SeaDream II Review

5.0 / 5.0
42 reviews

A Disappointing Experience, but is it the Norm?

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on SeaDream II
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JustAud
First Time Cruiser • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Nov 2007

We have cruised Regent in the past, and our TA called with a great deal on SeaDream, a line I've always wanted to try based on reviews and the promises made in its marketing materials: flexible itineraries designed to allow more time in small, uncrowded ports; sports marina with included water toys/equipment; excellent service where everyone calls you by name; first-class dining; and sleeping under the stars. Unfortunately, the marketing was better than the delivery.

We boarded easily after a short delay and quickly taken to our cabin. It was not as small as the boards led us to believe, although the bathrooms are tiny, the shower is large and it is nicely done. One of us is 6'4" and while small, not uncomfortable. The bed linens were incredible, unfortunately, we ended up enjoying them on the floor from about Day 4 on of our cruise. Our bed squeaked so badly we could not sleep and we were told it could not be fixed. After enduring another sleepless night, we ended up bolting the bed to the wall and setting up on the floor. Our stewardess said we had the best bed onboard and made it up every night/day just as if it was the norm. It was comfortable and made no noise, but it was certainly in the way and made the dressing table impossible to use. We have since been told we should have escalated this issue to the Captain, but we had figured that since at least three members of the staff knew of the problem, if they could have helped, they would have. Apparently, on SeaDream, the squeaky wheels etc etc. Based on other reviews, you have to get a bit demanding and vocal to get your glasses cleaned at the pool, never have to go to the bar and get your drinks, have your wine service explained to you, or sleep on a bed. The stewardess was very good, with special treats every few nights. Very clean and non-obtrusive cabin service.

The ship was nice and the size is great, many rooms are empty most of the time and you can find plenty of "alone" space. The golf simulator was great fun and seemed unused (except by us). The promised marina and water toys turned out to be offered only on two days, and only for a couple of hours each day. The area you can JetSki in is very limited and it was hard to get enough people together to use the banana boat so it often wouldn't run. Snorkeling equipment, forget it. You consistently have to ask for it, and by the end of the trip, it was obvious that these are not cleaned/disinfected and are really an afterthought. The primary activities on this ship were drinking, sleeping, talking with others, and off ship, shopping. Just not our cup of tea. There were older (1-2 years) movies in the evening, a couple of "concerts" out by the pool, one organized walk, one night of dancing that no one showed up to, very, very limited. No educational talks and the nightly port talk was 10-minutes with the Cruise Director telling us about all the itinerary changes planned and shore excursion cancellations for the next day. That's it. Seriously. Oh, a couple of times the Captain came to further justify the changes. We never went on a shore excursion, all three we booked were canceled either due to "lack of participation" or weather. Never heard much from other passengers, as I said, drink/sleep/eat/visit seemed to be the main activities of this bunch.

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