Poppet1964

We're cruising on the Dawn in February and honestly, just understanding what the issue/reason is makes it slightly more tolerable. Thanks!

Well, I think clearly I will be the one to pick which we pursue, however, I was hoping for some feedback from those that have attended these places.

We're cruising on the NCL Dawn in February and will be in port with 22,000 other cruisers that day! I'm feeling pressured to solidify my plans. I've already cancelled with a private tour company, now I can't decide between Nachi and the Cozumel Bar Hop? We're doing an AI Beach Resort (Almaplena) in Costa Maya and it sounds like you can get some beach time during the Bar Hop too.

I'm not a big drinker, but always enjoy meeting people and would like to see more of the scenery. At the same time, I'm always up for a day at the beach when I can.

Would love to hear about personal experience with either place or if you've done both? I can't make up my mind!

My first 'real' cruise was on the EPIC in 2012... I worried and worried... did I pick the right line? The right itinerary? I freaked out each time I saw a bad review...

I enjoyed the whole experience! Of course there are always things that could be different, and I bet you'll like it enough to try it again on a different ship, just to see what's different. Eventually, you'll find exactly what your favorite attributes about cruising are: big ship/smaller ship... age range, etc.

You'll be absolutely fine and have a great time if you aren't one of those negative people just looking for things to complain about.

Hope it's warm in February in Tampa if I have to wait outside!

I'm just wondering if it's an age thing. I'm in my mid 50's and would never think to do such a thing.....

however, I think the younger generation would have no problem doing this. However, I might be wrong! LOL

 

So.....I'm wondering - those that would, could, or have done this can I ask what your age bracket is?

 

Under 30?

 

30 to 40?

 

40 to 50?

 

Over 50?

 

Harriet

I go out in my 'jammy pants' regularly and I'll be 50 in another 2 months.

Awesome responses!! Thank you so much! There are still some open MA's under the pool deck that I might investigate rather than under the buffet galley, but I'm thrilled to hear from those of you that have been there!

And thanks so much for the pic's!

Can't wait!

Oh for heaven's sake! Why are people who cruise (or who comment on Cruise Critic) so concerned about how others dress? As long as they're clean I couldn't care less what they wear, it's their business. Many 'pajama pants' are nicer than sweats anyway.

But I've got to say, I can't resist it when I see these posts! ;)

I was on the EPIC in the summer of 2012 and was able to get very complete information about my cabin location in terms of if there were obstructions looking downward from the balcony or if there were others looking down into my balcony.. or other issues in terms of noise.

I'm not having luck with that on the Dawn. I did a search and can only find 1 reference to a cabin close by.

Questions: Are there any obstructions looking out from the balcony? Is there a roof over the balcony? It seems to be under the Buffet... the only other choice is under the pool deck area if we change cabins... which would be better?

Any cabin guru's out there?

Thanks!

My first cruise was on the Epic in Europe (my first time in Europe as well!). I'll be on the Dawn in February.

I thoroughly enjoyed my cruise on the Epic, but honestly have been on a smaller ship since and liked the intimacy. We saw alot of the same people and the people were friendlier on the smaller ship.

I'd go with the Dawn if both itineraries appeal to you.

Nah - the tender is very quick. Your biggest challenge will be making the 8:00 am start time, but even that may be doable.

Who's doing the excursion? If it's with someone that regularly does excursions for cruise ships, they'll get you back in time. It's their business and their reputation on the line.

Have fun! We did our own 'excursion' in Cannes and went to Antibes on the bus... it was an experience!

We were in Europe on the EPIC in the summer of 2012. I watched the rates and purchased Euro before I left the country in two separate transactions to take advantage of the best exchange rates. I did this through the mail with US Bank if I remember correctly.

I only carried enough cash with me for each day's excursions and kept the rest in the safe on the ship. I had no problems.

I also used the Capital One debit card which charges no foreign transaction fees and the exchange rate is excellent.

The one time I did get Euro while I was in Europe (I forgot my envelope of cash for the day :( ) I used an ATM in a small town in Italy.

Just some options. I didn't want to spend time searching for an ATM when I got to Europe.

We used the $25 bag special on the Epic and were happy. We were able to get lots in the bag, everything was returned in good shape and we headed home with most of our clothing clean.

Plan to do it again in February.

As I recall, everything came back folded.

Am I going to feel bad for the monkeys? Or are they well taken care of and in a good setup?

We're booked for Almaplena at the end of February. Can't wait! It looks beautiful and quiet, which is much more appealing to me than a bunch of beach clubs in a row.

The owners have been very accommodating so far, I requested Italian food rather than Mexican and they were happy to comply. Going to book a massage as well soon.

February is sooo far away!

Roatan - Victor Bodden Fun-n-Sun

Belize - Want to take a tour of the Zoo, still deciding who to go with. Leaning toward a private tour.

Costa Maya - Alamaplena Beach Resort

Cozumel - Private tour with Tours Plaza (want to include the Chocolate Factory, Tequila Factory, shopping, etc)

Learned from my first cruise in Europe, greatly prefer making my own excursion arrangements and skipping the cruise ship excursions.

I've only cruised NCL once, on the EPIC in Europe. This will be my first time on a older ship. I'd love to have an opinion on the Dawn. Will I be disappointed or is it better being more intimate?

Deck - 10

Cabin # - 1261

Class – Concierge

Starboard or Port Side -

Bed near?(balcony or bath) – Balcony

Quiet Cabin (With comments on problems. Note if connecting. ) – Very Quiet, didn't notice any noise at all

Balcony View - Give comments on view, noting if location of any obstructions was an issue. – No obstructions, great view

Balcony Size? Normal or oversized for class? - Normal size, had loungers with footrests

Was wind a problem? No

Any specific problems with this cabin? Nope

Any other comments? Close to elevators and stairs, perfect location in my opinion. Great view of Christmas decorations!

__________________

I've seen on the 'first time cruiser' board that you can't use a portable DVD player on most cruise lines. I wanted to verify that this is the same on Celebrity (specifically we're cruising on Reflection in a week, but I'm sure all their ships are the same in this regard).

I'm not looking to pull the television apart to get it done, just willing to plug in a few cables :)

My husband and I went on our first cruise on Dolphin Cruise Lines in the late 80's. We went in February and the sea was rough. Our cabin was like being in a washing machine with the waves coming up over the port hole. We were so sick we swore we'd never cruise again! I can't remember anything but being sick.

So now, 23 or 24 years later, we're going to try again together this December... dear god, I hope it goes better!

Just wanted to comment on the previous post that talked of a bus driver not being helpful. That is always a possiblity (that nobody will help) but it may well be that the bus driver did not speak a word of English. Sometimes folks expect that people in any country must understand some English...but it's not always true. Another possible factor in France is that some French (especially in and around Paris) will not be responsive to folks that simply ask them a question in English or start out with "do you speak English?" In France it is expected that you will start off any conversation with a greeting in French! Approach somebody with a pleasant "Bonjour monsieur" with a smile and then ask "Parlez vous Anglais?" This will often be enough to get a response (ever if its non) and often some help. It does not always work, but this simple rule has done us well as we drove all over France. The French are very proud of their beautiful language and culture and are simply looking for a little respect.

 

Hank

Agreed... we may very well have had a culture/language barrier! I speak a little (VERY LITTLE) french, but not enough to ask for a specific bus stop. The fact that he kept say 'oui,oui' just led me to believe he knew what we were asking, but he probably didn't. However, I am sure he knew we wanted to go to Antibes.

Anyway, it was a memorable experience, when I went to the close by winery to ask about getting back to Antibes they didn't speak english, but we had a fun 'conversation' about going to the train station... walking finger gestures were involved :D! Bottom line, it only made for more of an adventure!

I was however able to use my little bit of french to ask where the beach was, since I remember the french word for beach!

OH, and also, we were very spoiled in Italy, it seemed everyone spoke some english there, so France was definitely a different experience.

An update on our trip to Antibes: We did indeed 'do it ourselves' from Cannes to Antibes. It was a great day and a great adventure! I would recommend however, that you take the train and not the bus to Antibes. We had a very unhelpful bus driver who did not give us any guidance on what stop to get off at (even though we asked multiple times) and ended up on the other side of Antibes.

Had to take the train back into Antibes anyway :p. Everything worked out fine though. Found our way into town easily, shopped, visited the market (get there before 1:00 PM), had a wonderful lunch near the market, went to the beach near town and took the train back to Cannes (leave some time, the trains were running late due to some sort of issue).

It was a wonderful day and I would highly recommend it! Remember, I'm a first time cruiser and first time to Europe and we were able to do it just fine!

Thank you both! I should have read this closer before I added my question to another post... you answered where the train station is in Antibes... what about the bus station? Still close to market/beaches/etc?

I've decided to DIY when we dock at Cannes by taking the train to Antibes. I love outdoor markets and beaches and good restaurants. How far is it from the train station to the key sites of the city (walking distance?). Would I be better off taking the bus?

Any tips or recommendations? I may be going all by myself, although I am going to see if anyone from my roll call is interested... I think my daughters will still be sleeping about the time I'm on my way!

It is a lot of mind over matter. I didn't reread but looking toward the horizon or land help somewhat as well. Bring some ginger as well! Many times after a cruise I find myself feeling like I'm still aboard. I found the times I did get seasick were 1st day. Once you're used to the motion you should be fine. Have a great trip!

So NOT mind over matter!! I've been prone to severe motion sickness every since I was a child. I can't read in a rocking chair! I'm cruising for the second time in June. Last time (many, many years ago), I used the patch. Trying to decide between meclazine (generic Bonine) or the patch this time. My kids get it too, but to a lesser extent than I do. Leaning toward the patch just to be sure.