Cruise Diva's CRUISE
DIARY
~ SEADREAM II ~
Caribbean Yachting
Adventures
Saturday—Arrival
in St. Thomas, USVI
According to Mel, timing is
everything and ours was impeccable. We managed a first class upgrade
on our Atlanta to St. Thomas flight and the moment we emerged from the
terminal after claiming our luggage, a taxi with room for two more
passengers awaited.
 |
|
Holiday Inn
courtyard |
Life is good, but was about to get
better during our pre-cruise day in St. Thomas. After a swift check-in
at the conveniently located Holiday Inn in Charlotte Amalie and
assignment to a room overlooking the picturesque harbor, we set out to
do some shopping at K-Mart near the West Indian Company Dock at
Havensight. Why shop there when we were steps away from downtown where
all the duty-free stores are located?
He said: K-Mart
has the best prices on liquor. Let's walk.
She said:
We can't... it will take an hour on foot!
As luck would have it, while we were
discussing the merits of a healthy hike versus riding, we were
approached by Leonard Rabsatt, whose open-air taxi was parked steps
away. Leonard drove us to our destination, waited, and returned us to
the hotel. All in less time than it would have taken to walk! Plus, we
arranged to have him take us to Crown Bay Marina where we would embark
on SeaDream II on Sunday afternoon.
Just down Veterans Drive from the
Holiday Inn we discovered The
Greenhouse Restaurant for dinner. After mozzarella
sticks and chicken tenders appetizers,
a dinner of grilled Mahi Mahi and plantains, plus "happy
hour" 2-for-1 drinks (4:30 until 7pm), we were ready to call it a
day.
HINT:
Fly to your embarkation port city a day early whenever possible. Most
flights to St. Thomas arrive in the late afternoon, leaving little
time to spare in case of delays and no time for lost luggage to catch
up before sailing time.
Sunday—Embarkation
in St. Thomas, USVI
 |
|
Having
a "cool one" at Hook Line & Sinker in Frenchtown |
We arranged a late (1:30pm) check-out
at the Holiday Inn, but still had time to kill. The ideal spot to wait
was beneath an umbrella in the hotel's courtyard. A call to Leonard
(340-727-1864 or 642-7279) and we were on our way shortly after 2pm.
It was still a bit early and boarding hadn't begun, however, we were
able to drop off luggage. Leonard took us to nearby Frenchtown, so
named because the French fishermen from St. Barth's used to sail in to
sell their catch at the wharf. We stopped for a cool drink at Hook
Line & Sinker, where locals and the yachting set rub shoulders
over great food.
 |
|
Leonard
Rabsatt delivers us to
Crown Bay Marina |
Back at Crown Bay Marina, we were
again delighted by the sight of our SeaDream yacht and promptly began
the boarding process pierside. Without question, it was the most
leisurely check-in we've ever experienced. No line... in just moments
were were up the gangway and on board being greeted by officers and
staff. First, though, everyone must extend their hands to receive a dollop
of waterless disinfectant cleanser. As a measure of anti-Norovirus
prevention, we became accustomed to this most appreciated procedure
every time we returned to the yacht from ashore.
In the Main Salon on Deck 3, stewards
were on hand to offer a flute of champagne and canapés. My first
order of business was to locate our stateroom on Deck 4 and unpack, a
task made more pleasant while sipping champagne!
Accommodations
 |
|
Yacht Club Stateroom |
At 195 square feet, SeaDream II's
Yacht Club staterooms initially seem compact, particularly when
cluttered with suitcases. However, they are cleverly laid out with
abundant storage space in six generous drawers, a bank of floor-to-ceiling
shelves, and a double closet with shoe racks. Once unpacked, our two
26" suitcases slid easily under the bed in the compartment
designed for them. There is even a huge drawer under the sofa with
ample room to stow our smaller carry-ons.
Convenience was obviously taken into
consideration in the design of SeaDream staterooms. A dressing table
at the foot of the bed features shelves on either side and a lighted
mirror. A curtain separates the bed beneath the picture window at the
far end of the stateroom and the sitting area. Ah... the sitting area!
A comfy sofa and cocktail table to one side and state-of-the-art
entertainment center housed in wood cabinetry on the opposite wall. We
brought a few CDs to enjoy in our stateroom and the sound system was
marvelous.
 |
|
Commodore Club Stateroom |
Completing the inspection of our
quarters, we were a bit taken aback by the size of the bathroom, but
this is, after all, a yacht! Nevertheless, the bath is marble-lined,
contains adequate shelves, and storage beneath the sink vanity. The shower is to die for—enclosed
in glass, with multiple jets, it is large enough for two.
He said: Water
conservation is important at sea.
She said:
Later! I've unpacked and I'm thirsty...
For even more luxe and space, choose
a 390 square foot Commodore Club Stateroom with two bathrooms, two
closets, and double the storage space.
HINT:
Designed for use by wheelchair bound guests, Yacht Club stateroom 215
has a bit of additional space and a huge bathroom. While it can be
reserved by any guest, they must be prepared to give it up if it is
needed for a mobility impaired passenger.
None of the staterooms on SeaDream II
have balconies, so we headed outside to The Top of the Yacht Bar where
some of our fellow passengers had already made their way. Over
complimentary drinks, we made introductions and toasted our good
fortune to be sailing together as St. Thomas faded from sight.
He said: I'm
starving.
She said:
Dinner is open seating, beginning at 7:30pm.
After Dark
We quickly learned that one of the most important daily
events took place before dinner when guests gathered either in the
Main Salon or poolside for cocktails and a review of the next day's
activities. Following our Activities Director's intro to SeaDream II,
we headed to dinner.
He said: Do
I have to wear my blazer to the dining room?
She said:
Not unless you want to. Look around at cocktails... only a few male
passengers are wearing jacket, so it's your choice.
HINT:
The daily program states, "Dress Code this evening is 'Yacht
Casual' after 6:30. Dinner in the Dining Salon: Jacket or Blazer
preferred, no tie required."
Ah, what a meal... I was torn between
the Chilled Melon & Parma Ham and Hot & Tangy Prawn and Fruit
Salad. Taking a cue from our charming French waiter, I chose the melon
and ham, but later heard the prawns were very tasty. Cream of
celery soup with nutmeg preceded my Mignon of Beef Tenderloin,
"blue" rare and tender enough to cut with a fork. Mel
selected Yellowfin Tuna and we shared our entrées. Both were
beautifully presented and perfectly prepared. With the exception of
soups and some appetizers and salads, all dishes are cooked à la
minute and we were asked if we'd like the Grand Marnier Soufflé
dessert when
we placed our order. Yes, I did and it was sinfully delicious.
Decadent Petits Fours and Chocolate Truffles accompanied cappuccino.
He said: The
perfect spot for an after-dinner cigar and cordial is The Top of the
Yacht Bar.
She said:
The restriction on smoking in staterooms and indoor spaces creates a
pleasant atmosphere. Order me a Cosmopolitan with extra cranberry
juice.
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II Yachting Adventure
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