Just back from NCL Dawn 8/1-8/8 Boston to Bermuda, suite #12030

[Mimimama2004]

We had a FABULOUS time! We had suite #12030 (SD Family Suite with Balcony) - the one with the "smaller irregular shaped balcony" - loved it!!

What a spacious, gorgeous room.

I'll do a formal review very soon (with pics) but wanted to open up for any questions as I had a lite trouble finding specific information beforehand on this suite.

[lolavix]

So glad you had a great time.

 

I don't have questions about the suite, but I'm guessing that some of us who are traveling to Bermuda soon are anxious to hear about the changes in the buses to the beach. The photos of the lines that have been posted over on the Bermuda board look awful.

 

Thanks. Looking forward to hearing more about your trip.

[asand5554]

We had a FABULOUS time! We had suite #12030 (SD Family Suite with Balcony) - the one with the "smaller irregular shaped balcony" - loved it!!

What a spacious, gorgeous room.

I'll do a formal review very soon (with pics) but wanted to open up for any questions as I had a lite trouble finding specific information beforehand on this suite.

 

Looking forward to your review. We are in an SJ suite (12518) in October. I'm interested in hearing about your experience with your butler and/or concierge and about the entertainment (both main theatre and smaller venues). Also did you have the new menus and is the blue lagoon using the old or new o'sheehans menu?

Thanks,

Margi

[cjnwildfire]

I am really looking forward to your review. We are looking at booking one of these types of suite (different cruise, but pictures help, even if it is just similar)

Thanks in advance!

[Johnsmomkathy]

Also waiting for your review :)

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the report!

[TWINSplusONE03]

We leave on Friday(7 of us) for this cruise! Our first, and last, cruise was back in 2003 for our honeymoon to Bermuda. We loved it then! This time, we are going with my inlaws and my three kids(6, 6, 5). I'll eagerly await your review! :)

[Mimimama2004]

I'm not near my laptop at the moment - I'd rather write my review from there - may be a day or so. But if like to at least answer your questions thus far.

Re: the buses to the beaches. I had heard that a new bus beach shuttle was beginning last Monday - from the Navy Dockyard - but truly didn't see it. I saw the pink and blue busses that take you to and from Hamilton and stops along the way (like Horseshoe Bay Beach). I also saw the many taxi vans awaiting the cruise passengers' business. But we used a local van driver who was not considered a taxi but had some kind of livery license - he was great! He charged us $7 each adult - our 9 yr old son was free - to take us right to Horseshoe Beach - at the bottom of the hill - the pink/blue busses drop you off at the top if the hill which isn't bad when you arrive - but a long day in the intense heat in Bermuda tires you out and the last thing you want to do is trek up the hill to wait for your bus. He also gave us a great tour along the way - he really loves his island home and knew the history. He told many stories and facts along the 25 minute ride to the beach. He also said he'd come to get us when we wanted - we had him come back at 3:30. He was there just as planned. A/c cranking, cold water for us (didn't charge) and his leather seats were covered in clean beach towels as he knew we'd be covered in sand! His name was Russ and his van was brand new Toyota - dark blue. Look for this gem!!

I have to say that I never saw lines - at all!

Re: the Butler/Concierge: wow!...we were spoiled! We had Karabi as our Concierge - her demeanor was so lovely - completely genuine and very professional. Her presence was known to us throughout the cruise but not in an intrusive way. Have her make your dinner reservations-and any changes you may have. On a couple of evenings, we had dinner reservations at 7:30 but were running late - you simply dial her extension from the "cell phone" provided to you and make your request - was never an issue to request 30 extra minutes. I thought I'd feel uncomfortable having someone do for me what I could have probably done on my own - but it sure did help make the trip feel like a vacation away from the norm. Karabi loves her job and especially loves helping people. She booked my spa appointment and came by our table each night to say a quick hello and always asked if there was anything she could do for us. Karabi is also the one who provides you with your priority luggage tags for disembarkation and personally escorts you off the ship - down a "secret hallway". Lol

Edward D'Souza was our butler. He was great. Edward greeted us the first day with a bouquet of flowers and gave us a tour of our room - especially showing us how to use the coffee machine (Lavazza-great coffee!) and the DVD player that was built into the flat screen - etc. He took his time getting to know us. He brought us fresh fruit each morning (bananas, apples, pears and grapes), ice, and lovely treats we're awaiting us each afternoon (usually canapé or sandwiches - candy for my son was usually gummy bears or m&m's). He took his job quite seriously. The role of the Butler is mostly food and beverage requirements. One evening, my husband didn't feel great (we know now that he's passing a kidney stone) so my son and I went to dinner at Moderno while my husband took a nap. He awoke quite hungry - so called Edward to see if he could have a little dinner brought to the room. "Of course sir - what would you like"? 1/2 hour later, he arrived with a white table cloth for our table and proceeded to set up a steak dinner from Cagneys. Complete with my husbands favorite drink and dessert - right down to the candle for ambiance (of course, the battery operated kind).

One afternoon, while the remnants of Hurricane Bertha was causing 12-14' waves - we retreated to our suite to lay down and watch a movie. Edward brought us our requested DVD (there is a list of about 100 DVDs you'll have access to for free) and a big bowl of popcorn and Pepsi's that we didn't ask for but I thought was such a thoughtful touch!

Re: entertainment - we thought the Stardust Theater entertainment was excellent. We had dinner most nights at approx 7:30 and then went to the second show at 9:30 (first is at 7:30). The 7th floor balcony - I think starboard side - is reserved for suite dwellers. Take advantage of this. Great seats! Noodles Levenstein was the comedian (wickedly funny) - Band on the Run was fun and showcases the Dawn production cast (super talented). David DaVinci "thrillusionist" was great - lots of "how'd he do that" moments! Don't miss "Elements" - incredible and beautiful show. And the aerial act of Gilles and Laure was gorgeous. These people are true talents.

The entertainment throughout the ship in the smaller venues is appropriate for the time of day and the area they are performing at - never once did I hear any "cruise ship" entertainment. These are thoroughly talented individuals.

Re: Blue Lagoon - I never ate there but did hear people rave about the chicken wings!

 

That's it for now!

Stay tuned.

[Mimimama2004]

Here are a few pics of the suite - found them on my photo stream. Suite 12030 - family suite with balcony

[Mimimama2004]

I have lots more from my "regular camera" that I'll include in my review.

[pisenor]

Looking forward to your review. We are in an SJ suite (12518) in October. I'm interested in hearing about your experience with your butler and/or concierge and about the entertainment (both main theatre and smaller venues). Also did you have the new menus and is the blue lagoon using the old or new o'sheehans menu?

Thanks,

Margi

 

We have that very cabin for our January 2015 cruise. Only difference being that we sail from NOLA. Are you doing the Bermuda or New England itinerary?

[Mimimama2004]

We just came back from the Boston to Bermuda cruise.

[lolavix]

Thank you for the reply regarding the buses. It makes me feel a little bit better.

 

Was the entertainment appropriate for your son? I have an almost 11 year old, an 8 year old and a 6 year old. Wondering which shows they can attend with us.

 

What did your son especially enjoy (either on the ship or in Bermuda)? Did he do the kids' club at all?

[Mimimama2004]

I found the shows to be completely kid friendly! He came with us to most of them - but other nights he wanted to go to the kids club right after dinner. They are wonderful there - and the constant kids programs were a big plus - especially "dodgeball under the stars" on the sport court on deck 14.

He especially loved the pool in the early morning before it got too crazy (we would go each morning around 7:30 for an hour) and loved snorkeling (bring your own masks and snorkels - fins aren't needed) at the small cove on the right as you approach the main section of horseshoe bay beach (the fish hang out mostly near the rocks) and the ship wreck museum at the dockyard - we loved the Snorkel park beach at the dockyard too.

[asand5554]

Thanks for your quick reply. We love the suite life on NCL, but out experiences with butlers has been hit or miss. So glad you had a great experience - hope we get the same butler.

[puli]

How was the noise from the deck above? We are thinking about the 14 day Quebec to Bermuda in 2015 and want a family suit w or w/o balcony. Will be on the Star in one for Christmas but understand the Dawn's family suite configuration is different as is the deck above.

[Mimimama2004]

The balcony itself is "open" to the elements and has no "roof". Deck 13 is above and is the section that is all lounge chairs. The running track is on deck 13 but that runs from the aft to around the star bar and cagneys. The only time we saw people looking down on us from deck 13 was on the sail away from Boston. Each evening (I'd say around 9?)the crew would take all the loungers on deck 13 and stack them against the edge for the evening (which caused a little bit of noise), wash the deck and then would set them up again in the morning. If we were sitting in our balcony - we could hear the band at the pool (but it wasn't loud) - but once in the room we couldn't hear it at all. The Family Suites on the Dawn are awesome! The Space in the bathroom alone is worth the price!

[puli]

The balcony itself is "open" to the elements and has no "roof". Deck 13 is above and is the section that is all lounge chairs. The running track is on deck 13 but that runs from the aft to around the star bar and cagneys. The only time we saw people looking down on us from deck 13 was on the sail away from Boston. Each evening (I'd say around 9?)the crew would take all the loungers on deck 13 and stack them against the edge for the evening (which caused a little bit of noise), wash the deck and then would set them up again in the morning. If we were sitting in our balcony - we could hear the band at the pool (but it wasn't loud) - but once in the room we couldn't hear it at all. The Family Suites on the Dawn are awesome! The Space in the bathroom alone is worth the price!

 

Thanks for responding. We have booked that exact cabin on the Star for a Mexican Christmas cruise ...except there is no balcony on that cabin on the Star.

 

Am considering cabin 12018 ( also a non balcony on Dawn) for the 14 day Canada/Bermuda. Hoping starboard is the better side for viewing!

 

Agree,,, the size of the room and the bathroom far outweigh balcony especially for a fall cruise! Hope the deck chair noise will not be too bothersome. Had that a lot on HAL cruises!

[fairygirl1]

I'm not near my laptop at the moment - I'd rather write my review from there - may be a day or so. But if like to at least answer your questions thus far.

Re: the buses to the beaches. I had heard that a new bus beach shuttle was beginning last Monday - from the Navy Dockyard - but truly didn't see it. I saw the pink and blue busses that take you to and from Hamilton and stops along the way (like Horseshoe Bay Beach). I also saw the many taxi vans awaiting the cruise passengers' business. But we used a local van driver who was not considered a taxi but had some kind of livery license - he was great! He charged us $7 each adult - our 9 yr old son was free - to take us right to Horseshoe Beach - at the bottom of the hill - the pink/blue busses drop you off at the top if the hill which isn't bad when you arrive - but a long day in the intense heat in Bermuda tires you out and the last thing you want to do is trek up the hill to wait for your bus. He also gave us a great tour along the way - he really loves his island home and knew the history. He told many stories and facts along the 25 minute ride to the beach. He also said he'd come to get us when we wanted - we had him come back at 3:30. He was there just as planned. A/c cranking, cold water for us (didn't charge) and his leather seats were covered in clean beach towels as he knew we'd be covered in sand! His name was Russ and his van was brand new Toyota - dark blue. Look for this gem!!

I have to say that I never saw lines - at all!

Re: the Butler/Concierge: wow!...we were spoiled! We had Karabi as our Concierge - her demeanor was so lovely - completely genuine and very professional. Her presence was known to us throughout the cruise but not in an intrusive way. Have her make your dinner reservations-and any changes you may have. On a couple of evenings, we had dinner reservations at 7:30 but were running late - you simply dial her extension from the "cell phone" provided to you and make your request - was never an issue to request 30 extra minutes. I thought I'd feel uncomfortable having someone do for me what I could have probably done on my own - but it sure did help make the trip feel like a vacation away from the norm. Karabi loves her job and especially loves helping people. She booked my spa appointment and came by our table each night to say a quick hello and always asked if there was anything she could do for us. Karabi is also the one who provides you with your priority luggage tags for disembarkation and personally escorts you off the ship - down a "secret hallway". Lol

Edward D'Souza was our butler. He was great. Edward greeted us the first day with a bouquet of flowers and gave us a tour of our room - especially showing us how to use the coffee machine (Lavazza-great coffee!) and the DVD player that was built into the flat screen - etc. He took his time getting to know us. He brought us fresh fruit each morning (bananas, apples, pears and grapes), ice, and lovely treats we're awaiting us each afternoon (usually canapé or sandwiches - candy for my son was usually gummy bears or m&m's). He took his job quite seriously. The role of the Butler is mostly food and beverage requirements. One evening, my husband didn't feel great (we know now that he's passing a kidney stone) so my son and I went to dinner at Moderno while my husband took a nap. He awoke quite hungry - so called Edward to see if he could have a little dinner brought to the room. "Of course sir - what would you like"? 1/2 hour later, he arrived with a white table cloth for our table and proceeded to set up a steak dinner from Cagneys. Complete with my husbands favorite drink and dessert - right down to the candle for ambiance (of course, the battery operated kind).

One afternoon, while the remnants of Hurricane Bertha was causing 12-14' waves - we retreated to our suite to lay down and watch a movie. Edward brought us our requested DVD (there is a list of about 100 DVDs you'll have access to for free) and a big bowl of popcorn and Pepsi's that we didn't ask for but I thought was such a thoughtful touch!

Re: entertainment - we thought the Stardust Theater entertainment was excellent. We had dinner most nights at approx 7:30 and then went to the second show at 9:30 (first is at 7:30). The 7th floor balcony - I think starboard side - is reserved for suite dwellers. Take advantage of this. Great seats! Noodles Levenstein was the comedian (wickedly funny) - Band on the Run was fun and showcases the Dawn production cast (super talented). David DaVinci "thrillusionist" was great - lots of "how'd he do that" moments! Don't miss "Elements" - incredible and beautiful show. And the aerial act of Gilles and Laure was gorgeous. These people are true talents.

The entertainment throughout the ship in the smaller venues is appropriate for the time of day and the area they are performing at - never once did I hear any "cruise ship" entertainment. These are thoroughly talented individuals.

Re: Blue Lagoon - I never ate there but did hear people rave about the chicken wings!

 

That's it for now!

Stay tuned.

 

Thx for this review,,,, we leave in 2 weeks and I am curious abt bermuda....1st time there! Appreciate the info share!

[cruiser1955a]

Looking forward to your review. We are in an SJ suite (12518) in October. I'm interested in hearing about your experience with your butler and/or concierge and about the entertainment (both main theatre and smaller venues). Also did you have the new menus and is the blue lagoon using the old or new o'sheehans menu?

Thanks,

Margi

 

Just got off the dawn yesterday. It was our fourth NCL cruise in 4 years, third on the Dawn. We saw all shows, except Second City, and thought they were, by far, the best shows we've seen. Singers and dancers were better than previous cruises. The aerial performers, which normaly bore me, were phenomenal. The magician was good, but his humor was too staged.

The comedian, Noodles Levenstein, was very funny. Other than some ****** & Ciallis jokes, was kid friendly. After his late-night Spinnaker show, he announced (while fighting back tears) that a very good friend passed away that day. Then told us that it was Robin Williams, which shocked the crowded room. He left the stage sobbing.

[billsgal]

Looking forward to your review. We are in an SJ suite (12518) in October. I'm interested in hearing about your experience with your butler and/or concierge and about the entertainment (both main theatre and smaller venues). Also did you have the new menus and is the blue lagoon using the old or new o'sheehans menu?

Thanks,

Margi

 

We just returned Friday from the Dawn, and my daughter and her famiy had suite 12518. Two of the floor to ceiling windows leaked (a lot), and they had to put towels to catch the water, but the carpeting did get wet. It took them 3 days to tell her they had to wait until the ship got back to Boston to get it repaired........but who knows how long the leak had been there. Hopefully they will fix the leak before you board.

 

We were in another suite, but had Karabi as our concierge and as others have said, she was excellent. i cannot comment on the butler for 12518, as we had another butler for our suite, Jennifer, and she was also excellent.

 

i did find some service issues on the Dawn....my daughter's room was not usually made up until 12:30 or later....i do think the stewards have too many rooms assigned to them. My room (aft penthouse) was always made up by 10, and we didnt leave the room until around 9.

 

The pool area was not big enough for the ship, and the kids were constantly jumping and diving in the pool......pool attendants didn't seem to care. It took the band players to tell the kids not to jump, as they were jumping and diving off the bandstand, and getting the electronics wet.

 

The bar service was ridiculous. We played trivia in the pub at 2:30, but thy didnt open the bar until 4. When the bar was opened, they usually had one server to handle the crowds plus the bartender, so it was a long wait for drink( and yes, we tip well with every drink, giving extra each time we are served).

 

We found a great server at the pool, Irene, and she was great at taking care of us, remembered our names and drink preferences, and was just wonderful!

 

We had been on the Spirit a few years ago, and I think the service has gone down from that cruise. Probably due to cutting staff, as there seemed to be some service issues in the dining rooms......but not in the specialty restaurants.

 

Blue Lagoon serves chicken wings, paninis, fish and chips, seems like pub food. I don't remember what Sheehan's serves, so I can't help with that.

Food was good in Blue Lagoon, breakfast and lunch were very good in Cagneys (limited menus but I could find something every day) and Cagney's, LaCucina and the Brazilian steakhouse were also very good.

[cruiser12]

Great vacation. Leaving from Boston is always a great experiance. The staff at the terminal are very friendly, always with a smile. This helps set the tone for the rest of the cruise.

We arrived at the terminal around ten and were on board by 11:25- checked out the villa and off to lunch at Cagneys.

 

The entertainment was great - try not to miss any -- " Twice as Nice" are a singing duo -they had us singing and dancing in the Atrim --

Second City - was the best ever - Did the Mystery Lunch -- a lot of fun --

 

Any questions I will try to answer.

[LISRAREF]

We just returned Friday from the Dawn, and my daughter and her famiy had suite 12518. Two of the floor to ceiling windows leaked (a lot), and they had to put towels to catch the water, but the carpeting did get wet. It took them 3 days to tell her they had to wait until the ship got back to Boston to get it repaired........but who knows how long the leak had been there. Hopefully they will fix the leak before you board.

 

 

 

We were in another suite, but had Karabi as our concierge and as others have said, she was excellent. i cannot comment on the butler for 12518, as we had another butler for our suite, Jennifer, and she was also excellent.

 

 

 

i did find some service issues on the Dawn....my daughter's room was not usually made up until 12:30 or later....i do think the stewards have too many rooms assigned to them. My room (aft penthouse) was always made up by 10, and we didnt leave the room until around 9.

 

 

 

The pool area was not big enough for the ship, and the kids were constantly jumping and diving in the pool......pool attendants didn't seem to care. It took the band players to tell the kids not to jump, as they were jumping and diving off the bandstand, and getting the electronics wet.

 

 

 

The bar service was ridiculous. We played trivia in the pub at 2:30, but thy didnt open the bar until 4. When the bar was opened, they usually had one server to handle the crowds plus the bartender, so it was a long wait for drink( and yes, we tip well with every drink, giving extra each time we are served).

 

 

 

We found a great server at the pool, Irene, and she was great at taking care of us, remembered our names and drink preferences, and was just wonderful!

 

 

 

We had been on the Spirit a few years ago, and I think the service has gone down from that cruise. Probably due to cutting staff, as there seemed to be some service issues in the dining rooms......but not in the specialty restaurants.

 

 

 

Blue Lagoon serves chicken wings, paninis, fish and chips, seems like pub food. I don't remember what Sheehan's serves, so I can't help with that.

 

Food was good in Blue Lagoon, breakfast and lunch were very good in Cagneys (limited menus but I could find something every day) and Cagney's, LaCucina and the Brazilian steakhouse were also very good.

 

Billsgal,

 

How was the aft penthouse? We are in one in January and were curious what you thought. Also, there are some old videos of those rooms showing lots of dark wood all over the rooms. Is this still accurate or were they updated like the family suites were?

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[billsgal]

There is a lot of dark wood, but I didnt find the room overly dark. There is a large closet when you walk in, and that closet forms a wall between the hallway and the hallway into the vanity area and bathroom. I miss having the mirror in the main part of the room, as the vanity area was dark. THe room appeared to be updated, and I did find pictures on the web of the exact room we had. Can't find the link now, but just goggle aft penthouse NCL Dawn and you should be able to see it. The bed scarf was orange, as was the bed skirt (orange, blue and green but a nice combo), and there was a funky chair that was lime green and the third person bed was a chair and a half (not a love seat).

[cruiser1955a]

There is a lot of dark wood, but I didnt find the room overly dark. There is a large closet when you walk in, and that closet forms a wall between the hallway and the hallway into the vanity area and bathroom. I miss having the mirror in the main part of the room, as the vanity area was dark. THe room appeared to be updated, and I did find pictures on the web of the exact room we had. Can't find the link now, but just goggle aft penthouse NCL Dawn and you should be able to see it. The bed scarf was orange, as was the bed skirt (orange, blue and green but a nice combo), and there was a funky chair that was lime green and the third person bed was a chair and a half (not a love seat).

 

We too just sailed in an aft penthouse & noticed that the glass sliding doors are wider than the standard balcony sliders. I believe that they are 8', instead of the standard 6' sliders. This allows for more light in the cabin. Remember to bring some kind of tie-backs for the curtains (we forgot). That will allow for maximum light in the cabin. The cabin is not as dark as pictures & videos appear, but there is alot of dark wood. You will LOVE the smell of baking bread & cinnamon buns throughout the day & night on your balcony. It's a nice extra treat !