Dawn Review: April 18-24 - Great Cruise!!!

[nycglitter]

Jeanne S - When you write the notes to the NCL staff, how do you get them to them? Where would one send a note?

[saslis]

Ladies---I agree the Liar's Club was great. Ed Alonzo would make me laugh before he even spoke. He is not from Welcome Back Kotter---Horshack was played by Ron Paldino (??)------I have no idea why my head holds such useless information---oh wait a minute --- it was just useful:D

 

I thought all the participants of the Liar's Club were funny and I am smiling just thinking about it.

[Jeanne S]

Suesan Jean: How was dinner!! I emailed you.

 

Jeanette: You and my sister are right; he was that character Screech in Saved by the Bell – not Welcome Back Kotter. I realized this looking at the site you sent – thanks. The Liars club was a rip and I think it was because of Ed as well as the comedians from second city. Even the Assistant Cruise Director Mike was a hoot. We fell asleep twice and woke up at midnight to find we’d missed stuff we really wanted to attend also.

 

 

Tara: Do you think that is why we stop in Miami in the first place? We could not figure out why they selected it in the first place when there was Key West (a gay cruise went there in Lieu of Miami 2 years ago) or even Freeport or an over night in Nassau – a real two days.

 

Shirly: Great, so you can meet them all gain at the Latitudes meeting. Did you have an AG guarantee and get an AG cabin (those by the Spa) or an AF – the only difference is the proximity to the SPA that I can tell.

 

Andrea: Our first time on the DAWN it was first come first serve for the tender to Stirrup Cay – not tickets. This time we were given priority tickets when I asked Ruth. Although we did make the firs passenger tender out, it was a mad dash down the stair cases as the also called other ticket numbers. We had passes that stated we could go on a tender. It is good to get to SC as early as possible as this is a very small private island that fills up fast.

 

We did the walk off last time and I too thought we were the first ones off the ship but we were not. Ruth walked us off before they announced that the ship had even cleared.

 

Judy: I think that the Port Canaveral may be less of a bus ride; how long did the ride take Jett? You will love Salsa – I could have eaten there every night as it is so beautiful, the service is excellent and we found that we could even order off the menu – but there was plenty on it to choose from. There was nothing like watching the sun set into the water in Salsa.

[Jeanne S]

NYC Glitter: Hand them in at the reception desk with their name and title on the front of envelope and they will get it. Usually someone is in Ruth’s office (her assistant) so I dropped off a note.

 

Salsis: I don’t know where I got that from either – must be the hair. I thought that I read something on the ship that Ed was from WBK but I must have gotten it wrong.

[Jett456]

[quote

Judy: I think that the Port Canaveral may be less of a bus ride; how long did the ride take Jett? You will love Salsa – I could have eaten there every night as it is so beautiful, the service is excellent and we found that we could even order off the menu – but there was plenty on it to choose from. There was nothing like watching the sun set into the water in Salsa.

 

The bus ride to the fish camp was only about 20 minutes.

[Jeanne S]

And ours was al least 45 min

[Jeanne S]

Mr. Tractor of this site (sailed on the Dawn 2/03) has graciously posted his thoughts on the concierge:

 

 

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#219 Today, 05:57 PM

mrtractor

Cool Cruiser Join Date: May 2002

Location: The Old Dominion

Posts: 387

 

Here is the part on concierge service.....

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

......you were interested in. Please recognize the context and disregard the reference to any former members of FOMT. (Does the fact that somebody sells their membership card mean that you aren't my friend any more? I hope not!).....

 

Working With The Concierge- Sarah Rio was our concierge this trip and just like Julie Sedwick on the Sun, she did a superb job. I heard one other passenger from Alabama who will remain nameless (but his screen name on Cruise Critics is BAMA X 2) say that she was difficult to deal with. My experience was quite to the contrary. Let my just offer a few tips to our friend from Birmingham that may help in future dealings with people with an understanding of politesse.

 

1) Never demand anything. Ask nice.

 

2) Always use a soothing and polite tone of voice

 

3) Always express your appreciation for their service both monetarily and with a thank-you

 

4) Mention the name of the last concierge you had and what a great job they did

 

5) Understand what they can and can’t do for you and don’t ask them to break the rules. They are happy to bend them a little, like getting tender passes for your friends or getting you priority embarkation even if you don’t have an early flight, but don’t ask them to pull the ship over so you can take a picture.

 

6) Never use phrases like, “What the h – e double toothpicks is the problem, BIATCH!” This leads to a great deal of misunderstanding and may effect the manner in which you are treated.

 

 

 

Here are some of the things a concierge can do for you:

 

1) Priority Tender Tickets – This only came in handy at the private island on the eastern route, but on the western, it might be more important. On the Sun, the concierge actually met us and escorted us onto the very first tender before anyone else was allowed to board it. On the Dawn, you simply got a white card saying “VIP Tender Pass” and it allowed you to get on any available tender.

 

2) Dinner reservations – If your cabin category starts with the letter A, you are allowed to make a reservation at any of the alternative, reservation only restaurants at any time, so long as they are available. In lower categories, you may only call the day before. This is extremely helpful with the Teppanyaki Grill in Bamboo or Le Bistro as these can get filled up especially later on in the week.

 

3) Arrange for transportation – They can arrange for a rental car, or as in our case, bus transfers to the airport. We just called and she sent two transfer tickets up to our room and put it on our onboard account. They can even arrange for a rental car in port.

 

4) Private parties. She can arrange for a private party in your suite if you wish and if its big enough. She can arrange for hors d’ oeuvres, a special menu, bar set ups and even servers in white gloves if you’d like. These will incur special charges, so ask before you arrange a party. It cost us around $100 plus gratuity to have a party in our suite with hot and cold food and two bottles of Champagne. Not that bad when you consider it.

 

5) Suites usually include a bottle of wine or Champagne. If you didn’t get one, ask when you get in. They may send one right up!

 

6) Shore Excursion Tickets – If you haven’t already made plans and want to use the ship’s excursions, no need to stand in line. Just call and tell them what you want and the tickets are delivered to your stateroom.

 

 

 

We really enjoyed having Sarah take care of all of the things we asked her for and we give her the highest marks. A little Dale Carnegie goes a long way, doesn’t it BAMA?

[Lunchlady]

My family and I were on the same cruise that week. Had a wonderful time. It was our first cruise. Just learning everything took some time. We were so amazed by the Dawn's size and beauty and the surroundings, we passed Lady Liberty and didn't even realize it. People are eating in the resturants and the party on the pool deck started I think even before we set sail.

 

Just curious about the Cruise Critic meeting. Did you have to be invited to this?

Would have loved to joined and met other "seasoned cruisers" to get a jump on what we still don't know. Can't wait to book again. Glad your time as good as ours.

[snorklinbarb]

So, now that I've bent some ears here, I'd love to know about the priority tender and disembarkation tickets. I'm a little disappointed to hear the concierge is not very available. NCL called me and offered a upgrade to penthouse, but wasn't sure what 3 of us would do with the space. I'd probably never come out of the cabin!

Looking forward to a smooth sail, great weather and chocoholic buffet!

andrea

 

andreamarc,

 

I see in another thread that you decided to take the "leap" to a suite! Enjoy! You will be treated royally.:)

 

Just to clarify, though. The concierge is very available and will help out the minisuites who contact her/him. It's just regarding the priority tender tickets and disembarkation, which are just not included services for that level cabin.

 

Priority tender tickets, available to suites and above, basically are sent to your cabin.

 

In those ports (such as the private island), where you have to tender instead of docking, they allow you to board any tender you'd like, whenever you want, without waiting in line.

 

The VIP disembarkation service for suites allows you to be escorted off the ship by the concierge first, before any "colors" are called. But as was pointed out, deck 11 and 10 minisuites follow soon thereafter, so they are pretty high in the queue as well.

 

Happy sails!:D

[nycglitter]

Suesan Jean: How was dinner!! I emailed you.

 

Jeanette: You and my sister are right; he was that character Screech in Saved by the Bell – not Welcome Back Kotter.

 

Jeanne, thanks for the info on where to leave the notes, I will definately do that!

 

Also - Ed Alonzo was NOT Screech on Saved by the Bell. Screech was played by Dustin Diamond. (My daughter is a big fan of the show, that's how I know!)

[judyf]

Jeanne S thanks for the info. Looking at the menus I would eat in Salsa every night too. I know we will be there a few nights just so many things I like on the menu. With looking at the other dining areas there wasn't much on the menus I like. I also want to go to the Italian place pasta without fish is my favorite!

 

I'm leaning towards the airboat in P.C. cause we are there for 11 hours.

 

Does anyone have any info on Coca Beach or South Beach? Which is better? What is there to do at each? What about transportatuion to and from.

 

Thanks so much for the great info!!!!

[shirleygr]

Suesan Jean:

Shirly: Great, so you can meet them all gain at the Latitudes meeting. Did you have an AG guarantee and get an AG cabin (those by the Spa) or an AF – the only difference is the proximity to the SPA that I can tell.

 

Since there are four of us (dh, myself and 2 dd's), NCL wouldn't let us book a gty. We booked the last minisuite available in that category (AG). The AF cabins were about $500 more at the time we booked. We are in the last cabin before the spa. I don't know what the difference between the AG's and AF's is either, except for location. And as they say, location is everything. Thanks for all your help. Just wish Sunday would hurry up and get here--maybe not, I still have so much packing to do! ;)

[Suesan Jean]

:) HI!! I like your "name", I'd love to hear the "story" behind it..... ANYONE can join the Roll-Calls. Just start posting on your specific one and you are now part of that Roll-Call. It is as simple as that!! I should know, I am part of two Roll-Calls......

TTFN

 

Suesan

[Jett456]

Shirley,

I was in that cabin on last weeks cruise. I liked the location very much and feel it was worth paying less for. My other choice was an AF all the way forward and I liked this location better. 1 flight up and you are in the Garden Cafe and right near the pool area. Straight down in the elevator and you are at the Venetian. I also liked being right next to the spa. I would go in there every afternoon for a jacuzzi and a swim and then right into my cabin to get dressed for dinner. Very convenient.

[Jeanne S]

Sorry to have missed you Lunch Lady. The meetings are not posted in the Freestyle Daily but are really for those of us who post on CC and our families/friends. We met on a roll call for this cruise and peple just signed up for the meeting, but could have just shown as we posted where and when. Do try to get to the CC on your nect cruise. IF you ever sail on Celebirty, CC can book a meeting right on their web site.

[shirleygr]

Shirley,

I was in that cabin on last weeks cruise. I liked the location very much and feel it was worth paying less for. My other choice was an AF all the way forward and I liked this location better. 1 flight up and you are in the Garden Cafe and right near the pool area. Straight down in the elevator and you are at the Venetian. I also liked being right next to the spa. I would go in there every afternoon for a jacuzzi and a swim and then right into my cabin to get dressed for dinner. Very convenient.

 

Thanks for the info, Jett. I was looking at the deckplan and thought it would be convenient (not that I had much choice in the matter :) ) Were you port side or starboard? We are in the one on the port side. How was the couch for sleeping? My two little girls (5 and 3 yo) will be sharing it. Hoping it will be comfortable for them. Any other tidbits on the cabin would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Jeanne S]

Jeannette: I could never figure out why those AG's were less as they seem to be the same size. I would rather also be in an AG than a very forward AF. When you have force 7 and greater winds you don't want the pitch and roll of anything that forward. And one would definately feel this on Deck 11. We were very lucky in two Dawn Trips to have such relatively calm seas. ANd one can't beat being adjacent the spa!

[Jeanne S]

Shirly: The couch beds are hard but my niece's 1 yr 22 month and almost 2 year old were fine with the could beds which opens up to a full size bed. Also, you can draw a curtain to seperate both beds.

 

Our first time we were port, this time starboard and the only difference was that sailing down the Hudson for PORT you get the Manhatan view and Starboard the Statue of Liberty which is reversed upon returning.

 

You will appreciate the bathroom with two small children, the tub is nice sized for a ship and the toilet has its own door - sink in the middle. Just tell the cabin steward up front to give you extra towels. The kids should like those towel animals.

 

Also the cabin has two thermostats - and each had a neat quick cool button. The balcony is large (you will see how it is larger than the regular balcony cabins when you return from shore and look up - those are tiny).

 

Have a great cruise!!!!! The kids would love Teppankyi and Salsa and can always order from the Children's menu in any restaurant.

 

Jeanne

[andreamarc]

So' date=' now that I've bent some ears here, I'd love to know about the priority tender and disembarkation tickets. I'm a little disappointed to hear the concierge is not very available. NCL called me and offered a upgrade to penthouse, but wasn't sure what 3 of us would do with the space. I'd probably never come out of the cabin!

Looking forward to a smooth sail, great weather and chocoholic buffet!

andrea[/quote']

 

andreamarc,

 

I see in another thread that you decided to take the "leap" to a suite! Enjoy! You will be treated royally.:)

 

Just to clarify, though. The concierge is very available and will help out the minisuites who contact her/him. It's just regarding the priority tender tickets and disembarkation, which are just not included services for that level cabin.

 

Priority tender tickets, available to suites and above, basically are sent to your cabin.

 

In those ports (such as the private island), where you have to tender instead of docking, they allow you to board any tender you'd like, whenever you want, without waiting in line.

 

The VIP disembarkation service for suites allows you to be escorted off the ship by the concierge first, before any "colors" are called. But as was pointed out, deck 11 and 10 minisuites follow soon thereafter, so they are pretty high in the queue as well.

 

Happy sails!:D

thank you belatedly, Snorklinbarb!

Andrea

[Jett456]

ShirleyGR,

We were on the starboard side (11186). The couch was very hard. My son (6ft and 200 lbs) said his back hurt. He is spoiled. At home he sleeps on a tempurpedic mattress. As Jeanne said, for kids it will be fine and the curtain is a big plus.

[Jeanne S]

andreamarc,

 

I see in another thread that you decided to take the "leap" to a suite! Enjoy! You will be treated royally.:)

 

Just to clarify, though. The concierge is very available and will help out the minisuites who contact her/him. It's just regarding the priority tender tickets and disembarkation, which are just not included services for that level cabin.

 

Priority tender tickets, available to suites and above, basically are sent to your cabin.

 

In those ports (such as the private island), where you have to tender instead of docking, they allow you to board any tender you'd like, whenever you want, without waiting in line.

 

The VIP disembarkation service for suites allows you to be escorted off the ship by the concierge first, before any "colors" are called. But as was pointed out, deck 11 and 10 minisuites follow soon thereafter, so they are pretty high in the queue as well.

 

Happy sails!:D

thank you belatedly, Snorklinbarb!

Andrea

[Jeanne S]

My sister and I did the express embarkation on the DAWN in 2003 which we thought was great. After they announced that then ship was cleared, those who could walk off the ship managing their own luggage were next. We were also thought that we were the first off (back then)the ship but learned this time (from Ruth) that everyone in Suites or extended priority disembarkation is taken off the ship prior to the announcement that the ship has cleared. The ship has cleared officially but they want to get their VIP tagged passengers off first. Then they call those who can self walk off, followed by the light blue colored tags for deck 11.

 

 

Ruth sends everyone with priority a personal letter instructing them to be in a certain lounge at a certain time (10:30 for us – but they took us off at 10:22 and Ruth left her assistant behind to take care of those who would still be arriving for 10:30). (In this letter Ruth also mentions that those who use the services of a Butler and/or concierge should consider tipping these staff).

 

 

Ordinarily I don’t mind getting off the boat last. We go up to the pool and hang out and a re the last off the ship. I tell the Limo co to factor in our getting off last. But my sister and family told their Limo to be at the pier at 10:30am. With the small kids they were getting restless in the room and were ready to get off the ship. So we really appreciated this service.

 

Actually the space for a Mini Suite is not all that large but comparable to that of a D (Deluxe Balcony – not the JR Suite) on RCCL’s Voyager and Radiance Class ships. Although there is 229 sq feet not counting the balcony, much of this is in the bathroom. There is even a lack of dresser draws. You have these two small ones in the hall and then a closet with shelves. My suitcase did not fit under the bed, would not clear so I had to put it in the closet where it took up lots of space. The balcony is larger than a regular balcony room and is shaded which I like. Also, you are right downstairs from the pools, garden café and the spa is on your deck. If you are very forward you can see the Bidge as it juts out.

 

You make a good pont Andrea when you stated the Concerige is very available to those who contact her as sometimes passengers do not realize that they must do the initial contact if they are in mini suites. I can’t tell you how many posts I’ve read these last two and half years of disappointed passengers who were waiting for the concierge to do something – anything for them.” She and her assistant have over 100 minisuites so it would not be really feasible for them to pamper the same as the Regular suites. However, what would be nice is a letter from Ruth to each cabin introducing herself and stating that she is available for assistance – to hit the speed button on the phone or stop by her office. However, currentely only suites receive letters. I assume they do not do this due to the sheer number of mini suites and the expectant workload letters might provoke.

[Jeanne S]

Jeanette: I thought that couch hard even to sit on. This ship was orginally built for Star Cruise Lines Asian market and I wonder if this is a cultural preference - the hard mattress as I have never have never felt one as hard as this in an cruise ship or hotel for that matter.

 

How is you son's back feeling now?

[debicost]

Hi Jeanne

 

 

Thanks for a marvelous review - I thoroughly enjoyed it and wish I could have been with you and Suesan Jean sipping Champagne :p

[Jeanne S]

debicost: Thank you for your kind words. I too wish we were all back on the Dawn drinking Champagne! Oh well, have to wait till August to cruise again.