shanivy14

Edit Just like to point out the deal I got today was not the first time I heard of the ship, researched the ship, decided to go on a cruise etc etc etc. My poor choice of wording and questions have people thinking I'm impulsive and insane ☺

i just got a laugh out of someone else sharing a similar response to your panicked posting - no offense intended (seriously!). You've started several threads, seeking quick advice as you're under the gun to book a cruise... 17+ months away!

 

For what it's worth, the Dawn introduced me to NCL cruising many years back. I fell in love. And now I'm returning to the Dawn for the first time this fall, and can't wait.

 

But, I have to say, there are a lot of options out there - both within the NCL fleet and elsewhere. The Escape is an amazing ship - have you explored that as an option?

 

Good luck with your continued research. On the positive side - it's a cruise. If it's your first, it's tough not to be blown away. Cruising is rather special, to many of us. :)

Ahhh right! Well I'm northern Irish and if I said to someone they were cracking me up I'd mean they were really really annoying me to put it politely. Lol I'm not offended just Irish ☺

Firstly that just how far my cruise has to be out money wise, for everyone to afford it. My 18 year old brother is also going and is insisting he pays for it himself. (except his flight that's on me) 2 pensioners. Then adding in flights at about 4000. And we want to be away for my daughters 4th birthday. Anyway that's the reasons we're booking so far out I guess. 17 months away for you I'm assuming in the US?

Plus we have a free drinks packages and dining now etc etc whatever

Also I think I'm making it seem like decided about 2 hours ago was going on a cruise not the case. I'm just having a few last minute worries.

I'm not as crazy in real life I swear 👍

Thanks for the reply and no, I'm sure it's great but if I changed ships now I'd end up divorced ☺

I'm the one who originally linked that trip report in your other thread. While you should DEFINITELY take noise into consideration (and not book that room!), try not to sweat the small stuff too much. I remember what it was like, picking my first cruise and being terrified of making a mistake, but you seem very stressed out. Don't set impossibly high expectations for yourself (or the ship). You'll know by the first evening whether cruising is for you, and the little details won't matter so much.

 

(Note, I am not saying this room noise issue is a little detail. That's why I posted that link. But you seem generally anxious (I know you're kidding but you've mentioned killing yourself and/or the DJ), and you should enjoy the booking and planning process.),

Your aren't the person who said I was cracking you up are you? 😂 And just to put it in writing no I will not be killing myself or anyone else over a boat lol.

I'm not that stressed lol I must be coming across a little crazy via computer

Personally noise for me with a young child is a big big no. Hence the post ☺

Your posts are cracking me up. I don't see any of the cruises that are out of Tampa (since there are none out of Miami :D) that stop in St. Thomas, St. John or Antigua. What am I missing or what are you missing?

 

And what time is it where you are right now? :D

Cruise screenshot. Coming up small but the best my phone can do.And it's very very late lol

+1 :D

 

You're booking a cruise 17 months out. Don't book in 12 hours. Take your time and do some more research.

 

Unless you're walking to the port, and need to leave in the morning in order to make it in time.

Why am I cracking you up exactly?

You had 25 responses on the thread you started earlier today regarding the Dawn and posted this message

 

"

Thanks guys that's awesome. Can't sleep too exited so safe to say it looks like it's being booked. Even talked my mum and brother into it so we are a party of 7 now lol �� "

 

The cruise you are looking at isn't until January 2018. Why do you have to book the cruise tomorrow? If you're not sure then just keep researching until you are satisfied it is the right choice. If you book it and change your mind at least for US "bookers" there is a pretty wide window where the cruise can be cancelled without penalty charged by NCL. If you use a travel agent be sure they don't have their own cancellation penalty - there are some out there that do.

 

We loved the Dawn - ate in both the specialty and regular dining venues including the "buffet" and had no complaints. Some meals were excellent and some were maybe just pretty good. There was only one main dish (a fish of some sort) I didn't care for so I ate the sides and picked up a snack elsewhere later in the evening. Could have requested another main dish at the time but didn't think it was necessary. Options is one of the beauties of NCL's dining program. We thought the Dawn crew was wonderful and received great service.

 

After 17 consecutive cruises on NCL we're cheating and taking our first cruise on Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas the end of September. The itinerary is really great, we don't have to fly to the port and NCL has nothing similar so we're stepping out of our comfort zone. We've enjoyed every cruise we've ever taken and expect we'll enjoy this one too. A positive attitude is really the best preparation for a good cruise. If you do book the cruise sign up for the Meet and Greet on the roll call thread and join in on the discussions. Our Dawn roll call was really amazing and the fellow participants really added to our cruise enjoyment. I wish you the best in whatever you decide.

 

I'm confused for why your quoting me on my other post? I know i posted thst message but im not sure i get your point . After that I read about the dining.

As for booking tomorrow its when we have the money lol. Coming from the UK and flights alone will be an extra 3500. So it's just when we all have to book

Thanks I'll check out the roll call, sounds like a really good idea ☺ and thank your food experience sounds pretty positive

DO NOT book an aft facing balcony (8676 or 8176) on deck 8. They are directly above the speakers in the lounge below and the booming bass will keep you awake for hours. I speak from experience as we booked one of these on sister ship Pearl a few years ago. There is a good reason these two aft facing staterooms are among the last to be booked.

 

We prefer booking staterooms on "sandwich decks" with staterooms above and below us. We sometimes chose other locations but always check to see what is above and below us.

 

Here is a link to free website drag it decks. You can use the stairways or elevators to help you line up the decks to see what is above and below you.

There are other such websites, this is just one I like.

 

https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/deckplans/dragdeck.php?ship=Norwegian-Dawn

Thank you so much this is exactly where I'd have been booking tomorrow and it would definitely have ruined my cruise. 3 days at sea first I'd have killed the dj by then.

I'll check that website out! 😊

Where are you hearing bad things, I take all reviews with a grain of salt (Or even a ton) read afewabout cruises I was on and thought are you sure, doesn't match my experience.

I saw a few on trip advisor but I've just seen somebody's review of the dawn on here and it was a mostly positive review. Just that the service was poor long wait times, food not very good etc. Then a few were people replying to mainly the same experience

Makes me very nervous...

Crap crap crap.

So apparently someone's review is that the back of Deck 8 (aft- is that the right word) is noisy untill 3am because of the nightclub?? My exact room number they said was noisy as heck

Flipping booking this tomorrow with no mention. It'll be Jan and I'll have a 4 yr old so anyone know? I will literally throw myself from the balcony if noise keeps me awake . Its the one thing bothers me most I the entire world.

Where's the best place to be. I avoided the mid ship balcony's because most of what was there was obstructed or partially obstructed? I'm sorry I'm so clueless this will be my first cruise.

Anyone have an opinion on where the best place to be or deck to be on the Dawn is for a balcony. On either deck 8 or 9???

It was 8676. Aft facing balcony. We always book deck 10 back there. (We have change issues [emoji10])

But none were available after our original booking was cancelled for dry dock. And in a panic mode we took it.

The 'change' issue made us stay in Aft-facing. We didn't even question it. In the back of my mind I see my TA emailing me that it can be very loud with the nightclub below. I was like: who cares we'll take it.

Don't ever book that one.

I have to remind her to never book another client in there or they'll hate her. [emoji52][emoji1306]

 

The suite beside us was just as bad. Our neighbor said they were up all night also. Every night.

I'm sure all 4 rooms on Deck 8 Aft-facing are sleep and peace robbers.

 

The only relief was White Hot Night. It was out on the pool deck.

All quiet below.

But a loud thunderstorm rolled in and guess what. The party moved in to Bliss late night.

Oh well. They all had fun I'm sure.

 

I should have stormed down there with my hands on my hips and told them to turn that $h@t down before I call the cops! [emoji19]

 

I really thought about it.

Oh no that's my number!!!! Thank goodness you posted this I'm booking tomorrow and there was no mention of this at all.

I have a 4 yr old going and I would have thrown myself off the balcony if I couldn't sleep at night!

Thanks!

Ahh I'm planning on booking this tomorrow for 7 of us so I'll have a look at an replies in the morning before I book

Hearing/reading a few things on here about the Norwegian Dawn for bad food, service and dining. So what's the deal? Anyone had good or bad experiences recently?

I'm doing the Caribbean from Tampa in Jan 2018 and to be honest food is a big part of i t for me. We've got the specialty dining package for 4 days of a 10 day cruise thrown in. Is it the Standard dining that's not the best or have people thought it was all good

. Is service and food really that poor? Less than 12 hours till I book this ship...jeez

Okay so I'm booking my cruise tomorrow (eek! First one!)

And I was having a look at Norwegians excursions for where we're going to check the destinations suit us. Ive never did this before and I'd be more comfortable booking with the line rather than the on island even tho I'm sure theyre great.

Anyway I couldn't find any for the port of St Johns Antigua? Just curious really as it was the only port I didn't see anything for

And I will back up every word of this.:)

Thanks guys that's awesome. Can't sleep too exited so safe to say it looks like it's being booked. Even talked my mum and brother into it so we are a party of 7 now lol 😅

I believe this report was immediately post dry dock when there are sure to be some work still in progress. It's the trade off you get for being among the first to see the brand new ship!

 

OP, if you must continue to read reviews, read them with the mind set that you are looking for nuggets of info which will enhance your cruise. Like in the "live from" Dawn review currently on this board in which the poster talks about the spa pass option. Booking a cruise is like a marriage, sooner or later you have to make a commitment, and not dwell on the flaws. No ship or cruiseline is perfect, and you will drive yourself crazy.

 

They play crazy games on the pool decks and it can get loud and boisterous. You may think this is a blast. If not, just stay away from the pool deck. It is that simple. Every person creates their own cruise experience. The Dawn is a very nice ship which has been totally redone. NCL crews are great. You will have a fantastic time if you don't overthink this and sabotage yourself.

The cruise critic ratings are always skewed by people who had the worst possible week of their entire lives due to things like a waiter accidentally bringing them ginger ale instead of 7-Up. If you read the reviews closely you can usually decide if their opinions really coincide with what would bother you under the same circumstances. People who are unhappy are always more likely to give feedback than those who are happy. Just human nature, so don't let it skew your perceptions.

 

I've sailed on the Dawn multiple times, to Canada and Bermuda, and had a great time each time. She just had an overhaul and supposedly things are much shinier and modern now (but they were never BAD).

 

I did notice some out of order public restrooms on my last trip on her, and apparently that has not been resolved, but I seldom use them, so it was never an issue for me personally.

 

I really, really don't like smoke, and the only places I encountered it were the port side of the pool area (did not cross to starboard side, so easy to avoid), the casino, and for some reason, there's a smoking area on the side of the jogging track, which makes NO sense whatsoever. (It's been a couple of years, so this may no longer be the case). There weren't always people smoking there, however, so most of the time it wasn't an issue.

True ie reviews. Just not knowing what to look for or expect has me relying on them. I wouldnt take notice really any other time lol

Oh I god hate hate hate smoke!!. And i Have asthma so that's disappointing a little. But I'm sure I read something about a new non smoking policy, I'll have to check that. Otherwise I have to just avoid those areas. Thanks for the help☺

I believe this report was immediately post dry dock when there are sure to be some work still in progress. It's the trade off you get for being among the first to see the brand new ship!

 

OP, if you must continue to read reviews, read them with the mind set that you are looking for nuggets of info which will enhance your cruise. Like in the "live from" Dawn review currently on this board in which the poster talks about the spa pass option. Booking a cruise is like a marriage, sooner or later you have to make a commitment, and not dwell on the flaws. No ship or cruiseline is perfect, and you will drive yourself crazy.

 

They play crazy games on the pool decks and it can get loud and boisterous. You may think this is a blast. If not, just stay away from the pool deck. It is that simple. Every person creates their own cruise experience. The Dawn is a very nice ship which has been totally redone. NCL crews are great. You will have a fantastic time if you don't overthink this and sabotage yourself.

Oh thanks so much very helpful!!! ☺ Youre so right i think if anything sabotages it, it will probably be me. Lol. it's mostly if the ship is okay or not and from this post I think I'm reassured. This forum is wonderful.

I think I will be booking my 1st ever cruise tomorrow :)

We just got off of the Dawn this past Friday. We did the Boston Bermuda cruise with 30 people in our group. Everyone had a great time and none of us experienced any plumbing or other issues. I highly recommend the Dawn, the staff was great and the ship was beautiful. The only, slight issue we had was the quality control of the food in O'Sheehans late at night. We ordered four nachos and they all came out different. But you have to understand that this was the night of the White Hot Party and everyone was going there after the party started to die down. There really wasn't another late night option so I think that the kitchen got overwhelmed.

 

Just relax and enjoy yourself.

 

:)

Thank you!! Relax isn't I word I understand lol. OSheehan I've saw today a few complaints like you. But thank you for the reply this has helped me loads!!! ☺

Not trying to be a downer, but this very recent trip report (post-refurb) makes it sound like there are still some kinks, and some major plumbing problems.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2372469

 

(I read it because I am also interested in the Dawn.)

Ahhh I did see that. It's exactly what puts me off. I've got until tomorrow to decide hence the post. 😩

Very personal decision here, but we found it was better to have family traveling with us two cabins away (that is, one cabin of strangers between us). Made for a sense of privacy. It was a tip I'd read on here, and we thought it worked great for us. YMMV.

Oh you may have a point there. They want beside us to be near their granddaughter unfortunately 😶

Dawn was just refreshed in dry dock. Book and enjoy, I'm going in December for 7 nights.

So close to us enjoy!! I think I will. My in laws are going too and they've made their minds up we're going lol

They just refurbished the dawn. Apparently it is amazing. What dates are you looking at?

 

 

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It did look amazing but I'm so swayed by negative reviews. Im a first time cruiser so over analysing everything!!!

Jan 17th 2018. 10 days. My daughter turns 4 on the 19th so wanted to include her birthday on board ☺

We did the 14 day repositioning cruise on the Dawn last October. Cruise went from Boston to New Orleans. Loved everything about the cruise including the ship.

 

Looking at NCL website I do not see any cruises on the Dawn out of Miami.

There are 10 day cruises on the Dawn out of New Orleans and Tampa.

Oh I'm ditzy lol I meant Tampa!!! Thank you 😃

Been on dawn twice enjoyed both times

But then never had a bad cruise just go with the flow

 

 

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Awk thanks I'm a worrier lol.

Where did you go on the dawn if you don't mind me asking?

You may also want to ask on the dedicated NCL forum here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=107

 

Better chance on that forum for folks with direct experience to see your post.

Thanks so much I've just pasted it there ☺

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Hi guys so I got a deal today for Norwegian Dawn. 10 nights Caribbean from Miami for 2550 for 2 adults and 1 child. Free drinks and specialty dining packed . Balcony cabin. The same for my in laws.

Is this a good deal?

More importantly has anyone been on Norwegian Dawn. Is the food good is the service etc good? Does it seem outdated or smoky which I read? I wasn't going to look at NCL they hadn't crossed my mind so I know next to nothing but I've seen bad reviews now. It looked amazing in the travel agents..

Help I'm wanting to book tomorrow unless people tell me it's terrible

Thanks so much in advance I'm stressing.

Hi guys so I got a deal today for Norwegian Dawn. 10 nights Caribbean from Miami for 2550 for 2 adults and 1 child. Free drinks and specialty dining packed . Balcony cabin. The same for my in laws.

Is this a good deal?

More importantly has anyone been on Norwegian Dawn. Is the food good is the service etc good? Does it seem outdated or smoky which I read? I wasn't going to look at NCL they hadn't crossed my mind so I know next to nothing but I've seen bad reviews now. It looked amazing in the travel agents..

Help I'm wanting to book tomorrow unless people tell me it's terrible

Thanks so much in advance I'm stressing.