Dawn March 1-8, 2015

[kblac708]

I purposefully waited a week to review my March 1-8 cruise on the Dawn so that I could be far enough removed from the experience to be as objective as possible. I traveled this time with my parents. Forgive me, this may take a few posts.

 

If you are looking for information on entertainment, I may not be able to help you there. What I saw, I saw in passing while walking through the ship.

 

Were there some positives on this trip? Yes. Were there some negatives? Absolutely. I am not a complainer by nature but after nine cruises, including this one, I feel like I know NCL and what they have to offer. For me, this was not a good cruise.

 

Now that this is done, I will start from the beginning…

 

Day 1 – New Orleans

 

We flew out of 2 degree New York City bright and early headed to New Orleans. Our flight was fine, baggage came out right away. Our driver was already waiting for us to bring us to Harrah’s.

 

We were just in New Orleans in December so there really was not anything we just had to go see. We went to Manning’s for a quick lunch. It is an okay restaurant that I know is better when there is a big sporting event or football on Sundays going on. Dad decided this was a good time for a nap. Mom and I decided it was a good time to donate in the casino. (I will speak more about Harrah’s casino at the end of the review.)

 

For dinner we went to Besh Steak House. This was my second time there. I would say this meal was the start of my rough week. Food I ordered was not right and, frankly, it is sad to say, I am starting to get used to not eating in most restaurants because most of the time it’s not worth it waiting for the kitchen to get a steak right. (Personally, this is just me, I hate making others wait until my meal is ready to eat, and I do not like making people wait until I am able to eat my meal. Is it weird? Yes but that’s just me.) We went straight to bed, excited for the next day.

 

 

Day 2 - Dawn

 

We were up at a decent hour and had breakfast through room service. We were not in a rush to get to the Port as I knew we would not be allowed on the ship for a while. In theory, you can walk to the Port from Harrah’s or the Hilton Riverside easily by going through the river walk outlets. However, I was with my parents. Mom would have done it, Dad not so much. A cab from Harrah’s to the Port cost $21. It is $7 per passenger from three or more people. For two people, it is $10 for the first person and $7 for the second. Our driver was great except for the confusion regarding the drop off point which is on the other side of the trolley tracks. This appeared to be a new thing.

 

We started our check-in with security at 11:30. Security was a breeze. The check-in area did not seem to have a latitude distinction that I could see but the Casinos at Sea line had no one on it and we were able to check in to both rooms within minutes. We had boarding group 7. I immediately spotted the dining reservations table which was great since I wanted to sign up for the Chef’s Table which is held the evening that we would be leaving Belize. This did not interest my parents at all.

 

In regards to the boarding process. I have boarded ships most out of New York. People have boarding numbers but the staff calling people to board really do not check these cards. I was impressed with the New Orleans staff in regards to this. If you were not in group 5 you were not getting on no matter how much you pleaded.

 

We were able to go to our rooms right away. We had connecting balcony rooms 10602 and 10606. The rooms were comparable to the Gem. There was a lot of storage. The bathroom was fine though I still say the bathroom I had on an inside room on the Gem is bigger. This was the first time we have had adjoining rooms. For me it was ok. Being thirty something, the adjoining room is not something I would do again, but that is just me.

 

We had lunch ate at Topsiders after making our shore excursion reservations for Cozumel, Belize and Costa Maya. No complaints there. For dinner we went to the Venetian. Again, food was on par with other NCL ships. It was standard first day fare. On the first day I never ever complain about service because it’s the first day. The crew is readjusting to new people. Some staff leave, others join.

 

(Suggestion, make the excursion reservations before you board. We had OBC we needed to use otherwise I would have done the same. There seemed to be a $10-15 price increase when booking onboard.)

 

We went to the casino to make our first night donations. Well, I made donations. Mom made donations. Dad took withdrawals from several slot machines. Since I play the tables primarily, I get to know most of the dealers and pit supervisors. This ship had some of the best casino workers I have ever encountered. The Casino Hosts Sharon and Natalia were great all week. They helped us arrange our casino dinners without a problem.

 

Before I forget, we were delayed for two hours leaving due to a barge stuck somewhere on the Mississippi River. People were complaining about the delayed start. I was just worried about the fog because as it got later the fog got worse. When we finally went to bed you could hear the fog horn blaring every few minutes. A few people did comment the next day that they could not see anything off their balcony’s but were jolted when another ship passed.

[Ctrinh225]

Thanks for ur review....waiting for more!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Vicki'sMom]

Waiting to hear more also! ;)

[zqvol]

Just one update. We were on the same cruise. Our sailing was delayed because of the fog. Our bunkering barge could not move as quickly as it was supposed to and we were delayed 2 hours in departing.

 

It was no big deal and even though the fog was too thick to see teh other side of the river, we made good time when we left and arrived in Cozumel right on time.

[kblac708]

Just one update. We were on the same cruise. Our sailing was delayed because of the fog. Our bunkering barge could not move as quickly as it was supposed to and we were delayed 2 hours in departing.

 

It was no big deal and even though the fog was too thick to see teh other side of the river, we made good time when we left and arrived in Cozumel right on time.

 

I agree. It was no big deal. We were just told it was a barge in the river. I did not know it was our barge.

[kblac708]

Day 3 – Dawn at Sea

 

This morning was the day for our scheduled Cruise Critic Meet and Greet. Sometimes I miss these because I like my sleep, but I had items that I needed to drop off for a mission in Belize that another cc member was coordinating. The Meet and Greet was fine. We met Sonja, the hotel director, who said that if we have any issues to let her know in person or through the comment box at the front desk. (Keep this in mind for our stop in Belize.)

 

We spent a relaxing day at the spa using the passes the casino provided my parents. I have not been in the spa areas on other ships except to get a massage so I cannot really say how this compares but I liked it. It was as if we had the ship all to ourselves since there never was anyone really in there.

 

We grabbed a quick bite at Blue Lagoon. It was ok. The table was small so bringing everything out at once wasn’t the greatest idea since there was no room on the table. I did miss O’Sheehan’s on this ship.

 

After our afternoon naps, we got ready for dinner at La Cucina. My parents love La Cucina and they especially love the pizza. I tried explaining to them that this ship wasn’t like the Breakaway in regards to the oven that you can see cooking your pizza. I ate my old standbys of Salad Caprese and Spaghetti Carbonara. We shared a pizza. The pizza was undercooked. The bottom of the pie needed at least five minutes more in the over. If I was to order it again I would ask if they could make it well done.

 

We hit the casino or more accurately the casino us for a few hours and we headed up for bed, ready for our first stop Cozumel.

 

 

Day 4 - Cozumel

 

We chose to do the Passion Island beach break for our excursion today. It was a great choice. Lunch and alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks were included for a reasonable price. A catamaran picked us up at the pier next to the ship. It was a 30 minutes ride to the island. Yes, as I read somewhere, the tip jar was out a few times, but we had excellent service. There are umbrellas, chairs and tables that are plentiful. That water was nice, but a little chilly (at least it was cold to me.) There are four stores on the island that accept all credit cards but American Express. The food was buffet. I don’t eat guacamole but people seemed to be inhaling it like it was there last meal so I am assuming it was good. I enjoyed the pico de gallo.

 

These guys work hard and rely on positive reviews. I gauge things on if I would go back to it, I would. The ship picked us up and we were back on board the Dawn by 2:30. For me, it was the right amount of time out on the beach.

 

After our afternoon nap (you will soon see this is a theme), we got ready for our dinner at Le Bistro. Being that we were early we decided to sit at Gatsby’s and have a pre-dinner drink.

 

This is where our first real misadventure on this ship started and I apologize for the length of this story.. Mom and I decided to split a flight of martinis and dad wanted a beer. Sounds simple right? We got the beer and a dirty martini. When we asked what happened to the flight that we did not order the martini, the bartender said he would make us a flight now. We said no. We will take another dirty martini instead and were told ok. Not a problem. The bartender brought over the bill. It was for one Martini and one beer. I asked what happened to the other martini, he said “oh you wanted one?” SMH. We just let it go until my dad saw that they made Moscow mules which was his favorite drink back in the day. In the drink menu it says it is made with Stolli vodka. I watched the bartender use some other Russian vodka and asked him why he didn’t use Stolli when that’s what the menu said. I was told I was wrong. I showed him the menu. He went to his drink recipe box and showed us that it said Russian vodka. That’s fine but the menu said Stolli. We would have requested a different vodka had we known.

 

I normally don’t kick up a fuss when it comes to stuff like this, but at least acknowledge the mistake. (His third of the night with us.) Offer to make a drink with the right vodka. Do not raise your voice at you customer. (This will also occur again.)

 

Luckily, it was time for dinner. Le Bistro was the same as on other ships. We had a nice dinner accompanied by some wine. The service was better, the food was ok. It was not memorable to me since I can’t for the life of me remember what I ate.

 

As per usual, to the casino we go still trying for luck till we are ready for bed. The next day is Belize and another beach break (or so we thought).

[kblac708]

Day 5 – Belize aka worst day on this cruise.

 

We woke up refreshed and got ready for our day on the beach. Let me start off with, yes we made a mistake with our tickets and where we were supposed to meet the excursion group. We kept hearing tenders and if you have an excursion you don’t have to get a ticket. Bad on me for not double checking.

 

We get on the first tender over to the Island and began talking to another family. On Sunday night, we all switched our clocks ahead one hour due to a time change and with daylight savings time coming up we were told that they would stay that way. However Belize does not switch time so ship’s time was an hour ahead of island time. Being that we were all a bit confused and didn’t want to be left behind, I asked the NCL shore excursion person about it.

 

WORST MISTAKE EVER!!

 

She looked at our tickets and in an extremely loud voice yelled “What are you doing here? You aren’t supposed to be here! Can’t you read?” I was struck speechless. Again, we made a mistake. We were supposed to meet at the stardust at 10:20. It was now 9:55 am. I asked, once I was able to speak if there was any way we could make it back on time to the ship with the tender. It was basically more yelling at us for not reading and a no. I was shaking I was so upset and embarrassed. This happened in front of other people from the ship. I just wanted to get off the island and get back to the ship. We took the same tender we came on and were back on the ship by 10:15 in shock that an NCL staff member behaved like that.

 

Just in case someone things I am blowing things out of proportion. I am the least confrontational person you will meet. If you ask me how something is, I will tell you but otherwise I choose to say nothing. Things have happened on other ships and I chalked it up to I’m on vacation it could be worse. This was the first time I wrote a comment to the Hotel Director in all my cruising about an incident. Sonja, at the M&G, said she would get back to people within 24 hours. I am still waiting.

 

As if my day couldn’t get better, I went to guest services to drop off the note and see what information I needed to in regards to the chef’s dinner that night. Apparently, it had been cancelled. I had a feeling that was going to happen. I asked the woman at reservations was there any notice given about the cancellation. She said I should have received something about it the night before. I did receive news about the cancellation twice later that afternoon via voicemail.

 

I finally thought my day was looking up. We went to the spa to relax and after a while of just quiet Zen decided to go to Blue Lagoon for lunch. Oh but we couldn’t because the 24/7 eatery was closed. SMH again. We went up to the Garden Café where I decided to have chicken salad in a pita. It tasted grate until I almost cracked my tooth and ripped the roof of my mouth on a chicken bone. Basically, I gave up for the day and decided my afternoon nap would be earlier than usual.

 

We went to Aqua for dinner that night. Again it was ok. Service was good. We were told we had a twenty – thirty minute wait and were given a voucher for a glass of champagne at Gatsby’s. While waiting, we decided to see if Bamboo had any openings. Before we could even ask, the buzzer they gave us went off and we were back downstairs and seated for dinner. I do think they over estimate their wait times a little bit which is a good thing.

 

After our nightly visit to the casino, we went back to our rooms prepared to sleep in the next day as we had no plans.

[kblac708]

Day 6 - Roatan

 

We chose not to do an excursion at Roatan since we had so many beach days planned. We got up late and decided to do a quick walk around the stores in the port and then headed back to the ship to have a beer and get some sun. This was our quiet day. Topsiders is great. Yes, they serve just hamburgers, hot dogs and fries but everything is made while you are standing there.

 

For dinner that night we went to Bamboo. I work in Chinatown in Manhattan. Basically, I could have Chinese for lunch every day and feel like I have a good grasp on good Chinese food versus passable food. I have never had a bad meal at the Asian restaurants on NCL and this meal was no exception. Service, up to this point, was by far, the best of the whole cruise.

 

Nightly donation to the casino and off to bed. Another beach day coming up.

 

 

Day 7 – Costa Maya

 

For today’s excursion we chose the beach break. Since we had time to kill after breakfast we decided to walk to market place and see what was for sale. It turned out it was the same thing in almost every stall.

 

The meet up location is right before the market so we made our way back there fifteen minutes prior to our 10:20 am meet up time. I’m glad we did. We were lead to the bus that would take us to our oasis for the day at 10:15. Some people were still waiting for others of their group because they had a few minutes. The bus ride to the Jungle Beach Club took somewhere between 30 and 45 minutes.

 

Jungle Beach Club was pretty. Food was a separate cost and the buffet did not look as good as the one in Cozumel so we opted out and just had some cold adult beverages that were included. This was a pretty spot. The only negative which wasn’t the problem of the club was the amount of seaweed in the water. All you stepped on was seaweed no matter how far you went out. Since we were a bit peckish we did get a bowl of nachos that came with cheese sauce and pico de gallo. It was very tasty.

 

I had two highlights of this beach trip. The first was my poor father screaming like a girl when he swore a crab bit his toe. I am still giggling about it as I think about it. The second is my father and I decided to get matching henna tattoos. I was getting one by myself then he thought it would be fun. Mom wanted nothing to do with it at all.

 

After we got on the bus and back to the ship it was time for our, you guessed it, nap. Can I just say being back at work this week has been rough? I think we should all have naptime.

 

Dinner tonight was in Cagney’s. Cagney’s can be hit or miss sometimes. Tonight it was a hit. After dinner, we went for our nightly visit to the casino where mom and I may have stayed out a little later than dad but it was okay :-).

[kblac708]

Day 8 – Dawn Sea Day

 

This day had our big group Latitudes meet up at 12:30 in Spinnaker. Before we went there we decided to hit up Blue Lagoon for a quick bite. This was not the best decision. After we were seated, we waited over 15 minutes to place our order. It took another 20 minutes to get our soup. After an additional 20 minutes after they took our soup plates arrived, our main meal came. Mine, as was my luck this week, was wrong. Honestly, I was annoyed at this point. We had watched people who came in after us get served three courses and leave while we were still waiting. A ship officer noticed that I pushed my plate away and wasn’t eating. We explained the issue and she offered to get me a new sandwich to which I declined. It was almost time for the Latitudes meet up and I was in a bad mood. At least I knew there would be snacks at the party.

 

The Latitudes party was ok. This was the first time I was in Spinnaker all week and understand why people complain about it on the Dawn. It was not appealing at all. Being that two bites of shrimp does not count as a meal I decided to go for sushi since it happened to be opened for lunch. This was good sushi. I still like the Breakaway better but it was good.

 

No nap for us today shockingly since we got up late. We went to dinner at La Cucina again. I ordered the same food with the exception of no pizza as I did the other day. It was still good.

 

We went off to the casino to donate a little more and to see if any of our donations would help reduce our bills.

 

Day 9/10 – Back to New Orleans then back to New York City

 

Getting off the ship was ok. We had priority disembarkation and in the past that meant getting off a different way and not having to wait on line. The Dawn apparently doesn’t have this. At this point, I could care less, I was just happy to be off the ship.

 

We checked back into Harrah’s for the night after getting a cab. Our rooms were not ready as expected so we took a stroll to Café DuMonde. The line was crazy long for people waiting to sit outside. I could care less where I sat so we went around the line and straight inside where there were plenty of tables to be had. We did a little shopping and bought a muffalato for lunch to share back at the hotel.

 

We went to Harrah’s casino for a bit to kill time before our reservations at Nola that night. Nola is fantastic. I highly recommend it. After a big and delicious dinner, we headed back to the casino so I could watch the end of the NY Ranger game that I knew would be on at the Signature Bar. I’ve been hockey deprived for a week and really needed a fix. While watching the game, there was screaming behind us, we turned and watched four security guards take down a guy who had stolen a woman’s bag. In the end, it took 6 security guards, 3 NOPD and mace to get this guy cuffed. He was definitely on something.

 

This brings me to my thoughts on Harrah’s casino. This is my third trip to New Orleans. This was by far the most uncomfortable I’ve been in any casino and I am an Atlantic City regular. Maybe because I work in the law enforcement as support staff I am more sensitive to these things. Normally, in a casino with my mom, I feel comfortable walking away and going a few rows over. In this casino we were always within eyeshot of each other. I felt safer playing the machines closer to the table games because there seemed to be more security there than on the perimeter. But, again, this could just be me.

 

We were up bright and early the next morning and home by early afternoon.

[kblac708]

Final thoughts:

 

Would I ever cruise on the Dawn again? Probably not. The ship did not seem to be in the best condition. They definitely were having water leak issues. Every day there were huge dryers in multiple locations. The stains on some of the carpets make me think this is an ongoing issue.

 

The Casino Staff: This was the best staff I have ever dealt with on any NCL ship. I am excited that several of them will be on the Breakaway when I sail in September. The only vacation hero cards I wrote out were for the casino staff. And as a reminder I did lose everyday but I had fun while I did it.

 

The rest of the ship’s crew/staff: I had too many bad encounters over the week do not balance out to the few good ones I had. The ones that I had a good experience were given something extra. Though, our room steward Luis was very good. He was the first steward I’ve had that let me keep my collection of towel animals all week. He was also concerned when I returned from the Belize day since he could see how red and blotchy I was from crying. (When I am angry or very embarrassed I tend to cry. I try not to but sometimes it is too much.)

 

 

Overall: It was a vacation. I was in warm weather and not freezing. If I ever sailed this itinerary again, I think I would choose the Jewel to go on. Houston might be interesting.

[kblac708]

Thanks for ur review....waiting for more!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Thank you! The whole review is now posted.

[jethrojam]

Thanks for the review, I will be sailing the dawn with my wife and parents soon too. Hopefully it will be better for us, it stinks the way you were treated on the tender.

[Sand and Seas]

We were on the same cruise with you, just a few doors down in another balcony cabin. Had to laugh about those fog horns. I slept through a lot of it but my husband is a lighter sleeper and was quite startled by a couple of the ships we passed. Overall, we had a great time on this cruise. I totally agree this casino staff was excellent! And this was the first time in quite awhile that I made money in an on-board casino:D

 

As for Belize, we just stayed on board and enjoyed the spa passes we got from the casino. Sounds like that was a good decision on our part! I am looking forward to the new port NCL plans to visit there in the future. Sounds like it will be a nice 'private island' type of stop.

 

This was our 3rd or 4th time on the Dawn and we have enjoyed each cruise. We will probably go on her again if she remains on the New Orleans cruises. We love to visit that city for a few days before or after a cruise.

 

Regarding Harrah's New Orleans. This is where we stay before and after our cruises. The hotel and casino staff are so great that we always feel 'at home' there. I was so surprised to hear you didn't feel comfortable there as I have always felt totally safe. We live closer to Las Vegas but love to make several visits to Harrah's New Orleans each year. Since we retired we are lucky to be able to cruise 4 or 5 times each year with NCL thanks to CETs relationship with Casinos at Sea, and two of the cruises are always from New Orleans.

[LaCal]

Hi Thanks for your review and Sorry to hear a few staff were rude to you

 

Were on the Dawn this coming Sunday and can't wait ....were also staying at Harrahs before and after for two days

 

So Happy to hear how Great the casino staff is because I spend a large amount of time in the casino

 

What table games do you play? I play primarily Ultimate Texas Holdem , 3 card poker , Black Jack and Texas Holdem plus some slots and video poker lol

 

How long after you set sail was it till the casino opened??

 

Was the Casino Host good at comping anything? You mentioned at the end seeing if there was any

 

How were the rooms at Harrahs?? Were comped a Premium room for 1 night pre-cruise and 2 nights post-cruise so we can see New Orleans as we've never been there

 

The rude staff member at the excursion who embarrassed you would of heard a piece of my mind

 

I'm like you and most times am very very easy going but be a ass to me and you'll hear it 🙀😆. Let's just say I woulda shocked her/him and said who the F... Do u think your talking too 😡🙀

 

Was the Drink mixup ever taken care of once you showed the bartender the menu that said Stoli??

 

I know there's another Russian vodka that's better than Stoli was that the one he was trying to give you ?

 

Cause to me Stoli is ok but I'd rather have Grey goose or Ketel or even Absolut

 

Thanks Again and any other Casino info and my questions would be greatly appreciated

[Roscoe2001]

Thank you for the review. My family is sailing on the Dawn in two weeks. Can you explain where in the ship you go to get on the tender in Belize? (ie: forward, aft, deck) We have a private tour scheduled and need to get off the ship as soon as possible to make the timing work.

[kblac708]

Hi Thanks for your review and Sorry to hear a few staff were rude to you

 

 

 

Were on the Dawn this coming Sunday and can't wait ....were also staying at Harrahs before and after for two days

 

 

 

So Happy to hear how Great the casino staff is because I spend a large amount of time in the casino

 

 

 

What table games do you play? I play primarily Ultimate Texas Holdem , 3 card poker , Black Jack and Texas Holdem plus some slots and video poker lol

 

 

 

How long after you set sail was it till the casino opened??

 

 

 

Was the Casino Host good at comping anything? You mentioned at the end seeing if there was any

 

 

 

How were the rooms at Harrahs?? Were comped a Premium room for 1 night pre-cruise and 2 nights post-cruise so we can see New Orleans as we've never been there

 

 

 

The rude staff member at the excursion who embarrassed you would of heard a piece of my mind

 

 

 

I'm like you and most times am very very easy going but be a ass to me and you'll hear it [emoji79][emoji38]. Let's just say I woulda shocked her/him and said who the F... Do u think your talking too [emoji35][emoji79]

 

 

 

Was the Drink mixup ever taken care of once you showed the bartender the menu that said Stoli??

 

 

 

I know there's another Russian vodka that's better than Stoli was that the one he was trying to give you ?

 

 

 

Cause to me Stoli is ok but I'd rather have Grey goose or Ketel or even Absolut

 

 

 

Thanks Again and any other Casino info and my questions would be greatly appreciated

 

 

The casino hosts were great. Even though I already had a free dinner and wine due to my level I was given another during the cruise based on play. I really didn't charge anything to my room so they took pretty much everything off. They also took a lot of my parents bill.

 

I play all the same table games as you but stick primarily to ultimate Texas hold em. That's where I could be found most days. Because of the delay leaving the casino opened later than it should have. I was told it's normally opened by 6 but don't quote me on that.

 

The Harrah's rooms are great. I love a good soaking tub and they all have one.

 

In regards to excursion person I was in such shock that I couldn't say anything. And the bartender gave us well vodka. My dad is particular when it comes to vodka and doesn't stray from absolute and stolli.

 

Like I said the casino was great and the highlight for me.

[kblac708]

Thank you for the review. My family is sailing on the Dawn in two weeks. Can you explain where in the ship you go to get on the tender in Belize? (ie: forward, aft, deck) We have a private tour scheduled and need to get off the ship as soon as possible to make the timing work.

 

 

It's midship on the 4th floor. You have to get your tender tickets in spinnaker I believe.

[kblac708]

We were on the same cruise with you, just a few doors down in another balcony cabin. Had to laugh about those fog horns. I slept through a lot of it but my husband is a lighter sleeper and was quite startled by a couple of the ships we passed. Overall, we had a great time on this cruise. I totally agree this casino staff was excellent! And this was the first time in quite awhile that I made money in an on-board casino:D

 

As for Belize, we just stayed on board and enjoyed the spa passes we got from the casino. Sounds like that was a good decision on our part! I am looking forward to the new port NCL plans to visit there in the future. Sounds like it will be a nice 'private island' type of stop.

 

This was our 3rd or 4th time on the Dawn and we have enjoyed each cruise. We will probably go on her again if she remains on the New Orleans cruises. We love to visit that city for a few days before or after a cruise.

 

Regarding Harrah's New Orleans. This is where we stay before and after our cruises. The hotel and casino staff are so great that we always feel 'at home' there. I was so surprised to hear you didn't feel comfortable there as I have always felt totally safe. We live closer to Las Vegas but love to make several visits to Harrah's New Orleans each year. Since we retired we are lucky to be able to cruise 4 or 5 times each year with NCL thanks to CETs relationship with Casinos at Sea, and two of the cruises are always from New Orleans.

 

 

Thanks for your comments. I'm glad you had a great time on this cruise. I think I just had a black cloud following me around on this one.

 

Just a heads up...I think there may be a change coming with CET and NCL's relationship. It seems that they are no longer offering a seven stars cruise anymore and someone, I forget who, said they think the partnership may be ending. I'm not sure if this is true or not.

[LaCal]

Thx Kristine 😃😃

[LaCal]

Kristine one more question ??

 

U mentioned the cab dropping u off across the street from the port

 

Is it hard walking with luggage?? My Mother in Law is older and packs a few large suitcases so I'm imagining myself trying to manage lol

 

Are the luggage porters across the street ??

 

Thx Again and I'll post a review once our cruise is over

 

Hopefully it's a winning n fun cruise 🍀🍀💰💰💰🍀🍀🍀🍹🍹🍹

[zqvol]

Thanks for the review, I will be sailing the dawn with my wife and parents soon too. Hopefully it will be better for us, it stinks the way you were treated on the tender.

 

Please understand that the tenders are not run by NCL staff, they are run by the locals and there is no NCL staff present.

 

I seriously doubt OPs version of the incident, but even if it happened, it was OPs fault for not reading their tickets which were clearly marked as to the assembly point.

 

We were on the Dawn the same week and it was a wonderful cruise. The shore excursion staff could not have been more polite or helpful. I was at there desk a number of times and had to bite my tongue at the way they were treated by passengers, yet they always maintained their professionalism.

 

I would not worry in the least about the Dawn, you will love it.

 

Here is a link to my short review of the same trip. Feel free to post there if you have any questions and I will get back to you.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2179523

[zqvol]

Thank you for the review. My family is sailing on the Dawn in two weeks. Can you explain where in the ship you go to get on the tender in Belize? (ie: forward, aft, deck) We have a private tour scheduled and need to get off the ship as soon as possible to make the timing work.

 

There will be an announcement in the Freestyle Daily explaining where to go to get tender tickets. Once you have your ticket you will go to the appropriate location on Deck 4 (either mid ship or aft) to get the tender.

 

The key is to get your tender tickets early, because they are given out by time, and early tenders do not have a lot of space because of NCL tours.

[zqvol]

Kristine one more question ??

 

U mentioned the cab dropping u off across the street from the port

 

Is it hard walking with luggage?? My Mother in Law is older and packs a few large suitcases so I'm imagining myself trying to manage lol

 

Are the luggage porters across the street ??

 

Thx Again and I'll post a review once our cruise is over

 

Hopefully it's a winning n fun cruise 🍀🍀💰💰💰🍀🍀🍀🍹🍹🍹

 

Your cab should drop you off right next to the porters, there is no where to walk with luggage. In our case the porters even took the bags out of the cab, and added the luggage tags to them for us. No problem at all. NO is a very easy port of embarkation.

[kblac708]

The cab drops you across the railroad tracks from the port building. The porters are by the cab drop off so you do not have to worry about dragging any bags.

[kblac708]

Your cab should drop you off right next to the porters, there is no where to walk with luggage. In our case the porters even took the bags out of the cab, and added the luggage tags to them for us. No problem at all. NO is a very easy port of embarkation.

 

 

I agree it was an easy port. It was our cab driver who was confused. We did not know anything was different until he said it