5/1/05 Dawn Review--CHUNKS!

[shoreguy]

Thanks so much Greenie--you are such a sweetheart--I hope we can meet onboard some day. I have a question--did you enjoy the Freestyle concept as much as the traditional dining (assuming you've done that). Cause I gotta tell you, being able to eat when and where we want each day without the regimentation sounds GREAT to us. We are both workaholics who run our own businesses and our vacations are sacred time for us.

 

If you have seen enough baked Alaska parades, missed too many great sunsets as you rushed to dinner, been sorry you could not invite new friends to dinner, ate two many meals with passegers you would rather not have, wanted to go to dinner at 5 one day and 9:30 the next, or had to eat in the buffet because you did not want to dress up or were late back from a shore excursion then I think you might need freestyle.

 

I was sure I would hate it and now don't know how I will go back to traditional again :)

[JohnSax]

If you have seen enough baked Alaska parades, missed too many great sunsets as you rushed to dinner, been sorry you could not invite new friends to dinner, ate two many meals with passegers you would rather not have, wanted to go to dinner at 5 one day and 9:30 the next, or had to eat in the buffet because you did not want to dress up or were late back from a shore excursion then I think you might need freestyle.

 

I was sure I would hate it and now don't know how I will go back to traditional again :)

Shoreguy--you took the words right out of my mouth. In fact, to give you an idea--just got off RCI Serenade of the Seas 14 day transcanal two weeks ago. In 14 days, we ate dinner in the main Dining Room ONCE. Ate in the alternative restaurants 5 times, off the ship twice, in our suite once, and in the buffet 5 times. That to me is what vacations are all about--not being told when and where I have to show up. And don't even get me started on those baked Alaska parades LOL!

[2Cruise4Ever]

I'm ready! Princess would be nice to try. Any ship would be nice to try with me!

 

I just received my Princess Captain's Circle magazine (I'm sorry NCL :( I never signed up for it, I sailed Princess a few years ago and POOF!!! I became a Captain's Circle member!). Anyway, the cover story is "Big News in the Big Apple." Apparently, the Crown Princess (Princess' newest ship) will be doing a 9-day Caribbean cruise out of New York beginning June of '06. I absolutely LOVE NCL, but if the Wotta Hooters are interested in being adventurous, maybe we could try this new one??????

 

Just a thought. :)

[Cosmopolitan]

Shoreguy--you took the words right out of my mouth. In fact, to give you an idea--just got off RCI Serenade of the Seas 14 day transcanal two weeks ago. In 14 days, we ate dinner in the main Dining Room ONCE. Ate in the alternative restaurants 5 times, off the ship twice, in our suite once, and in the buffet 5 times. That to me is what vacations are all about--not being told when and where I have to show up. And don't even get me started on those baked Alaska parades LOL!

 

JohnSax:

Sounds like you will LOVE Freestyle. You just cruised your "own" freestyle on the Serenade!

We have never cruised traditional and are not enticed by it at all.

Your Jewel cruise sounds wonderful.

 

We also live a very rigid lifestyle all year (seems to be the norm of this generation) and vacation to relax.

 

We love the suites on the Dawn and can only hope for equal or better on the Jewel

 

Greenie:

14 days!!! Can u imagine? Since it takes DH about 4 days to unwind, I think this is a good solution.

Of course, they wouldn't only drag me off the ship kicking and screaming but I'd probably tie myself to the balcony! :D

[shoreguy]

I just received my Princess Captain's Circle magazine (I'm sorry NCL :( I never signed up for it, I sailed Princess a few years ago and POOF!!! I became a Captain's Circle member!). Anyway, the cover story is "Big News in the Big Apple." Apparently, the Crown Princess (Princess' newest ship) will be doing a 9-day Caribbean cruise out of New York beginning June of '06. I absolutely LOVE NCL, but if the Wotta Hooters are interested in being adventurous, maybe we could try this new one??????

 

Just a thought. :)

 

Then they will have to delete your thread on the NCL rollcall :eek:

 

Besides it is not out of NY but Redhook :D

[2Cruise4Ever]

Then they will have to delete your thread on the NCL rollcall :eek:

 

Besides it is not out of NY but Redhook :D

 

Where's Redhook??? The article says "embark on our first-ever season of 9-day roundtrip Caribbean cruises with the skyline of Manhattan as an unforgettable backdrop." Sounds like the NYC terminal to me :)

[shoreguy]

Where's Redhook??? The article says "embark on our first-ever season of 9-day roundtrip Caribbean cruises with the skyline of Manhattan as an unforgettable backdrop." Sounds like the NYC terminal to me :)

 

South Brooklyn :D RED HOOK - A neighborhood on the verge. Red Hook is definitely a neighborhood in flux: The longtime home of Brooklyn longshoremen and other blue-collars now sees its share of BMWs parked in front of refurbished townhouses. Warehouse spaces, modest one- and two-bedroom apartments, and townhouses are plentiful and affordable.

 

http://www.southbrooklyn.net/r_hook.html

http://www.newyorkmetro.com/realestate/articles/neighborhoods/redhook.htm

 

[2Cruise4Ever]

South Brooklyn :D RED HOOK - A neighborhood on the verge. Red Hook is definitely a neighborhood in flux: The longtime home of Brooklyn longshoremen and other blue-collars now sees its share of BMWs parked in front of refurbished townhouses. Warehouse spaces, modest one- and two-bedroom apartments, and townhouses are plentiful and affordable.

 

http://www.southbrooklyn.net/r_hook.html

http://www.newyorkmetro.com/realestate/articles/neighborhoods/redhook.htm

 

 

So, do you think this will be the next best pier for cruising? And, do you think the pier will actually be ready for June of '06? This may be a nice alternative to the hussle and bustle of the current NYC pier :)

[NJcruiser21]

I'm hoping for the Jewel to be outta NY in May '07...can't a guy hope?? :D

[shoreguy]

So, do you think this will be the next best pier for cruising? And, do you think the pier will actually be ready for June of '06? This may be a nice alternative to the hussle and bustle of the current NYC pier :)

 

I cruise from NYC for the hustle and bustle but this should be more relaxed. All the Carneval ships will be there including the the new Crown and QM2. Yes they are Carneval ships :cool:

[greenie]

Thanks so much Greenie--you are such a sweetheart--I hope we can meet onboard some day. I have a question--did you enjoy the Freestyle concept as much as the traditional dining (assuming you've done that). Cause I gotta tell you, being able to eat when and where we want each day without the regimentation sounds GREAT to us. We are both workaholics who run our own businesses and our vacations are sacred time for us.

 

Yes, I've done both traditional and, for the first time a few weeks ago, freestyle. I'm sold on freestyle for the reasons you said you thought you'd like it and also because, while I appreciate lovely china, silverware, crystal, and beautifully prepared meals sometimes, I almost never really like formal dress. Or even formal behavior, really. (At least for long.) I was brought up in such a way as to hold my own quite capably in such situations, but you can't make a spaniel want to be an Afghan Hound.

 

Huh?! What the hell did THAT mean?!

 

Anyway :eek: I have been on 3 cruises with the traditional dining. The first one was a really nice time--I was cruising alone and was seated at a table for 8 with 7 other motley-crew types (like myself!). Everybody showed up for dinner every night, we didn't have much in common, but we got to be "dinner buds" and we even had a group photo taken on formal night! It was funny and fun. The second cruise I was with my cousin. We were seated at a table with like-types (people traveling together who were related or friends). Wotta bunch of bumps on logs. Even my sparkly personality (ha ha) couldn't loosen those folks up to smile much or chat with anyone else at the table. :( We ended up eating by the pool at the casual outdoor grill/snack place a couple of nights just for a respite! Would have been so nice to have had choices. I really tried to breathe some life into those people, but they were determined to be bumps. *sigh*

 

Then last year BF Joe and I went on Royal Caribbean. We were seated at a table for about 12, and it was usually 4 people that ever showed up at all--sometimes 6. But always with a minimum of 2 seats separating each couple or group, with one of us occasionally calling out some polite meaningless something across the 20-foot diameter table ... not a great experience. Not a bad one, but *yawn* what was the point, you know?!

Wish we'd hjad other choices.

 

BUt the Freestyle on the Dawn--that was a good thing. Like you said, we could eat when we wanted. When we wanted. We could have eaten with any new friends we made if we wanted (wonder why that never happened, Sam! What happened there? And Cosmopolitan, if you'd just invited me up to see your OS, we coulda had a meal together! ;)). But you know what I mean. Choices.

 

PLUS, having the chance to still eat a "traditional cruise meal" in a traditional dining room--something I have always enjoyed! It was great. I think you guys will love it. I loved the Venetian restaurant.

 

And never having to get dressed up beyond a summer dress and nice sandals.:) I could have if I wanted to, but I didn't and I didn't have to feel like some lowlife NOT doing it.

[JohnSax]

JohnSax:

Sounds like you will LOVE Freestyle. You just cruised your "own" freestyle on the Serenade!

We have never cruised traditional and are not enticed by it at all.

Your Jewel cruise sounds wonderful.

 

We also live a very rigid lifestyle all year (seems to be the norm of this generation) and vacation to relax.

 

We love the suites on the Dawn and can only hope for equal or better on the Jewel

 

Greenie:

14 days!!! Can u imagine? Since it takes DH about 4 days to unwind, I think this is a good solution.

Of course, they wouldn't only drag me off the ship kicking and screaming but I'd probably tie myself to the balcony! :D

Cosmopolitan--You are so right--we did do our own Freestyle on the Serenade--and it was wonderful! That was our first 14 day cruise and I have to tell you, it went by like it was 4--I think it's 14 days for us from now on LOL! P.S. Why don't you check out the Jewel for next year--that repositioning cruise we're going on is a bargain--and we do throw the BEST cocktail parties--right down to our signature "Cosmopolitans"!

[JohnSax]

Yes, I've done both traditional and, for the first time a few weeks ago, freestyle. I'm sold on freestyle for the reasons you said you thought you'd like it and also because, while I appreciate lovely china, silverware, crystal, and beautifully prepared meals sometimes, I almost never really like formal dress. Or even formal behavior, really. (At least for long.) I was brought up in such a way as to hold my own quite capably in such situations, but you can't make a spaniel want to be an Afghan Hound.

 

Huh?! What the hell did THAT mean?!

 

Anyway :eek: I have been on 3 cruises with the traditional dining. The first one was a really nice time--I was cruising alone and was seated at a table for 8 with 7 other motley-crew types (like myself!). Everybody showed up for dinner every night, we didn't have much in common, but we got to be "dinner buds" and we even had a group photo taken on formal night! It was funny and fun. The second cruise I was with my cousin. We were seated at a table with like-types (people traveling together who were related or friends). Wotta bunch of bumps on logs. Even my sparkly personality (ha ha) couldn't loosen those folks up to smile much or chat with anyone else at the table. :( We ended up eating by the pool at the casual outdoor grill/snack place a couple of nights just for a respite! Would have been so nice to have had choices. I really tried to breathe some life into those people, but they were determined to be bumps. *sigh*

 

Then last year BF Joe and I went on Royal Caribbean. We were seated at a table for about 12, and it was usually 4 people that ever showed up at all--sometimes 6. But always with a minimum of 2 seats separating each couple or group, with one of us occasionally calling out some polite meaningless something across the 20-foot diameter table ... not a great experience. Not a bad one, but *yawn* what was the point, you know?!

Wish we'd hjad other choices.

 

BUt the Freestyle on the Dawn--that was a good thing. Like you said, we could eat when we wanted. When we wanted. We could have eaten with any new friends we made if we wanted (wonder why that never happened, Sam! What happened there? And Cosmopolitan, if you'd just invited me up to see your OS, we coulda had a meal together! ;)). But you know what I mean. Choices.

 

PLUS, having the chance to still eat a "traditional cruise meal" in a traditional dining room--something I have always enjoyed! It was great. I think you guys will love it. I loved the Venetian restaurant.

 

And never having to get dressed up beyond a summer dress and nice sandals.:) I could have if I wanted to, but I didn't and I didn't have to feel like some lowlife NOT doing it.

Greenie--You sound like so much fun--I would love to cruise with you and that "sparkling" personality of yours! Please check out the Jewel for 4/30/06 next year--I think you'll find it's a great deal and a neat itinerary. And with all that included liquor in the suites and the new concierge lounge--we probably won't remember any of it LOL!

[Cuchie]

Greenie, are there other drinks that are included? And is it worth getting the unlimited soda card?

 

Thanks for your "chunks"; they are helpful. It's our first cruise on Norwegian.

 

Cuchie

[Cosmopolitan]

Cosmopolitan--You are so right--we did do our own Freestyle on the Serenade--and it was wonderful! That was our first 14 day cruise and I have to tell you, it went by like it was 4--I think it's 14 days for us from now on LOL! P.S. Why don't you check out the Jewel for next year--that repositioning cruise we're going on is a bargain--and we do throw the BEST cocktail parties--right down to our signature "Cosmopolitans"!

 

When is the repositioning cruise? We're doing the eleven day-Jewel- in Sept. 05 so then we should graduate to the 14 day, right?

 

Where is the repo sailing out of? I try NOT to fly BUT I may for a 14 day!!

 

OK, I'm in for the "Cosmopolitans". Guess you knew that!;)

[angeljt]

Great review of your cruise. We were also in the Owner's Suite #9506 almost 2 years ago. We loved everything about it except the snowstorms going and coming home from the cruise. I am going to the TA today to book one of the October sailings and am hoping for an OS again. That bathroom was fantastic and I'd love to have it for 10 days this time!!!

Jackie

[greenie]

Great review of your cruise. We were also in the Owner's Suite #9506 almost 2 years ago. We loved everything about it except the snowstorms going and coming home from the cruise. I am going to the TA today to book one of the October sailings and am hoping for an OS again. That bathroom was fantastic and I'd love to have it for 10 days this time!!!

Jackie

 

Hey Jackie--boy, do I know what you mean. I still think abnout that shower and tub sometimes! One of the days at the end we had really rough seas--I took a nice hot bubblebath and then ran the whirlppol jets while watching that plasma TV on the wall and hoping the water didn't lap out of the tub too much with all the rolling about from the waves! It was great--I forgot to be nauseated when I did that. Even if I had been nauseated ... well, who could really care when you're relaxing like that!

 

:-)

 

Did you ever get those light switches figured out?! Joe and I never did...

:confused: :)

[angeljt]

Hi Greenie, I think my hubby figured out the light switches, but I was too busy playing with all the other 'toys' that go along with 9506. I still think about the shower and tub too, and it's been almost 2 years. I almost fell asleep in the tub watching the TV. You would never believe you were in a 'cabin' on a cruise. We started off cruising together on our honeymoon on the Epirotiki (defunct now) and have loved it ever since. I doubt anything will beat being in the OS, but we'll keep cruising. We didn't have a clue to all the perks involved with it, but slowly learned by the time we returned home. We had John for our butler and he was great. He even pointed out some of the things he could do for us. I'm sorry to hear you had a bad first experience with your butler, but glad it ended up okay. I booked a balcony guarantee this time, so we'll see if they offer us an upgrade at all, but I doubt we could be that lucky again. We'll have fun no matter where we end up, after all, it is a cruise!!!

I loved having the phone to carry with me while Terry (hubby) was napping or showering and he could always find me. (at the casino, bar or pool) he he

Glad to hear you had such a great time. I did appreciate seeing all of your pics and reading your review.

Jackie

[greenie]

Hi Greenie, I think my hubby figured out the light switches, but I was too busy playing with all the other 'toys' that go along with 9506. I still think about the shower and tub too, and it's been almost 2 years. I almost fell asleep in the tub watching the TV. You would never believe you were in a 'cabin' on a cruise. We started off cruising together on our honeymoon on the Epirotiki (defunct now) and have loved it ever since. I doubt anything will beat being in the OS, but we'll keep cruising. We didn't have a clue to all the perks involved with it, but slowly learned by the time we returned home. We had John for our butler and he was great. He even pointed out some of the things he could do for us. I'm sorry to hear you had a bad first experience with your butler, but glad it ended up okay. I booked a balcony guarantee this time, so we'll see if they offer us an upgrade at all, but I doubt we could be that lucky again. We'll have fun no matter where we end up, after all, it is a cruise!!!

I loved having the phone to carry with me while Terry (hubby) was napping or showering and he could always find me. (at the casino, bar or pool) he he

Glad to hear you had such a great time. I did appreciate seeing all of your pics and reading your review.

Jackie

 

By the way, meant to welcome you into the 9506 club! There are about 5 or 6 of us on the boards now who have had the great fortune of staying in that suite!

 

It's not likely we will ever be able to stay in an AA again, that time was a very special one-time deal. Worth many years of good memories too, I might add.

 

:)

 

If we had more vacation time, we would take two 1-week cruises a year and stay in balcony cabins--very very happily. Since we can only go once a year, we are springing for an AC from now on ... if at all possible! But I agree, a balcony cabin feels luxurious too and would make us very happy.

[angeljt]

You're going to have the time of your life in your Owner's Suite! You'll have 3 plasma TV's, 3 hard-wired phones and 1 cell phone to carry with you around the ship, 3 free bottles of your choice of alchohol, two balconies, a laptop, and soooo much more. Enjoy, and if you have any questions, just ask. We stayed in the OS on Deck 9 and it was fantastic.

Jackie

[angeljt]

By the way, meant to welcome you into the 9506 club! There are about 5 or 6 of us on the boards now who have had the great fortune of staying in that suite!

 

It's not likely we will ever be able to stay in an AA again, that time was a very special one-time deal. Worth many years of good memories too, I might add.

:)

If we had more vacation time, we would take two 1-week cruises a year and stay in balcony cabins--very very happily. Since we can only go once a year, we are springing for an AC from now on ... if at all possible! But I agree, a balcony cabin feels luxurious too and would make us very happy.

 

Greenie,

Thanks for the welcome to the 9506 club. No, it's not likely that it will ever happen again, but it was a 'once in a lifetime' treat. Who knows, maybe we will get lucky again some day. I had asked my hubby if he'd rather go on two cruises a year or one in the OS. He picked the OS. It's not often are we treated like that. I did like having two bathrooms, especially one with a phone even though I never used that phone. ha ha The Penthouses were nice too, with plenty of room. The one saw was in was on the front of the ship and it was too cold in December to get much use out of the forward balcony, including ours. We used the side balcony much more.

Boy, am I ever ready!!!

Jackie

[komo]

Hi!

 

My sister will have her birthday on the cruise (on the 3rd day). Would it be possible to make reservation to Le Bistro in advance or only on the day when she'll have her birthday. We are not suite passengers.

 

Thanks for your advice!

[BarbCT605]

Did you ever get those light switches figured out?! Joe and I never did...

:confused: :)

Hi all,

 

I know what you mean by the light switches!

 

All week long we just kept hittin' the switches until we hit the combo we wanted. Never did figure 'em all out ....

 

Geez! A 5-year old would've had an easier time than my DH & I did!:)

 

Barb

[TrinaLC]

Practice makes perfect! We'll all just have to cruise again in 'our' 9506.

[greenie]

Hi!

 

My sister will have her birthday on the cruise (on the 3rd day). Would it be possible to make reservation to Le Bistro in advance or only on the day when she'll have her birthday. We are not suite passengers.

 

Thanks for your advice!

 

komo, as soon as you get onboard and to your cabin, head on over to the atrium. There will be someone there taking down dinner reservations. You can make your BD dinner ressies then. You can make ressies for all week then if you want to. If you want to be assured of a really nice table for your sister's special dinner, stop by the restaurant and talk to the manager. Tell him you have a reservation for such-and-such a day at whatever o'clock and tell him/her real nicely that it's a special occasion. Ask if he will help you by letting you have a great table. They are very accommodating if you have a special occasion.

 

Have a GREAT cruise!

 

:)