dawn - the true account

[judyf]

Thanks for posing your opinion of the situation. It's good to get all sides of a situation. Everyone has different experiences during an event.

[logcabin]

I think a lot of this is "what goes around, comes around" or "you reap what you sew"..... In other words, if your rude and nasty to the crew and staff, that's what your going to get back. I know, I am in the customer service industry. If we have clients who have problems, we will go out of our way to do whatever we can for them. But, if they are nasty, rude, harassing to us, etc. I won't give them crap! I was on the Dawn last year and can't say enough at how wonderful EVERYONE was to us. But, we treated them with great respect also. Our first night on board we gave pre-paid phone cards to our room stewards, our butler, etc and told them to call home on us at the next port. We were treated like gold the whole cruise. Each resturant we ate in was great with wonderful service. We had such a wonderful experience, that we are going on the Dawn again June 12th and can't wait. However, I read reviews from people who were on the same cruise as us and said things were not good. Were they on the same ship as us, at the same time? I can't help but to think that these are some of the people you see on the ship treating the crew like crap. You know the ones. These are the folks who come aboard with an attitude, nothing makes them happy, etc.

 

I'm not saying that things weren't bad. However, people have to remember that some of the crew may have been pretty freaked out also. Then, I'm sure they were all getting hit from all directions from passengers wanting this and that, wanting off the ship, what is happening, etc. I'm sure some of them just snapped. Hey, they are only human.

 

If anyone needs to be mad at someone, direct your anger towards corporate. They are they ones who changed the itinerary, probably insisted the captain head back through the storm to make it to NYC in time, etc.

[Rilaxmom19]

This is the first I've heard about the customs inspection in Miami. Does everyone get off the ship with their boarding papers, then get back on, even if they had no plans to visit Miami? Does this happen on every cruise to Miami or was this a spot inspection?

[madelinerose]

:confused: Funny, the different perspectives. I just replied to the "One of the WAVE People" thread explaining how our local news interviewed Marylanders who were on this cruise and they gave glowing reports about how attentive and wonderful the crew was. :confused:

 

,

while i realize they could not help the weather, i base my opinion on how they handled the mess it left. that is all we can really assess, true?

[davy jones]

firsttimelongtime

 

I was not on the cruise, so I can't prove or dispute your claims. However, you complain because the captain chose to sail through bad weather to keep on schedule. Then you complained that you were going to be late getting back to NYC.

 

Hello............

 

Waiting for the storm to pass would have put you in NYC a day late anyway. Either way, you were going to be complaining.

 

If your court testimony is this consistent, there's going to be a lot of murderers walking the street.

[richtersl]

...at least the Dawn did not lose power like the Rotterdam did back in September:

First off - the ship DID lose power while encountering rough seas from the remnants of Hurricane Karl. While traversing 30-40 foot seas in the North Atlantic, the engines lost power and the ship lost ability to steer bow into the waves for 3 - 3 1/2 hours. During this time, the ship was rolling randomly side-to-side and front-to-back, causing some of the glass doors between lounges to break, casino slot machines to fall over, and some of the vertical iron ceiling beams to break loose and fall in several lounges. Passengers were all required to stay in whatever room or lounge they were already in at the time the power was lost, as they didn't want passengers walking the staircases with such severe rolling. Passengers were at first told to sit on the floors as chairs and other furniture would roll over when people sat in them, but several people were unable to hold on and were sliding across the floors...so they worked on relocating everyone to couches and fixed furniture or poles to hold on.

 

Several passengers had told my mother that several cabin windows or sliding doors were broken as waves lashed the ship from the side, however she was unable to verify those claims.

 

After several hours, the ship was able to restore power to at least one propeller, and proceeded to sail through the remainder of the seas to Nova Scotia, which is where my mother finally had the chance to call me and tell me what had happened.

 

She said most of the crew were waiting in line at the phones to call back to the Phillipines and eastern Europe to tell their families about what happened. She was generally calm during much of the initial rolling as she had been on lots of ships and lots of rough seas, but said she got fairly scared when she saw several ships' crew and officers, many with years of sailing experience, looking frightened and wearing their life jackets. Once the one propeller was running and the ship was able to control its direction in the seas, the roll stabilized to a more normal front-to-back hobby-horse mode, and many passengers calmed down. Apparently some were still severely traumatized, and the infirmary dispensed lots of seasickness medicine and sleeping pills!

 

Hope that helps answer any of the questions or confirm or quell any rumours floating around about what happened. I can get the more complete story once they hit New York on the 30th and fly back home. There is some question as to whether or not the Rotterdam can be fixed and cleaned up in time for the next cruise...I'm sure repairs and orders for parts are already underway as they finalize the east coast leg down to NY.

 

The rest of the thread continues here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=84410&highlight=hurricane+karl

 

Here's a different thread with photos and more information: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=87620&highlight=hurricane+karl

 

I've said this in a few places already, but I am so glad to hear that all Dawn passengers made it home safely. I know that had I been on that trip, I would have run out of clean underwear! :eek:

[Gigsjp]

This is the first I've heard about the customs inspection in Miami. Does everyone get off the ship with their boarding papers, then get back on, even if they had no plans to visit Miami? Does this happen on every cruise to Miami or was this a spot inspection?

 

The reason there was a strange situation was due to the fact that our itinerary was changed. Instead of NY being our first stop after going to Bahamas, Miami was, and as a result everyone had to go through immigration since were technically re-entering the US.

 

We were warned the night before that everyone would need to get off the ship and no one would be allowed back until everyone had gotten off. For those that got off early and had nothing to do, they were basically at the mercy of those left on the ship.

 

Not a terrible situation, but not the best either. We were warned that in all likelihood re-boarding the ship would not happen to 10:30 AM at the earliest.

[vllygrrl]

This is the first I've heard about the customs inspection in Miami. Does everyone get off the ship with their boarding papers, then get back on, even if they had no plans to visit Miami? Does this happen on every cruise to Miami or was this a spot inspection?

 

No, this was due to the itinerary change. Because we went to the bahamas (their private island is technically the Bahamas) and therefor out of the country, you must due immigration in the first US port you return to.

 

Usually it's the same port you embark from, and it's no big deal (because your leaving the ship anyway). But because we were still cruising, we had to wait off the ship till they were done.

[Andipanda1]

Davy Jones,

You are right. You were not on the ship, so please keep your negative comments to yourself. Don't you think we have been through enough?

 

Firsttimelongtime,

I would love to talk to you. Please feel free to email me at caren0@yahoo.com

 

Keep in mind, however, that this is a public message board. Everyone has a right to share their opinion.

 

That said, we weren't on the ship with you, and I'm sorry that you had this horrible experience. Thank heavens that your are safe and sound.

[wyealbert]

This cruise sounds like a horrible experience and I'm glad you are all OK, although a bit shaken. There is one overwhelming factor that governs cruise ship movements - SCHEDULE! These ships must stay on the move continuously (except for dry dock time) in order to generate revenue. My wife and I have been through 2 hurricanes on cruise ships. Not pleasant, but it happens. One was on the west coast en route to the Panama Canal. Canal reservations are made a year or so in advance and if you aren't there on schedule, you miss your appointment! During this storm, several cabins in the bow had plate glass doors blown out in cabins and one in a lounge, water damage and an electrical fire to boot! We kept going, missed a port and made the best of it. Passengers received some compensation just like you folks did. If you enjoy cruising, just be prepared for instances like this on occasion. The encouraging part is that problems like this are quite rare. It is still a great way to travel.

[davy jones]

caren

 

I have also sailed through severe North Atlantic storms, albeit without the rogue wave. I fully understand that they are extremely uncomfortable and can be frightening. I am also thankful that everyone returned home safely.

 

My point was that firsttimelongtime would have been complaining regardless of the decision. In his mind the captain was damned regardless of the decision. I do not believe that pointing out the inconsistencies of his own statements is negative.

 

There does seem to be quite a few different perspectives from those on the ship. But each person views things differently.

[albertiger]

In all due respect, I just came over here to peek after hearing

"the news" and all I can say is:

You want an inexpensive crowd-em-on then get-em-off

cruise line, then, with NCL - you got one.

 

There are far better lines out there folks - far better.

that is just an ignorant statement! :p

[JulieRB]

Firsttimelongtime,

I would love to talk to you. Please feel free to email me at caren0@yahoo.com

 

Hi firsttimelongtime,

 

I wasn't on your cruise, but my husband and I were on another NCL cruise a few years back that didn't go well. I would also be interested in mailing with you. My e-mail address is julieinduvall@hotmail.com.

 

I am thankful that you and your girlfriend are safe and on dry land.

 

Julie

[miss-riss]

Hi Everyone:

 

Yes, my family and I were also on the Dawn during this horrific experience. We made it home safely and I am happy about that. I will post some later about our experience, but at this point I am trying to look back to the wonderful time we had prior to the storm. Were we frightened? Absolutely! Yet, through all of this I met some wonderful, wonderful people! Caren, you and your family are wonderful---thanks for holding my hand! Maryann, Mimi---you and your families were just a joy to meet! I hope we will all stay in touch forever! I will also post a review of the entire trip shortly.

 

For those who were not on the cruise of 4/10, you can't imagine what is was like. Everyone will have a different account of what happened as it effected us differently. Unless you were there, you can not begin to imagine what it was like---period. I hope that you never have to experience it first hand.

[gemsm]

For those who were not on the cruise of 4/10, you can't imagine what is was like. Everyone will have a different account of what happened as it effected us differently. Unless you were there, you can not begin to imagine what it was like---period. I hope that you never have to experience it first hand.

 

Actually this is not true. THose of us who have been in similar maritime situations can imagine exactly what it is like because we have been through something similar at some point in our lives (with the exception of the rogue wave of course).

 

My first cruise was on the MS Sunward II. A 14,000 ton 785 foot long ship.

It did not have stabilizers at all. Going through the 12 to 15 foot seas coming from Freeport to Miami was more than likely just as rough as you guys going through the seas you did.

 

I can understand how scared folks were -- I have been in similar situations.

I can really understand how scared first time cruisers were. They didn't know what to expect. I would have been seasick as heck I am sure but I would have felt much safer on the Dawn then in a 20 foot fishing boat in 18 foot swells.

[miss-riss]

Actually this is not true. THose of us who have been in similar maritime situations can imagine exactly what it is like because we have been through something similar at some point in our lives (with the exception of the rogue wave of course).

 

My point was if you were not on the Dawn---you don't know exactly what went on or how we felt. I wasn't saying that no one has been through a similar situation--yet how would you know it was similiar if you didn't experience it. That's all I was trying to say. If you went through this, including the "rogue wave" then you know what it was like on the Dawn. I am not implying that no one has ever gone through this or something worse--just if you weren't on the Dawn--you don't know.

[vllygrrl]

Actually this is not true. THose of us who have been in similar maritime situations can imagine exactly what it is like because we have been through something similar at some point in our lives (with the exception of the rogue wave of course).

 

My first cruise was on the MS Sunward II. A 14,000 ton 785 foot long ship.

It did not have stabilizers at all. Going through the 12 to 15 foot seas coming from Freeport to Miami was more than likely just as rough as you guys going through the seas you did.

 

I can understand how scared folks were -- I have been in similar situations.

I can really understand how scared first time cruisers were. They didn't know what to expect. I would have been seasick as heck I am sure but I would have felt much safer on the Dawn then in a 20 foot fishing boat in 18 foot swells.

 

You don't know what we went through. The waves during the worst of the storm exceded 40 feet consistently for 3 to 4 hours. The 7th deck looked like it was at sea level at some points.

Yes, people have had similar experiences. I have been on prior cruises with 20 to 30 foot swells. This was way beyond that.

[Host CMLA]

I am not implying that no one has ever gone through this or something worse--just if you weren't on the Dawn--you don't know.

You are so right miss riss. If none of us was actually on the Dawn, we certainly can't know exactly what you felt. However, I do have to say that this is a message board with many members that obviously weren't cruising with you. By coming to this board and sharing your story, you're opening it up to everyone to comment on it and ask questions of your experience. No, we weren't all there but if you only want to hear from people who were there, this board might not be the best place.

 

I'm glad you're home safely and I hope your'e able to remember those good cruise memories.

[miss-riss]

You are so right miss riss. If none of us was actually on the Dawn, we certainly can't know exactly what you felt. However, I do have to say that this is a message board with many members that obviously weren't cruising with you. By coming to this board and sharing your story, you're opening it up to everyone to comment on it and ask questions of your experience. No, we weren't all there but if you only want to hear from people who were there, this board might not be the best place.

 

Cecilia---I don't think that was necessary. I don't have a problem with people posting comments or questions regarding my experience--so I really don't know where you are coming from. My point was what I said. You can ask questions about what we went through, but unless you went through it you really don't know how it was. Period. So with that statement, you, as the moderator, are suggesting that the board might not be the best place for me? Why is that? I wasn't even angry about the previous poster that I was addressing, so why would it merit this response from "our moderator"?

[brunolvr]

Has anyone posted their pictures of this cruise yet? Since the storm went on for such a long time, didn't anyone get pictures of the huge waves?

[vllygrrl]

Has anyone posted their pictures of this cruise yet? Since the storm went on for such a long time, didn't anyone get pictures of the huge waves?

 

I usually take quite a few pictures during a cruise. During the storm, the only thing I could think of was the safety of my 1 year old with us.

 

Many others probably were just as distracted as us. That's why I don't think there will not be too many photos or videos other than what has already been seen on TV.

[gemsm]

You don't know what we went through. The waves during the worst of the storm exceded 40 feet consistently for 3 to 4 hours. The 7th deck looked like it was at sea level at some points.

Yes, people have had similar experiences. I have been on prior cruises with 20 to 30 foot swells. This was way beyond that.

 

 

On the Sunward with no stabilizer bar the 7th deck hits sea level with every roll of the ship. That is why that was happening to you guys because the captain retracted the stabilizers.

[vllygrrl]

On the Sunward with no stabilizer bar the 7th deck hits sea level with every roll of the ship. That is why that was happening to you guys because the captain retracted the stabilizers.

 

That's your assumption. I was in a balcony cabin on the 10th deck at the very back of the ship. This had nothing to do with the pitch and roll of the Ship. The waves were THAT high.

[gemsm]

You don't know what we went through. The waves during the worst of the storm exceded 40 feet consistently for 3 to 4 hours. The 7th deck looked like it was at sea level at some points.

Yes, people have had similar experiences. I have been on prior cruises with 20 to 30 foot swells. This was way beyond that.

 

No offense to what you guys went through but you seem to feel like you are the only folks that have ever been through bad seas.

 

I was just trying to point out that some of us folks have experienced even worse seas then you did while on the Dawn and with a much less sound/stable ship.

[gemsm]

That's your assumption. I was in a balcony cabin on the 10th deck at the very back of the ship. This had nothing to do with the pitch and roll of the Ship. The waves were THAT high.

 

I understood that perfectly...And if the waves were "THAT" high then that is even more of a testament to how sound of a ship the Dawn is.