goRRRdon

Where is ho hum in our hour of need

The issue that still needs addressing !

See you again in a month's time !

Do we really know whether this is settled yet ?

......ok so now SD have even more problems...for which I'm truly sorry .......but SD's problem is a refusal to communicate......and that is poor show.

The issue that still needs addressing !

Yes, well done Jim.

Keep Sea Dream for the big kids ehh !

Would love to hear your views as requested by ho hum.

Sea Dream III !

 

Ho hum has obtained ..................d on it, thus avoiding airports, taxi transfer, hotels etc.."

 

A happy April 1st from ho hum.

That's all very well but now they will have more of those awful little people !

Sorry to be a Debbie Downer but could you all who are "NEVER GOING ON SEA DREAM AGAIN BECAUSE OF ENGINE/COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS" just drop it! We get it already!! We are looking forward to our upcoming Caribbean trip mainly to get away from constant bickering and to enjoy a little peace and quiet. So sorry you all won't be there!!!:rolleyes:

What is the name of this thread ? Engine update.

Those that are booked on SD or planning to book on SD simply want to know what the engine situation is.

If SD management wont advise us, where else can we find out and exchange information ?

I concur with the Commodore. Feel free to start a thread yourself., if you object to this one.

If anyone has up to date knowledge of the engine, please advise (feel free to join in Andreas).

Genuinely, have a great cruise.

But whilst onboard, you can find out the situation and inform the rest of us.

That really would be a valuable contribution. Thanks in advance.

......ok so now SD have even more problems...for which I'm truly sorry .......but SD's problem is a refusal to communicate......and that is poor show.

I think the situations are a bit different -- the Journey has to end its cruise -- move passengers to the original disembarkation site and there is a risk the next cruise will be delayed/cancelled. None of that happened on SD. Two of the cruises had missed ports, but there were no cancellations of cruises. On the second cruise, all guests were notified in advance of the change in itinerary -- weather caused the other missed ports, as I recall. And the two cruises impacted the most did have compensation offered.

 

Somehow, I had the understanding that there was some down time before the crossing and repairs would be finished then, if needs be. It certainly doesn't seem to be causing a problem at present and I don't know why we would expect updates if we're not on board. . . . . .

 

Vandrefalk

Extraordinary ! Now beyond farcical. Please stop.

To goRRRdon: Bullying? C'mon on....:(

I am happy to make a minor adjustment for you:

"Please do not let a pair of naive acolytes who seek to "belittle" others (eg. labelling others Chicken Little to those they do not agree with etc..) into not posting your genuine concerns and opinions as well as your love of all that is Sea Dream".

You make no other criticism of the posting, so I thank you for your essential agreement with the posting.

I too am appreciative of your posting JANJATSEA.

Please do not let a pair of naive acolytes bully you into not posting your genuine concerns and opinions as well as your love of all that is Sea Dream.

I'm only posting this once, unlike your posting on every available thread.

 

Vandrefalk

Wasn't sure which thread to post this on, but guess this one will do!

Vandrefalk

Thought you might be a little more charitable as you seem to have encountered the same situation in only the very recent past.

Out of the 5,893 threads, I posted on 3 (not every available thread).

As for the main body of your counter-argument, I fully accept your opinion and right to do so and your lighter approach to a CEO leaving her job and the effect this might have on everyone.

Just making a correction here since Mr. Brynestad's name has come up several times now... His first name is Atle; not 'Artle.'

The correction is noted from the lady who contributed to the posting about the completely in-correct article about the demise of SD and sent us scurrying in panic to check what deposits we have paid !

I invite you to see the bigger picture. Oh sweet irony !

Why no recent reviews ?

We are in mourning.

And the spiral down continues.

Aaarrrggghhhh !

Conover gone: the ONLY person who actively sought opinion and genuinely listened to us. She was the real deal.

I am certain she would have suggested changes that would have gone some way of addressing passengers concerns.

Now it's back with Artle and his beaten down, old retainer "yes men" ! God help us all (crew alike with some of the appalling choice of charters the crew have had to endure) !

When certain crew call it a day: then we will too, meanwhile I'll do no bookings from late Spring to early Autumn.

And to the appeasers and the "let's keep it chummy" contributors: I make no apologies.

This is serious guys.

An extremely talented and professional in the industry who is respected and is of long standing, is no longer there to stick up for us and even enhance our experience.

Larry, now Pamela.

Artle just doesn't listen to views contrary to his own; and the more I get to know him, the weirder it all is.

Hey, and Andreas, dont bother getting back to us, we know you have more important things to do AND now with Pam Conover gone there are going to be no changes: we kind of new that deep down really.

Some people really fell for your line (commodoredave); what must they be feeling now ?

You have been busy !

Well so has the Forum; not far off 10,000 views. Now that's really busy Andreas and it spells out we are really annoyed now.

Aaarrrggghhhh !

Conover gone: the ONLY person who actively sought opinion and genuinely listened to us. She was the real deal.

I am certain she would have suggested changes that would have gone some way of addressing passengers concerns.

Now it's back with Artle and his beaten down, old retainer "yes men" ! God help us all (crew alike with some of the appalling choice of charters the crew have had to endure) !

When certain crew call it a day: then we will too, meanwhile I'll do no bookings from late Spring to early Autumn.

And to the appeasers and the "let's keep it chummy" contributors: I make no apologies.

This is serious guys.

An extremely talented and professional in the industry who is respected and is of long standing, is no longer there to stick up for us and even enhance our experience.

Larry, now Pamela.

Artle just doesn't listen to views contrary to his own; and the more I get to know him, the weirder it all is.

Hey, and Andreas, dont bother getting back to us, we know you have more important things to do AND now with Pam Conover gone there are going to be no changes: we kind of new that deep down really.

Some people really fell for your line (commodoredave); what must they be feeling now ?

You have been busy !

Well so has the Forum; not far off 10,000 views. Now that's really busy Andreas and it spells out we are really annoyed now.

Conover gone: the ONLY person who actively sought opinion and genuinely listened to us. She was the real deal.

I am certain she would have suggested changes that would have gone some way of addressing passengers concerns.

Now it's back with Artle and his beaten down, old retainer "yes men" ! God help us all (crew alike with some of the appalling choice of charters the crew have had to endure) !

When certain crew call it a day: then we will too, meanwhile I'll do no bookings from late Spring to early Autumn.

And to the appeasers and the "let's keep it chummy" contributors: I make no apologies.

This is serious guys.

An extremely talented and professional in the industry who is respected and is of long standing, is no longer there to stick up for us and even enhance our experience.

Larry, now Pamela.

Artle just doesn't listen to views contrary to his own; and the more I get to know him, the weirder it all is.

Hey, and Andreas, dont bother getting back to us, we know you have more important things to do AND now with Pam Conover gone there are going to be no changes: we kind of new that deep down really.

Some people really fell for your line (commodoredave); what must they be feeling now ?

You have been busy !

Well so has the Forum; not far off 10,000 views. Now that's really busy Andreas and it spells out we are really annoyed now.

I read the two posts from Andreas on a new thread (Sea Dream website) purporting to be a spokesperson of Sea Dream and Shania Twain's song instantly came to mind: "That dont impress me much" !

Really, what twoddle ! Tosh ! Waffle !

It says a whole bunch of nothing.

And how quickly some are to acquiesce !

I haven't posted for a while now on this subject as I have given up and reluctantly accept nothing will change.

I no longer have faith in the company (Owner especially) and I will be reducing the risks with no bookings in potential peak kid seasons.

I'm guessing they are July & August in the Med. Does anybody out there concur ? It is everyone for themselves but shared experiences are so valuable. I would appreciate feedback.

Also mystro, would be helpful to learn how many SD voyages you have been on with respect to children. We just came off a voyage in the Black Sea with about ten children on such a small ship that we otherwise find a joy to be on. We have now done nine SD voyages in five years with an increasing number of kids overall during that time. From our experience and those of others on this forum it simply isn't accurate to suggest there are only a few kids from time to time and by implication thus a minor impact from them. This thread wouldn't be so long and the views expressed wouldn't be so specific and passionate if the kids were few and their impact minor.

Well said JES and accurately noted zimmy

Lets get back on track: the problem (being addressed on this forum) is:

- apparent growing number of kids on SD (even allowing children younger than SD own guide)

- apparent lack of informing passengers bringing children (indeed there appears to be a drive to simply fill cabins irrespective of suitability)

- too many children (though preferably none whatsoever or at least clear advertising of voyages as family friendly, some children and adult only)

- requesting SD to attend to this issue as a matter of greatest importance so we know where we stand for future bookings (otherwise we will reduce risks by fewer bookings, select our bookings more carefully or simply not be prepared to risk it ever again: no more booking SD)

OK I hesitate to join in again as the Black Sea voyage we just took that was marred by so many kids is fresh on my mind and I'm trying to put it in the past! I did read the latest postings here with interest and will pass on the issue of adults who misbehave. For what it is worth, the commentaries on whether kids on SD behave or misbehave (and the related role of the parents) miss the key point, in my humble opinion. For me at least, in the end it doesn't matter whether they "behave" or not. Certainly when they misbehave it is a bigger and different problem. But no matter what kids will be kids and it is only a matter of degree of the noise, splashing, etc. Thus, my conclusion is that having ANY children defined as under 18 on board as paying guests is simply incompatible with the advertised nature of a SD voyage. The ship is too small, the activities for kids are non-existent, and there is no way to have kids on board and not hear and see them. It is inherently incompatible with a luxury relaxing vacation to have them around. In addition to being unfair to other paying passengers it is unfair to the hardworking crew. The logical solution is to limit children to specifically designated family friendly voyages such as around holiday times with ALL others not so designated a total kids free zone. Absent such clear delineation one cannot be reasonably assured that the promised product can be delivered on a specific voyage. There are variations of course such as limiting the number of kids per voyage, not allowing large groups of adults to bring kids, etc. We are open to suggestions and hope the tread can focus on practical solutions to help SD management fix the problem. Based on comments from others on our recent kiddy voyage, those of us here aren't alone in not wishing to travel with SD if kids will be present. We can only hope that Miami and Oslo are getting the message. I have shared these thoughts with them and expect a response soon.

A Sea Dream guide exists:

What is SeaDream Yacht Club’s policy regarding children?

SeaDream is excellent for couples and friends as well as families with mature, well traveled children aged 13 and older. Adults with children younger than 13 years of age should perhaps consider SeaDream Yacht Club carefully as an option. Children aged 1 or younger are not allowed. We do not have formal children’s programs or baby sitting services available on the yacht. In some cases the children’s nanny or au pair traveling with the family is ideal. When families are on board parents are expected to manage the behavior of their children to ensure that the enjoyment of other guests is in no manner compromised. Guest satisfaction is highly important to SeaDream. The crew has been instructed to immediately inform parents about unacceptable behavior of our younger guests! SeaDream follows local laws as it relates to drinking age and this varies from 18 to 21 years of age.

Families who elect to charter the vessel may set up children’s programs and other children’s services not normally available on regular voyages. Please consult our charter department for further information.

So JES you see it is unlikely this will ever be abandoned to above 18 years old only.

My question is: is this guide actually enforced by management ?

This issue appears to be worsening.

Another consideration. Would you not allow crew to allow their own families onboard even though they are well behaved and the parents act very responsibly ?

This is well put. have your heard anything from SeaDream??

No news just the deafening silence.

So far this issue has all been about the adults view on children but what about the child's view and their safety.

If a large group wish to bring their children do they seriously consider:

1. Whether children actually want to go on a ship of "old people" where there is nothing to do but swim in the pool (thus rendering the pool a no go area for the vast majority of passengers). Children have been seen sitting at the bar too.

2. What assurances do these parents ask for (trained crew, vetting crew) and what protection does Sea Dream offer ?

3. The safety implications are enormous. I hope the waivers we sign cover for accidents caused due to the un-suitability of the ship or the lack of training for crew for young children (I am reasonably assuming). May I suggest they review their insurance particulars, legal responsibilities (don't they have a duty of care), crew training, safety precautions and get a policy. And may I suggest officers and crew do likewise.

So it's not just clients taking the $ 10 K gamble; for the Sea Dream Owner, it's the $ 1,000,000 gamble !

Add a fine for irresponsibility for the owner completely ignoring the problem and everyone will lose out.

Lets hope a severe accident does'nt happen in Italian maritime waters.

No doubt some of my fellow passengers, may be thinking, this is being alarmist. But somebody has to ask these questions. If Sea Dream were a ferry, you would'nt consider this alarmist. No we go on vacation and absolve ourselves of all responsibility.

No, when you throw them overboard there is a stronger chance they may make land and re-appear a few hours later !

OK time to go to my Anger Management classes.

I guess there must be some legal eagles out there - yes, you !

Your fellow/potential Sea Dream passengers/ lovers NEED YOU ! (you maybe have'nt posted before: it's real easy) please explain (think you are explaining this to a seven year old: oh, the irony !)

IS THERE A LEGAL CASE AGAINST SEA DREAM FOR THIS DECEPTION IN THE PROMOTION OF THEIR PRODUCT & THE ACTUALITY

It seems we are nearing the end of the road on this one; leaving only the un-thinkable.........

I would be curious to know how many weeks per year are presently being impacted by children being on board the 2 ships. Hasn't really ever happened to us (knock on wood) and we began sailing with SeaDream a month after they began.

 

I say this to encourage those of you who are booked and getting nervous. The likelyhood of encountering children, outside of school holiday periods perhaps, remains slim, in my experience. Groups of adults is an issue that I would be more concerned about, frankly, given the size of the ship.

Unfortunately abenaki:

- the issue seems to be worsening over the recent years (you've been lucky)

- the issue applies to pre-school children mainly (older children want more activity)

- school holidays vary worldwide

- irresponsible parents take children out of school for vacation