Originally Posted by
obscure2k
Having sailed on 6 continents on Sea Dream (when it was Sea Goddess), I would compare the service to the finest 5 star hotels in the world. Fine food, gorgeous ambiance, everything included, including fully stocked bar and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic everywhere on the ship). Intimate setting. We have lifelong friends from our 20 voyages (including Ship's Officers; even attended the wedding of one who is now a Captain of Seabourne). Truly, I have never experienced finer service in any 5 star hotel. When we were shown to our cabin we were asked by our stewardess if she would like to unpack for us. We had anything we wanted at any time of day, including caviar in our cabin or hamburgers in the jacuzzi at 4:00AM.
I can't imagine traveling on a ship with hundreds or thousands of pax..although, we did once do a Transatlantic crossing on the QE2. It was very relaxing but not particularly fun. The Sea Goddess (Sea Dream) was the epitome of elegance. I would never consider going on a ship with more than 200 pax. We had total access to the Captain's Bridge. That is the best!!
As Mr. Old Penny believes that single malt Scotch is the only possible prevention for seasickness, we are better off on liquor included cruises. Crystal drove us about half crazy with changing for all sorts of things that are not extra charge on true luxury ships. Our future bookings will be on Seabourn and with the suggestion of the above post, Sea Dream.
Crystal has become a semi-mass market cruise line.
Crystal is also having a problem caused by booking large bridge playing groups on some of the cruises which lowers the quality of the trip for everyone else as they take over areas of the ship and suck up the reservations for the extra price restaurants.