premier-seabreezebs071298

Name: Bob Spielberger
Email: bobcatx@mindpulse.com
Age: 43
Occupation: Manager, Technical Business Intelligence
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Dolphin-Seabreeze
SailingDate: Sunday, July 12th, 1998
Itinerary: Rhode Island, Main, St.John
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets: 98
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 60
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 20
GoodForHoneymoon: 20
CasinoStaff: 100
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors: 40
BeautySalonStaff: 95
EntertainmentLounges: 72
WheelchairAccess: 80
ExerciseFacilities: 60
EntertShowLounge: 70
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 2
CruiseActivities: 10
Casino: 70
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 60
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 50
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 79
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 19 Jul 1998
Time: 14:09:10
Remote Name: 204.97.220.10
Remote User:

Comments

PURPOSE: Our cruise vacation was organized in honor of my parent's 50th Anniversary. Yes, thank you, it was an interesting coordinating effort.

DEMOGRAPHICS: The party of 15 consisted of four generations. Ages ranged from 4 years to 72 years old. (Non-adults 1 entering college, 1 high school,
3 aged around eight, 2 aged four)

Occupations include management, child care specialist, Retirees (not me, I wish), work at home mom, airline Sr technician and one full time mom.

Parents reside in apartment, everyone else owns homes.

Everyone in excellent health, with no physical or medical restrictions

Cruise experience: Only my sister and husband went on any other cruises.

RATIONALE: A cruise theme was selected to ensure everyone could spend time together, in various groups, minimize travel grief, have guaranteed
activities, not exceed the capacity of the facility, be affordable, have one central source of problem resolution, only have to unpack once, not have to tie
our children to our waist, always be near our -hotel-.

IN THE NEWS: You are correct when you remark that this was the ship that lost power the week prior to our trip. Imagine the many phone calls we
exchanged when we saw this on the news.

WEATHER: Perfect, perfect, perfect, Blue skys, mild breeze, callllmmmmm water.

GENERAL: We all stayed in the Daphne level. This is the moderate accommodation. We all had a moderate sized window. Anyway, the Sea Breeze is small
compared to the mega-ships. The ship is older than most. There are good points to this: We could always find each other, it is more casual and relaxing. If
you want a detailed analysis, well, you came to the right review……..

Food-Dining Room: 100 Everything was always fresh, exceptionally well presented. The cold food was cold, the hot food hot. The ratio of waiter/busboy
was perfect. Water glasses well attended, plates removed properly (not snatched when you put the fork down). Breakfast and Lunch has great service
and quality, Dinner was even better. I was able to request second entrée to allow my teen-aged young adults the opportunity to sample foods they
wouldn't normally try. They now have a better respect for fish and appreciate the concept of fresh, steamed vegetables. Also, they learned that quality
food in moderate portions is more satisfying than large portions of stuff. (Note: Both are exceptionally mature and a source of continual pride).

Food-Room Service: not rated The option was not considered, come on, leave your room for something!

Food-Lido Deck: 80 Both breakfast and lunch buffets was always, always the same. The food was in those steamer cattle troughs. Scrambled eggs were
from powdered source. Variety was acceptable -- hey, you are going to pile your plate with anything anyway! Some foods at lunch seemed déjà vu from
prior recipes. Coffee was pathetic! Morning was mud; afternoon resembled tea. One morning we sat by the coffee urn just to watch everyone's faces when
they sampled their sugar/milk with coffee mixture. So very funny!? The omelet chef gave good value, you bring the ingredients, and he'll put them into
your mix. Be prepared to wait on line though. Orange, grapefruit and mystery fruit punch were available ONLY during buffet feedings. They were
positioned too high for children to serve themselves; cups were 6 ozs, ingredients began with sugar > water. The ice machine worked and so did the cold
water dispenser. Various teas and hot chocolate packets were offered.

Food-Midnight Buffets: 98 Each evening had a different theme, Oriental, Italian…. Variety was plentiful and of superior quality. This was a second dinner.
Waiters met you at the last food table, carried your plate(s) and escorted you to a seat. Deserts were quality with variety. Lacking was any non-rich
alternatives besides vegetables. We brought the kids a few times and hoped to minimize sugar-high reactions.

Food-Variety: 80 Yes, I know this is not the place to watch one's diet or general health. The score reflects midnight buffet/dinner (98) and breakfast/lunch
buffet (80).

Good For Honeymoon: 20 I added 10 points because the beds were large and rooms well insulated. There were no activities for this highly social
demographics. Almost forgot, there was a photo opportunity with the captain next to a plastic cake that said, Happy Honeymoon -- does that count? (They
used the SAME stupid cake for everyone's anniversary - I bought that photo as a gag gift.)

Good For Families: 80 My wife and I always take our children on all vacations since they were born. We drove/flew to 36 states and strive to experience all
50. My sister and husband go on vacations leaving their kids with their grandparents. My brother and wife vary between both philosophies. While I view
the day camp/care as abandonment, for this cruise it was a life-saver. There were NO activities at all for children. The separate program was excellent,
each child (under 14) were always eager to return to the program. They knew the staff by name and liked the activities. They're happy, so we're happy.

Good For Seniors: 40 You know you're getting older when it finally hits home that your parents are seniors. They are still active and have vigor I can only
strive for. There were NO special activities/socials available. Bingo was offered at $5 a card for 3 games. The Art Auction was pricey with a fixed starting
bid.

Wheelchair Access: 80 I saw wheel chairs in all parts of the ship. So, they were able to get around. Ramps were common to get over those clever tripping
portal hazards. The elevators were always a challenge to locate, small yet generally responsive to your prompting. Remember, it's a small, vintage boat
built before the ADA (American Disabilities Act) was established. Anyone using canes/crutches is dancing with injury on any boat, no matter how good the
stabilizers. Staff always provided polite accommodations for anyone with limited movement. Dining was adjusted, assistance was provided, yet they were
treated with dignity and no special priority given. (I respected that).

Overall Ports of Call: 85 This is an interesting summary. Our prime destination was booked as Nova Scotia. We planned and were rather excited about this.
During registration, we were handed a Itinerary Correction. It vaguely stated the change to St John. The excuse was such an obvious lie -- to improve the
length of time in ports and provide a unique cruise experience….. Replacing Halifax, Nova Scotia with stunning Saint John. -- (Is that clever copy or sugar
coated animal matter?) We eventually discovered that one of the three boilers failed and they were conserving power. Sure beats rowing. Every offered
excursion was obscenely overpriced, even for a cruise.

Newport, Rhode Island: We took the Hammersmith Farm Tour (adults $31/ children $21). This included a shuttle bus, and the please-follow-me tour of
Kennedy's wife's family mansion. Really nice house, best option if you want to walk around some pretty grounds and paths. A private concern recently
purchased this; so visit very soon. The AAA guide didn't provide anything really exciting anyway. This was a major cost to our budget. But it was better
than standing by the boat. We saw numerous Kennedy photos and got an insight to their non-public, family lifestyle.

Portland, Maine: Kennebunkport ($28/21); Lobster bake+civil war fort (73/52); shopping trip (19/15) or golf excursion (93/not avail). Didn't bother with
any. Instead found a boat tour of the bay that cost much less then the one that was offered. The cab service was only $0.50 per person.

Saint John, Canada: Certainly not Nova Scotia. Yet, the town was so delighted to see a cruise ship port. Everybody set up a vendor table, a band played,
banners, balloons, roses to ladies, hat pins to gents, toy things to children…. Major welcoming event! I shook hands with someone dressed up as the
town crier who greeted us like we brought lemons for scurvy treatment. (My wife just hit me). Or penicillin for infection (smack, again). Seriously, they
really, really dressed up and set things up for our welcome. Options priced for adults only, I guess you paid the fee or left children at the dock. Walking
tour (21); Eco walking tour at park (31), St Andrews by the sea (35); river kayaking/lobster cookout (69), Fundy shoreline tour (31); Moosehead Brewery
Tour (21). Onboard, I urged that we wing it and choose none. To our dismay, the cruise chartered every van/bus in the town. The family's eyes were cast
downward upon you know who. Fortunately I spoke to Mr. Town Crier who called a local cab company. They released their radio dispatcher with the
backup van. We paid an hourly rate of $40 for 4 hours. A real bargain for 15 people! This gentleman was a perfect compliment to our visit. He knew the
back roads and spots only experienced by the locals. Remember to visit the museum, it is brand new and will easily take the full day to experience! ALL
ages will be impressed. We still talk about this part of the vacation as a highlight. Do note that St John is not as economically thriving as Nova Scotia. But, it
is a friendly, decent town. My family and I plan to make a separate visit. (Remember your birth certificate and photo id). Try to go when a ship is NOT in
harbor.

Cruise Activities: 10 I added 9 because the daily newsletter was so creative. Then again, it was so poorly organized. Here are the offered events: (a)
Swimming in the postage sized pool. Salt water, deep, very cold, unsafe for small swimmers. (b) Dipping your patties in the three adjoining miniature
Jacuzzis. (c) Walk A Mile With A Smile, 6 times around the ship. (d) Bingo, pay per card, increases by $5 daily, enough said (e) Art Auction that ran for
several days. (f) See a movie in the tiny theatre, there was always hammering going on above, or was it the plumbing? (g) Karaoke Time -- this was
actually fun since my voice causes cattle to stampede. There are some basic selections that the kids got up and sang. One of the better options to do until
the midnight stuff-a-rama. (h) The Newly Wed, Not So Newly Wed Game -- cute spinoff with those questions providing embarrassing disclosures. Fun
evening, yet certainly not appropriate for children. How would you explain to your 8 year old niece when the husbands were to compare the size of their
wife's appendages to the various McDonald entrees? (Big Wopper, Burger, Egg McMuffin or small fries). A real hoot for mature audiences, embarrassing
for my parents. (i) Piano Bar. Ted Tickles the Ivories for a trip down memory lane. If you came after the 20th person, remember to bring your own chair,
Ted was good yet didn't play anything written after I was born. (j) skeet shooting had one rifle and a long line. ** There were no demonstrations, lectures,
or anything. We had some Serious downtime. Actually sat through the evening entertainment twice for lack of anywhere to go. A frequent memory is a
bunch of us looking through the program, Again, for something to do.

Medical Facilities: 60 Please tell me why the Medical office is buried (poor pun) in the lower deck, nowhere near an elevator, poorly marked, and THEY
ARE CLOSED FOR PERIODS OF TIME? One niece developed a stiff neck because she was on deck staring out at sea too long during a down time moment.
We were informed that the office was closed and we should try again 3 hours later at 4:30 p.m. I called a few numbers and got the medical vault unlocked.
They were friendly and polite -- who wouldn't be when a senior officer stands next to them? We were provided with an electric heating pad that did the
trick. My advise, bring your own medical supplies -- we a-l-w-a-y-s do. Special note on sea sickness pro-active options: Our family tried the patch behind
the ear. My wife developed blurred vision and could not read the menu or her books. My son and I experienced episodes of slight vertigo, not unpleasant,
just strange. Symptoms left after removal of patch. Certainly preferable to driving the Porcelain Bus or making party favors out of paper bags. The tried
and true Dramamine liquid/tablets are only as good as you remember to promptly take them. Either were not necessary for this trip as ride was stable.

Disco/Nightclubs: 50 Located just above the hull of the boat, below the crew's quarters was this room. The DJ had his own selection of one-time top ten's.
This option was promoted as a real feature for my teen-aged kids. Culture update: The newest dance style is called SKA, my parents laughingly remember
it as 30's style. Mr. DJ drew a blank and depended upon, believe it or not, the Hustle and Wedding Music. We sat in the chairs and stared into space
waiting for the midnight grazing festival. Dead, please take me outside and shoot me. The dance floor, I kid you not, had those lighted colored squares
that blinked to patterns…. that was the alternative special effects. Nice speakers, that counts as saying something nice.

Shops On Board: 90 Duty free, liquor available, assorted trinkets and expensive jewelry, book and candy shoppe, enough said.

Cruise Director: 90 Served as initial MC welcomer and general opener for evening ntertainment. Nice guy, pleasant off-stage.

Cruise Staff: 100 Everyone was always friendly and helpful. All you had to say was Excuse Me, and everyone immediately stopped, turned around and
said How May I Help You? Their concern was genuine and a resolution was always offered. A true sign of a well trained staff. The only catch was the
international heritage origin. This is a polite way of saying that I speak English and they have a 50 flash card word vocabulary. My translation for Please
Turn On The Overhead Fans In The Buffet was reduced to pointing and making circular motions with my hand. (Yes, I do have a delightful sense of
humor). Everyone was well trained for their Specific duty. If you asked a question beyond that scope, you were directed to the One Who Knew The
Answer. Cross training is not a concept discovered.

Dining Room Service: 100 All waiters and busboys were outstanding. Any passing staff member would find your waiter and they would be there promptly.
They clearly described everything on the menu with pride and detail. Eye contact was polite and sincere. They spoke directly to the children, taking their
orders and remembering to refill their apple juice glasses. We chose the first seating. We were never rushed out, plates were removed with courtesy and
discretion. Women were served first, the orders were always correct. Meat dishes prepared as requested. Bread, butter and water replenished. They
contributed to an excellent dining experience each and every time.

Cabin Steward: 100 My only problem was returning and going through customs. It seems that you cannot stuff a Cabin Steward into a suitcase and take
him home. (joke, so laugh politely). The rooms were a-l-w-a-y-s perfect. I swear they slept under our bed. The bathroom tub was slow draining. The
Steward came by to apologize that he noticed this during the daily cleaning. And took the liberty of calling Service on my behalf. The room was kept
spotless, ice was always replenished, towels freshly folded. And those chocolate mints -- he gave extras to the kids -- a real point maker.

Deck Service: 90 Their mission is to take your drink order. However, they were always polite and not pushy. Simply shake your head no and they smile
then walk on. We were never pushed for the Drink Of The Day or special glasses. I ordered some uncommon drinks (MaiTai, White Russian, Tom Collins,
etc) Each was served promptly.

******** IMPORTANT NOTE: We are not heavy drinkers, but note this interesting fact: Everybody who drank more that three drinks NEVER FELT THE
ANTICIPATED effects of alcohol. I asked many, people. Some who endeavored to excel in proving this theorem. My letter to the Cruise Company will reflect
my anger and will request full refund of our party's liquor charges. The drinks were heavy with sugar and diluted liquor.

Casino Staff: 100 Friendly and professional. You give them your money and leave.

Lounge Service: 100 The bar staff provided the drink you requested. Each was friendly told where they came from and always had something positive to
say. They remembered your drinks.

Beauty Salon Staff: 95 My Mom had her hair done. She looked great and was very satisfied.

Exercise Facilities: 60 One universal, two stair masters, one water cooler, 5 towels. Ventilation poor and lighting was ok. The rug should have been thicker.
The room was very small. Perhaps 60 was being generous, but the equipment was well serviced.

Beauty Salon:

Casino: 90 We gambled as a novelty. Different slots, a craps table, a few twenty-one tables. Not too noisy and well run.

Ship Cleanliness: 100 Spotless, clean, shiny, well maintained, every time of day.

Deck Space: 85 Enough sun chairs, not enough tables to buffet. Always able to get some deck to be alone or stroll with privacy. Views of ocean were
plentiful.

Space Ratio: 90 Exterior areas were comfortable. Interior lounges jammed, probably since there was nothing to do frequently.

Cabin Comfort: 100 The bed and layout were roomy and perfect. Additional beds included a fold out top bunk bed and a fold out wall bed. This was
enough for 5 people to comfortably stay in the cabin. The bathroom was also of good size. Only problem is that the tub is raised off the ground. Probably
for the servicing, yet my mom could not easily shower because she had trouble climbing that high. Also the tub floors were not matted or scuffed to
prevent slipping. We placed towels on the tub floor. Temperature control was effective and responded rapidly. Cabin security was a keyed lock that you
had to remember to engage. The default was to be un-locked. Not a good habit for those trained in modern Hotel auto-locking features. The cabin window
was one way visable.

Cabin Amenities: 100 Soap, shampoo and conditioner were provided daily in quaint bags. Lighting was great, each bed had its own reading light. A basic
radio was installed to get the two channels available. Everything worked in all our cabins.

Cabin Quietness: 100 We rarely heard any hallway noises. The boat did not squeak. The doors did not slam, people talking outside the window could not
be heard.

Shore Exc. Variety: 60 There were only three or four choices for tours. It seemed pointless to go on a boat tour when you have spent your entire trip on a
boat. None were geared for children. You either went on a house tour or went on another boat, or, in one case paid for a bus to take one shopping.

Shore Exc. Value: 20 The excursions where absolutely ridiculous in price. For example, we joined a boat tour for $7 per adult (less for kids and seniors).
The similar excursion tour would cost us about $20 per any adult. Summary: Shop around.

Private Island: not applicable

Tender Service: 100 Something else learned. There is an ocean and a pier tender - I call them tug boats. Both were always timely. There was never any
diesel fuel smell. The tug boat company gets credit for that effort.

Entertainment-Lounges: 70 The singing and organ playing team of Dave and Dulcie should be placed on a raft and set adrift. They were featured every
night and sang the SAME 6 songs, with a break after the third. The moan through the audience was tangible. They had a sellout crowd because nothing
else was happening at the time. However, the evening song/dance show, put on by staff, was always excellent! Costumes, presentation, voice and dances
were vibrant and clever. There were four in the team yet they worked so well together. Remember, we are talking about a small ship with a commensurate
staff ratio. One night was Talent Night. Our fellow members showed their stuff - very interesting and amusing.

Entertainment-Show Lounge: 70 There were few lounges so refer to above comments.

Entertainment-Poolside: 2 Two points added because there was a pool. There was never entertainment aside from people watching.

Air/Sea Program: No used.

Embark/Disembark: 100 Every time was well planned and organized. There was a problem at St John. The gangway steps was not compatible with our
boat. They had to place the steps over the deck. Of significant note is the care and caution the staff used to ensure you climbed up and over. All handing
signs, etc were removed and padded. Everybody was reaching out to help you over. Schedules were prompt and we were given advance notice of
weather conditions, excursions, .and whether we'll be in port or ferried to shore. A great display of organization.

Stabilization: 90 Calm seas didn't put a challenge. A row boat would be calm. We felt occasional shifting. Nothing where the drinks shifted or someone fell
into my lap.

Overall Cruise Value: 79 You get what you pay for. This was our financial option to go in a cruise. Set your sights on a restful trip where you Really get
along with your companions. Also, small boats allow you to really get to know your fellow passengers. This is a serious plus that can add great comfort to a
voyage. Everybody held the doors for the next person. When a child got on the chuck wagon line, the next couple always helped them, with a smile. You
got your spot in the lounge each night. You had a good shot at getting your favorite song played at the piano bar. Every waiter came to our tables to sing
an anniversary song for our parents. The food was not mass produced but garnished with taste and style. You got to actually meet and know the head
waiter. Rowdy groups simply did not exist. We felt our children were safe as everybody watched over them. Please factor the above comments with my
specific evaluations. Our families were raised to be close and make our own fun. Consider learning an interesting trick or how to make balloon animals.
You will be an instant hit at the cruise. We would repeat the trip because this was affordable as compared to not going on a cruise.

Summary by age group: SENIORS: Got to dance, spent time with everyone else, walked on boat, ate well. MY AGE: My Age: Hoped for more activities, same
as above, drinks were pathetic. TEENS: No activities, got to really know their younger nieces and nephews,disco was not desirable. YOUTH: Happy with day
camp, ate well, slept comfortably, pool too cold to enjoy, had great pleasure doing adult things.

I welcome the opportunty to share vacations in general. The reviews I have read appear to be equally honest. Good luck with your future plans!!!

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