4/24 DAWN REVIEW...Actually a Serial Novel

[tommy2811]

Well, it'd be really nice if you were, and I'm glad you said that, tommy2811. But you know, you can't just type something mean or hurtful, slap a :D on it, and know that it is no longer mean or hurtful to the people reading it. Especially when they don't know you and your sense of humor.

 

 

I was joking...

 

Debjo i hope you understood my post as a joke....if not,i apologize....

 

nice read,keep em coming.

[greenie]

I was joking...

 

Debjo i hope you understood my post as a joke....if not,i apologize....

 

nice read,keep em coming.

 

 

Yay! You're a nice guy! :) We can always use more of them around here. ;)

 

 

(Hey folks, check out the wotta hoot addition to my signature--it's officially unofficial, hee!)

[cynmike8]

Great job Debjo. Looking forward to more. Sailing next Feb on the dawn and all the info really helps. It will be only our second cruise. First on Norwegian so all info is greatly appreciated. Keep em coming...

[judyf]

I'm gonna add that to my signature too!!!!

 

By the way debjo my e-mail is autumnsam@aol.com

 

Thanks!!!!!

[NJcruiser21]

Debjo,

 

Loved the review..actually got the chills when I read the part where you finally got through the embarktion process and outside of the pier. :D

 

Wotta hoot!

[debjo]

Wow...29 posts since I began this thread earlier today! I thought the feeding frenzies only happened on the cruises. I guess there are many of us who just can't seem to get enough...on land or sea!

 

I thank everyone for their encouragements...don't worry, I haven't taken any "offense" with the not so positive comments...not everyone has time for "War and Peace"! We are all entitled to our opinions...that is why I tried to "warn" everyone, up-front, that this WAS going to be a lengthy "read".

 

So, now that many of your have "asked for it"...here's some more! I have to admit, I having trouble keeping all of you "fed"! But, many Cruise Critics have helped in my cruise planning and anticipating...so, I'm happy to return the knowledge! :D

 

EPISODE ONE...THE DAY OF THE "DAWN"

Part B

 

Our “Latitudes” numbers were multiplying in the waiting area and the chairs for the “regular” passengers below were all taken. People were now being formed into lines below us. I didn’t notice if the awaiting handicapped passengers had been boarded, but the VIP group was being escorted down the stairs, through the doorway into the “processing” area. Thankfully, we were soon given notice to make our way into the queue. We briefly had to “wait” in a line. Someone was bringing around trays with cups of orange juice and water for us while we waited. Soon we were through the door and on to the metal detectors & passport verifiers. There was a separate “check in “line for the “Latitudes” group, which seemed a bit odd at this point because the only people being processed at this point were “Latitudes” passengers. The processing area for the “regular” passengers was still occupied with “special needs” passengers. Our “line” moved steadily until we hit the boarding counter. It was here that we encountered a snag and where NCL needs to do some improvement.

 

The representative that we “received” for our check-in was apparently new to her job. She was pleasant enough, but really didn’t have a clue as to what she was supposed to be doing. Fortunately, there was a man (presumably a supervisor) that was “floating” behind the counter. Our check-in clerk had to keep flagging him down to find out what she was supposed to do next. She wasn’t the only “newbie” to the process…it seemed that the clerks adjacent to her were also “new to their jobs”. We were patient and she was incessantly apologetic. We really had a challenge when it came to setting up our “onboard account” with my credit card. She scanned my card and then handed me a credit card slip for me to sign…it didn’t have my name on it…it had someone else’s name…”Lillian Johnson”. Immediately I thought I’d been the object of some credit card theft and feared the worse…it was the only credit card I’d brought with me for the trip! Another call to the supervisor brought him over. He looked things over and declared, “No problem!”. I didn’t necessarily see it that way! Unfortunately it wasn’t something that could be remedied at their counter…I would have to take this paperwork to the Purser’s Desk on the ship and have them straighten it out. Knowing from past experiences with NCL corporate representatives and NCL staff on the ships, I had some faith in what this supervisor was sharing with me, but feared the worst. I stayed calm…after all my vacation was about to begin and I didn’t need to have a “melt-down” moment before I got on the ship! It would just have to be something else I’d have to take care of before our cruise really got underway.

 

Getting our pictures taken at the boarding counter was another fiasco. The clerk didn’t know how to use the hand-held mini camera to get a view of our smiling faces on her computer screen. This step is necessary as it gets imbedded into your “key card” which acts as your onboard account card, “key” to your cabin door, and most importantly your identification for getting on and off the ship. This part of our “boarding process” took the longest. By now the “regular” passengers were getting on the ship faster than us. Why brand-new employees were stationed alone to process embarking passengers is a mystery to me. We were the very first passengers for this clerk to process and there were many, many more passengers behind us. I hope she got it figured out before too long!

 

Once we left her counter, we proceeded to another desk to collect our “key cards”. Next “stop” was to get our “no obligation” embarkation photo taken by the Dawn’s “Showtime Pictures” photographers. We were now “official” passengers and proceeded along to the outside of the pier. It was still quite brisk out, but we lingered for a bit admiring the ship and took a few pictures ourselves before we walked up the covered “forward” gangway, from which we emerged onto starboard side of Deck 7 in front of the Stardust Theatre. It was about 12:30 pm.

 

,,,AND NOW FOR A "CLIFF-HANGER" MOMENT...

 

Debjo ;)

[judyf]

Woooo hoooo part B, wotta hoot! I can read it tonight. I just printed it out. Will check in again later or in the morning.

 

Thanks for posting

[nycglitter]

I am so lost on the Wotta Hoot thing. Love the information debjo! Can't wait to experience it myself in a few days!:D

[NJcruiser21]

Marit - you have to join us in may 07 for this group cruise!!

[debjo]

...AND NOW, RETURNING TO THE POINT WHERE WE SET FOOT ON THE DAWN!...

 

NOTE: This installment of EPISODE ONE includes, for your viewing pleasure (especially those leaving this Sunday on the DAWN, the photo accompanyments to our narrative...complete with captions! These pictures will give you a sneak preview of what is to come on DAY ONE OF THE DAWN! Enjoy...

 

EPISODE ONE...DAY OF THE DAWN

Part C

 

There weren’t any escorts to take us to our cabin, but there were a few people who asked for your cabin number and gave adequate direction. Having been on the DAWN previously, we knew our way around and took the elevator up to Deck 9. Immediately when the elevator doors opened, the smell of “new carpets” greeted us. Turning the corner and proceeding further “forward” toward our portside cabin, the new carpets became evident…they began right at our cabin door. That would make finding our cabin VERY easy when walking down the long narrow hallway! I wasn’t going to have to be concerned about any mildew or musty smells left over from the water damage caused by the “rogue wave” that broke the doors of a couple forward balcony cabins on the April 10th cruise…all of the “soft” furnishings had indeed been replaced.

 

When we opened our Category BC cabin door, we felt like we were revisiting an old friend. The cabin appeared identical to the Category BA cabin on Deck 10 that we had on last year’s DAWN cruise. The only differences I could see were the surprise birthday decorations that our Cruise Planners had ordered in honor of Kerry’s 50th birthday and the color of the carpeting…which indicated that it had also been replaced during the previous April 17th cruise. They certainly accomplished a lot in the space of a cruise week in getting 60 cabins repaired and refurbished. We were the first people to sail in our reconditioned cabin 9522! It was almost like sailing on a new ship!

 

We couldn’t believe the size of the birthday cake…it was enough to feed a small group! We quickly surveyed everything to make sure all was in order…Anniversary Package chocolate covered strawberries-non alcoholic wine-and letter detailing other perks, Shore Excursion tickets, Invitation to Latitudes party and pins, working safe, bathroom amenities, etc. We put our carry-on bags in the closet and took a few pictures before we made ourselves at home (or should I say “trashed the room”). I noticed that our Latitudes Invitation had the wrong day with the date, so I phoned the Purser’s Desk to find out which was correct.

 

Out on the balcony, we looked over our view of the ship. We liked this spot better than being mid-ship last year. We had a real good view forward of the Flying Bridge, so we could see the Captain and Bridge Staff “at work” from time to time. Looking aft, we realized how visually long the DAWN truly is. Looking down, we discovered that we could see the torch flame of the Statue of Liberty painted on the hull. Now if we can withstand the extra motion of the ship that this forward section is known for, we’ll be very happy with our location.

 

A knock on our cabin door brought a Fruit Basket gift from our Cruise Planners, Linda & Steve Conner. It was delivered by Christian Jarrett. At first I thought he might be our Cabin Steward because we hadn’t seen him/her yet. When asked, Christian revealed that he was the Room Service Deliverer, so we handed him a cash tip. I had wanted to connect with our Cabin Steward(s) early in order to give them part of our gratuity prior to departure. I had some extra “stuff” going on because of belated Kerry’s birthday and our early anniversary celebration that would be causing our steward some extra work, which I didn’t want them to think would go unrewarded. Oh well, I’d have to catch up with him/her later…it was time to get to the Atrium to straighten out our Onboard Account at the Purser’s Desk, make our dinner reservations at the Specialty Restaurants, finalize shore excursions, and book “my” beach massage at Great Stirrup Cay (a must-do item on my cruises). The “product fair” that they have in the Atrium on Embarkation Day is literally one-stop-shopping for all of your reservation booking desires. Beware…it can get quite crowded!

 

Joyce Caringel at Receptions was very helpful in straightening out the mix-up with Lillian Johnson’s name being attached to our account. I just hoped that this situation wouldn’t resurface during our cruise week and planned to get an accounting of our onboard expenditures in a couple days. If there was a problem, I’d need to get it straightened out well before disembarkation day!

 

Over at the Shore Excursions Desk we filled out the medical paperwork for Kerry’s Excursion Ticket for snorkel equipment at Great Stirrup Cay. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first to do this for water type excursions of any cruise line we’ve sailed with. I appreciate that level of concern. In addition, I had them sign me up for “fins” only at the private island, as I have my own snorkel mask & breathing tube (but don’t like to pack my fins because of the added weight and space they’d take up in my suitcase. Having pre-booked our shore excursions on-line, the option of ordering “fins” only wasn’t offered. There was a charge of just $10 for “fins” only…the mandatory floatation vest is no charge. Kerry’s full rental package was $29 on-line. At the desk he was presented with a “deal”…for $3 more he could get a Dive-In T-Shirt…a deal Kerry couldn’t refuse. So, we made our first onboard purchases…the first of many!

 

Onto the Specialty Restaurant area where they have menus and sample dishes (no taste testing though) from each venue. The reservation stand was several people deep, but the wait minimal. It really benefits everyone if you have a plan for what day, time & restaurant you want to dine in before you get to the counter, as they are not only taking Specialty Restaurant reservations from you, they are also taking phone reservations from the concierge that handles the suites, and reservations from passengers who choose to call from their cabin phones. We’d be trying CAGNEY’S Steakhouse tonight...all Specialty Restaurants (those with additional fees) were half-price on embarkation day! Mid-week we’d test the Tex-Mex food at SALSA’S and the “show” & meal at TEPPANYAKI would be enjoyed on our full day at sea on Saturday. You are given little reminder cards for each reservation that you make…hold on to them, it helps should there be any mix-up in your reservations later on.

 

Another area that requires some advance thinking is the stand that handles the Spa reservations…have an idea of what spa treatment you’d like along with a day and time…they, too, are on the phone talking to the Spa directly to make sure that someone isn’t physically at the Spa booking a day and time that you are wanting. Last year, on our DAWN cruise, I literally was running all over the ship on embarkation day making our reservations at each “location”. I didn’t know about the “product fair” in the Atrium. Being able to “do it all” in the Atrium really saved the soles on my shoes this time! By 2:15 pm I had all of the “business” stuff taken care of and it was now time to enjoy a nice meal.

 

Here's where you take a breather from the "saga" and grab a snack...kind of like a "commercial break"...hope your hungry! I've finally accomplished loading the 60+ photos from Day One of our DAWN cruise that accompany this tale to Webshots. I hope this link works...let me know because I remember that "greenie" had a problem with posting the link to her 5/1 cruise pictures.

 

http://community.webshots.com/user/cruisecraver

 

Debjo

[jrose529]

Debjo,

 

I can't wait for Part C! I'm really enjoying your installments.

 

I am worried about the embarkation though. I can't decide if we should arrive early and wait for hours, or fight the crowds later. :eek: This is our first NCL cruise, so we are not Lattitude members. Oh well, as many people said on these boards, it's a vacation. At least I am lucky enough to be cruising! :D This will be the first time we have a balcony. I am soooo excited!

 

Thanks!

[debjo]

For jrose529 (Judy)...

Guess our posts "crossed in cyberspace". I'm glad you are enjoying the "saga" as much as I am in sharing our experiences with people just like you.

 

YOUR GOING TO LOVE YOUR BALCONY but, once you have a balcony...you can never go back...or so they say, and that has been our experience. We started cruising with the best balcony we've had thus far. The only way we're able to sail on a ship without a balcony is if it is a ship that doesn't have balconies. (In other words, if I can't have one, no one else can either.) I don't mean that to sound selfish...I just want balconies for everyone! I don't think I could sail in an "inside" room on a ship...but never say "never". I suppose I'll have to try that just once...just to say I've done it...perhaps on the QM2..that might be tolerable.

 

Our balconies are one of my favorite spots on any ship...there is nothing like the sound of the waves lapping against the side of the ship to help you fall asleep at night (you need to have your balcony door open at least a little bit for this to work right). I also love easing into the morning on my balcony...having at least one room service breakfast there. You'll soon know what I mean!

 

Debjo

[jrose529]

Debjo,

I guess I posted too soon. I loved your photos! You did a wonderful job with the captions. Between you and Greenie, my anticipation is growing.

[debjo]

EPISODE ONE...DAY OF THE DAWN...Part D

 

We had planned to eat a quick lunch at the Garden Buffet so we wouldn’t feel too rushed. On our way to the Buffet, we passed through the pool area and by Sprinkles (at the Topsider Bar on Deck 12). We just had to stop and see if the soft-serve ice cream machine was in “working” order…GLORY HALLELUJAH…there wasn’t a sign saying it was “out-of-order”, but there was a sign stating it’s hours of operation and now wasn’t the time. We’d have to postpone Kerry’s soft-serve desires for another time. I made note of it in our schedule!

 

Typical of embarkation day, the crowds were thick at the BUFFET. I think everyone is afraid of being “stuck” in the sit-down VENETIAN restaurant when we sail away! We usually base our embarkation day lunch choices depending on what the weather is doing…if there is “liquid sunshine”, we prefer a sit-down lunch. In cases of no precipitation, we like to be outside to enjoy sail away. There was a vast selection of food at the buffet…Kerry chose Tilapia (white fish) and Beef Stew, I had Blackened Chicken Breast and Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes. Everything was a taste sensation and quickly enjoyed so we could head to the SPA for a tour and sign-up for “free” treatments before the LIFE BOAT MUSTER DRILL.

 

We caught one of the last tours of the SPA and saw some treatment demonstrations being done on crew members. We even were able to identify some of the areas on the deck plans for the Spa that we couldn’t figure out. We filled out the entry cards for the free drawing, hoping that we’d make it back by 6:00 pm because you have to “be present to win”. I sprung my final surprise on Kerry for his birthday…a Couple’s Massage, which we scheduled for Friday after leaving Nassau.

 

We felt like we were in a marathon as we traversed the ship from the Spa in the back to our cabin in the front, so that we could grab our Life Vests for the manditory MUSTER DRILL. As I’ve said before…this is one LOOOOOOONG ship! At least all of our walking forward and back, back and forward wouldn’t be in vain…it would help us burn up all those extra calories that we’d be consuming over the next week! As we gathered our bright orange vests out of the closet, we noticed a discrepancy in where we were supposed to report for the “drill”. The cabin card indicated that we should go to “J-5, Deck 7 FWD Starboard”, while the sign on the back of our cabin door indicated “J, Deck 7, Port”. Confused, we donned our designated attire and proceeded out our cabin door, as the official drill announcement was made at 4:00 pm, hoping that the crew members (which were placed at strategic points to direct confused passengers) would know where we were supposed to go, based on the markings on our Life Vests. We ended up being directed down the stairs to a different location altogether…Deck 7-Stardust Theater-J5 sign! Our drill didn’t take us outside at all, so we didn’t need our jackets. We were “checked-in” by a crew member according to our cabin number and sat down in one of the pink theatre seats…boy did we color clash with our surroundings (orange vests and pink seats)! It was probably one of the least informative Muster Drills that we’ve attended. Here’s hoping we wouldn’t have to put into practice what we were supposed to be learning! After the “drill” there was an announcement that a Life Boat had actually been lowered out on Promenade Deck, should anyone care to see it. Needless to say, Kerry and I rushed out there…just in time to see it being raised and put back into place above our heads.

 

Back to our cabin to relieve ourselves of the bulky orange attire, we set sail at 4:30 pm. Our luggage had arrived and was placed outside our cabin door, which made walking through the narrow hallways a bit of a challenge. We enjoyed “sail away” from the privacy of our balcony under cloudy skies with the sun and blue sky peeking at us occasionally. It was very chilly, but much less windy than being out on the upper open decks. Kerry videotaped our departure while I had fun blowing bubbles I had brought along for the occasion (confetti and streamers are an environmental no no). I took note that we seemed to be sailing closer to the Manhattan shoreline that we ever had before. Even under cloudy gray skies, the New York City skyline from the river is impressive. I enjoyed seeing our New Yorker Hotel from the water and the top floor where our suite was.

 

By 5:10 pm we were passing beneath the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. I was so thankful that the weatherman was wrong again…our forecast was for rain at 3:00 pm. Guess what…it never rained! The wind really picks up as the ship heads into open water…time to get in out of the cold and change for our Anniversary Dinner at CAGNEY’S. It was now 5:30 pm and we hadn’t seen our cabin steward yet. I hoped we’d run into him/her before now.

 

My best laid plans and written itinerary didn’t keep me from making a rather large “faux pas” and I almost had a major melt-down. Somehow, I got it into my mind that our reservations for CAGNEY’S was for 5:30 pm. When we got up to Deck 13 and noticed that there wasn’t anyone at the Maitre d’ stand outside the restaurant, I began to doubt myself. I looked at “my” schedule and noticed that I wanted reservations at 7:00 pm, but had to make then for 6:30 instead, as my reservation card indicated. So, we were an hour early for dinner…CAGNEY’S wasn’t “officially” open yet! Now I had two things to straighten out with the Maitre d’: Firstly, I was told that we could switch our Anniversary Package “Le Bistro” dinner to another one of the Specialty Restaurants, but we would have to pay the difference in price if it was higher (but there’d be no “refund” if the price was lower). Since we were entitled to the “half-price” deal that embarkation day offered, we didn’t mind “loosing” the refund that the “half-price” seemingly would have been due. Secondly, could our 6:30 pm reservation be moved to accommodate our “early” arrival, which was in error. CAGNEY’S Maitre d’, Joey, was a God-send. He graciously took care of my mistake and said it wouldn’t be any problem to switch the restaurant offered in the Anniversary Package. We’d be bringing a “tip” back to him later that evening!

 

On very good recommendation from another Cruise Critic member, we requested one of Renalto Catalico’s tables…which happened to be a nice table for two by the window. Our wine order was taken and rolls were promptly brought to the table. We were among the first patrons in this dining venue and we felt like we had the place to ourselves…very romantic!

 

Prior to ordering while enjoying our non-alcoholic red wine and our rolls, I still felt like there was something that wasn’t quite right. Joey had fixed both of the other issues, so I couldn’t imagine why I felt so unsettled…THEN IT HIT ME…our Cruise Critic Meet & Greet was scheduled for 5:30 in the Lifestyles Room on Deck 12 Forward (near Spinnakers Lounge)! With a great deal of embarrassment, I shared my dilemma with Kerry. Here we were on our Anniversary Dinner and I was asking if I could “excuse” myself to go and make an appearance at the Meet & Greet. Actually there was no “excuse” for my lack of keeping to my plan…if only I’d checked my notes, we wouldn’t have shown up early for our dinner at CAGNEY’S! My dear husband of 28 years, graciously told me to “go”. I told him to order for me and that I’d be back as soon as I could, hoping it would be before our entrees came! (We both wanted French Onion Soup for an appetizer. I chose a T-bone Steak with Garlic Mashed Potatoes for my entrée. Kerry ordered Filet Mignon and Garlic Mashed Potatoes along with a Caesar Salad.)

 

Leaving CAGNEY’S, I thought I knew exactly where I was going and how to get there the quickest way…down one deck and all the way forward! The only problem was, I ended up going down one deck and all the way back…ending up in the Spa! Now, I had to power walk all the way forward again-through the pool area’s wet decking in heels-to get to the Lifestyle’s Room. I just hoped and prayed that I wouldn’t slip on the pool splashed floors! Guess I was just working off my dinner calories before I ate them! Fortunately, I arrived at 5:50 pm before theMeet & Greet adjourned. I was surprised to find only two family groups there…Liz (aka “family4”, who had set up our M&G) with her husband and two sons and Danielle with her mother, Anne Marie (aka “iluv2cruise830”). Figuring that everyone else had already left the gathering, I profusely apologized for my lateness explaining the CAGNEY’S situation. Sadly, Liz shared that we were the only ones that had shown up. She added that Klaus Lugmier, the DAWN’s Hotel Manager came. I was sorry that I missed him. I must add that the DAWN’s staff had put together a nice Meet & Greet for us with beverages and pastries served. I would have sampled a bit, but I had dinner awaiting at CAGNEY’S and I didn’t want to spoil that! I had read that it is hard to get people together for a C.C. gathering on embarkation day and I was living proof of that! I was glad that I made the effort to get there…even though it was late. It was nice being able to put some faces to the C.C. names from our Roll Call Board.

 

Would you believe that I “missed” the mid-ship elevator as I quickly tried to get back to my dear husband who was patiently awaiting my return to CAGNEY’S! I ended up at the Spa again! Now I was really getting tired of working off pounds that I hadn’t yet acquired! Somehow, I managed to get back to my dinner table in time for the French Onion Soup to be served. (I think Renalto was waiting for my return…I had hoped that Kerry would be enjoying some of his meal in my absence!) Now I could relax…I had committed three terrible mistakes…everything happens in “three’s”, so they say…and now my problems should all be over! The rest of the cruise would have to go smooth!

 

Next it was Kerry’s turn to “make an exit”…he had forgotten some of his pills. This was getting to be quite comical. I bid him farewell as he raced back to our cabin to retrieve his medicine. Poor Renalto must have thought we were insane…here it was our Anniversary Dinner and we weren’t able to sit together at the table long enough to eat one course of our meal together!

 

Kerry returned and Renalto brought out our beef entrees, which melted in our mouths…I devoured my T-bone…after all I had worked up quite an appetite! We were tempted by some beautifully artistic desserts, but knowing that we had an Anniversary Cake coming (along with 6+ more days of sumptuous feasting), we reluctantly declined most additional confections and only added raspberry sorbet to compliment our cake.

 

By this time CAGNEY’S was beginning to fill up. Renalto, Joey, Alex and two other waiters came to our table and sang a rendition of “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”, after which a round of applause was raised from the other passengers. They were probably applauding the fact that Kerry and I finally were able to eat together! Our dinner started off a bit odd, but it ended up very mellow. We left a cash “tip” for Renalto for all the trouble we put him through with our comings and goings.

 

And speaking of "going"...we interrupt our scheduled programming for some systems maintenance...(i.e. Debjo needs to get some "shut eye"). So, I'll catch everyone tomorrow with the dawn of a new day and hopefully the final segments of EPISODE ONE! Hope the Webshots link to my photo story worked for everyone. Sweet dreams!

 

Debjo

[greenie]

Debjo, you're the best! What a great and detailed narrative. You had me laughing at your romantical (comical + romantic!) anniversary dinner! LOL

 

And thank you for taking pictures of "our" door! Wahhhhhhhhhhh I wanna be back in that suite!

 

Keep 'em coming and thank you so much for taking the time to do this. I LOVE your pictures!

[debjo]

EPISODE ONE...DAY OF THE DAWN

Part E

(This is the fifth and last installment of Episode One which represents our first day of this cruise on the Norwegian Dawn)

 

Back to our cabin before the evening show, we finally met our Cabin Stewards…Mylynn from the Philippines and her assistant, Conrad Abrot (also from the Philippines). This was the first time we’ve had a female cabin steward. I gave them their “pre-tips”, to which they seemed surprised but happy to receive. I asked them if they were also the stewards for Patty (aka “greenie” on C.C.) & Joe’s cabin #9506. They were, so I asked if I’d be able to leave a “gift” that I had prepared for Joe, in honor of his 5/1 birthday cruise, prior to our disembarkation on 5/1. Mylynn said there wouldn’t be any problem…in fact, I could probably put it in Cabin 9506 myself before I left the ship on Sunday…that way, I’d be able to “tour” the suite that “greenie” was able to get upgraded to! I wonder if my “pre-tipping” had anything to do with Mylynn’s very accommodating suggestion?

 

I took some of my traditional sunset pictures…which wasn’t that spectacular, but at least it wasn’t raining! We tried to switch the cabin television channel to the one that played the DAWN’s bow webcam view, but our TV remote wouldn’t work. Conrad remedied that situation quickly with new batteries. I asked Mylynn the location of the nearest passenger laundry room. It was across from cabin #9120 mid-ship. Kerry took a well-deserved “tip” to Joey back at CAGNEY’S while I unpacked. I had tried a Cruise Critic idea when I was packing. I put each day’s preplanned outfit on plastic hangers at home. Once assembled, I hung them in my large suitcase. Unpacking was a breeze, I just took the hangers out with all my clothes on them and hung them in the closet. I hoped that anything that got wrinkled would “hang” straight and not need any further ironing. I hate ironing and would probably hang an outfit in the bathroom with a hot shower going to “steam” press anything before I’d hike down to the laundry room.

 

The CAGNEY’S dilemma was still haunting me because I discovered that the reservation slip that I turned in up there was the one that I was supposed to use for TEPPANYAKI. So, while Kerry unpacked, I trekked back to CAGNEY’S to correct that oversight.

 

We somehow managed to stay on agenda and made it to the evening’s WELCOME ABOARD SHOW in the Stardust Theatre. The entertainment began with an introduction of some of the ship’s staff. The DAWN’S current Cruise Director, Paul Baya (who was our C.D. last year) will be leaving the DAWN when we get to Miami in order to attend a Cruise Director Conference. “Rob”, the assistant C.D. will take over on Wednesday until the end of our cruise. I don’t know when Paul Baya will be returning to the DAWN. He did mention that he was going to be the Cruise Director on the NORWEGIAN JEWEL when she makes her debut this summer. The “show” continued with the “spoon game”…a simply hilarious comedic affair where two teams of four were pre-selected from the audience. There is a spoon tied to the end of a rather long wide ribbon. The team has to stand in line and one at a time alternately put the spoon down their shirt & pants then up the pants and shirt of the next “victim”. The first team to complete the task (with help from each other) wins. Each team represented ½ of the audience who cheered the stage “victims” on. It always amazes me what simple, but hilarious things people will do on a cruise. It truly is a case of “you have to be there to fully appreciate it”. I should add that the “victims” received some rather nice gifts. After that “performance”, which had everyone stitches, the show turned artistic…Roman & Svetlana displayed their ballroom dancing skills and Laura Compton sang some of her favorite Broadway tunes (including “Memories” from Cats).

 

We wound down the evening by going to the Atrium to listen to the “BEST OF FRIENDS” trio playing “easy listening” favorites. Still full from dinner, we couldn’t partake of the pastry temptations and coffee at the JAVA CAFÉ. Then it was off to GATSBY’S LOUNGE to hear the highly acclaimed Pamela Stanley at the piano. Sadly, she wasn’t there…only the electric player piano was playing (without a person). Deciding to “call it a night”, we made our way back to our cabin. While en route, we passed DAZZLES LOUNGE where “Rhythm Explosion” was playing to a very thinned out crowd of two. We decided to “sit a spell” and lend our support to their “urban groove” style of music, which we found very relaxing and similar to “Yani”.

 

My final acts of the evening were to take my “good night” pictures from the balcony and record the Ship’s Log information from the television into my notepad at 12:43 am.

 

 

SHIP’S LOG:

Ships position…latitude 38 degrees 00.55N

Longitude 074 degrees 19.36W

(across from Washington, D.C.)

Humidity…66.0% with the winds from SW (Force 5-Fresh Breeze)

Weather…Cloudy

Air Temperature…47.8 F

Air Pressure…29.6 inches and rising

Wind Speed…21.7 knots from portside across bow

Sunrise…6:14 am

Sunset….7:51 pm

Seas at…4-7.5 ft. moderate

Distance traveled from NYC…176.2 nautical miles

Distance to Port Canaveral…705.1 nautical miles

 

And that concludes my memories of the First Day of our cruise. (Second day of our vacation.)

 

In a brief "P.S." to EPISODE ONE...I neglected to add this "word of wisdom" for future cruisers...BE SURE TO THOROUGHLY READ YOUR "FREESTYLE DAILY"...it tells you everything that is happening on the ship, includes the times each dining venue/bar/guest service areas are open...it is a very important source for making your cruise everything you want it to be!

 

STAY TUNED for EPISODE TWO (the second day of our cruise)...I can't believe that it takes me almost as long to "share" our cruise details as it did to experience them! :eek: Thanks for letting me relive the memories with you! I'll look forward to reading all about your escapades on the Norwegian Dawn once your cruise has concluded! :D

 

Debjo

[debjo]

For greenie...

Glad you liked seeing "your door" again! I can't tell you how many times I thought, "If I only knock on this door...Patty & Joe will answer it"...then reality set in and I realized we really weren't on the same cruise even though we were cruising with each other in spirit!

 

The "dream" will become a "reality" once we get onboard the wotta hoot cruise in 2007. In the meantime, we all have our individual 2006 cruises to keep us going...and these Cruise Critic boards!

 

Debjo

[mortysmama]

Debjo...I just finished reading your review of Day One. It was fabulous and very informative. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Please don't take too long in posting more....I feel like I'm reading a 'travel novel" and it's very exciting. Since we were on the Dawn in Feb. you are helping me relive a lot of my own experiences. As I read what you've written it places me right back on the Dawn with all it's glory.

 

Thank you again......and keep it coming!

 

Happy cruising!

[jrose529]

Debjo,

I love your storytelling! It brightens my otherwise dull days. :D

I can't wait for Day 2.

[vacationgogo]

Hi Debjo, I'm really enjoying your narrative and as I read it I think about where I was and what I was doing at those times. I don't think our paths crossed (well maybe they did literally pass as we entered or exited a lounge). We had a lot of trouble embarking too. I think maybe all of those people were trainees. The person that helped us almost forgot to take our pictures! Then they couldn't find my daughter's room key/card and they mixed up both of my friends with their daughters. Three different people, three different problems! Anyway, though I was on this cruise, I'm still looking forward to hearing more.

[penorment]

I am really enjoying your detailed review. I liked Greenie's too! Do you think that one or both of you could go on the Pride of America so I could have a great review of that ship with all your helpful tips before I go on my cruise in December?

[greenie]

I am really enjoying your detailed review. I liked Greenie's too! Do you think that one or both of you could go on the Pride of America so I could have a great review of that ship with all your helpful tips before I go on my cruise in December?

 

Now there's a thought ... hmmm, let me think ... well, OK. But it'd be a big complicated job, needing 2 people ... so I'd need Debjo to come with me.

 

 

;)

[judyf]

I love your episode one. All the details are so great. Just wish I was able to read your whole review before we leave. But I'm not willing to change my cruise. LOL

 

I will have something to look forward to when I return.

 

The story of the dinner is so funny, I can picture me and Jerry doing the same exact thing. Turned out to be a great day and you still fit everything in.

 

Thanks so much for posting.

[Cosmopolitan]

Debjo:

 

Wonderful review. Beautiful pictures.

Thanks for taking so much time to post it all.

 

I was exhausted by the end of your dinner at Cagney's! Too funny!

 

We had the same experience with the "rookies" at boarding, pictures, et.al. I really felt sorry for them. Then, we finally went over to pick up our key card and the girl had not initialed our receipt so we could not get our key card, had to go back and get her initials! Seemed like a whole new crew in that one section.

 

Keep those reviews coming - looking forward to episode 2.

Hope it was more relaxing than episode 1 or I'll need a "cosmopolitan" to get me through it!

[debjo]

For mortysmama...

My husband teased me last night saying that it takes me a year to plan, prepare and research a cruise...seven days to be on a cruise...and then another year remembering, reviewing & recording the cruise! He likes the idea that a seven day cruise can keep me busy and happy for two entire years! I'm glad that me recollections can help put you and anyone else "back into cruise mode". Here's another "tip"...buy one of those relaxation tapes or C.D.'s that have ocean wave sounds. Play it when you are going to sleep...once you close your eyes in the dark and hear the sounds of the sea, you are right back on the ship with the balcony door open sailing on to your favorite island paradise!

 

For jrose529...

You and many others are so encouraging...I wish I could put pen to paper all weekend and get EPISODE TWO (Day 2 of our cruise) completed. Be patient...I have to work all weekend, so I won't be able to get anything posted much before the middle of next week.

 

For vacationgogo...

I'm hoping that at some point during my "narrative" you will jump up and down exclaiming that you are in one of my pictures or you were in the "same place at the same time" we were on the DAWN. Gee...we were all on the same cruise, so it is highly probable that it DID happen!

 

For penorment...

Now let's see...we like to write, we like to cruise...so, I think I can speak for both "greenie" and myself...OF COURSE, we'd love to do a pre-cruise for you on the PRIDE OF AMERICA and write you a review with "all of the inside" tips before you go in December...would you like to hire us for the "job"? I think that we'd have to be allowed an ample expense account to cover the travel costs though! Just let us know!

 

For greenie...

If "penorment" really needs our planning help...what month, prior to December, are you "free" to take another cruise! I'm glad that you think it is a "job" that requires two people too...after all two opinions are better than one! (Do you think we have found our second callings?)

 

For judyf...

If I already had the "entire" memoir committed to paper (or my computer's memory in this case), I'd be happy to email it to you before your cruise. Sadly, everything from Day 2-Day 8 is a jumble of notes, pictures, and memories floating around my head, kitchen table, and computer desk. Why I haven't even finished unpacking all of our five suitcases yet! (Only two more to go...I procrastinate because the cruise isn't "officially" over until the bags are all unpacked!) Look at it this way...I'll have more posted while you are on your cruise, so that when you return, we'll really be able to compare notes! So don't change your cruise dates...go and have a terrific time! I'll look forward to hearing about your adventures on the high seas...let me rephrase that...calm seas!

 

And for cosmopolitan...

I don't mean to exhaust anyone...hard to burn up calories "reading" about my running back & forth on the ship! But next time you cruise...here is our "tried and true" way to feast and not get fat on the ship.

The rules are:

1. Use the stairs if you are going "up" one, two, or three decks.

2. Always take the stairs when going "down"...elevators are only to be used if you are going "up more than four decks after a BIG meal or your are in a really big hurry (provided you can get an elevator)

3. If you have to wait more than 30 seconds for an elevator-use the stairs/

4. And last, but not least-book a cabin that is either in the forward section or aft section of the ship (that way you have to walk the furthest...provided you aren't prone to "mal de mer"...then you need to book a mid-ship cabin).

I wish the "new recruits" at the pier all the best. I can't imagine being thrust into a job dealing with that number of people when I wasn't fully prepared for it. The best thing to realize is that all of our problems got "fixed" and didn't linger throughout the rest of our cruises.

Can't promise a "more relaxing" EPISODE TWO...Kerry & I seem to like to "do it all" on a cruise...at least "all" the stuff we are drawn to. Fortunately or unfortunately, as the case may be...it has taken us TWO cruises on the DAWN to finally feel that we've "done" the DAWN. Yet, there are still a few things on our list that we didn't get to...even on our second cruise. So, perhaps we will revisit the DAWN again. One thing we've learned...THERE IS NO WAY TO DO EVERYTHING ON A CRUISE...we've tried six times and we've failed six times. I'm not sure he and I would know how to relax on a cruise! We'd probably have to sail on the same ship to the same itinerary and take the same shore excursions about three times before we could just go on a cruise to "relax".

 

Well folks...

It's time to go turn on that "ocean sounds" CD and put these weary fingers to bed. As soon as I'm through work this weekend, I'll get EPISODE TWO on the presses and off to you soon.

 

Until later...

Debjo