Sub-Antarctic Adventure on Silversea Expeditions' Silver Discoverer
We enjoy a 15-night adventure aboard Silversea Expeditions Silver Discoverer exploring the Sub-Antarctic Islands.
Itinerary: Dunedin, The Snares, Enderby Island, At Sea, Macquarie Island, At Sea, Campbell Island, At Sea, The Antipodes, Bounty Islands, Pitt Island, Chatham Islands, At Sea, Napier, Wellington
Just days after announcing Silversea Expeditions' Silver Explorer as our pick for BEST Expedition Cruise Ship in 2014, we embark on her sister, Silver Discoverer. This time, it is a 15-night expedition to the rarely visited subantarctic islands off the coast of New Zealand.
Silver Discoverer is the newest ship in the Silver Expeditions fleet, and she just happens to also be the smallest, catering to only 120 guests with a crew of 96. The ship was most recently refurbished in 2014. We boarded the ship using the gangway up to Deck 4 where you will find the Reception Desk and the Explorer Lounge. The Explorer Lounge is the hub of activity on Discoverer, serving as both the ship's lecture center and only indoor bar. Deck 3 is where you will find The Restaurant which is reminiscent of other Silversea ships and is the venue for evening meals. Deck 5 is where you will find the Discoverer Lounge, which is actually not a "lounge" at all but the ship's Lido buffet where all breakfast and lunch meals are served.
Comfortable seating in Explorer Lounge
Aft of Discoverer Lounge is the Pool Bar and The Grill (outside). This space is open for lunch each day serving burgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, chicken sandwiches, etc. In the evening, this space is used for Silversea's signature "Hot Rock" dining. Staterooms, or as Silversea prefers, "suites", are located on decks 3, 4, 5 and 6. On Deck 7 is the ship's small fitness center and salon/spa. There is a lot of open deck space on Deck 7 which is good for whale-watching or bird spotting. This is also where the ship stores the Zodiacs used for exploring and for shuttling guests to shore.
Silver Discoverer is the smallest ship in the Silver Expeditions fleet
There is an elevator across from Reception that takes you from Deck 3 all the way to Deck 7. There is only one indoor staircase located amidships. It is very easy to find your way around Silver Discoverer. Below the pool deck aft is where guests access the Zodiacs, the small, rubber expedition boats that are the workhorses of any expedition ship. A retractable "marina" platform makes embarking and disembarking the Zodiacs an easy process
ACCOMMODATIONS
Our Veranda Suite on Deck 6 (604) was a comfortable 284 sq. ft (including a 30 sq. ft. balcony). The comfortable queen bed is two twin beds pushed together and topped with the highest quality linens you will find on any cruise ship. A selection of pillows is available to add to the perfect night's sleep.
On the wall across from the bed is a long desk/dresser/vanity with a mirror above and drawers for storage. Next to the bed is another desk that I was able to use for my laptop workstation. There is a small mini-fridge under the desk, stocked daily with your beverages of choice. On top of the desk is a plastic holder for glasses in an attempt to make this sort of an in-suite bar. There are two small closets side-by-side with adequate hanging space for a 15-night cruise. At the bottom of the closet there was one long, shallow drawer and one small drawer. There is also a large drawer under the bed on each side.
Elegant accommodations for an expedition ship
What you won't find are shelves in the room for things like camera gear, etc. We soon learned why this is the case on an expedition ship. In rough seas, you don't want your $3,000 Canon flying across the room! There is a nice sofa, marble coffee table and two chairs. The coffee table can easily be converted into a dining table for en suite dining (there is a square table top hidden behind the sofa that can be placed on the coffee table to make it larger.)
The large flat screen television is mounted on the wall across from the bed, just above the sofa. Silver Discoverer has a different television system than we experienced on Silver Explorer last year, and not one we are crazy about. In fact, the only real problem we had with the suite was with the television. First, the remote control would only work from within about three feet of the television, so to change channels, volume, etc, you had to get out of bed and walk over to the TV. That sort of defeats the purpose of a remote. Also, the television would routinely "crash" or hang, which meant a "reboot" of sorts was required. Our butler showed me how, by removing the HDMI cable on the side of the unit and re-inserting it, the system would reset itself. This was required at least once a day to keep the TV working. On the plus side, the programming choices offered are excellent. There are current movie choices, several news channels including FOX News, Sky News, BBC, etc. And, all of the TV programs can also be accessed over the ship's Wi-Fi using your laptop or portable device. Pretty cool.
Living room w/sofa and chairs
The bathroom in the Veranda Suite is a nice size with decent storage. In keeping with Silversea's unmatched style, the bathroom is clad in elegant marble and amenitized (yes, I just made up that word) with high-quality Bvlgari products.
The most important feature of any Silversea suite is the butler, and we had a great one. Soon after we were in our suite, Jomit showed up to introduce himself and explain all about the suite. He and his assistant, Ronaldo, did an excellent job of keeping the suite in perfect condition during the cruise.
THE CREW
We have always found Silversea crew to be warm, friendly and welcoming. This was certainly the case on Silver Discoverer. Our butler, Jomit, seemed to know what we wanted even before we did. When he and his capable assistant, Ronaldo, decorated the suite for my birthday, the festive décor even included a light show! A Silversea butler will unpack your bags, make dining and/or spa reservations, arrange en suite dining, and provide just about anything else you might require. Both Jomit and Ronaldo went out of their way to always greet us by name and wish us a wonderful day. This level of friendly, efficient service pervaded the entire ship.
Shieba readies Rickee's Prosecco
In the Explorer Lounge, Welma tended bar and always knew that Rickee liked Stellina prosecco and I liked Dewars on the rocks. When she found out we liked potato chips, she included them each day as one of our cocktail "snacks". Shieba knew we had a special wine and always made sure to have it available for us at lunch and dinner. After our first onboard dining experience, where Rolondo provided excellent service, he always brought butter and bottled water for us at lunch without our having to ask. In the Restaurant, we seemed to always occupy the same table for two where we were in the capable hands of Jesse. When he learned that Rickee liked smaller portions of food, he made sure that she always received a beautiful plate of food, just with smaller portions. These are just a few examples of the kind of excellent personalized service that each Silversea guest receives. It always amazes us that the crew can address each guest by name on the first day of the cruise!
FOOD AND DINING
Silversea always does a good job of providing a quality dining experience. That is no easy task on an expedition ship that can go 15 days without re-provisioning. Even though tomatoes and a few other fresh vegetable items become scarce by the end of the sailing, the executive chef and his brigade did an admirable job of delivering Silversea quality under challenging conditions. The breakfast buffet in Discoverer Lounge each morning had everything you would find on a much larger ship, including eggs made to order.
A substantial lunch buffet was served each day in Discoverer Lounge with a variety of salads, sandwiches, soups, main courses and desserts. We found a small table for two on the first day that was positioned right in the middle of the dining room (between port and starboard). The location in the middle minimizes the effect of any rolling motion of the ship. And, in the subantarctic region, the seas can be formidable. Since we always arrived for lunch early, this table became ours for the entire cruise. Even though Silversea offers a choice of red and white wines that change each day, we asked Shieba if they had any Riesling or Moscato on board. She presented us with a Bin 90 Moscato that was perfect for our tastes and from that day forward, we never had to ask. Shieba would bring us Bin 90 at lunch or dinner. That is typical of Silversea service and attention to detail.
Discoverer Lounge is the spot for breakfast and lunch each day
Another option at lunch is The Grill located aft on Deck 5. While we did not dine outside on this sailing due to the wind and cold, I did order a cheeseburger at lunch a couple of times from our waiter in Discoverer Lounge. The Grill offers burgers, fries, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, etc.
A choice of delicious salads and sandwiches/wraps is available each day
An Afternoon Tea is served each day at 4pm, typically in Discoverer Lounge. On sea days, the Tea was moved to Explorer Lounge and combined with Team Trivia. Afternoon Tea offers guests a selection of teas along with scones, cookies, finger sandwiches and other goodies.
For dinner, guests can choose from three venues. First, The Restaurant on Deck 3 is a formal dining room with full menu service. I should qualify that "formal" pertains only to the decor of the dining room, and the dress code of the staff. There are no "formal" nights on Silversea Expeditions (see Experience below for more information on dress codes). Another option is to dine al fresco on Deck 5 at The Grill featuring "hot rock" dining under the stars. Guests choose their seafood or prime meats and grill them at their table on a heated volcanic rock plate. We have enjoyed Hot Rocks on other Silversea ships, but did not dine there on Silver Discoverer. It was a bit cold and windy outside on this sailing, and The Restaurant was so comfortable we found ourselves dining there each night. Another option is room service. In the evening, any item on The Restaurant menu is available for delivery to your suite.
ENTERTAINMENT/ACTIVITIES
Each Silversea Expeditions ship is staffed with a knowledgeable and capable Expedition Team consisting of subject matter experts in various scientific fields pertinent to the area in which you are sailing. On our Sub-Antarctic Islands voyage, we had the pleasure of again sailing with Expedition Leader, Juan Restrepo, with whom we had sailed last year onboard Silver Explorer in the Chilean Fjords. Juan and his team of nine were always available to answer questions or provide additional information about what we had seen on our excursions.
Juan Restrepo, Expedition Leader
As with most expedition voyages, this trip was all about the destination and the amazing wildlife and birds that populate this remote area. The ship does not have a casino or production shows in the evening. There are no guest entertainers, although each evening Mervin played the piano for our listening pleasure in the Explorer Lounge. We were entertained by the incredible scenery and plants and birds and seals and whales we saw each day, either from a trip to shore in the Zodiac or a Zodiac "cruise" around that day's island when local regulations did not allow us to go ashore. Expedition Team members were utilized as Zodiac drivers and pointed out wildlife, geological formations, birds and plant life as we motored to or around an island. The fleet of Zodiacs that the ship carries make it possible to get to places where there are no piers and to islands surrounded by shallow waters. These rigid rubber boats are specifically designed for nature exploration and are rugged and very safe, sturdy and durable. The marina platform at the aft end of Silver Discoverer made getting into and out of the Zodiacs a lot easier.
Zodiacs are the workhorses of a Silversea Expeditions adventure
On our few days at sea, or mornings and afternoons en route to our next island, members of the Expedition Team gave lectures on subjects in their fields of expertise which, among our Expedition Team, included botany, zoology (especially ornithology), marine biology, geology, and history of exploration. Documentary videos pertinent to the area we were visiting were shown in Explorer Lounge. Afternoon Tea Team Trivia was conducted by different members of the Expedition Team and the questions were usually based on his or her latest lecture. On some days, weather-permitting, deck time with the Expedition Team was scheduled where guests would join the team on deck to look for sea birds or other wildlife.
Each evening during Recap and Briefing, everyone looked forward to Juan's description of what we would see and do the next day. His detailed charts on predicted weather and sea conditions were spot on! In addition, Expedition Team members would take turns giving short presentations "recapping" and elaborating on what we had seen that day. During this time each evening, canapes were offered by waiters.
Another activity we enjoyed was a "martini tasting" where we got to taste four different martinis and see how each is made. We sat around the bar in Explorer Lounge and watched Welma make the martinis while Bar Manager, Elbert, talked about the ingredients and how each recipe originated. It was great fun and we all received a copy of the martini "recipes" to take with us.
To let you know what to expect for the next day, activities and meal times were noted in the Chronicles which was delivered to your stateroom each evening. The Chronicles also presented information about the history of the island we would visit next and what we should expect to see there in the way of flora and fauna. It was a nice introduction to things to come.
There is a small gym on Deck 7 and a spa offering services such as massage, manicures and pedicures.
THE DESTINATION
Expedition cruises are ALL about the destination and this one was no exception. The subantarctic islands are a remote group of islands south of New Zealand which, in recognition of their rare and special nature, were designated a World Natural Heritage Area in 1998. Because these islands, uninhabited by humans, are so remote and logistically difficult to get to, they are visited by only about 500 tourists per year. Silver Discoverer visited all five island groups - The Snares, Bounty, Antipodes, Auckland and Campbell Islands - each of which exhibit a character all its own. Their geographical isolation from the mainland and each other has shaped these islands' remarkable biodiversity and made them epicenters of evolution. We also visited Macquarie Island, Australia, where they had recently successfully completed a seven-year project to eradicate rats, rabbits and mice from the island.
Exploring caves at The Snares
Silversea works closely with the Department of Conservation of New Zealand, and by implementing strict bio-security protocols, ensures that no invasive species are introduced on to these pristine islands or transferred from one island to another by Silversea guests. Before boarding the Zodiac to go ashore, Silver Discoverer guests were required to thoroughly examine all outerwear for any foreign material, such as grass burrs or seeds, that could be inadvertently taken ashore. A handheld vacuum cleaner was available to remove any debris. Before our first landing, each guest took their items to the Explorer Lounge where they were further checked by an Expedition Team member. Walking sticks had to be sanitized as did tri-pods. A boot cleaning station consisting of a plastic pan of sanitizing solution was placed at the bottom of the stairs leading to the Zodiac area and guests were required to clean their rubber boots before going ashore. This same process was repeated upon return from an island: boots were dipped and rinsed before the guest headed up to the Pool Deck.
Boots get cleaned before going ashore
Spanning six degrees of latitude, from 47 to 52 degrees south, the five island groups occupy the stormy latitudes of the "Roaring Forties" and "Furious Fifties". While we did experience rolling seas on a regular basis, only on one night did the area truly live up to its nickname with huge waves and high winds. The weather was mostly windy, cloudy and overcast, with frequent drizzle and cool temperatures. The few days when the sun did shine were magnificent.
The SubAntarctic region can produce some rough seas
At least 11 percent of all the world's seabirds breed in the subantarctic region of New Zealand and over 120 species have been observed at the islands or in the surrounding ocean, which makes these islands a birder's paradise. One of the rarest members of the seal family is found at Auckland and Campbell Islands: the New Zealand sea lion. Some of the islands have endemic life forms, meaning these life forms are found nowhere else in the world. There are no fewer than 15 species of land birds that are endemic to the subantarctic islands.The plant life of the subantarctic region is no less unusual. The World Conservation Union has designated the region a "world center of floristic diversity".
Elephant Seal pup on Macquarie Island, Australia
People visit these islands for commercial and scientific reasons and recently, for tourism. They want to experience the awesome wildlife in a remote and physically challenging setting. With more information becoming available about this area through documentaries and magazine articles and reviews such as this one, the curiosity about these remote islands increases. There is no better way to explore this incredible destination than on a Silversea Expeditions voyage.
THE EXPERIENCE
The typical expedition cruise guest is 40 to 60 years old, well-traveled and may or may not be an enthusiast of "traditional" cruising. Expedition cruises tend to attract those more interested in 'exploring' than 'cruising'. Many people are on the ship simply because it is the only way to get to the islands they are interested in visiting. Many of the guests on our cruise were hard-core "birders". Several different nationalities were represented, with only 11 guests from the United States. However, English was the official language spoken on the ship.
The SubAntarctic Islands are a birder's paradise
Every morning when an island visit or Zodiac tour was scheduled, Juan, the Expedition Leader, would gently wake us with an announcement over the PA one hour before departure. He told us the ship's location (longitude and latitude), what the weather conditions were and the outside temperature. If you did not want to hear this announcement, you could turn off the audio system in your suite.
Every Silversea Expedition features complimentary excursions led by the Expedition Team. Activities vary daily and are designed for most levels of interest and physical ability. Zodiacs are used to explore and as transportation to shore. Silversea provides a waterproof parka, a backpack and a stainless steel water bottle for each guest, all of which you can take home with you. As the Southern Ocean can sometimes be a bit rough, it is essential that you bring water-resistant pants and rubber boots to wear in the Zodiac to protect against the waves that inevitably splash over and into the boat. The rubber boots are necessary for getting out of the Zodiac to the shore which sometimes means stepping in shallow water. Boots can be necessary for walks on shore where conditions are sometimes muddy or there are streams to cross. Dressing in layers is crucial.
Silversea provides a waterproof and warm parka that is yours to keep
The excursions on our Sub-Antarctic Islands voyage included several hikes, some of which involved a boardwalk and some that did not. Sometimes there was a choice of excursions, with one usually designed for only the fittest guests and involving long hikes over challenging terrain. During one Zodiac cruise of the Antipodes, we sailed around a huge rock formation and were greeted by a Zodiac full of crew offering us champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries! Each time we returned from a Zodiac trip, we were greeted with a hot hand towel and a smiling Shanna Kay who offered us welcome-back beverages on the Pool Deck.
Several excellent guided hikes were offered on the islands
The dress code aboard Silver Discoverer is definitely casual during both daytime and evening. A few jackets and ties were visible at the Captain's Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner, but not many. Officially, the dress code, as indicated in the Chronicles, is "casual" on most nights with a few evenings designated as "casually elegant". Don't wear shorts, jeans or t-shirts to dinner and you will be fine. There is no need to bring a lot of clothes on this trip as laundry service is available for a fee.
There is a doctor on board, should you need medical attention. If you tend to get seasick, bring medication as the seas in this area are known to be rough. Silver Discoverer has logo items available for purchase from Reception. There is a display case of available items outside the Discoverer Lounge on Deck 5. There were few places on this trip to purchase souvenirs, since the subantarctic islands are uninhabited.
The fact that you can visit these remote islands in such luxury and style on a Silversea Expedition cruise makes the journey that much better!
SUMMARY
In many respects, an expedition cruise is about as far from what we have come to know as "the Silversea Experience" as you can get. When you think of Silversea, you think of elegance, fine dining, champagne, over-the-top service and personal attention. You don't think of it involving tromping through the mud on some uninhabited island, or sitting in the middle of 100,000 odiferous penguins. For this reason, Silversea has wisely established a separate brand, "Silversea Expeditions", so as to avoid any confusion. We have been on many expedition cruises and I can honestly say that none do a better job of the expedition side of the equation. The Expedition Team on Silver Discoverer (and on Silver Explorer in 2014) are excellent. What makes Silversea Expeditions unique is, at the "end of the day", (literally) after removing the parka and the muddy boots, guests get to enjoy the "Silversea Experience". It is this blending of "Silversea" and "Expedition" that makes this product truly one-of-a-kind. Trust me, the champagne tastes even better after a day of hiking and bird-watching.
VIDEO
PHOTO GALLERY
Sea Dreams Do Come True (2003)
Our first sailing with SeaDream Yacht Club was 7-nights in the Caribbean. We are hooked on small ship cruising!
Try to imagine a Captain of a luxury cruise ship arriving at the Captain’s Welcome Reception in full dress uniform wearing a Viking helmet and riding a Segway! Not exactly what you would expect, right? This is just one example of how SeaDream Yacht Club exceeds, no, redefines expectations.
At the end of a series of review cruises which included established 6-Star heavy-hitters such as Silversea, Seabourn and Radisson Seven Seas, we set out to explore the newest cruise line claiming rights to the title "Luxury Cruise Line", SeaDream Yacht Club. In the three months leading up to this cruise, Rickee (Senior Editor for CruiseReport.com) and I have been privileged to sail aboard some of the finest and most luxurious ships in the world. So when we say we are impressed with a cruise line, it means something. We are impressed with SeaDream Yacht Club!
Embarking the SeaDream II is more like stepping aboard a private yacht than checking into a floating hotel. A friendly young man will seize your carry-on luggage and escort you up the gangway to the pool deck where you will be greeted by a host of ship’s officers and crew. Checking in is just a matter of signing your cruise contract, handing over your passport and grabbing the key to your stateroom. Don’t be surprised if you have a glass of welcome aboard champagne in your hand within 3 minutes after exiting your taxi. You can forget about standing in line on a SeaDream yacht; these ships only cater to 110 guests. And with a crew of 90, it is no surprise to find service levels on board these yachts to be very high.
Yacht Club Stateroom
Some might say that the standard accommodations on board SeaDream yachts do not rise to the level of a ‘suite’. At 195 square feet, they are better described as luxurious staterooms. All are ocean view with large picture windows (portholes on Deck 2). The sofa looks too long for a room this size, but is comfortable. There is a large desk/entertainment center opposite the sofa/coffee table that is home to the refrigerator, glassware, extra large safe, desk, flat-screen LCD television/DVD player/CD player, and six large storage drawers.
A queen-size bed (some staterooms can be configured with two twin beds) topped with luxurious European-style down comforters and down pillows faces a long, narrow vanity complete with lighted makeup mirror and vanity stool. While the bathroom is arguably one of the smallest of any ship, it does feature a large, well-equipped shower stall and exquisite Turkish towels. Bvlgari amenities are provided in the form of shampoo, conditioner, bath and shower gel, soap and body lotion. Even though the closet is not a ‘walk-in’, it is large enough to hold enough clothes for a two-week cruise and is provisioned with many wooden hangers. Every stateroom comeswith complimentary bottled water, a refrigerator stocked with complimentary soft drinks, beer and tonic, personalized stationery, a telephone, and a slick LCD flat-screen television with DVD player. There are a few “suites” aboard the SeaDream yachts for those who would like more space; however, we were unable to view them.
Senior Editor, Rickee Richardson, gets a lesson from Asst. Purser, Lysbet Helsen, on how to ride a Segway.
The two SeaDream yachts, SeaDream I and II, originally entered service in 1982 as part of Sea Goddess Cruises and were christened the Sea Goddess I and Sea Goddess II. Here they established a reputation as ultra-luxury yachts for the rich and famous. They were later sold to Cunard, then to Seabourn and, in 2001, repurchased by the founder and former owner of Seabourn along with a former President of Seabourn. Thus was born SeaDream Yacht Club in September, 2001. After a complete redesign and refit in early 2002, the two ‘yachts’ have been redesigned to suit today's casual, upscale traveler. Interestingly, many of the ships’ staff have been with these yachts since they were owned by Sea Goddess. As a result, interactions between the staff appear more like a close-knit family than a group of employees.
As you might expect on a ship with only 110 guests, there are not a lot of organized on board activities or evening entertainment. The emphasis here is on relaxation, pampering service and giving you more time to enjoy each port. If you pick a cruise based on its poolside hairy chest contests or Las Vegas-style entertainment, then SeaDream Yacht Club is not for you. If, on the other hand, your idea of a vacation is relaxing with a good book on a chaise lounge while an attentive staff caters to your every whim, or exploring exotic ports that only a small vessel can reach, then a SeaDream yacht is for you.
Mornings begin with an early riser coffee and sweet roll service at 7:00 am in the Top of the Yacht Bar on Deck 6. Breakfast is at 8:00 am and is served in the Topside Restaurant on Deck 5 or, in inclement weather, in the Indoor Dining Salon. A selection of continental breakfast items is also available from room service. After breakfast, some guests will no doubt wander ashore for a scheduled tour or to explore the port-of-the-day on their own. At some ports, SeaDream lowers its marina deck (located aft) and offers a host of complimentary water sports including skiing, kayaking, banana boat rides, wave boards and even wave runners. Some ports are identified as ‘bicycle friendly’ and the ship carries 10 mountain bikes and helmets for guest use. Request a bike and you will find it ready and waiting for you at the bottom of the gangway. Perhaps the most unique and exclusive activity available to SeaDream patrons is the Segway "Human Transporter." For a nominal fee, guests can learn how to transport themselves effortlessly using these gyroscopic wonder machines. Each SeaDream yacht carries five of these unusual contraptions.
Special Note
“SeaDream is a ‘yacht company’, not a cruise line. Therefore, it may be unfair to compare ratings for items like ‘entertainment’ or ‘activities’ to cruise line ratings in these areas.”
Lunch service begins at 12:30 and is served in the Topside Restaurant. A salad bar complements a luncheon menu that changes daily. Delicious hamburgers, hot dogs and fries are mainstays on the lunch menu. Lunch items can also be delivered to your stateroom during normal lunch hours. The staff is very accommodating, so if you want to enjoy your lunch poolside, you can. After lunch, you can relax by the pool, sit in the hot tub, or relax in the sun on one of the ship’s Balinese sun beds. These beds are located on Deck 6 forward and are basically thick foam mattresses with slightly inclined backs. The Balinese beds are large enough for two people and each one has its own shade umbrella and a light in case you want to read on deck after dark. They are great for spending lazy days reading, relaxing or soaking up the sun. The ship’s library is well-stocked with books and offers a beautiful and quiet retreat from the sun.
“Do the Segway experience. This is the best $49 you will spend. You get close to an hour riding one of these amazing machines complete with personal instruction.”
Afternoon Tea service is from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Library. On our cruise, we were the only ones who enjoyed this somewhat formal service each day. Unlike any other tea services we have attended, SeaDream offers you a selection of teas from which to choose. White-gloved waiters are happy to deliver a variety of finger sandwiches and sweets including scones with clotted cream, tea cakes, macaroons, etc. A backdrop of soft classical piano music sets a relaxing ambience.
Sun lovers will enjoy the unique Balinese sun beds.
The Asian Spa and Fitness Center is a new addition to these ships and a nice one at that. The spa area includes several private massage rooms where you can enjoy a variety of treatments. There is a salon which offers manicures and pedicures and hair styling. The fitness center area is well-equipped for a ship this size. There are four treadmills, two recumbent bicycles, an elliptical trainer, a weight machine and free weights. The fitness center area is stocked with complimentary bottles of cold water to keep you refreshed during your workout and each treadmill has its own LCD television so you can watch TV or a DVD movie during your session. The Asian Spa and Fitness Center staff also conduct Yoga and Tai Chi classes each afternoon on deck.
Evenings on board the SeaDream II begin with complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres served in the Main Lounge on Deck 3, or weather permitting, on Deck 6 at the Top of the Yacht Bar. Guests can enjoy a glass of Pomeroy French champagne, or the cocktail of their choosing. SeaDream has an open bar policy on board and only charges extra for certain premium liquors and wines. We found the bar service overall to be excellent and the "house" liquors and wines to be top-notch.
Rickee with Capt. Dahl at the Captain's Reception.
Dinner is served in the Indoor Dining Salon on Deck 2 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm each evening. The menu changes daily and includes a variety of soups, salads, main courses and desserts. A ‘standard’ selection of courses is available each evening including chicken breast, N.Y. strip steak, marinated lamb chops, etc. The ship’s open seating policy allows guests to dine whenever and with whomever they desire. There were plenty of tables for two on our cruise and you can even arrange to have dinner served in your stateroom or anywhere else on the ship with two hours notice. So, if you would like a private candlelit dinner by the pool, all you have to do is make the request. The food in the Indoor Dining Salon is expertly prepared under the direction of Head Chef, Robert van Rijsbergen.Elaborate presentation is not overlooked. Every dish arrives in style. The Caesar salad (available each evening by request) is delicious. Main courses are served in synchronized fashion with a team of waiters revealing the evening’s creations in front of you simultaneously with a hearty 'voila'! Every evening the Sommelier offers a complimentary red and white wine selection which changes each evening, or there is an extensive wine list from which you can order a bottle to enjoy with your meal. Wine prices were comparable to to those in restaurants on land.
After dinner, guests can enjoy piano music and dancing in the ship’s Main Lounge, or in the piano bar adjacent to the casino. The casino is small. No, the casino is tiny! There are four quarter slot machines and two blackjack tables and a couple of poker machines. Nevertheless, the slots were fun and not as stingy as some we have seen on other ships. The casino staff were very friendly and would watch as we played, rooting for us to hit big. On evenings when weather permits, there is music and dancing ‘under the stars’ at the Top of the Yacht Bar on Deck 6. Other evening activities include big screen movies shown in the Main Lounge at 10:00 pm (complete with fresh popcorn), or going ashore to enjoy some local entertainment. SeaDream is not afraid to alter its departure times to stay in port later than scheduled to allow guests to enjoy local entertainment if the opportunity arises.
Relax! This is a cruise where you can read a good book (or two), luxuriate in the spa, or enjoy time in the sun.
After an evening of dining, cocktails and stimulating conversation with fellow shipmates, you retreat to your SeaDream luxury stateroom to find a wish for sweet dreams nestled under a chocolate treat. You are invited to check out a current movie on DVD or music CD from the wide selection available at the Reception Desk (at no additional charge) for your in-room viewing or listening pleasure. The bed linens and down-filled European-style comforter are as good as you will find anywhere. Egyptian cotton sheets and pillow cases, a comfortable mattress and a very quiet stateroom combine to deliver a perfect night's sleep. Part of the reason for the comfort is the way SeaDream has designed its itineraries. By sailing to ports within close proximity of each other, the ship can maintain a slower pace at night resulting in a much smoother ride. The small size of these ships allow them to visit smaller, less visited ports-of-call. This is a nice change for those of us who have visited the Caribbean several times.
The Segway™ Human Transporter (HT) is the first of its kind—a self-balancing, personal transportation device that's designed to operate in any pedestrian environment.
“Leave your formal wear at home. SeaDream dress is typically “Yacht Casual”. Relax and enjoy!”
SeaDream Yacht Club offers guests a truly unique departure from other cruise vacations. The small, intimate ships offer a relaxing cruise experience like none other. What a SeaDream cruise lacks in onboard activities and flashy entertainment, it more than makes up for with personal service. There were times on our cruise where I would be the only one sitting by the pool enjoying a glass of champagne or at the Top of the Yacht Bar having morning coffee. I could not help but fantasize about being a rich tycoon with my own private yacht. And that is how sailing aboard SeaDream makes you feel: like you have your own private yacht.
The service levels aboard SeaDream are unmatched. Virtually every staff member aboard the ship called us by name each time we would see them. On day one, Chief Steward, Christophe Cornu, informed me that if I had any special dining requests to just let him know. I requested creamed spinach and green beans for dinner (since I don’t eat starchy vegetables). Every evening, without prompting, our waiter delivered fresh, delicious creamed spinach, green beans, asparagus and broccolito our table. I requested bottled water in the dining room the first evening, and every evening thereafter I was brought bottled water. I mentioned to Richard Jones (Activities Director) that I was interested in visiting a Thai restaurant on one of the islands and the next day he gave me the name of, and directions to, a Thai restaurant in St. Barts. Many cruise lines talk about this level of service, and some provide it to a degree, but I have never experienced this level of personal attention. In fairness to other cruise lines, it is certainly easier to provide this level of service on a ship with only 110 guests.
Everyone gets into the fun with 'caviar in the surf' at the Beach Party.
A highlight of any SeaDream Caribbean cruise is the beach party and barbeque. Believe it or not, Captain Sven-Erik Dahl himself pilots a surfboard loaded with caviar and champagne into the waist high surf. For at least fifteen minutes guests are served caviar and champagne in the water. Everybody gets into the act, with waiters diving into the water with champagne bottles, popping corks and spewing champagne. Champagne and caviar is followed by a decadent barbeque lunch of spare ribs, burgers, chicken, prime rib, hot dogs, salads and desserts. Those who can still move after the feast can join in a game of beach volleyball, or ride the ship’s banana boat, or simply lay in the sun on the beautiful private beach.
Capt. Dahl makes quite an entrance to the Captain's Welcome Aboard Reception.
SeaDream Yacht Club is an undiscovered treasure. If you prefer relaxation and pampered service in a casual environment, look no further. Leave your tuxedo and formal dress at home along with your worries and stress. SeaDream Yacht Club offers the ultimate in casual luxury with an emphasis on personal service and downright fun.
👍🏻 - Captain Sven-Erik Dahl. Unquestionably one of the most accessible and fun ship Captains on the high seas. You will see Capt. Dahl all over the ship and he is always smiling and willing to chat. Any Captain willing to stand waist deep in the ocean and serve guests caviar and champagne is tops in my book!
👍🏻 - Chief Steward, Christophe Cornu. He provides an impressive response to special requests. Just ask and you shall receive!
👍🏻 - Bartenders - Christian Pauer & Robert Ban Gent. The Pomeroy French champagne flowed freely. Glasses were never more than half empty before they were refilled. Bar drinks were excellent.
👍🏻 - Activities Director, Richard Jones. Richard has been with this ship since it was part of Sea Goddess. Richard was always available for conversation, or to fulfill special requests.
👍🏻 - Head Chef, Robert van Rijsbergen. Under his direction, SeaDream II quite possibly offers the most consistent quality food preparation in the industry. I do not recall a single slip up from the galley, nor did I hear a single complaint from any passenger regarding the food (or anything else for that matter!) Every dish had excellent quality ingredients, masterful preparation and superb presentation.
Enjoy elegant dining in the Dining Salon on a SeaDream Yacht
👍🏻 - Open Bridge Policy. You can visit the bridge on SeaDream yachts anytime to chat with the Captain and/or the bridge crew.
👍🏻 - Special Requests. Every special request we made was fulfilled. We asked for synthetic pillows to complement the down pillows and they were delivered that evening. I requested creamed spinach and green beans on day one, and they were automatically delivered to our table each evening without asking.
👍🏻 - Cocktail Hour. This is a great time to meet with other guests, form friendships and engage in conversation. The ship offers a delicious choice of hot hors d’oeuvres and canapés and complimentary champagne and liquor.
👍🏻 - Asian Spa and Fitness Center. Not bad for such a small ship! Good treadmills, a great elliptical trainer, a couple of recumbent bikes, and weights. There is room to stretch out and flat screen TV/DVD systems are everywhere! Plus, complimentary bottled water and fresh towels are always available. Tai-Chi and Yoga classes were offered on deck each afternoon. Pedicures come with a foot massage that must be experienced to be believed.
👍🏻 - Dining Under the Stars. When weather permits, the evening meal will be served at the Topside Restaurant instead ofin the Indoor Dining Salon. This was done twice on our cruise and it was a wonderful way to enjoy dinner al fresco.
👍🏻 - Announcements. There were no announcements made over the ship’s PA system during the cruise except for the information about the lifeboat drill upon embarkation and crew drills when in port. This equates to lots of peace and quiet and nothing to disturb the tranquility of the vacation. This policy also makes this a great ship for small groups who wish to conduct meetings on board since they will not be continually interrupted by announcements.
👍🏻 - Solicitations. There are no art auctions, no gold by the inch, no attempts to sell you frozen drinks by the pool. One of the hallmarks of a 6-Star cruise line is the lack of attempts to solicit money from its guests for onboard purchases.
👍🏻 - SeaDream offers a No Penalty Cancellation Policy called No Stress No Strings for 2003 sailings.In unsettling times such as the world is experiencing at present, travelers can change or postpone their SeaDream travel plans for any reason up to the day before departure and receive 100 percent travel credit of the yacht tariff including government fees, handling and service charges. This money is applied toward a future sailing on SeaDream I or II within two years of the original booking.This innovative program is offered at no cost to SeaDream guests.
👍🏻 - All Inclusive. Your SeaDream cruise fare covers all gratuities, soft drinks, bottled water, wine with lunch and dinner and all bar drinks. About the only things you will need to pay for are onboard purchases at the gift shop, spa, the casino, shore tours and premium wines and liquors.
👍🏻 - Great Value. We found some incredible rates on SeaDream vacations. You can find some Caribbean itineraries for just under $300 per day/per person and Mediterranean sailings just under $500 per day/per person. That is about half the price that some other comparable luxury cruise lines charge for similar itineraries.
👍🏻 - Problem Solving. The front desk did an admirable job of dealing with a potentially negative situation.
👍🏻 - Coffee. The coffee served throughout the ship is fresh brewed and very good. Cappuccino, Espresso and other coffee specialties are available upon request.
👍🏻 - Segway experience. In this competitive cruise market, it is nice to see a cruise line do little things to differentiate themselves from the competition. SeaDream Yacht Club is the only cruise line we know of to offer a "Segway Experience" for its guests.
A real 'Texas-Style' barbeque with pork ribs, shrimp, prime rib, burgers and hot dogs at the Beach Party.
👍🏻 - Beach Party and Barbeque. This event was unquestionably the highlight of our SeaDream Caribbean Cruise. Excellent barbeque (and we're from Texas, so we know barbeque!), great caviar and champagne in the surf and a happy crew that joins in the fun combined to make this a wonderful day .
👍🏻 - Mountain Bikes. Again, SeaDream has gone a step further than other cruise lines to offer a unique service. Complimentary use of bikes at certain ports is a real cool idea.
👍🏻 - Personal Service. Lots of cruise lines talk about greeting guests by name, but SeaDream really does it! Virtually everyone on board the ship greeted us by name as soon as we boarded and continued to do so throughout the cruise. When you get back on board the ship from being ashore, you are greeted with a chilled towel to use to freshen up. Attendants will even come by periodically and spritz you with cool water as you lounge on deck in the warm sun!
👍🏻 - Special Requests. SeaDream nailed this one too. We asked for synthetic pillows in addition to the down-filled ones and they were delivered immediately. I mentioned that I liked creamed spinach with garlic with dinner and it magically appeared each evening without prompting. I ordered bottled water for dinner the first evening and it was brought automatically at every meal thereafter. Rickee ordered a Mojito in the bar and someone fetched fresh mint from the kitchen so they could accommodate her request. We did not ask for one single thing that was not granted.
👍🏻 - Food quality. As good as, and in most cases better than, any food we have enjoyed on a cruise ship. Eggs Benedict were served HOT and fresh with wonderful Hollandaise sauce. The filet mignon was perhaps the best steak I have ever had on a ship and better than most Prime steaks on land. Everyone raved about the fresh seafood offerings. And the desserts were to die for.
👍🏻 - Internet Café. Even though there are only two computer terminals located in the Library, they were "online" most of the time and the charges were respectable:$5 for the first ten minutes and $3 for each ten minutes thereafter. The best part was that this is done on an 'honor system'. SeaDreamtrusts guests to fill out a ticket showing how long they used the Internet. Great concept.
👍🏻 - Gift Shop. It's small. OK, it's tiny. In fact, it really is more like a gift display than a shop. But SeaDream has the best selection of logo items we have seen in quite some time. Quality polo shirts by Tommy Hilfiger bear the SeaDream logo in stitching you can actually read! They also offer a selection of watches and other jewelry and a unique selection of glassware that varied in size and price, but not in quality and beauty.
👎🏻 - Dining Hours. Not a huge 'thumbs down', but we would prefer that SeaDream offer lunch and dinner 30 minutes earlier (7:00 pm to 9:30 pm instead of 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm). This would allow for an earlier start to the movie in the Main Lounge at 9:30 pm instead of 10:00 pm which is late for some guests.
👎🏻 – Water. Like most other cruise ships, the water served in the Topside Restaurant and Indoor Dining Salon has a chlorinated taste. To their credit, SeaDream will serve bottled water, at no charge, upon request.
👎🏻 – Bathroom size. The bathroom in the stateroom is extremely cramped. Nevertheless, the shower stalls are some of the largest we have seen and feature two additional shower heads for the lower part of your body. Two shelves were provided for storing personal items.
👎🏻 – Children's Programs. This is a thumbs-down if you have kids and want to take them with you, but a definite thumbs up if you are traveling alone or as a couple. This is not a cruise for families with small children. It just is not feasible for a ship this size to be able to offer programs targeted at pre-teens. This is a retreat for adults.
👎🏻 – Entertainment. This is not a negative, just a comment on the entertainment offered. Don't expect flashy shows, singers or even a band. There is a solo pianist who is quite good. The emphasis here is on relaxation, enjoying good conversation with new friends and exploring interesting ports-of-call. The upside is you leave this cruise relaxed and refreshed, not feeling as though you need a vacation just to recover from the cruise.
👍🏻 - Overall. Would we go again? In a heartbeat! Would we recommend this cruise to our friends? Absolutely! This is a great 'adult' cruise for those who are looking for a real getaway from the hustle and bustle.
If you have any questions about our SeaDream Yacht Club cruise, please feel free to email us at seadream@cruisereport.com and we will do our best to answer any questions.