Many friends have asked ‘DON’T YOU GET BORED with so many days at sea?’ The answer
is always no. In fact, having visited so many places, WE SOMETIMES NEVER LEAVE THE YACHT.
reduced to 32, due to some having work commitments. We were the only two leaving in Monte Carlo so our travel arrangements were unaffected, but the Company did a great job rearranging hotels and flights for those affected.
One plus from our point of view was,
having upgraded to the Admiral Suite, we had 16 nights in the suite instead of 12. The company has created an excellent suite that was once the boutique. After one or two drinks, open the wrong door and you are in the middle of the casino, next to the piano bar! The crossing was still wonderful, despite the extra days. Many ‘regulars’ book the crossing so there are always fellow SeaDreamers we know. One day, some 1,600 miles from the nearest land, the sea was so calm the Captain stopped the ship and at least 20 passengers took a swim they will never forget. There are so many strong points regarding SeaDream there are too many to mention. On a 14-day cruise some years ago, our luggage and that of our friends arrived in Santo Domingo while we were in San Juan. The staff did all our laundry free of charge, while they also supplied razors, shaving foam and anything else we requested until we were reunited with our cases on return to San Juan the following week. We spent two weeks on Oceania’s
Nautica two years ago and visited Kusadasi. After breakfast, we went on deck to be greeted by the welcome sight of SeaDream II moored in the next berth. While walking along the pier, we met Hotel Manager Christophe. He invited us on board for lunch, which of course we accepted. Most guests were ashore. We
Autumn 2013 I WORLD OF CRUISING 25
Shopping with the Chef is another
had a great lunch and were joined by Captain Johannes and met many old friends from the crew. How many cruise ships would this happen on? Many friends have asked “Don’t you get bored with so many days at sea?” The answer is always no.
n fact, having visited so many places, we sometimes never leave the Yacht. What’s ashore? The lectures, demonstrations, open bridge policy, gym, golf range, water toys (when in suitable port) and well- equipped staterooms are enough for us. The food and service are also second to
I
none. Where can lobster, fillet steak, Alaskan king crab, caviar and other excellent fish and meat dishes be found in the UK? At the price paid for a cruise.
event not to be missed! Nearing the end of our cruise, we visited San Tropez and were treated to oysters, wine, cheeses and bread, while the Chef did shopping for the yacht. Another truly memorable crossing was
from San Juan to London from April-May 2011 on Sea Dream I, with 74 passengers aboard. With mostly fine weather, our first port of call was Ponta Delgada in the Azores and we met one couple from the USA who had completed more than 30 crossings with Sea Dream. The highlight for passengers and crew alike, though, was slowly cruising up the Thames, Tower Bridge opening, sailing through and mooring next to HMS Belfast overnight. We have booked the same crossing in spring 2014.
Roger & Janet
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