Just back off the Dawn Princess. Any questions?

[guardhouse]

What a great ship! Might be 7 years old, but you could hardly tell. We did the Classic Southern Caribbean. Great weather and wonderful ports.

I will do a concise review, but in the meantime, any questions I can answer?

09/87 Old Rotterdam
10/89 Noordam
9/90 Noordam
9/92 Star Princess (old)
4/94 Regal Princess
3/04 Dawn Princess

[kbt2]

Happy to hear you had a great time...she's our fav all time ship. Happy to hear she's holding her age.

Kim
Dawn Princess
Regal Princess
Grand Princess
Mercury - Celebrity
Windward - NCL
Monarch of the Seas
Voyager of the Seas

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[AlainBob]

We were on the Dawn in 2002 and we will be back on her in 2005... can't wait !

On another thread, someone said that there is a problem with the thrusters... Is it true ? Did you notice something wrong with the ship ?

Thx in advance ! We will read your review, that's for sure !

Alain R.

---------- *** ---------- *** ---------- *** ---------- *** ----------
Want to see some pictures from our cruises ?
Just go to:
Alain & Linda cruises pictures (http://www.imagestation.com/members/alainrobert)
... and enjoy !
---------- *** ---------- *** ---------- *** ---------- *** ----------

March 20, 2005 -> Dawn Princess
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1995 - Regal Princess (Eastern Carrib)
2000 - Sea Princess (Western Carrib)
2002 - Dawn Princess (Southern Carrib)
2004 - Coral Princess (Panama canal)
2005 - Dawn Princess (Southern Carrib Meddley)

"Stars are brighter when you look at them from sea !"

[gvre]

Hi Guardhouse,
We leave on Saturday for the Dawn. Do you know which movies are playing in cabin?
Thanks

Norwegian Dream Mediterranean/Holy Lands 10/99
Carnival Holiday Ensenada 1/00
Renaissance R4 Tahiti 10/00
Renaissance R4 Tahiti 4/01
Windspirit Costa Rica 1/02
Windsurf Southern Caribbean 1/03
Tahitian Princess Tahiti 10/03

4/11/04 Dawn Princess Southern Caribbean Cruise
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10/14/04 Tahitian Princess Polynesia/Cook Islands
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12/23/04 Dawn Princess Western Caribbean Cruise
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[guardhouse]

Didn't stay in the cabin much, but do remember:

Bruce Almighty
Lost in Translation

09/87 Old Rotterdam
10/89 Noordam
9/90 Noordam
9/92 Star Princess (old)
4/94 Regal Princess
3/04 Dawn Princess

[star561]

We were on the Dawn, the week before Guardhouse, (21/3 - 28/3).
So maybe i can add to that movie list.
Finding Nemo, Pirates of the Caribbean, Freaky Friday, School of Rock, either the 2nd or 3rd matrix i cannot remember. There were a bunch more (4 per day) i just cannot remember.

We did watch one of the ones shown in the theatre though whihc was under the tuscan sun, the others shown in the theatre and lounges that i remmeber were love actually, runaway jury, last samarai and plots with a view.

[Coral]

Any mechanical problems or talk of a dry dock?

[danad]

Would you have a menu of the dinners? If you did PC how was that? wHAT IS THE COST OF THE steakhouse or alternative dining?Are the balcony cabins on Caribe deck covered? Our first time on Princess 11-03-04 to Southern Caribbean. Thank you.

[keebae]

Did you arrive in San Juan the day before your cruise? If so, can you recommend a nice hotel?
We are thinking of doing this cruise in December on the Golden. Thanks.

[guardhouse]

The cost of the personal dining was $15 pp. We did traditional, but spoke with some who did personal. Their take was that the service was NOT good, but the steak was excellent. For whatever that is worth.

Most all cabins on Caribe appeared covered, or more appropriately, cut into the ships hull.

We stayed at the Hotel Miramar in San Juan. $80 per night (inc. cont. bfast), nice clean rooms and less than 5 minutes to the ship. You can see the Dawn from the hotel. It was a perfect choice for us. You are looking at the hotels that are $200+ a night, but we were only overnighting pre and post, so we were looking for beds and showers, not another cruise ship. We booked through Orbitz for the best price.

Best of cruising!

09/87 Old Rotterdam
10/89 Noordam
9/90 Noordam
9/92 Star Princess (old)
4/94 Regal Princess
3/04 Dawn Princess

[gopher's girl]

Which itinerary did you do - the one including Tortola or the Aruba one??

I leave Sunday, can't wait!!!

[CaribbeanCrazy]

Welcome Back http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
Glad to hear you had a great time...and that the Dawn is not showing her age.
We will be on her in May for an Alaskan cruise.
I'm looking forward to reading your review. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
In the meantime I have a couple of questions:
1.Is there a jogging track?(or in my case a walking track)
2.Are the movies you mentioned that played in the cabin free?
3.How was the CD?
Thanks
CaribbeanCrazy

http://www.clipart-graphics.net/gallery2/3D_Animations/animals/tn_14.gif

[guardhouse]

We were on the Classic Caribbean, including Tortola.

The movies in the room are free, just like HBO at home.

No "track" but the Promanade Deck goes all the way around under the life boats.

The CD, Allister ??, was ok. Quite a jokester who at times takes it on too far. As I mentioned in my review, the crew overall were just so so. Many seemed uncaring, non-smiling and indifferent. I heard from some bar staff that we got to know that they were getting bored to death with parts of the cruise because the satff wasn't willing to put in the effort to change it up at all. The same routine, same jokes, same songs every single week. That tells you alot!

09/87 Old Rotterdam
10/89 Noordam
9/90 Noordam
9/92 Star Princess (old)
4/94 Regal Princess
3/04 Dawn Princess

[Coral]

Guardhouse -

I am not sure if you answered this anywhere - did you notice any mechanical problems or hear of any talk of drydocking the ship. Some people have reported that one engine isn't working properly, etc. . I recommended this ship to friends and am a little worried from earlier reports.

Thanks!

[guardhouse]

Yes, I did answer it on another thread.

Other than a small odd vibration, we experienced absolutely no problems. The thrusters were used in all ports but Tortola (tendered) and the tugs never once kissed the ship.

On Monday, we were turning 21 knots to get the 570 miles down to Barbados. We were moving!

Hope that answers it!

09/87 Old Rotterdam
10/89 Noordam
9/90 Noordam
9/92 Star Princess (old)
4/94 Regal Princess
3/04 Dawn Princess

[Coral]

Thanks Guardhouse.

[guardhouse]

My pleasure. She is a beautiful ship, and just the right size.

Enjoy!

09/87 Old Rotterdam
10/89 Noordam
9/90 Noordam
9/92 Star Princess (old)
4/94 Regal Princess
3/04 Dawn Princess

[Sandy Wum]

I am leaving Sunday 4/11 on the Dawn (My first Princess cruise) and was concerned with all the talk about engine trouble. Should I take an iron or are the laundry / ironing areas fairly convenient and available? Does this ship dock in all ports except Tortola and is the "wait" to go ashore long? I have seen a lot of recommendations to not use the ship's excursions but lots of locals available in port. any other comments or tips? I have never "island hopped" before and appreciate advice.

[gvre]

Hi Sandy,
There is a group of us on the April 11th cruise.
April 11th roll call (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=4763056957&m=4763097567)
see you on board
Richard and Debbie

Norwegian Dream Mediterranean/Holy Lands 10/99
Carnival Holiday Ensenada 1/00
Renaissance R4 Tahiti 10/00
Renaissance R4 Tahiti 4/01
Windspirit Costa Rica 1/02
Windsurf Southern Caribbean 1/03
Tahitian Princess Tahiti 10/03

4/11/04 Dawn Princess Southern Caribbean Cruise
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10/14/04 Tahitian Princess Polynesia/Cook Islands
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12/23/04 Dawn Princess Western Caribbean Cruise
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[guardhouse]

We had no problems using an iron if needed. Dawn has a laudry room on each cabin deck and 1 iron/board in each. We also travel with a small clothes steamer.

Keep in mind you can also usually steam some wrinkles out by hanging clothes in the bathroom when showering. So small, it is a steamroom in itself.

We only tendered in Tortola. Wait was about 60 minutes for them to get all passengers off who had ships excursions. No waits at all in other ports.

Hope that helps.

09/87 Old Rotterdam
10/89 Noordam
9/90 Noordam
9/92 Star Princess (old)
4/94 Regal Princess
3/04 Dawn Princess

[Kallen]

Heading for the Dawn in Feb, 2005 and are booked amidship on Caribe. We had a mini-suite on the Grand and had a bathroom with a tub. We're big people and I need to know, how small exactly are these shower stalls? Will I have to immerse one body part at a time?

Southern on Dawn Princess Feb 28, 2005
Grand Princess Feb 15/04

[guardhouse]

Even my sister's cabin (standard inside) had a shower larger than I expected. Not big, but bigger than the ones on the newer mega ships.

09/87 Old Rotterdam
10/89 Noordam
9/90 Noordam
9/92 Star Princess (old)
4/94 Regal Princess
3/04 Dawn Princess

[Kittycat]

How was the weather - we have only been to the caribbean once and the mediterranean once, and weren't able to use the balacony as much as we would have liked - it was rather windy and cool in the evening - what was it like on your trip please?

Until Island Princess
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[guardhouse]

It was mid-80's and sunny all week. Picture perfect weather.

09/87 Old Rotterdam
10/89 Noordam
9/90 Noordam
9/92 Star Princess (old)
4/94 Regal Princess
3/04 Dawn Princess

[Kallen]

My husband would like to know where the Sterling Steakhouse is located. It doesn't appear on the deck plans in the Princess brochure we have!

Southern on Dawn Princess Feb 28, 2005
Grand Princess Feb 15/04

[VPIcruiser]

Hello. We just got off the Dawn today and we found the crew to be excellent. Everyone was very friendly and we had great service throughout the ship.

Our bed was slightly uncomfortable, but the ship seemed to be in good shape. I did feel vibration when the ship was docking in St. Thomas and San Juan. We had traditional late seating for dinner and really enjoyed it. We did not try the steakhouse.

It was a wonderful cruise.

[kendon]

Regarding the steakhouse, it is not on the deck plans because they transform one side of the Horizon court into the Steakhouse at night. Problem is that you still feel like you are in the buffet area. Guardhouse, I agree with your opinion about the crew being indifferent and not very enthusiastic. We were on the Dawn this past week. After many Princess cruises, we felt that the quality of things overall is diminishing. Lots more things require an extra charge now too. About the engine problem, according to the mechanics one engine was down. It was not noticable to the passengers though. We did notice that the port times were not in agreement with the brochure. We missed an excursion that we booked on the side as the ship was 2 hours late into Aruba. As for showing its age, the Dawn was perfect inside, but the exterior areas are showing wear expecially the pool area.

[LuvsToCruz]

I'm just back off the Dawn this week too. The weather was perfect, except San Juan on the first day. We had dinner in the steakhouse and it was excellent. They use the tables that are on the windows, so the view was gorgeous. I felt the services was good, but not outstanding. I didn't notice any engine problems, but it's not something I would notice unless the ship actually stalled http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

As far as the general attitude of the staff, I thought it was great. If I paid attention to the attitude of every single person who was waiting on me at one point or another, and there are a ton of them, I'd probably have noticed some poor ones. But the overall attitude was up to Princess standards. I like that the bartenders remember your name, when you consider they see literally 100's of people each day.

[gopher's girl]

Hi everyone! I am back from the Dawn so if you have questions bring em on!

[danad]

Do you know if the balconies on Caribe deck are covered and are they a comfortable size? Did you do PC dining, if so any comments? Any info would be appreciated as this is our first Princess cruise.Looking at Southern Caribbean in Nov. 2004.

[Italy52]

We just got back from the 4/4 Dawn sailing and had PC dining. Loved it. Hubby and I were able to get a table for two for the entire week with the same wait staff. We had table 56B with Jerry & Robert. Both were excellent and tended to all our needs. We ate at 8 PM each night; there were two nights we ate a little later because the people who ate before us at our table were a little slow. The guy at the podium gave us a beaper and it notified us when the table was ready. We never waited more than about 15 minutes. We didn't mind as Jerry and Robert were worth the wait.

I don't know about Caribe deck, our balcony was on Baja and was covered. Balcony contained a small round table and two plastic chairs. OK by us, we enjoyed it very much.

[gopher's girl]

danad -
I was in a BC room on the Caribe deck and it was very comfortable for the two of us that lived there for a week. Enough room in the closets for two full suitcases and over 10 pairs of shoes! Also, the bathrooms were not as small as I had imagined them, so I was pleasantly surprised (they were smaller than home though!).

All of the balcony rooms on the port and starboard sides of the ship are about the same size, the categories are used to deonte where the cabins are located (until you get to the minisuites but they were too much $ for us). The balcony is covered, and has two upright chairs and a small table so you can sit outside.

We had personal choice dining and really enjoyed it. Every night we ate at a table for 8 and had 6 new dining mates for fun conversations during dinner! We tried to repeat our servers once, but decided it was more fun to move about the dining room and see all of them. They try to impress, so you'll be in for a real treat. The only time that people were waiting for PC dining was when they had a specific table request (like a table for 2 or 4) - other than that there really was no wait. You can make a reservation if you really want to eat just two of you at the table.

The southern caribbean was awesome. I want to go again very soon!

I also recommend the breakfast in the dining room. It is good and very fast if you want it to be (just tell the matre'd when you walk in).

[IScubaSlo]

Just booked the Dawn for Feb 18-28th Southern 10 day cruise for 3 couples. I sure hope she is still as beautiful as she was when she was new........We did a back to back on her for two weeks and really enjoyed it.

Dawn Princess 2/2005
Tahitian Princess 2/2003
Grand Princess 3/2002
Windstar 12/2000
Dawn Princess 12/1998
Dawn Princess 11/1998
Nordic Empress 2/1998
Splendor of the Seas 12/1997
Windward 12/1996
Windward 12/1995
Starward 12/1994

[CaribbeanCrazy]

Glad to hear all of you had a good cruisehttp://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
Did anyone notice in the personal choice diningroom if there were any tables for 2 by a window?
Also did anyone eat lunch or dinner in the Horizon Court? If so, how was it? What were some of the choices? How was the pizza?
Can you get it to go?
Thanks http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif
CaribbeanCrazy

http://www.clipart-graphics.net/gallery2/3D_Animations/animals/tn_14.gif

[Italy52]

CaribbeanCrazy We were on the 4/4 sailing of the Dawn. We did PC dining and had a table for 2. However, our reserved table was located in the middle of the dining room. I wish I had looked around to see if there were tables for two near the window, that would have been nice to have. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

We ate breakfast and lunch in the Horizon Court most of the time. Food was OK, typical cafeteria food. Lunch choices included: salads, fresh fruit, pasta, rice, french fries, vegetables, breads, cold cuts, soup,cheeses, one main meat at the carving station, desserts, and various other meat/poultry dishes. I can't remember them all, but I think you get the general idea. The food seemed to rotate on a daily basis. There was always something to please us, we never went hungry. At the grill outside you could get hot dogs, hamburgers, garden burger, and I think a chicken pattie. For variety, we went to the pizza place a couple of times and enjoyed it very much. You can order a pizza for each member in your family if you like. They were always trying to give us more than we ordered. Don't know if you can get it to go. We talked about it, but the pizza looked so good, we ate it on the spot. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[CaribbeanCrazy]

Thanks Again Italy52 http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
You are a wealth of information http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
I have my doubts that there are tables for two by the windows...usually the larger tables are placed there. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif
The pizza sounds great...I'm sure we will be having our fair share of it. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
CaribbeanCrazy

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[curzmavin]

Hello to all,
I'm sorry to be the negative one but we were on the Dawn Easter week and I have to say it was just ok. This was our 5th cruise and by far the worst out of 5. The service was just ok; we did not like the way they tried to sell things at the dinner table (cook books, wine tasting)
The shows were just ok with the exception of the Comedian he was great.
The attitude of the staff was not very good, no one went out of there way to help make your stay special, one evening in the casino the dealer was arguing with 2 of the players, we found this very uncomfortable, so we left.
The CD was goofy and so was his assistant sorry but on a whole Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and NCL were way above Princess for service and hospitality.
All in all we still had a good time, made our own fun, but on the other cruises there were lots of things to do, how many offer ceramics and bingo daily.
Well I don’t know if we will cruise Princess again but we still love crusing and will look over the ships before we book.
Oh there was one really good thing, in the terminal there was a liquor store where we purchased beer and wine and brought it to our room and enjoyed a cocktail before dinner.
Sorry if this was negetive but right is right.
This is also our view on the ship

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[gvre]

We were also on the same cruise. We had a great time, meet some nice folks, won money in the casino, loved the ship and cabin, visited some interesting ports, did GREAT diving, and we'll be back on her in Christmas.
Can't wait!!!
Richard and Debbie

Norwegian Dream Mediterranean/Holy Lands 10/99
Carnival Holiday Ensenada 1/00
Renaissance R4 Tahiti 10/00
Renaissance R4 Tahiti 4/01
Windspirit Costa Rica 1/02
Windsurf Southern Caribbean 1/03
Tahitian Princess Tahiti 10/03
Dawn Princess Southern Caribbean 4/04

10/14/04 Tahitian Princess Polynesia/Cook Islands
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12/23/04 Dawn Princess Western Caribbean Cruise
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