Dawn 3/25 My thoughts

[dznymom]

I sailed on the Dawn 9 day to Samana, Tortola, Antigua, Barbados and St. Kitts. It was my 30th cruise overall and 9th on NCL. I shared an AFT balcony stateroom with a good friend, and another friend had her own balcony and another had an inside near us. We booked through CAS. Here are some of my thoughts.

 

Embarkation/Debarkation - Had a dedicated line for CAS, but at our time of arrival there were no lines at latitudes or elsewhere to speak of. We were sent to sit and wait with the general population, so it wasn't any sort of VIP treatment. We arrived around 11:15 and were onboard before noon, so it was fine. For debarkation, we elected for 10:00 luggage tags so we vacated our room at 9 and went up to the buffet for a quick bite. Then we found a table by the pool and hung out laughing with new friends until shortly after our color was called. We walked right off, grabbed our luggage and sailed through customs. Up until the cab line, it was a piece of cake!

 

Stateroom - Typical small size room with a very nice sized balcony with 2 loungers and a comfortable chair. Storage was adequate, but less than I remember from other cruises unless you are 6' tall and can take advantage of top shelves. It was tight for 2 women that over packed, but the over the door shoe thingy helped a lot. I found the bed to be uncomfortably hard, but my friend loved hers, so go figure.

 

Room Stewards - Our stewards were sub par to the point that it got annoying chasing them around for beach towels every day and having to break down towel animals for our daily towels. I never got the extra towel I requested daily for my hair. They would empty the ashtray on our balcony, but never took away clearly empty plates of food, so we took to putting them outside the door (I hate that but it was necessary). We always had ice, though. Conversely, our friends on the same deck but with different stewards received very good service, so we just got the short end on this one. I know we could have complained, but the poor guys were working hard (way too many rooms) and we felt bad so we just let it go.

 

Casino - It was fairly spacious in comparison to some of them, but the selection of slot machines was pretty sad. We enjoyed having the Virtual Black Jack game in the casino instead of the Spinnaker. Video Poker pay tables were dreadful. Bar service in the casino was fantastic, and we miss Phillip, our favorite bar server by far. He took excellent care of us every single day and we really enoyed his attention. We enjoyed the casino, but for a 9 day cruise it got pretty boring.

 

Entertainment - Other than catching a few minutes of Jose and Patti (they are every bit as good as people have said), we never saw a show. Matt Baker, cruise director extraordinaire didn't join the ship until Tortola, so until then things were pretty dull, but he livened things up nicely. There was a very talented gal playing piano and singing at the bar outside the casino but she rarely had much of a crowd.

 

Food - MDR food was far superior to every other NCL ship I have been on. We usually eat only a couple of meals in the MDR on a cruise, but we found ourselves in there frequently. Breakfasts were all good, with the food arriving fresh and hot and often a carafe of coffee left on the table. Lunches were good, but we all agreed that the chicken Milanese was our favorite along with the portobello mushroom with goat cheese appetizer. One night I had a fabulous prime rib cooked to perfection along with a perfect baked potato. Pork roast was excellent, too. Between the 4 of us in our group, we tried many, many items and almost all were a hit. One miss for me was the chicken soup - it was weird. I also thought the desserts were much better than previous cruises, and I ate way too many of them. Service was always good to very good, and we really enjoyed our MDR meals.

 

The GARDEN CAFE was a bit disappointing after the Jewel class. It's not well designed and during busy times it was pandemonium. I had a cup of coffee dumped all over me the first morning, so I was aggravated from the start. High points were the waffle station & omelet station (if you could get near it) and for lunch I loved the chicken salad as usual. The breads were fresh and good as always, but the rest of it was forgettable.

 

BLUE LAGOON was the usual and we only stopped in once for late night drunk food. It worked.

 

ROOM SERVICE - We only used it once after an excursion, but it was fast, the food was hot and we really enjoyed it. We had hotdogs, chicken fingers, and sandwiches. Sometimes, that's what you want!

 

BRUNCH in the Venetian with Jose and Patti was fantastic. For $15 they set out some lovely buffet selections including a pancake station, salads, cheeses, salmon, fruits, desserts, and hot foods including quiche and french toast. I know I am forgetting much more. Additionally, we ordered off a menu that had several items from Le Bistro including chateaubriand, tenderloin (yummy), and a few other items. Everything was excellent, and Jose and Patti provided the perfect accompaniment. I highly recommend this experience for both value and quality.

 

SALSA was mediocre at best. We hated the lobster tacos and the rest of it was uninspired. The quesadilla in the main dining room was better than Salsa. Also, we weren't offered the mini margaritas we came to expect from the other Mexican restaurants. We wish we had skipped it.

 

LE BISTRO was another flop for us. We ate there our last night, and service was poor. I am still not sure which servers were assigned to our table. I know it's supposed to be leisurely dining, but we were 20 minutes plus between courses and had to beg for water and coffee refills. Most of the food was okay, but I will say that my mushroom soup was outstanding and the one that ordered the lamb loved it. We also don't like the physical layout of the restaurant and found it crowded and noisy - far from the romantic ambiance they advertise. All in all, we wished we had gone to the MDR that night instead.

 

IMPRESSIONS was the best meal of the week. It is located where the Bistro is on the Jewel class ships and has a lovely atmosphere. Every single item we ordered was delicious, and the service was excellent. We each had an appetizer, a pizza to share, an entree and dessert. The Osso Bucco almost made our dinner companion weep it was so good. We all loved everything, and we wish we had eaten there again. It is a great value for $10.

 

Margarita Clinic This was not scheduled for the general public, but our wonderfulM&G leader arranged ahead of time for them to provide one to Cruise Critic if we got 12 or more people to attend. They did it on the last day and it was great fun. I did great until after the 5 or 6 frozen concoctions our wonderful guy made us a fabulous full sized Patron margarita on the rocks. My buddy didn't like his (silly man) so I volunteered to drink his, too. OOPS! I was a little silly for the rest of the night, and packing became a very big challenge!

 

Ports of Call

 

Samana I expected to be sort of a throw away after reading reviews, but it was one of our favorite days. We wanted to be lazy, so we booked Cayo Levatando through the ship. We hopped on the tender and it took us straight to the island and we found chairs under palm trees and spent the day in the water and the sun drinking buckets of El Presidente and relaxing. Friends ate the rock lobster and raved about it, but we never got hungry.

 

Tortola - We booked a catamaran excursion to Jost Van Dyke with Tortola Charters. The cat ride was pleasant, but longer than we expected. We also were one of the later boats to arrive, so our swim to shore was a bit more rigorous than we expected. When we got to the Soggy Dollar Bar (billed as one of the top 10 beach bars in the world) there were no chairs available so we grabbed a picnic table and ordered drinks and lunch. The PainKiller was as good as advertised and the food was fine, but the lovely birds in the trees above us decided to poop on 2 of us. YUCK All in all, it was a nice day, but it didn't live up to expectations.

 

Antigua - Last time I was here I did a private taxi tour and thoroughly enjoyed the day. This time we decided to just wander around the port, and it was a bad decision. The smell of sewage was strong, and we got hustled at a casino which was totally our own fault, but left a VERY BAD feeling for Antigua. Do not fall for anyone offering you free play in their casino, as things can spiral out of control quickly!

 

Barbados - Once again I chose to do the Shasa Catamaran. I love Jason, the operator, and his laid back relaxing excursion. We went by van to Brown's Beach where he picked us up in the cat (not his regular spot but conditions were dif) and we snorkeled a couple of shipwrecks before heading to the highlight of snorkeling with the sea turtles. We swam with at least a half dozen of the graceful and gentle creatures, and it was just spectacular. There was unlimited beer and other beverages. I drank my fair share of my favorite Banks beer thank you very much. Due to time in port, we opted for the half day excursion, but I want to say that on the full day excursion the meal provided is sensational. I will repeat this excursion again when I get back to Barbados, it's that good.

 

St. Kitts - This was the 5th of 5 stops in a row, so we opted to just stroll around town, visit the craft market, shop and have cocktails. I picked up a very pretty mystic topaz pendant and my friend got a mystic topaz ring and a gorgeous smoky topaz pendant all for very good prices. We had a couple of Carib beers and spent a few minutes in the little casino at the dock. It was a very low key and enjoyable day.

 

Summary This is all I can think of right now, so ask questions and if I think of anything else I'll add it. All in all, I would have to say that the Dawn is not my favorite ship but this itinerary is fantastic and I would book her again. I am curious whether drydock will make things better or worse.

[dznymom]

Samana

 

JOST VAN DYKE from Tortola

 

Barbados

[Darthdaddy]

Dznymom,

 

What kind of shape is the Dawn in these days?

There have been a lot of problems over the past few months. With drydock scheduled soon, I have to wonder how well the ship is being maintained.

 

We enjoyed the Dawn in May '09 and hate to read reports of how bad things have gotten. I hope the drydock restores the Dawn to 100%.

 

Josie & Patti are teriffic. I would consider the Dawn again just to enjoy their music.

[IreneCat]

Thanks so much for this review. We are considering going on the 11 day Southern Caribbean on the Dawn in November which has a similar itinerary.

[cruiser willy]

Great review. Thank you.

I'm trying to read all I can about the Dawn before our June sailing to Bermuda.

I'd love to hear more about the Antigua casino experience. Such warnings are invaluable to gullible tourists like me.

If you return to Antigua, please consider spending the day at an all-inclusive resort. I know it seems ludicrous to spend $$$ on stuff you're already paying for on the ship, but the beaches are worth it. We like the Grand Pineapple Resort. It's not fancy, but the beach is beautiful, the pools are very nice, the food is incredible and the drinks are mighty powerful. The day rates may seem a bit pricey, but I would go back again and again. GREAT option for the day. We met a family from Boston who were staying there for their annual 2 week winter vacation. This family, now 3 generations have been doing the 2 week stay there for many, many years. I can see why. The rooms don't seem over luxurious, but basic and clean. The beach and ocean are spectacular, though. It's a very laid back place.

Thanks again for the great review of the Dawn.

Sixty days till our sailing!!!!!

[KirkNC]

Great review, your comments on food make me Hungary :p.

 

Kirk

[dznymom]

Dznymom,

 

What kind of shape is the Dawn in these days?

There have been a lot of problems over the past few months. With drydock scheduled soon, I have to wonder how well the ship is being maintained.

 

We enjoyed the Dawn in May '09 and hate to read reports of how bad things have gotten. I hope the drydock restores the Dawn to 100%.

 

Josie & Patti are teriffic. I would consider the Dawn again just to enjoy their music.

 

You know, I didn't think she was in bad shape overall. Everything in our room (except the stewards :p) was in good working condition and the bathroom had no mold or anything like I have read recently. The chairs on our balcony were well worn, and it would be nice if they were replaced with better quality ones, but that's about it. As far buckets all over the ship, I saw a couple and one was by the Blue Lagoon so being in a high traffic area it may give the impression that there are more than there actually are. The elevators were always working and the pool area looked well maintained. I didn't see rust or worn out carpets, but then I don't look for that stuff. It has to be "in your face" for me to notice it.

 

I would sail the Dawn again based on itinerary, but she wouldn't be my first choice. But then, my heart belongs to the Jewel :)

[dznymom]

Thanks so much for this review. We are considering going on the 11 day Southern Caribbean on the Dawn in November which has a similar itinerary.

 

Southern Caribbean always makes for a great cruise. You should have a wonderful time!

 

Great review. Thank you.

I'm trying to read all I can about the Dawn before our June sailing to Bermuda.

I'd love to hear more about the Antigua casino experience. Such warnings are invaluable to gullible tourists like me.

......... Thanks again for the great review of the Dawn.

Sixty days till our sailing!!!!!

 

The Antigua casino debacle is really embarassing actually, as we are pretty smart people and usually rather savvy. Basically we were offered free slot play at a casino up the street from the Port (I will get the name of it and post it later) and escorted into the casino. We were delivered to a sort of keno type table, and they made a bet for us and one thing led to another and we were upping the bets and doubling and in short order we were out a few hundred bucks - DUMB DUMB DUMB. I was only in for $40, but my buddy brought out his credit card :eek: before we could stop him. It was really bad, and looking back all the warning signs were there, but we got stupid. I know from my last visit that Antigua is a beautiful island, but I will be mad at her for quite awhile!

 

Great review, your comments on food make me Hungary :p.

 

Kirk

 

My comments on food made me hungry, too! Wish I had a piece if the MDR chocolate mousse cake right about now!!!

[familyof4cruising]

We have the 2 aft balconies on deck 10 this Saturday...thank you for your review.

 

You were on deck 10 right? with the loungers?

[dznymom]

We have the 2 aft balconies on deck 10 this Saturday...thank you for your review.

 

You were on deck 10 right? with the loungers?

 

We were in 10230. We really enjoyed that balcony! There is nothing like sitting out there enjoying the sound and the sight of wake :) Have a wonderful trip.

[VonChap]

Hi Chris,

 

Great to meet you and your group on the cruise. We are still talking about the Margarita Tasting. :D:eek: That was a lot of fun! :)

 

Hope to sail with you again. Join us in October on the Pearl.

 

Kim

[dznymom]

Hi Chris,

 

Great to meet you and your group on the cruise. We are still talking about the Margarita Tasting. :D:eek: That was a lot of fun! :)

 

Hope to sail with you again. Join us in October on the Pearl.

 

Kim

 

Kim, we really enjoyed spending time with you guys, but we have the Star booked in November. Why don't you jump ship and join us over there :) I actually thought about switching, but I think we will stay put. Pearl is the better ship, but I like Star's itinerary better. I'm looking for something fun for next spring, though.....Any ideas?

[VonChap]

Kim, we really enjoyed spending time with you guys, but we have the Star booked in November. Why don't you jump ship and join us over there :) I actually thought about switching, but I think we will stay put. Pearl is the better ship, but I like Star's itinerary better. I'm looking for something fun for next spring, though.....Any ideas?

 

Ohhhh...join us on the Star Repo on April 15th. Check out the Roll Call. We have a great bunch of people. 20 people have already signed up for the Margarita Tasting. :D

 

Hope to see you cruising again soon!

 

Kim

[2boyzmom]

Did the NCL offer a tour to Jost Van Dyke? We went last year with the cruiseline and it was a fabulous experience with maybe 6 people on the beach Presidents week!

[dznymom]

Did the NCL offer a tour to Jost Van Dyke? We went last year with the cruiseline and it was a fabulous experience with maybe 6 people on the beach Presidents week!

 

Yes, I am pretty sure there was a cruiseline excursion to JVD. By the time we got there on our independent excursion, there were no chairs available at the Soggy Dollar beach area, and the other bars all charged for chairs. The beach wasn't packed, but it was far from exclusive. It was a nice day, but for me it didn't live up to expectations.

[dznymom]

Ohhhh...join us on the Star Repo on April 15th. Check out the Roll Call. We have a great bunch of people. 20 people have already signed up for the Margarita Tasting. :D

 

Hope to see you cruising again soon!

 

Kim

 

Very tempting! The itinerary looks darn good! We are also considering Europe or Alaska. I thnk I am passing on the Nov '12 repo of the Star, although there is still time for me to change my mind :)

[Hikini]

Thanks for your review - sounds like fun!

 

I am anxious to read more about the Dawn's drydock and what they will do to it. I wonder if they are going to put in a bunch of new suites like they did on the Star?

 

Glad you had a good time.