Live from the Dawn 9/4/05

[naragonl]

Baitman19,

 

I was on Dawn 8-21-05 and am re-living the cruise through your on board updates.:D

 

Thx

 

We too missed GSC (Katrina issues)

[babywewe]

i see from the cam the dawn is just arriving at nassau...(its almost 4) ... what took them so long! maybe there was no place for them to dock untill 4 ?

[amy417]

So...what happened to Lance? Thought he was to be the new CD. Also how is the new CD.

[PianoGirl]

great being able to read this while your sailing along :)

[MARYANDPAT]

Hi, Amy. We cruised last week on the Dawn (still suffering from withdrawal :( ) and were fortunate enough to "sandwich" in a good week of sailing between this week and the week before. Our trip was flawless (including the little u-turn we took in the middle of the Atlantic to investigate an overturned boat!).

 

Our understanding is that Lance is either on (or going on this week) vacation until November, and he will become the CD upon his return. Ricky Matthews came on-board as CD upon Colin's departure but is leaving on 10/8 so I don't know (and neither does Ricky) who will be CD until Lance comes back.

 

I was prepared to dislike Lance based on all of the chatter on these boards, but I must admit he grew on me and I think he'll be O.K. I found Ricky a little annoying and not particularly amusing, but as you'll see on these boards not everyone will agree with me.

 

I have been enjoying Baitman's posts also. I hope Ophelia doesn't cause any problems, and that their journey home is smooth sailing. This was our first cruise, and we absolutely loved it! I've already started saving for our next one; it may not be until 2007 but it WILL happen again. :D

[cruisingfromMN]

Is your Concierge, Claudio from Chile and was he on the Spirit back in February? If so, you are in for an exceptional treat. If the above is true, say hi from Tami and Greg.

[SailorsMate]

I don't know Lance, but I was on the Dawn in Feb 04 and DID NOT like Ricky at all- I wrote on the comment card that both he and his assistant ( can't remember his name) were room emptiers- I'm going on the Dawn in a month- I hope Ricky has sharpened some of his skills- He wore thin on me in a hurry. JMHO.

[Baitman19]

Live from the Dawn con’t:

 

 

Thursday 9/7/05 GSC & Nassau

 

 

It’s 7:00am and the Dawn is at GSC. They haven’t anchored yet. The wind is blowing pretty good, 35-40kts, but the sun is going to shine today. Having breakfast on our balcony this morning. The sun is coming up on our side of the ship.

 

The Captain just announced that it’s not safe for tendering and we will be leaving for Nassau. Should get there around 1:00pm. They brought 3 loads of supplies to the island, so we had to wait to bring it all back & unload it.

 

At about 10:30am, they handed out a new revised Freestyle Daily. Had to add things to do, opened the casino, gift shop and the bars early.

 

Had lunch in the Venetian as the ship docked at 12:30pm. Ship was cleared to disembark at 1:30pm. We’re getting off around 2:45pm to shop.

 

Walked around the shopping areas and picked up some carved pieces for my son. This place is hot and humid today. Came back to ship at 4:00pm.

 

Tip for those staying in an Owner’s Suite, don’t have both balcony doors open at the same time on a windy day. Everything wants to go out the doors.

 

Going to the Star Bar to see Benny before we have dinner at Cagney’s.

 

Dinner at Cagney’s was excellent. Went to the show at 9:30pm. Came back to the cabin around 11:00pm and fell asleep on the balcony. The sea air will do that, maybe the drinks too!

 

 

Friday 9/8/05 Nassau:

 

 

Went ashore at 8:30am. Needed to pick up a few more things. While on shore the skies opened up and had to stay longer.

 

Captain Peterstam informed us that the ride home would be a rough one. Swells from Nate & Ophelia are going to be our biggest concern. It’s 3:45pm and the swells are coming now.

 

We have an appointment with the cruise consultant at 5:30pm to book a cruise for us and another couple for 9/9/06 to New England & Canada on the Dawn. Can’t seem to leave this ship. No Owner’s Suite this time, it’s back to reality!!!!!! Just booked two rooms on the 9/9/06 cruise to Canada & New England.

 

Just heard a crack of thunder. There are some dark clouds off the port side.

 

After the cruise consultant, it’s off to play shuffle board. Ship is rolling now and the discs keep curving. Had more points on 10 Off.

 

Went to see Benny in the Star Bar before dinner at La Trattoria. My wife made me go to the buffet earlier because she was hungry. Now I’m not hungry. We had Buffalo Mozzarella and angel hairs pasta with puttanesca sauce & lasagna. Didn’t stay for dessert.

 

Went to bed early, walking around wasn’t fun.

 

Woke up at 3:30am. The ship was Rockin & Rollin. We’re now up to 35 kts winds and 12-18ft seas. The ship is still doing 22kts. Wonder how many people are going to complain.

 

For all those who are reliving their cruises by my posts. I think they end here. The fun is over and now the seasoned cruisers take over. Breakfast is being delivered at 8:00am. Now I’m hungry. Holding on the bed all night makes you hungry.

 

I’m going to try and post this. It’s 6:45am on Saturday

 

Good bye for now. Next post, when we get home. Minutes are almost up!

 

 

Happy Sailing

 

Diane & Monty.

 

 

 

[TrinaLC]

It's looking quite rough on the Cam today, Saturday!

 

Looking forward to hearing from you when you get back!

[dongordon]

Monty,

 

Thanks for the update....we were worried about you and anxiously awaiting your post.

 

The trip home will or is probably rough. The bridge cam did not look good! Hopefully, as you head north, you will hit some sunny skies today.

 

Hope the weather did not dampeer your fun on this cruise.

 

Thanks again for providing all the great information on your cruise....we felt as if we were back on the Dawn!

 

Don

[happy traveler 60]

Thanks for all your updates, they were just great, now I can't wait for 10-19-05, 39 days till on the Dawn. :) Thanks for the report on the wind, no matter which way the wind blows we'll have a fabulous time. Helen

[SailorsMate]

Hi Helen

I was on the Dawn last October- We hit heavy seas ( I believe 27 foot waves)- We were fine, although many were sea sick. I'm going again on the cruise immediately before yours, so how bad could it have been?

[happy traveler 60]

Hi SailorsMate,

Thanks for your info. We just love to cruise. Glad you enoyed it so much that your going back, maybe we'll say the same after our cruise. We've been upgraded to a penthouse suite, so I'm really excited. Never been in one before. Have a great time on your cruise. :) Helen

[PA Cruisers2]

Happy Traveler 60

 

You must be a "Happy Traveler" to be upgraded to a penthouse suite. If I may ask, what category were you before? Did they call you or did you call them? Which ship? Is it rude to ask how much extra you had to pay? Sorry for all the questions but I would love an upgrade. We were never offered one, but we both work and maybe they called and we weren't home so they moved on to the next cruiser.

 

Anyway, congrats on your upgrade.

 

PA

[happy traveler 60]

Hi PA,

 

Answer to some of you questions. We were originally booked on a BA category,

 

They called us one morning and left a message on our answering machine, because we both also work. I had to call them back to see what they wanted, and it was to upgrade to a penthouse AC which I'm totally ecstatic about, can’t wait for our cruise.

 

We will be sailing on 10/19/05 on the Dawn. We had to pay $300pp for the upgrade. Which I think was a terrific price. We never had one of these suites before so we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to upgrade. This will be our 3rd NCL cruise. We’re from PA so its nice to sail out of NY.

 

 

 

Are you booked on a cruise in the near future? And where are you planning to go and When? Talk to you soon. Helen

[Mbouck1]

Thanks Monty for all the postings. We will be doing our first NCL cruise on the Dawn in 2 weeks. We will be driving dow and then taking the metro-north to Penn station and then a cab to the pier. One time we don't have to fly.

Sorry to hear about the weather from Ophelia but I sure hope she is gone by the time we get there and no others around.

Hope you have a great and safe trip home.

 

NCL Dawn 9/25/05

[PA Cruisers2]

Helen,

We are in a BC so maybe we won't get a call....but then again.... who knows. I am glad that they leave a message on the answering machine.

We are sailing on the Dawn in January to the W.Caribbean with another couple.

Our first cruise was on the Dawn out of Miami to Eastern Carib.

Second cruise was on the Dawn out of NY to Southern Carib. (my favorite)

Third was on the Spirit out of Miami to W.Carib.

This will be our fourth. Wow, I guess when DH says, "Hon, your really cruisin!" he is right! LOL

It is wonderful to sail out of NY since it so close and you don't have the airport hassle to worry about....will there be any delays, etc. This way we just have to plan ahead if the roads will be icey in January. But it is a great break in the middle of the winter to sit in the sun on beach in the Caribbean. I can't wait!

[babywewe]

I think we all would like to know how the ride home was~!

[swoosh2005]

I thought you might want to see this shot of the view entering NYC

[Baitman19]

We're home,

 

It's football day today, so this has to be a short post.

 

Ride home was rough. It started to get rough when we started to pass Port Canaveral and didn't calm down until last last night. At one point we had 18 foot seas and 50kt winds. You really feel, the seas in the bow. There were even a couple of waves that broke over the bow. You get to see that first hand in an owners suite.

 

Overall, the cruise was great. Will finish my post tomorrow.

 

Go Green Bay!!!!

 

Monty

[Baitman19]

Just thought I would answer some of the questions on this thread

 

TxLnghrnz,

 

There were no “featured performers” on the Dawn this week. There was a Illusionist, Ventriloquist & the production shows.

 

 

Mrtractor,

 

The room setup on the 360 tour is the same as 10506, but the carpeting is different. No colorful squares, but a light green print. It’s a great room with EVERYTHING!

 

 

MarkSpark,

 

Yes there is a laptop computer and you have internet access is you pay for it. It has wireless capabilities, but only on certain decks.

 

The CD/DVD player is on both 27” TVs. There is an electronic eye under the tv to open and close the player and 2 remotes. Sound is awesome.

 

 

Babyewe,

 

We arrived in Nassau at 12:3pm on Thursday instead of 8pm on Thursday. We were having lunch in the Venetian as they turned the ship around to dock. You could feel the thrusters turning the stern around. Got to GSC at 7:00am and left at 10:30am. The waves were too high for safe tendering.

 

 

Amy417,

 

Lance is getting off the ship for vacation on 9/11/05 and will return as CD on 10/9 when Ricky leaves. We had Paul Baya & Colin Kerr. Ricky is no match for either of them. Lance will do okay.

 

 

For those who asked “How was the ride home”?

 

ROUGH. We have rough seas from 10pm on Friday until 12am on Sunday. There were time with 20 foot seas and 50kt winds. Saw some waves break over the bow. You get to this his first hand in an owner’s suite. You can hear the wind and feel all the waves as the hit the bow.

 

Cruise was awesome even with the rough ride home.

 

 

Anymore questions, just ask.

 

Happy Sailing

 

Monty

[Saigon]

We were having good time with the Dawn and here is a quick review:

 

- Foods: Good and have a lot of choices of restaurants. Freestyle cruising is the best for me.

 

- Entertainment: Not very good. Except 2 shows (2 nights) from Ryan & companies and the magical show, the rest was poor and far behind Royal Caribbean's ones. IMO, people prefers to see "singing and dancing" shows than talking shows...

 

- Services & Staffs: Excellent. Some bartenders are really miserable but the rest was amazing.

 

- Ricky and Lance: Lance is on vacation until Oct. 2005. After that, he will replace Ricky as CD.

 

Lance is not that bad. From inside, he is a generous and cool. Did you ever talk with him ? Make a try and you will know him better :)

 

Regarding Ricky, 4 years ago when we took the SS Norway, Ricky was Assistant CD and Colin was the CD. At that time, we found out that Ricky was a very good dancer. It was him who animated different parties on that cruise. Ricky was working hard and IMO he merits what he gets today.

 

We suppose to meet with Lance this coming wednesday when he came to Montreal (Canada). Great to see him again.

 

Conclusion: I would recommend the Dawn to friends. With this ship, the parties will never end.:)

[maltesemom]

glad you had a good time.

[Cinnamon Seahorse]

Monty--Thanks for the tip about not having both balcony doors open at once. We're sailing in OS 10006 in March, and it would be just like us to open both doors at once. Yikes! :eek: Carla

[CruisFran]

Monty, Shoreguy is presently sailing on the NCL Jewel. In one post he says that all bar prices are up, beer, wine, mixed drinks, and there are no more buckets of beer. He believes this increase is fleet wide. What was you exprerience on the Dawn?

 

Thank, Ed