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laserboi

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Evening fellow SD enthusiasts. We are looking forward to our first SD experience and wondered if any of you more seasoned sailors have any words of wisdom for the newbies? Looking forward to relaxing, sleeping under the stars, and using the water sports platform and toys. I believe there are limited sailboats and jet skiiis (perhaps one each), does that present a problem in terms of availaility? Any other advice or comments would be greatly appreciated.

:)

LB

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There is supposedly a small sailboat and a windsurfer, but no one had any luck getting SD to put them in the water. There was at least one opportunity to use the two Seadoos, but you are limited to 15 minutes before having to go to the back of the line ("line" was maybe two or three people) to use them for another 15 minutes. You have to stay near the ship. There is watersking available.

 

Don't count on the watersports platform too much, as it is not used as often as it could, nor for very long. Makes a fun diversion though once in a while.

 

Also, they only have a limited number of masks and fins, and they are not that great, so bring your own if you have the weight allowance.

 

Bottom line is that the watersports potential of Seadream is great, but they don't utilize it very well. I'd say only 10% of the pax made use of it anyway, so that's probably why they don't put much emphasis on it.

 

The included wine is marginal, at best, so if you like good wine, plan on buying it each evening (their markup is fairly high), or bring your own. There is about a $13 corkage fee on wine brought on board, but they decant it nicely and will hold it for you for the next night if you don't finish it.

 

Pack light, cabins are very small (but you will be out of the cabin most of the time, as the ship is really nice to just hang out on, and there is a fair amount of shore time available).

 

Go ashore! Do some of the offered excursions and do some things on your own. The concierge is good at reserving rental cars, just ask them a day or so in advance. Tender service is quick and efficient.

 

Neither a suit nor sport coat is required in the Caribbean. A sport coat may come in handy if it is at all chilly when dinner is served on deck, but it is strictly optional to bring one.

 

Bring sunscreen. They have a display of it in the cabins but they charge $$$ for it, kind of tacky actually...

 

Beds are kind of small, but I think you could extend the bed in either direction by using carry-on bags and the many cushions on the couch.

 

Bring at least two swimsuits. Air is somewhat humid so it takes a full day for them to dry. Hang over the shower door opening, as the ventilator in the shower draws air past.

 

If you are over 6' tall, watch your head!!! Especially in the bathroom.

 

If you want something, ask for it! They can't read minds and are pretty willing to please, within reason. For coffee in the morning in the cabin, just dial 9 and ask for coffee for two, but ask them for enough for several cups as they only fill the carafe up part way otherwise. Don't count on room service for much else, the menu is very limited, and they don't bring everything in the descriptions.

 

Hang out around and in the pool and jacuzzi - the pool deck on Seadream is very nice, only about 16 loungers and a couple of 4-seat tables. Never seemed to be an issue finding available loungers. Staff and fellow pax pretty good about policing up unused loungers, and none of the chair-saving you see on other lines. Neatly folded towels on the loungers mean they are definitely available.

 

Introduce yourself to fellow passangers, some really interesting folks sail SeaDream. Plenty of opportunities to schmooz with fellow pax.

 

Allow 2 or 3 days to mellow-out before being critical of things :D

 

Have fun!

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Hi laserboi. As you can see, you've certainly come to the right place for information on SeaDream. There is a great deal of information and many questions already answered on the board. If you have specific questions, just ask. I have a feeling that answers will be forthcoming very shortly.

 

When and where is your upcoming cruise? Will you be on SD1 or SD2?

 

Hope you have a great trip.

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Welcome to CC and SD!

 

DJ's DH and I are looking forward to our fourth cruise on SD in March. We have only sailed in the Caribbean on SD. We have sailed the Caribbean on Seabourn, Princess, Disney, Royal Caribbean and Holland America.

 

IMHO ... No one does the Caribbean better than SD!! Remember that this is a YACHTING vacation not so much a cruising vacation.

 

We have never had a problem with availability in terms of the jet skis and sailboat when the water sports platform is in use. Remember that there are local rules in terms of when the motorized equipment can be used as well as when the water sports platform can be used.

 

As Ragnar said make sure to let the crew and staff your preferences and special request and they will do their best to accommodate you.

 

If you have any specific questions please feel free to ask away.

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Waverunners are prohibited in most Caribbean ports (and I believe most Med ports as well). They can be used at St. Barts and Nevis if the weather/seas are favorable (Captain's discretion). They cannot be used in the USVI, BVI (Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island), Saba, and many other islands. Seadream has no control over this.

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