The Dawn

[romandog]

I see alot of people here say that the Dawn is there favorite ship. We are booked on a 10 day for April 2012. Can anyone give me any highlights as to why she may be your favorite ship? Any help would be appreciated. Can you use the relaxation pool in the spa for free, and what about the hot tub at the front of the ship, can we also use that? I can not wait to board as this will be our 1st 10 day cruise.

[Matti]

From what I remember of my time on the Dawn, I'll see what I can do to answer your questions.

 

I know for a fact that guests cannot use the hot tub in the bow of the ship. The bow area is for crew only. However, there is a forward hot tub on Deck 13 that you can use, which provides a nice view.

 

I don't believe that the spa pool is free but I've never actually been in the spa on NCL so I can't say for sure. Hopefully somebody else can confirm.

[Just Jo]

We booked the Dawn just last week for our first 11 night Caribbean cruise in November. I look forward to reading replies.

[EileenN]

Our main items that draw us back again and again to the Dawn was the crew...an awesome group of people always smiling and eager to please. We have been in the penthouse suites, the regular suites and balcony rooms. Every cruise was memorable.

the tub in the spa is involved in the spa fee. However, the hot tub on the upper deck at the front of the ship is wonderful especially at sea.

[2Cruise4Ever]

I agree with Eileen - it's the crew. That, and it's easy to get around. If you're at one end of the ship and need to get to the other, go to deck 7, 9, 10, or 11. The other decks have some obstructions that may block your way.

 

We have had nothing but wonderful, wonderful experiences on the Dawn on the 5 times we've sailed her. We're only sailing the Jewel this year because a number of our favorite crew members from the Dawn moved to the Jewel. And, because the Dawn will be sailing out of Boston instead of NYC this summer. Too long of a drive to Boston... and flying 4 people is way out of the realm of possibility, money-wise.

[Planer's Edge]

I agree with Eileen - it's the crew. That, and it's easy to get around. If you're at one end of the ship and need to get to the other, go to deck 7, 9, 10, or 11. The other decks have some obstructions that may block your way.

 

We have had nothing but wonderful, wonderful experiences on the Dawn on the 5 times we've sailed her. We're only sailing the Jewel this year because a number of our favorite crew members from the Dawn moved to the Jewel. And, because the Dawn will be sailing out of Boston instead of NYC this summer. Too long of a drive to Boston... and flying 4 people is way out of the realm of possibility, money-wise.

 

We have friends who just got back from a Dawn cruise and they say there was slightly different vibe within the crew. This is probably due to a long time senior staffer moving to a different ship. Hopefully the new senior staffer can generate a similar rapport with the crew as has been apparent for the past few years. ;) I am betting it will happen and things will continue as they were for years to come.

 

PE

[SFO-F/A]

We booked the Dawn just last week for our first 11 night Caribbean cruise in November. I look forward to reading replies.

Hi Jo, did you join our roll call for Nov. 23? It's pretty active. See you on the Thanksgiving cruise.

Jacki

[2Cruise4Ever]

We have friends who just got back from a Dawn cruise and they say there was slightly different vibe within the crew. This is probably due to a long time senior staffer moving to a different ship. Hopefully the new senior staffer can generate a similar rapport with the crew as has been apparent for the past few years. ;) I am betting it will happen and things will continue as they were for years to come.

 

PE

 

Agreed PE, never encountered a crew on ANY NCL ship that wasn't absolutely fantastic!

[Just Jo]

Hi Jo, did you join our roll call for Nov. 23? It's pretty active. See you on the Thanksgiving cruise.

Jacki

 

Hi Jacki. I sure have, and I couldn't be more excited! See you in 211 days! :D

[halos]

I am one of those who claims that the Dawn is my favorite :)

 

There is no single or big reason that she is my favorite except that I had the two best cruises EVER on that ship and she has left a lasting impression.

After my first Dawn cruise, I seriously thought no ohter cruise would compare...it was THAT good.

Then I cruised her again and had an even better cruise....which I am still not sure how that was even possible. I got off that ship in Feb and STILL have PCD!

The crew both sailings was just amazing. I love the ship itself and I really am loving NCL in general these days. I hope to try many many more NCL ships in the future.

[camz]

I too have stated that the Dawn is my favorite ship! The Dawn is a beautiful ship and kept in very good condition. The layout of the ship is user friendly. The Dawn also received a perfect score in the germ department, sanitation. The ship itself has some unique characteristics that make it special. However, I totally agree that the Dawn crew is the friendliest at sea. What really amazed me is the fact that 6 months prior to our sailing on the Dawn, we sailed on the Gem. After sailing aboard the Gem, I didn't expect too much from the Dawn. However, was I wrong! The Dawn totally wowed me and is my favorite NCL ship. There is something about the Dawn that has the total WOW factor. :)

[CruisinMaterial]

There is something to be said about the crew and it's a resonating theme in this thread. I, up until recently, found the Norwegian Jewel to be my favorite ship in the NCL fleet. Again it was due to a senior management person who cared about the crew and it showed with the crew being positively outstanding for the guests. If the right people are in senior management onboard then things will run smoothly all the way around.

 

My most recent Jewel experience waivered when the un-named person was gone. The only people I found to still offer outstanding service were the people who were there under the other management's watch. Those crew members were great! The new crew seemed off though.

 

Bottom line: A ships is only as good as the senior management and the crew who work on her. Quite a few ships in the NCL fleet have good senior management onboard but not all of them and I think this shows based on the service seen by the customers. :cool:

[sunlovermtl]

Our main items that draw us back again and again to the Dawn was the crew...an awesome group of people always smiling and eager to please. We have been in the penthouse suites, the regular suites and balcony rooms. Every cruise was memorable.

the tub in the spa is involved in the spa fee. However, the hot tub on the upper deck at the front of the ship is wonderful especially at sea.

 

Hello Eileen. My husband and I are looking at the Dawn for February with 3 other couples. I am new to NCL. What differences were there for the mini-suite vs a balcony room? I want perks but if there are none I will not pay more for a slightly bigger room.

 

thank you

Claudette

[Planer's Edge]

Hello Eileen. My husband and I are looking at the Dawn for February with 3 other couples. I am new to NCL. What differences were there for the mini-suite vs a balcony room? I want perks but if there are none I will not pay more for a slightly bigger room.

 

thank you

Claudette

 

I am not Eileen, but I am sure she would not mind me answering for her.

 

The difference between a balcony cabin and a mini suite is room size, balcony size, a larger shower with a tub and a curtain that can close off the sleeping area from the sitting area.

 

Sorry to say, there are no perks with a mini.

 

PE

[sunlovermtl]

I am not Eileen' date=' but I am sure she would not mind me answering for her. [/color']

 

The difference between a balcony cabin and a mini suite is room size, balcony size, a larger shower with a tub and a curtain that can close off the sleeping area from the sitting area.

 

Sorry to say, there are no perks with a mini.

 

PE

 

Thank you for your answer. So no Vip invitations to breakfast or lunch or going to the front of the line?

[sunlovermtl]

I am not Eileen' date=' but I am sure she would not mind me answering for her. [/color']

 

The difference between a balcony cabin and a mini suite is room size, balcony size, a larger shower with a tub and a curtain that can close off the sleeping area from the sitting area.

 

Sorry to say, there are no perks with a mini.

 

PE

 

Thank you for your answer. So no Vip invitations to breakfast or lunch or going to the front of any of the lines? We have wonderful perks with Celebrity now because of our cruise history but our friends love NCL and want us to go with them.

[Planer's Edge]

Thank you for your answer. So no Vip invitations to breakfast or lunch or going to the front of any of the lines? We have wonderful perks with Celebrity now because of our cruise history but our friends love NCL and want us to go with them.

 

No, the breakfast/lunch and "front of the line" perks go to full suites. But, some people have reported VIP type perks without being in suites and it usually has to do with their frequency of cruising on NCL. If you sail with NCL enough you generate some friendships along the way which sometimes turn into very good treatment. ;)

 

PE

[gcdogwalker]

We always sailed on the Majesty out of Boston and I thought they had the nicest crew ever. The ship was small and showing it's age but the wonderful crew that made up for it. Now, of course, the Majesty is gone but we've sailed on several other Norweigan ships, the last being the Dawn out of Miami. That crew is a also very, very special. They go out of their way to please the guests, the ship is beautiful, the entertainment is great, my cabin was always clean and they were there early to take care of it. It's the only ship I ever won in the casino (only a bottle of wine) :D but I'm no gambler. We are so happy the Dawn is coming to Boston! You have a wonderful cruise!

[camz]

We always sailed on the Majesty out of Boston and I thought they had the nicest crew ever. The ship was small and showing it's age but the wonderful crew that made up for it. Now, of course, the Majesty is gone but we've sailed on several other Norweigan ships, the last being the Dawn out of Miami. That crew is a also very, very special. They go out of their way to please the guests, the ship is beautiful, the entertainment is great, my cabin was always clean and they were there early to take care of it. It's the only ship I ever won in the casino (only a bottle of wine) :D but I'm no gambler. We are so happy the Dawn is coming to Boston! You have a wonderful cruise!

 

Don't get me started on the Majesty! I was aboard the Majesty for three cruises and I love this little ship. The Majesty had so much charm. I was so upset when NCL sold her. However, I have found my new favorite of the NCL fleet, the Dawn. The Dawn also has charm and the friendliest crew at sea! :)

[beachlady60]

I am one of those who claims that the Dawn is my favorite :)

 

There is no single or big reason that she is my favorite except that I had the two best cruises EVER on that ship and she has left a lasting impression.

After my first Dawn cruise, I seriously thought no ohter cruise would compare...it was THAT good.

Then I cruised her again and had an even better cruise....which I am still not sure how that was even possible. I got off that ship in Feb and STILL have PCD!

The crew both sailings was just amazing. I love the ship itself and I really am loving NCL in general these days. I hope to try many many more NCL ships in the future.

I see you have been on the Star and the Dawn. DH and I are trying to decide between them for a Bermuda cruise. Does one have newer furnings or in general in better shape? I know the Star was updated last year but I don't know what was done. I know the Dawn is in drydock now, but are they only moving venues around and putting new suites. we plan on getting our "First" balcony. I would appreciate any info you can give us and thank you in advance.

[poffles]

I love hearing good stuff about the Dawn. Sailed on the Pearl and loved the cruise and looking to another cruise March 2012 and the 11 day Dawn looks incredible.

 

I just keep wondering if we will be disappointed going from the Pearl to the Dawn, everyone is worried it is a lot smaller but it doesn't appear to be a big difference in size. And the atrium looks much nicer on the Dawn, hated that part of the Pearl. I know she is in drydock getting some changes but can't see the Atrium changing in a month.

[che5904]

I see you have been on the Star and the Dawn. DH and I are trying to decide between them for a Bermuda cruise. Does one have newer furnings or in general in better shape? I know the Star was updated last year but I don't know what was done. I know the Dawn is in drydock now, but are they only moving venues around and putting new suites. we plan on getting our "First" balcony. I would appreciate any info you can give us and thank you in advance.

 

Beachlady I was on the Dawn (09) Star (11) both in a balcony cabin. Outside of the curtains and carpet being a different color, I could have been on the same ship. Layout, bed, bedding, upkeep, features all the same...wonderful. I found the crew on both ships extremely friendly and the ship in good shape and there were always crew around painting or cleaning etc. (not in the passengers way, just doing their jobs).

 

The Dawn holds a special place in our hearts as it was our first cruise and I preferred the ports of the carribean to the MR (not by much just a little). But we had more fun on the Star and were more relaxed because we then knew the drill (pun intended). So I'd probably have to say our 2nd cruise on the Star was our better one, but that had nothing to do with the ship, just because we had more experience in cruising by the 2nd.

[xazzu]

I just got back from the last Dawn cruise a week or two ago and loved it. I can't say it's my favorite because the only other one I'd been on is decommissioned, but I did love it and would cruise on it again any time!

[OttawaJohn]

I see alot of people here say that the Dawn is there favorite ship. We are booked on a 10 day for April 2012.

 

Same cruise we're on probably, see you there :)

 

I to am glad to hear all the positive reviews of the Dawn. Look forward to hearing more new ones after the drydock to see what's changed.

[halos]

I STILL have PCD thinking about that ship

:)