Back from the Dawn 9 Day

[Samstress]

I'd love to go into great detail since that's the kind of gal I am:-). But my laptop has crashed & I'm having to use hubbys computer so I'll be brief.

Embarkation was a breeze. We went in a day early, took the hotel shuttle to the pier on Friday, arrived at approx. 11:30 AM & were on board by 12:15. No booze check that I saw, they scanned my purse (had a mickey of rum in it) and no problem. There was a desk where they were offering to 'hold' your alcohol until your last nite. We met people on the ship who successfully used 'rum runners' but who also had a well disguised bottle in their luggage that was confiscated (the naughty room trip).

Lunch at the buffet. Luggage was at our cabin by 6PM. Supper at Aqua (very good).

Star Theatre for the 'taste of entertainment'. We loved the comedian...

 

At Sea Day:

CC Meet & Greet on Saturday AM in the Star Bar was a huge success (54+ people in attendance). All the head honchos from the Captain down to the Cruise Director attended to talk about their individual responsibilities and to answer questions. Very impressive. Coffee, tea, juice, and pastries were supplied by NCL. Thanks to Jackie for organizing this. There was an opportunity to sign up for 'dine with an officer' which we did. Ken (Hockey 19) also had a sign up sheet for a cabin crawl..which we signed up for as well.

 

Spent some time poolside in the afternoon. Supper at Impressions (I wasn't all that impressed, but hubby was) Drinks at Star Bar (go for the 2 for 1 Martinis before 10PM). This was our favorite place to end an evening. Say hi to our waittress...Chastine Aliser from the Phillippines.

Gatsbys bar is another nice place to have a drink & listen to some nice, quiet music.

We ended the night at the Sports Bar, watching the Karoake...very funny!

 

I have to mention here that we had the most amazing room steward Ronaldo and his Assistant Esther. They work so hard & are so pleasant thru all of it. Thanks Esther for all the towel animals.

 

Samana, DR.:

Tender to Cayo Levantado on private catamaran (NCL excursion).

Very impressive...white sandy beaches, deck chairs, bbq & margaritas.

Catch 3:30 tender back to ship.

Dinner at Salsas (delicious). I love mexican food...hubby doesn't but he liked Salsas.

Dazzles for Patti & Jose; very crowded!

Last drink at Star Bar & then bed.

 

Tortolla, BVI:

Jon Vost Dyke Beach Day (NCL excursion). 1 hour boat ride from marina in Tortolla to JVD. Swim to shore from boat (a bit longer swim than we expected). Beautiful beach, the famous Soggy Dollar Bar. Had 2 Pain killers (yummy). Lunch at SDB very good. Swim back to the tender boat and back to Tortolla by 3PM.

Walk around town, have drinks at the Marina Bar. Visit the booths selling souvenirs by the pier. Very nice people..not pushy at all.

Sail away at Bimini Bar. Great place to watch the 160 degree turn of the boat leaving this port.

Supper at the buffet tonite (too tired for anything else) and turn in.

 

to be cont'd....

and I said I was gonna keep it short:-)

[hateswaterloves2cruise]

We leave on this same cruise on 2/26 so I am very interested in hearing your comments. Did they limit the number of people who could do the Cayo Levantado excursion? We were going to wait til the day before to book it. Thanks for your comments.:)

[Lib0007]

one quick question I couldn't find anywhere else . . did you dock at all 5 ports or did any have to tender to shore?

 

Thanks - looking forward to reading the rest of your review.

[marylyn77]

Thanks for sharing, we are going on the 3/12 sailing and have also booked JVD with NCL.

[scorp111]

one quick question I couldn't find anywhere else . . did you dock at all 5 ports or did any have to tender to shore?

 

Thanks - looking forward to reading the rest of your review.

 

 

From what I understand, you tender in Samana, dock at the other 4. But she can confirm :) I am on this cruise.... in 42 days :D

[Samstress]

Lib0007: the only tender port was Samana, the others were all docks.

Hateswaterloves2cruise: I booked the Cayo excursion in advance. It sold out quickly on our cruise because many people were originally going on the hotel one (at Cayo) & when it was cancelled a lot of people scrambled to do other tours. They post daily which tours are still available at the excursion desk.

 

St. Johns, Antiqua:

We had booked a tour with Gordon of Antigua. We knew thru our roll call that there was at least one other couple going on this. As it turned out we were 4 couples from our CC group that ended up taking this tour. Gordons Van (my first ride in a Mercedes:-) will fit up to 10 passengers. It was $40/person & we were with him for 5 1/2 hours. He was born in Antigua & schooled in the US. He showed us all the points of interest; Nelsons Boatyard, Shirley Heights, Long Beach, Devils Bridge. He started the tour by taking us to a local bakery & bought us some treats. Lunch consisted of excellent chicken, bread, cheese, cold drinks (beer, soft drinks, water). We felt this trip was worth every penny. He was quite willing to take us just about anywhere we wanted; so if you have a special place that you really want to see he will do his best to get you there. I would give this tour a 10+. Plus, we got to practice our back up singing talents ...he's also a musician who writes his own songs:-) Lots of of fun!

Did a walkabout around Antigua. Had drinks at Antigua Cheers dockside.

Make sure not to ask for your drink in a 'tall' glass..they take that to mean that you want a double shot:-). And charge accordingly.

Supper at Le Bistro tonight. My personal favorite meal of the trip.

Wonderful food & service.

Try to catch Patti & Jose show..too crowded. By the end of the cruise they actually put them into the StarDust Theatre for a performance. Smart move!

 

Bridgetown, Barbados:

We had reserved a car with Stouts. They are located right at the pier. If you intend to do your own driving make sure you reserve in advance & bring your paperwork with you. There were several other ships at the pier and lots of people looking to rent vehicles but none were available.

I was a little nervous about the left hand driving (don't know why since I wasn't doing the driving:-). But being the nagivator (as my husband refers to me).....is a big responsibility!

We drive from Bridgetown to Speightstown along the water (the biggest problem was getting out of Bridgetown).

Then we head inland to cross over to Bathsheba. We stop at a local bar to have a couple of Caribes (the local beer). Then it's on to Round House Inn in St. Josephs, Bathsheba for lunch. Amazing views.

We visit Farley Park (the site of an old plantation)...more gr8 views.

We end back up in Bridgetown...we have a small bit of trouble finding the pier, but hey we're on an Island. How lost can we get. Apparently the navigator has been too busy taking in the sights:-)

We shop in town. I buy lots of rum cakes..they should never have been giving out samples.

Dinner in the Venetian Dining Room. Salvatore from the Phillipines is a wonderful waiter. He told us we could ask for him if we came back & they would seat us in his section. Good food and really great service.

 

Basseterre, St. Kitts

We have reserved a car at Avis; which turns out to be located just across the street from the pier.

Tour the entire Island which isn't hard to do in a couple of hours. Lots of poverty on one half and lots of wealth on the other. Black sand on one side and white on the other. I really enjoyed touring around this island..the people may be less wealthy than the rest of us; but they sure seem happy & friendly.

We stop at Frigate Bay to have lunch. Great food here...pumpkin soup, conch fritters, etc. This would be a good place to go if you just wanted a beach day. It's fairly close to the ship and has lots of facilities.

We drive to Nags Head where the views are spectacular.

Back to the ship.

We get ready for the Officers Dinner (we were lucky in the name draw..and we get the Staff Captain; or rather..he gets us).

There are 8 people at each table, so it's easy to converse.

It looked like lots of other CC members were also included...hmmmm.....

Good dinner in the Venetian. Lots of free wine:D

Nite cap in the Star bar & then bed.

 

to be cont'd.....

[scorp111]

Lib0007: the only tender port was Samana, the others were all docks.

Hateswaterloves2cruise: I booked the Cayo excursion in advance. It sold out quickly on our cruise because many people were originally going on the hotel one (at Cayo) & when it was cancelled a lot of people scrambled to do other tours. They post daily which tours are still available at the excursion desk.

 

St. Johns, Antiqua:

We had booked a tour with Gordon of Antigua. We knew thru our roll call that there was at least one other couple going on this. As it turned out we were 4 couples from our CC group that ended up taking this tour. Gordons Van (my first ride in a Mercedes:-) will fit up to 10 passengers. It was $40/person & we were with him for 5 1/2 hours. He was born in Antigua & schooled in the US. He showed us all the points of interest; Nelsons Boatyard, Shirley Heights, Long Beach, Devils Bridge. He started the tour by taking us to a local bakery & bought us some treats. Lunch consisted of excellent chicken, bread, cheese, cold drinks (beer, soft drinks, water). We felt this trip was worth every penny. He was quite willing to take us just about anywhere we wanted; so if you have a special place that you really want to see he will do his best to get you there. I would give this tour a 10+. Plus, we got to practice our back up singing talents ...he's also a musician who writes his own songs:-) Lots of of fun!

Did a walkabout around Antigua. Had drinks at Antigua Cheers dockside.

Make sure not to ask for your drink in a 'tall' glass..they take that to mean that you want a double shot:-). And charge accordingly.

Supper at Le Bistro tonight. My personal favorite meal of the trip.

Wonderful food & service.

Try to catch Patti & Jose show..too crowded. By the end of the cruise they actually put them into the StarDust Theatre for a performance. Smart move!

 

 

 

to be cont'd.....

 

 

Good to see another excellent report on Gordon. I am booked with him on the 30th of March, and it sounds great!

 

Looking forward to the rest of your report!

[cruizinrican]

We leave on this same cruise on 2/26 so I am very interested in hearing your comments. Did they limit the number of people who could do the Cayo Levantado excursion? We were going to wait til the day before to book it. Thanks for your comments.:)

 

 

If you are sure that this is what you want to do, why wait and risk it being sold out. You aren't charged for it now and you seat will be reserved and gtyed. Book now if that is what you want to do. Charge will come off your ship board acct.

 

I am also on the same sailing as Scorp111. Our sailing is coming up quickly and we are very excited! So thank you for the review, it sounds like you had great weather and a super time!

[Zeno]

We leave on this same cruise on 2/26 so I am very interested in hearing your comments. Did they limit the number of people who could do the Cayo Levantado excursion? We were going to wait til the day before to book it. Thanks for your comments.:)

 

I strongly urge you to book NOW. They DO limit the number of people on this excursion and it is popular.

 

You can always cancel if you change your mind (up to 48 hours before the excursion).

[Samstress]

At Sea: (Friday)

Nice morning but the seas are rough and the winds are quite high. However, on this ship you barely feel anything!

We spend the morning around the pool, reading and relaxing.

Then it's on to the Beer tasting & cabin crawl.

Lots of people show up for the beer tasting (and contest). For $15 it's a great deal. You are divided into 2 teams, for the beer trivia contest. 5 beers to taste from differing countries. What a hoot! And, there was a free t-shirt, beer cozy, huge beer mug & a free beer for everyone.

Then it was time for the cabin crawl. We saw everything from an inside cabin to a suite (if you are reading this Ken, thanks again...but maybe you're still digging out?).

Dinner at Cagneys tonite. I thought it was just okay but hubby thought it was great. Just like on cruise critic forums...differing opinions:-)

 

At Sea: (Sat)

Good sunny morning, but the clouds and rain are coming.

Makes it a good day to spend some time in the Casino (and I do mean spend!).

Shopped a bit in the atrium, purchased our formal picture (always do!).

Dinner at Aqua tonite. Very good; considering this was our last nite..the service was still outstanding.

Went to the farewell show in the Stardust Theatre and then back to the room to pack.

 

Sunday AM

Disembarkation:

Times were according to the colour of the tags which YOU choose yourself.

First off is the walk offs with their own luggage; started about 8:15AM.

Everyone has to be out of their room by 10AM. (or maybe it was 9:30).

We went for breakfast in the Garden Cafe (Venetian is also an option).

Our colour was second to be called & we headed off the ship to the central luggage area. We had our luggage in hand & were outside by about 9AM.

Caught the Hertz shuttle to their downtown office and were in our rental car by 10AM.

Now, that's a great system.

 

Overall impressions:

I loved the decor of the ship, and the layout. It didn't take us long to get our bearings.

Our room (a standard balcony) was very nice. I love having the balcony; but I would be happy in any cabin if I was on the sea.

We had a problem the first morning (no cold water...which makes showering a whole new experience). Called reception, and I swear we had barely hung up & there was someone knocking on the door. They sent the plumber, who ran back & forth and had the problem fixed in record time. Wish I could find a plumber that good in Ottawa:-)

I hope that if you have the chance that you join a roll call & attend (or arrange) a 'Meet & Greet'. It's so nice to see familiar faces around the ship and to catch up with who's done what, where, etc.

This was the 'dressiest' cruise I've been on (altho we've only done 4). I personally don't care one way or the other how people are dressed (and I know that it's like raising a red flag to even bring this up). But I also know that a lot of people wonder what to bring, what's appropriate, etc.

I didn't see shorts in any of the dining rooms or restaurants so maybe they are enforcing the 'rule'. It is clearly stated on every daily that shorts are a no no in those areas. Anyway, I like to get a 'little' dressed up, so that was fine by me.

I wish we'd attended more of the nighttime show; but we've done them on every other cruise and it didn't seem as important this time out. Lots of people did, and everyone seemed to enjoy.

I'm sure there's stuff that I've forgotten but hey..I'm allowed.......I'm retired:D

Any questions, ask away.

Cheers & happy cruising,

Sandy.

[hateswaterloves2cruise]

I strongly urge you to book NOW. They DO limit the number of people on this excursion and it is popular.

 

You can always cancel if you change your mind (up to 48 hours before the excursion).

 

Thanks for your input. Do you know what happens if the weather is such that it is not a beach day? That was really our only concern about booking ahead. :confused:

[Hockey19]

Sandy- great summation of a wonderful week plus.

Snow piled up in front of my house might be gone by May.

 

Regarding specialty restaurants- Le Bistro has always been our favorite but it fell a bit short this week (other than the escargot). We ate in every specialty restaurant and would love to see NCL keep all in the 10-15 dollar range. Higher prices just seem excessive.

 

Beer tasting was great- (despite my losing to Brian from Canada in the chug contest). DW went twice and both times ably defended the honor of the USA in trivia against the large Canadian contingent.

 

Islands were all great in their own way. Samana (despite being killed by NCL's cruise director at every opportunity) was infinitely better than when we visited 4 years ago. Not to say it is great by any stretch but don't fear it. Hawkers for cabs were certainly overwhelming but it appears that they are getting a sense of being able to do things with tourists. The shopping area has been moved from the brutal little dusty area to along a nice stretch along the water. Still mostly the same but a more civilized feeling.

 

Took NCL's Virgin Gorda Baths snorkel trip. Will not get into the issues we had with the excursion desk- suffice it to say go local whenever possible. However, the Baths are a not to be missed stop. We missed the Baths on our last visit due to weather and this visit was well rewarded.

 

Major disappointment in Antigua as our private sail was canceled on arrival. A day sail is always the highlight of our cruises but alas, this was not to happen. We salvaged the day with a wonderful island tour with cabbie Marvin. Hit all the island highlights but but it could not replace a day at sea in a sailboat. Nelson's Dockyard was incredible as were the views.

 

Onto Barbados. Ship was in from 9 to 6. We booked through NCL the Atlantis sub which was a 12:45 trip. Would highly recommend booking this trip yourself. Timing destroys the day if you want to do anything else. Sub departure area is just 5 minutes away. Cabs are plentiful for a few dollars. Sub trip is not cheap -$100 but it is an adventure that is worth doing. Book this trip early and enjoy other events. The town area was lively and every meeting with a local Barbadoan (is that a word) was a pleasure. Every encounter was with open, friendly people. From directions, to conversations, to advice on purchases (DD got a nice Seiko) all was great.

 

First time to St. Kitts. Walked around shopping area prior to meeting up with Roosevelt who runs Island Paradise tours. What a pleasure to see a Lauren Polo/ dress panted guide taking you around. This former 10 year US Army vet takes you on a wonderful lively tour to all of the highlights. Caribe Batik is more than a shopping stop as he explains the fauna and grounds. Brimstone Castle is not to be missed and explored. You will have more than enough time.

 

Last two days at sea were interrupted by rough weather but from start to end all was great. Aft suite was all it was supposed t be. Service at all times was well above expectations (except for excursion desk).

 

CC members were everywhere and thanks to all who showed up at the M and G as well as those who braved the stem to stern cabin crawl following more than a beer or two at the tasting. My appreciation to Jackie and Sandy for all their help in making sure everyone felt so welcome at the M and G.

 

Focusing now on how 337 days will go quickly so we can sail on the Spirit.

[qoap24]

 

 

First time to St. Kitts. Walked around shopping area prior to meeting up with Roosevelt who runs Island Paradise tours. What a pleasure to see a Lauren Polo/ dress panted guide taking you around. This former 10 year US Army vet takes you on a wonderful lively tour to all of the highlights. Caribe Batik is more than a shopping stop as he explains the fauna and grounds. Brimstone Castle is not to be missed and explored. You will have more than enough time.

 

 

Hockey19, when you used Roosevelt did he drop you off at Frigate Bay Beach and then expect you to get a cab back to the pier?

[cruizinrican]

Thanks for your input. Do you know what happens if the weather is such that it is not a beach day? That was really our only concern about booking ahead. :confused:

 

Then your acct. will be credited back the amount of tour. It really does work easily. The same with any tour booked, most companies refund money immediately. I think you will be safe.

[Hockey19]

quop24-Roosevelt met us right on time inside the Welcome Center. He was allowed in there (instead of standing in the cattle call area) as he is a licensed guide and had a booked trip. We did not schedule a beach visit as that was not a desired stop for our group. Based on the conversations we had with Roosevelt I would be very surprised if he dropped you somewhere without him taking you back or did not make sure how arrangements would be made.

[qoap24]

quop24-Roosevelt met us right on time inside the Welcome Center. He was allowed in there (instead of standing in the cattle call area) as he is a licensed guide and had a booked trip. We did not schedule a beach visit as that was not a desired stop for our group. Based on the conversations we had with Roosevelt I would be very surprised if he dropped you somewhere without him taking you back or did not make sure how arrangements would be made.

 

I know it sounded strange to me too. I had emailed him after I saw your post yesterday asking him about his tours. I told him I wasn't interested in the beach time and his response was that I could catch a cab back :eek:. Maybe he and I had some miscommunication. I will email him back and see if I could get a tour without the beach. Thanks for your help!

[hateswaterloves2cruise]

Then your acct. will be credited back the amount of tour. It really does work easily. The same with any tour booked, most companies refund money immediately. I think you will be safe.

I don't mean to be argumentative but what if the day is overcast or rainy and NCL still plans to take you to the beach day and you don't want to go? I know if you cancel 48 hours ahead there is no problem, but we sail on a Friday and Samana is on Sunday. We really want to do the beach but obviously not if its not warm and sunny. From reading some of the CC comments weather has been an issue for some....rain, wind, etc. :eek:

[Hockey19]

quap24- for what it is worth - tell Roosevelt that you have been recommended by the group who had the trip with the worm in the Caribe beer. Maybe that will help. The worm was bizarre-he showed it to every driver around while at Batik. The tour was labeled BEST OF ST. KITTS/PANORAMIC TOUR,

[Samstress]

I don't mean to be argumentative but what if the day is overcast or rainy and NCL still plans to take you to the beach day and you don't want to go? I know if you cancel 48 hours ahead there is no problem, but we sail on a Friday and Samana is on Sunday. We really want to do the beach but obviously not if its not warm and sunny. From reading some of the CC comments weather has been an issue for some....rain, wind, etc. :eek:

 

I'm not sure when you're going on your trip; but you could be right about NCL sending you on the excursion unless its unsafe. Best to call the excursion desk and find out what their policy is. I know that the weather looked inclement when we started out on our Tortolla beach trip by boat; but they sent us anyway. As it turned out..the weather was great by the time we got to Jost Von Dyke.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

p.s. I noticed lots of people booking their excursions on board; so maybe you'd be okay to wait until you're closer to the destination to make your reservation. Guess it's a crap shoot either way;)

[hateswaterloves2cruise]

Thanks for all your input. We are sailing 2/26 and with all the crazy weather in the states I'm not sure how the islands are affected. I think I'll take the chance and book it and pray for sun and warm weather.;)

[qoap24]

quap24- for what it is worth - tell Roosevelt that you have been recommended by the group who had the trip with the worm in the Caribe beer. Maybe that will help. The worm was bizarre-he showed it to every driver around while at Batik. The tour was labeled BEST OF ST. KITTS/PANORAMIC TOUR,

 

Thanks Hockey19, I emailed Roosevelt again and we did have some miscommunication. He thought I asked for beach time with the Best of St.Kitts/Panoramic tour and that is why he told me about getting a cab. So all is good now. Thank you for your help. :D

[Hockey19]

qoap24- you are very most welcome. St. Kitts is beautiful and we had a great day. Roosevelt is not the cheapest tour (about $10 bucks higher than most) but he includes the $8 Brimstone fee in your trip. Not having to deal with the battle royale by the taxi/gypsies outside is also well worth a couple of bucks.

[Nina78]

Hey,

 

we will travel with the dawn (9 days caribean sea) on 12. March this year.

I am soooo excited!!! :-)

 

Do you have any suggestions about excursions with NCL???

 

In Samana I want to do the whale whatching tour, but I am not so sure about it. Because I think it will be small boats (sea sickness??)

 

Has anyone experiences about this or about other excursions??

 

Best wishes from germany, Nina :)

[Hockey19]

Hi- just off the 9 day Dawn. We did whale watching on a previous visit and I would highly recommend you look at reviews to see whether this is worth it. Whale watching is a fickle event. Small boats chase uncooperative whales. Did it once and it was not a great event. DW saw more whales from balcony than we did on chase boat- and no one threw up as opposed to what happened on our trip. We are just back from Samana. It is still primitive but much improved from 4 years ago. With a bit of research I think you may find an enjoyable excursion.

[dockzillah]

We did the Sail and Snorkle at Samana on our cruise (1/29-2/7). They picked us up at the ship, so no tendering. It was much more laid back than any like excursion on other islands. No loud music, dancing, etc., but still very enjoyable. My wife snorkles, I enjoy the scenes and "local flavors" topside. The diving brown pelicans were fun to watch. We had a great hostess who made sure you weren't thirsty.

 

I'd definitely have an excursion lined up at Samana.