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nanwel, We were in a family suite, sj. There is a lot of room. We were in 12032 a modified suite. And because of the wall of window it seems even larger. This suite can accommodate six people easily.

March usually has quite a few kids onboard but have talked to several parents and told us kids programs is good. As far as excursions, I would check out some of the local tour operators for transportation to local beaches. Or just get a taxi.

Enjoy the Dawn. She is a good ship with a very good crew.

Didn't want to call this a review because these are so subjective. So just a couple of thought or observations.

First we were on the January 10-17 cruise out of New Orleans. There is not much anyone can do to improve this port. To small an area for to many people. Just pack your patience.

Second, We were in a suite so we were on the ship early. Our cabin was cleaned and waiting for us. NOTE: We received our luggage a little after 2pm. Never and I mean never have we've gotten our luggage this early before. We know this will never happen again, no matter the ship or cruise line. Just considered this an after Christmas miracle.

Third. Our cabin Stewart, Eugene was great. Cabin was always clean and always enough towels. Our butler missed the ship in NOLA. Returning from vacation and flight didn't arrive in time. We shared the butler from deck 11. Met ours in Cozemel. First one was better. Our concierge, Patrick was not the best we've had. Only two problems we had with dinner reservations was because we never was able to talk to him. Had to leave request with his aide and Patrick never followed up and hence wrong time and location.

Forth. we had UDP and UBP. Never had a problem with either. Talking with other passengers and know in the future if we do not have UDP, the a la carte menus needs to go. Much better with one price covers all. If you like to order appetizer, salad (soup) main course, and side you have already spent more than the old cover charge. I guess I just like to know what my cruise is going to cost up front. But if you eat lightly you probably will save.

Lastly, we did not notice a lot of thing wrong with the appearance of the ship. Yes she is ready for a face lift, who can't use a touch up now and then. My advice, ENJOY YOUR CRUISE. Be half full not half empty.

That is Le. Auto correct does not like me

Next to me Biestro

It was open in April of this year. DH met a lot of very nice people there and truly enjoyed a number of good cigars. I loved it because the lounge outside the cigar bar had very good live music in the evenings.

We received our luggage tages for our Jan. 10th cruise last Fri.

But our cruise last spring, we did not. So very hard to say. So good luck and enjoy your suite and cruise.

Pathubia, we sail on the Dawn on January 10th in 12032. Do you have any pic of that cabin? Also since it is a modified cabin can you tell me the bathroom setup? Had read it only had a very large shower and no bethtub. Thank you, Pam

We were on the Pearl in April this year. No hot chocolate pods and no not water. Different (I believe it is an older version) than the coffee machine on the Jewel.

Had to order hot water from room service or go to buffet for hot water for my tea.

And we are in 12532 in Jan. 16. Looking forward to both pics and review of suite. First time in an sj. And on the Dawn.

Long Island Iced Tea is included in the UBP. At least it was last week on the Pearl.

Thank you all. Just checked our Sept. 2016 trans-Atlantic cruise and saved a total of $1531.00. WOOHOO

Returned from an excellent Carribean Cruise. Thank you NCL. We returned yesterday to find that Viking did refund the cruise amount to the penny.

Again, thank you CC for the help and information.

Update: the AA refund has been posted to our credit cards. Came thru a lot quicker than Viking. That one is suppose to be here by end of next year. Who would have thought that.

Yes we will look at Paris by river cruise again. Just will do more background on the different lines before we choose.

EdwardM: I would be giving Viking a call at least once a day. Oh wait a minute that is exactly what we did. So call, call, call.

I have been truly blessed in my life. And I am very thankful.

Received an e-mail from AA today. Looks like they are going to refund the upgrade fees. But will not get excited until we see the check and it is cashed.

This whole experience has been an eye opener. Will never use Viking's voucher nor ever recommended them to anyone...

Thank you to everyone that took an interest and helped explain the full extent of Viking's total fault in this accident. That is exactly why Cruise Critic is such a help to all our fellow cruisers. Pam

Thank you for clearing up the "accident" for me. I am so very sorry that your cruise ending in such a fashion and handled to poorly by Viking River Cruises. The notification we received was very curt and the representative that called sounded like he could care less. Giving very little useful information. I know for a fact that the voucher we receive will NOT EVER be used.

Again my gratitude for sharing your experience. Pam

Wendy, everything including air flight was cancelled before we were notified of cancellation... if we had gone in a few days early as we had thought about doing, we would have stayed and spent time in the Normany region on our own. But as we hadn't left, that was not an option.

We have called Viking several times and still haven't gotten an acceptable answer for the reason of the cancellation. Only an "accident" that will only effect this cruise. We have found NOTHING written in any news about this incidence.

I talk about missing Paris, but the real reason we booked this trip was for DH to go to Obama Beach. His dad landed there D day plus 3. They had planned a trip there together, sadly his dad died before they could go. He way planning on taking one of his dad's dog tags as a memorial. So we will get to France. Just not sure it will be by riverboat.

Thank you No spin for the heads up a credit cards. I had forgotten about that.

Instead of 55/60 degree temps, we are going to the Southern Carribean for 10 days in a suite. My DH rocks. And after 41 years still loves and pampers me .

Thanks to a very special PCC with NCL we are going to be able to get on a cruise to the Carribean leaving the 6th of April. DH does contract work so he didn't book work for the next several weeks for a nice vacation, so being able to find a replacement this quick was very nice.

We had insurance thru Viking and will ONLY review the airfare up charges on a case to case bases. And yes we can booked in 2016 for a cruise later but we must put the down payment at time of booking and as all extra vacation money is accounted for by already booked plans, that is a non starter. Yes we are getting all our money back, but that is this year's allotted funds. And only vacation for this year. Feeling a little better now thanks to a long island iced tea, but this going to be our first trip to Paris.

Was notified earlier today that our March 27th Paris to Normandy cruise was cancelled because of an accident. We were notified by an e-mail and then later by phone call. Told they would refund all money along with a $500.00ppl future cruise voucher.

Problems: our flight was set to leave tomorrow. We had purchases exit row seat (extra $$$) because the airline had changed types of plane and reassigned seats (not same or even close. Not even together.) Now

Neither Viking or A.A. Will refund the money we had to send to get to set together on a 9 1/2 flight. The second problem is the future cruise vouchers are only good for one year. Our 2016 vacation time off and budget is already booked and spent. So no good there

I understand that this was an accident, however a lot of extra money was spent getting ready for this cruise. Vacation time taken, but we were offered NO option . Just the cruise and all flight arrangements are cancelled. Note checked my flight status right after call. Did not show us booked. We.only want one or the other to do the right thing and take care of flight expense that we would have not ensured if our original seat choices had been honored. Sorry for the rant. Just frustrated.

If there is a shuttle taking people to port you can purchase a transference and get a cab back. The cab was around $20/25. For two. So much easier than driving and trying to find a parking space. We loved this hotel. Great value.

"Loved" unknown why spell check keeps changing it. Lol

That is DH lived it, but he pretty much lived in it too.

Yes there is a small cigar bar. It is right of the entrance to Le Bistro. DH lived it. We where on the Jewell the last week of October '14.

As OP stated, check your seat assignments often. Ours were changed after we choose the seats we wanted. We did purchase the $50.00pp option and was able to get a non stop from Dallas to Paris. However, AA changed the type of plane flown and reassigned seats. It took several phone calls and purchasing better seats to work everything out. Still saved a lot of money than if we had arranged our own flight.

We leave the end of March on our first river cruise.

We were in 10666 on the Jewel last October. The only negative with this cabin (and all aft cabins) is the soot that get on the railing and chairs. Also the balcony is wet every morning from washing down the decks on 12. This was our first suite on NCL. Great experience and have another one book on the Star transatlantic in 2016. Very small inconvenience and DID NOT changed our enjoyment of the cruise one bit. Just look before you set. Beach towels work great as covers.