.

That's SEADREAM!

I don't know any other cruiseline making EVERYTHING possible like this for their guests!

Enjoy your cruise!!! :)

We arrived in Anguilla and took an early tender to the dock at Sandy Ground. Gareth led a biking excursion--about 12 miles RT--but many passengers headed to the beach at Shoal's Bay. 7 of us piled into a van that took us on the 15 minute ride to the reach--$6 each way pp. We secured beach chairs and an umbrella for $5/pp, and spent about five hours at the beach. The beach lived up to the description from the night before, with very soft white sand and amazing blue/green/turquoise colors in the water. Great swimming and lounging. We had lunch at Ernie's Beach Bar--food was good and right on the beach. The NFC and AFC Championship games were scheduled for this afternoon and evening. While not available on the ship's TV, Gareth found a bar near the dock with satellite access and made arrangements for passengers to be able to watch the games. The Captain delayed our departure so the passengers could watch the games, and additional tenders scheduled. We easily made passage to our next destination, Saba, on time.

 

Each evening starts with cocktails and snacks at 6:30 p.m., and a brief port talk and description of activities by Gareth at 7:15 p.m. These gatherings were invaluable both to meet fellow passengers and to set a plan for the next day. Dinner that evening was again excellent, and already numerous members of the crew recognized us by name, and recalled our preferences--truly amazing. With many passengers returning late from watching the games, it was a quiet night on board and at the TOYB.

 

Saba: After tendering in at 9:30 a.m., we formed a group that hired a taxi/van for the trip up the hill through the village of "The Bottom" to Windwardside, the main town on the island. The 30 minute drive fully reflected the challenge of constructing the single road linking the harbor to the small villages and the airport--numerous hairpin turns and a steep, winding route up the mountain. We spent about 90 minutes wandering through Windwardside, and the bright white structures with red tile roofs were a completely different environment for the Caribbean. There were a few small shops, but it was mostly the chance to experience a community with only a limited focus on tourism that stood out from so many of the islands. We did not have lunch in Saba, but returned to the ship.

 

We had an early departure at 3:00 p.m. with arrival in St. Barths set for 6:00 p.m. It was a very calm and sunny transit between the islands, and a beautiful entry into the harbor in Gustavia.

Good morning Cortesfam.....we waived to you at breakfast !

Yes, love your reports also.

HH

Good morning Cortesfam.....we waived to you at breakfast !

Yes, love your reports also.

HH

What did you do, Ho-hum?

Waived or waved ??? :rolleyes:

Sounds like you are already "hooked" on SeaDream. Hope Gareth is still onboard in two weeks, he is the best!

What did you do, Ho-hum?

Waived or waved ??? :rolleyes:

HH blames the auto-spall chicker !!! (Waves)

We will be onboard SEI in about 10 days and our itinerary is about the same as yours, cortesefam, though we depart out of SJ and return via STT. We are not new to this route, but love it just the same.

Your posts have been great; spot on and make us all the more impatient for our upcoming trip.

We were glad to hear Garreth is onboard; hope all of our other "old friends" are still there. BTW, who is your bartender?

If you're going to Nevis be sure and try the "bee stinger" at that little beach bar near the 4 Seasons (I think it is Sunshines Beach Bar); that drink defines Caribbean to me....relaxed, sunshiny, carefree, toes in the sand and water beads on the glass...

Keep up the posts. We love hearing from people onboard except, perhaps, those that waste extensive space thinking they are poets, humorists, etc. HoHum, indeed.

Have a great time, but I know you will.

We will be onboard SEI in about 10 days and our itinerary is about the same as yours, cortesefam, though we depart out of SJ and return via STT. We are not new to this route, but love it just the same.

Your posts have been great; spot on and make us all the more impatient for our upcoming trip.

We were glad to hear Garreth is onboard; hope all of our other "old friends" are still there. BTW, who is your bartender?

If you're going to Nevis be sure and try the "bee stinger" at that little beach bar near the 4 Seasons (I think it is Sunshines Beach Bar); that drink defines Caribbean to me....relaxed, sunshiny, carefree, toes in the sand and water beads on the glass...

Keep up the posts. We love hearing from people onboard except, perhaps, those that waste extensive space thinking they are poets, humorists, etc. HoHum, indeed.

Have a great time, but I know you will.

Methinks you are a bit of a curmudgeon and a tad of a bully....shame really, this corner has never taken itself too seriously and has been somewhat light hearted.

But each to their own.

Out of interest just what was it that upset you so ?

We will be onboard SEI in about 10 days and our itinerary is about the same as yours, cortesefam, though we depart out of SJ and return via STT. We are not new to this route, but love it just the same.

Your posts have been great; spot on and make us all the more impatient for our upcoming trip.

We were glad to hear Garreth is onboard; hope all of our other "old friends" are still there. BTW, who is your bartender?

If you're going to Nevis be sure and try the "bee stinger" at that little beach bar near the 4 Seasons (I think it is Sunshines Beach Bar); that drink defines Caribbean to me....relaxed, sunshiny, carefree, toes in the sand and water beads on the glass...

Keep up the posts. We love hearing from people onboard except, perhaps, those that waste extensive space thinking they are poets, humorists, etc. HoHum, indeed.

Have a great time, but I know you will.

Yes ctbjr 1309 is quite correct.

The 65 Club Members alluded to are also referred to as "repeaters": those that have done more than one voyage.

In fact there are some 96-ish passengers on the current voyage out of a capacity of 113.

 

Without checking with the "boss", there is a 10% discount for one voyage after another (known as a "back to back"), again as ctbjr1309 advises but there is also an additional 15% if it is booked onboard.....not bad eh !

Was this a "waste of space" when one tried answering your query ?

Again kindly clarify the offence.

Methinks you are a bit of a curmudgeon and a tad of a bully....shame really, this corner has never taken itself too seriously and has been somewhat light hearted.

But each to their own.

Out of interest just what was it that upset you so ?

.............I read the original post and thought it quite rude and unnecessary.

I'm sure most will agree the 'idle jottings' are great fun. I personally love Ho Hums humour and the banter between everyone on the thread. Breath of fresh air with all the doom and gloom in the world. I don't think the OP is upset by anything HH has posted specifically, think maybe a tad envious of Ho Hums popularity and sense of humour.

Enjoy the rest of your hols HH.

I enjoy Ho-Hum.......At least until I lost wagers to him.:eek:

I have also enjoyed my time here on C.C. And paticularly with idle jottings...

The best part about it is, no one seems to take themselves too seriously! Well, almost no one...I for one have learned some interesting things because of H.H.

And don't think I only speak for myself! 😜😀

Cortesefam,

I am thoroughly enjoying your reports -- you are bringing back some great memories of our time with SD in the Caribbean!!

And I love Ho Hum as well :D

Vandrefalk

...and from the backwoods of Canada, count me in as a fan of Idle Jottings......

Thanks for taking the time to post your reports Cortesefam. Counting the days....

Kind of reminds me of the prude coming out of an X-rated movie complaining about pornography.

Hey, if you don't like the column or its writers, tune in elsewhere. By the looks of the number of reads,

Idle Chat seems to have captured a loyal following, bolstered no doubt by the wit and irreverence of

Ho-Hums musings.

By the way, Cabosal, what are your sailing dates again?

Case Closed!

Commander, we should watch out with all these nice words for Ho-Hum. You know how he blushes.:eek::D

Commander, we should watch out with all these nice words for Ho-Hum. You know how he blushes.:eek::D

Jim, we all know that Ho Hum's blush comes from Provençal Rose!! (See how much we all learn here on CC? :D).

Also enjoy the 'idle' thread (which, I guess, if you don't like it don't read it?). Sure, lots of silliness and off topic subjects, but HH also takes the time to write first hand reports when he and Blondie are on board (which is probably more time than they actually spend on land!). So between the SD trip reports and the daily interaction between past, present, and future SD passengers, isn't that the whole point of this board??

Cortesefam, am still really looking forward to hearing more about your cruise. Hope you'll check in soon!

Ho Hum...

Well, well... You certainly have quite the Canadian following! Your slowly becoming one of us EH?...haha...

Keep those reviews coming Cabosal!! 😀😜

I'll come out of the lurkings for this!! I've been a huge fan of idle jottings since day one. I've learned a lot and laughed a lot. I enjoy every post...Many thank you's, Ho Hum. From a fan...in the US.

I've been a huge fan of idle jottings since day one. I've learned a lot and laughed a lot. I enjoy every post...Many thank you's, Ho Hum. From a fan...in the US.

As usual, I agree wholeheartedly with ohmiss. Wonder if that'll result in h-h buying me a beer at lunch today as he and blondie are in transit from SD II to STT and we are in transit from hotel to SD I.....

 

Kind of reminds me of the prude coming out of an X-rated movie complaining about pornography.

 

Hey, if you don't like the column or its writers, tune in elsewhere. By the looks of the number of reads,

Idle Chat seems to have captured a loyal following, bolstered no doubt by the wit and irreverence of

Ho-Hums musings.

 

By the way, Cabosal, what are your sailing dates again?

 

Case Closed!

No, Captain, it is actually like going to an x-rated film and getting Disney instead...Not what I expected and kinda disappointing, too. I thought CC would give me some info on cruising, not someone's personal "musings" on whatever. Guess I was wrong....:p

(By the way, what do my sailing dates have to do with anything? This will be our 7th SD cruise. Hope to see u there...)

Well, at least we have determined your film preferences!

Without taking the time to count them, there appear to by ample threads

to provide you information on various cruising topics. "Idle Chat" is

a departure from the usual, where writers share their opinions both

humorous and serious. If its "not your bag", just tune out.

We're coming up on our 27th cruise aboard SD, and we try to vet our

fellow passengers well before departure. Does that answer your question?

This shall be the last of my "musings" on this subject.