MITSUGIRLYS DAWN TO BERMUDA NOVEL (or review as some may call it)

[njhorseman]

Kim, for the Breakaway, I was going to suggest Comfort Inn Midtown West which is only .3 miles from the Port of Manhattan. It's fairly inexpensive by Manhattan standards and located very near Broadway - you could easily walk, so it would be easy to take Sakari to her first Broadway show (maybe The Lion King or Aladdin) if desired. The other hotel I thought of was the Holiday Inn Midtown - just .5 miles from the port. LaGuardia is only a tiny bit closer than JFK to the port. It's about half a mile difference but takes about 2/3's the drive time usually.

 

If you're walking to Pier 88 from the hotels you mention, the Comfort Inn is a touch closer than you're saying and the Holiday Inn on W. 57th St. is more on the order of .8 miles.

 

LGA is much closer to the port than JFK. It depends on the route you take but about 12 miles versus 18 miles is a reasonable approximation. EWR is about 15 miles from the port.

[riddle]

I second the Comfort Inn. I used it last fall. It is easily within walking distance to the port if you are flying. We had relativew arrive early the day of departure (they had driven all night from Cincinnati). The adults were exhausted, the kids were wired.

 

There is a free continental breakfast that is very adequate and which will save you a ton of money. I don't remember what I paid but I got it on Priceline for a good rate. The relatives who came in were able to park free that day on the street right in front of the hotel. We took the kids for a walk to see some things while the main driver crashed for a while in the room.

[mitsugirly]

I booked my free cruise today on the Carnival Breeze. They allowed me to pay to upgrade to a balcony cabin which actually cost very little - just a few hundred dollars. I'm excited about the 4D movie theater and all the different specialty restaurants onboard!

 

The Breeze is the most similar of Carnival's ships to the NCL Getaway and it's the same group as the Magic, which we enjoyed, so it should be a great cruise!

 

Sounds like you had a wonderful cruise!! How great is that with winning on the slots!!! WTG!!!! I hope you posted your review over on the Carnival boards for everyone to read. Did you get any pictures?

 

Lucky you on the Breeze. THAT'S the ship I really want to go on. Some day...I'm hoping next year actually. I WILL GET ON THAT SHIP!! :D

 

I recall somewhere on the boards several years ago, someone mentioned staying at a hotel in New Jersey then taking a car service to the pier.

 

I also see ads (since I am 60 miles north of the city and get those TV stations) for a car service Dial 77777 (probably missing a few 7"s:))

 

Newark would be the furthest from the pier, with JFK next and LGA the closest (those living in the city may correct that). From taking relatives to each over many years, we always found traffic to JFK quite miserable but, one little traffic glitch anywhere and the roads are a nightmare.

 

We did Breakaway two years ago for our 30th anniversary (I surprised the hubby that Christmas before with it). Just like everyone else, each ship you find things you like better than others and some things not so. I think we are better suited for the smaller ships but by no means would I pass up a deal on Breakaway again. We loved O'Sheehan's, loved being able to sit up there and watch shows in the atrium below. Did not like having to get tickets to see shows in the theater (understand why with the number of passengers), loved the layout of the casino but HATED the smoke. As in so bad it permeated O'Sheehan's and the elevators going toward the aft of the ship. I do not want to take away a person's right to smoke but it was beyond belief late in the day. You guys are the adventuresome types so you should love the slides, ropes, etc. I will say that, as long as the weather is nice, you do not feel like there are close to 4,000 on board. I believe (it's been two years and I'm over 50 LOL) that the rear dining was the dinner and show dining room at an additional cost. The ship is beautiful, areas where the specialty dining is very pretty, and the waterfront pretty neat.

 

I will say I have spoken to a few people who have done Epic and Breakaway and they say they prefer Epic.

 

Personally, I prefer whatever ship I am on at the moment.

 

Good luck planning Kim and try not to stress out!

 

Kathy

 

I was just looking up the location earlier today. I found that LaGuardia is 23 minutes and around 10miles from the port. Newark is 26 minutes and 16 miles away from the port. I only seen another airport at Long Island...which looks far. It looks like I'm missing JFK?

 

We have done Epic and Getaway...and I liked the Epic much better! So, that will probably be the same for this ships as well.

 

I hate having to book the shows. It just SUCKS! We didn't get to see ANY of the shows on the Getaway because of this. We didn't book (forgot it was like this) and they were "sold out". :(

 

Too late...I'm stressed. LOL :o

[SuiteTraveler]

Kim,

Yeah I've got quite a few photos, but I haven't gone through them yet. My first day home I was with my 90 year old father from early morning to late afternoon and/or running various errands for him and even taking him to the dentist on an "emergency" appointment regarding a burn in his mouth (which is miraculously cured today thanks to a prophylactic oral gel the dental assistant cleverly thought to give him. I am so grateful to her for thinking of this as I knew the place in his mouth was no big deal, but it panicked dad. I guess he was relieved when the dentist told him it was no big deal and would get better and he used the gel and it did - even though these minor burns (his from hot coffee) usually heal in 24 hours or so.) But that ordeal was ALL day long. In the meantime a half dozen other people were running at me with various inquiries and/or information for me. Ooooph! I tried to catch up on all the mail and bills today. I'm sure you know how it goes or can go when you are trying to take care of someone else and still run your own household and take care of your immediate family. Eventually I'll post my review and maybe even some photos. BTW, if you look on Trip Advisor, they show photos of the cabana Palapa beds at Mr. Sanchos. They were ideal for our situation - where my husband needs to be in the shade as much as possible.

 

I'm excited about the Breeze. There will be a Heart concert on that particular cruise. Should be nice! I'm also excited about the sushi restaurant onboard. Sashimi grade fish is flash frozen to an extremely low temperature on the boat and then sold frozen as sashimi grade. This is the ONLY fish that should ever be consumed raw. (Although with raw Oysters, electron beam pasteurization is the essential method used to make them safe to consume - without this, the oysters can kill people.) Anyway, for sashimi, the flash freezing actually kills all parasites and bacteria in the fish flesh making it safe to consume "raw." Flash freezing is essentially cooking with extreme cold. Anyway, that's one of my favorite types of food as long as it is sashimi grade fish and the fish is handled correctly because it is so clean and healthy. None of the carcinogens caused by cooking with heat develop in the fish.

 

Can you tell I'm a bit exhausted and my mind is wandering? LOL!

Edited July 8, 2015 by SuiteTraveler

[SuiteTraveler]

If you're walking to Pier 88 from the hotels you mention, the Comfort Inn is a touch closer than you're saying and the Holiday Inn on W. 57th St. is more on the order of .8 miles.

 

LGA is much closer to the port than JFK. It depends on the route you take but about 12 miles versus 18 miles is a reasonable approximation. EWR is about 15 miles from the port.

 

Oh! I got the mileages for the hotels from Hotels.com. I got the airport mileages from Googlemaps.com. I guess they got them wrong. I'm just familiar with the Comfort Inn being a reasonably priced place to stay near Broadway. I haven't cruise from New York yet.

[njhorseman]

 

I was just looking up the location earlier today. I found that LaGuardia is 23 minutes and around 10miles from the port. Newark is 26 minutes and 16 miles away from the port. I only seen another airport at Long Island...which looks far. It looks like I'm missing JFK?

 

 

I have the funny feeling you're just looking at airports that Southwest flies to, not airports in general. I know it's something that Southwest fans find difficult to accept :rolleyes:, but they don't fly everywhere, particularly they don't fly into many of the largest airports in the country, like JFK, ORD, DFW, MIA or IAH.

 

The airport you're seeing is Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) . It's out in Suffolk County, and you don't want to fly into there...it's about 60 miles from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

[mitsugirly]

Kim, for the Breakaway, I was going to suggest Comfort Inn Midtown West which is only .3 miles from the Port of Manhattan. It's fairly inexpensive by Manhattan standards and located very near Broadway - you could easily walk, so it would be easy to take Sakari to her first Broadway show (maybe The Lion King or Aladdin) if desired. The other hotel I thought of was the Holiday Inn Midtown - just .5 miles from the port. LaGuardia is only a tiny bit closer than JFK to the port. It's about half a mile difference but takes about 2/3's the drive time usually.

 

Ok, checked out Comfort Inn Midtown and it won't work for us for several reasons. First there is no parking. Second they want $319+ per room/family. Not within the budget we want to pay at all.

 

Holiday Inn is pretty much the same thing...$336+ for each room. Nor really what we are looking for.

 

I think anything within this area or close by is going to be a little more expensive than what we are looking for. I will probably have to stick with an area around NJ with a longer driving distance to get a decent deal.

[mitsugirly]

I have the funny feeling you're just looking at airports that Southwest flies to, not airports in general. I know it's something that Southwest fans find difficult to accept :rolleyes:, but they don't fly everywhere, particularly they don't fly into many of the largest airports in the country, like JFK, ORD, DFW, MIA or IAH.

 

The airport you're seeing is Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) . It's out in Suffolk County, and you don't want to fly into there...it's about 60 miles from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

 

You are correct. We fly with SW and since we seem to use them for all of our flight needs, we have a tendency to really accumulate our points rather quickly for free flights. Plus they are always cheaper compared to the other airlines whenever I search for flights and no baggage fees. It's just a no-brainer for us. :)

[garnet115]

Ok, checked out Comfort Inn Midtown and it won't work for us for several reasons. First there is no parking. Second they want $319+ per room/family. Not within the budget we want to pay at all.

 

Holiday Inn is pretty much the same thing...$336+ for each room. Nor really what we are looking for.

 

I think anything within this area or close by is going to be a little more expensive than what we are looking for. I will probably have to stick with an area around NJ with a longer driving distance to get a decent deal.

 

 

Sadly, you will find this to be the case with just about any Manhattan hotel. I can't think of any that would provide parking. I've heard that some hotels in NJ do cruise/park packages. If you find one that is near public transit (train/bus/ferry) you may not need a car at all.

[garnet115]

You are correct. We fly with SW and since we seem to use them for all of our flight needs, we have a tendency to really accumulate our points rather quickly for free flights. Plus they are always cheaper compared to the other airlines whenever I search for flights and no baggage fees. It's just a no-brainer for us. :)

 

 

Many will disagree with me, but I like flying in and out of Newark, and it's a pretty easy shot from Newark to midtown. Don't think twice about flying there vs the other NY airports. Especially Laguardia. I LOATHE Laguardia.

[Crusin Karen]

Kim, congrats on booking the cruise. We live 20 minutes from port of Manhattan so I can't give you any help with hotels, but I do know there are a number of hotels right across the bridge in NJ. Shame you can't take advantage of your stay in the city. It is a fascinating place! Just want to ask a favor: when you post the review for this cruise, please come over to the Carnival board and let us know! I never visit this board and don't want to miss one of your reviews! :p Have fun with all your planning!

[njhorseman]

Ok, checked out Comfort Inn Midtown and it won't work for us for several reasons. First there is no parking. Second they want $319+ per room/family. Not within the budget we want to pay at all.

 

Holiday Inn is pretty much the same thing...$336+ for each room. Nor really what we are looking for.

 

I think anything within this area or close by is going to be a little more expensive than what we are looking for. I will probably have to stick with an area around NJ with a longer driving distance to get a decent deal.

 

You've gotten good advice from Carol (138east) on the East Coast Departures board. I'd strongly suggest you consider following it.

[mitsugirly]

Sadly, you will find this to be the case with just about any Manhattan hotel. I can't think of any that would provide parking. I've heard that some hotels in NJ do cruise/park packages. If you find one that is near public transit (train/bus/ferry) you may not need a car at all.

 

I can't even begin to imagine trying to haul our luggage, carry on, tote, and child onto any public transit to go to the port. That's not even do-able for us. :(

 

Many will disagree with me, but I like flying in and out of Newark, and it's a pretty easy shot from Newark to midtown. Don't think twice about flying there vs the other NY airports. Especially Laguardia. I LOATHE Laguardia.

 

Actually Laguardia is completely out of the question for us because there are no available flights the day we return. So, we pretty much have to fly out of Newark.

 

I really don't know what the terminology is for the area, so what is "midtown"? When you say that it's a pretty easy shot from Newark to there, an easy shot to where? Are you talking about the cruise port or in order to do things in the area? What type of transportation are you talking about for this?

[mitsugirly]

Kim, congrats on booking the cruise. We live 20 minutes from port of Manhattan so I can't give you any help with hotels, but I do know there are a number of hotels right across the bridge in NJ. Shame you can't take advantage of your stay in the city. It is a fascinating place! Just want to ask a favor: when you post the review for this cruise, please come over to the Carnival board and let us know! I never visit this board and don't want to miss one of your reviews! :p Have fun with all your planning!

 

Thanks. We're real excited about it, just nervous with trying to plan on pre-cruise stay. :eek:

 

I will find a way to let you know. However, not sure how I would be able to post over there about a review over on NCL. Some may not like that. LOL :p

 

You've gotten good advice from Carol (138east) on the East Coast Departures board. I'd strongly suggest you consider following it.

 

I'm just doing a little more research and I'll be ready to book. :)

[my_crib_too]

Kim:

 

This was a long one... Thank you for putting this together, I enjoyed reading your review. Lots of effort on your part putting this together and commenting on other posts along the way.

 

Sad to see the Dawn in such poor shape. We have sailed on her a few time and although an older ship, we found the crew to be great and the ship to be in perfect shape. This is clearly not the case anymore. Very sad. Has me re-thinking our next cruise.

 

Thanks again. Looking forward to your next trip on the BA out of NY. What NCL ships are left that you have not been on? If these are older NCL ships, does your experience on the Dawn make you less likely to sale on an old NCL ship again?

 

bruce...

[Andoria]

Loved your review! I was on the Dawn two years ago and will be sailing on her a again in a few more weeks. The Dawn was my least favorite cruise (but still great) and I'm trying to see if my opinion changes.

[first time cruiser 8]

Kim, I have read a lot of your reviews and they great and so helpful. I was on the Epic a couple of months after you in November 2010 and now will be embarking on the Breakway the day you disembark.

I have a couple of questions if you don't mind.

We have only been snorkeling once before and it was a guided tour, the places you snorkeled in Bermuda was it shallow water or was the water above your head? A couple of people in our group are not very comfortable in deep water without life jackets.

We are also thinking of purchasing the Olympus Tough Camera, do you have the 860 model? I was looking back and couldn't find what model you have. I believe I read that you use it for all your pictures, what settings do you use the most? Your pictures are so beautiful I can only hope mine come out half as good! Thanks for all your help.

[mitsugirly]

Kim:

 

This was a long one... Thank you for putting this together, I enjoyed reading your review. Lots of effort on your part putting this together and commenting on other posts along the way.

 

Sad to see the Dawn in such poor shape. We have sailed on her a few time and although an older ship, we found the crew to be great and the ship to be in perfect shape. This is clearly not the case anymore. Very sad. Has me re-thinking our next cruise.

 

Thanks again. Looking forward to your next trip on the BA out of NY. What NCL ships are left that you have not been on? If these are older NCL ships, does your experience on the Dawn make you less likely to sale on an old NCL ship again?

 

bruce...

 

You are very welcome Bruce and glad you enjoyed it.

 

All my reviews are rather "long ones" LOL :D

 

Like I said, I think I have a tendency to notice more things than some do. You will still see reports come in saying that the Dawn is in excellent shape...after I just went on it. I guess it's just how you look at it. I'm not saying it's falling apart and horrible, just little things that need spruced up. :p

 

I have the Gem and the Jade left to sail still. No absolutely NOT less likely to sail again on older NCL ships. We have sailed on just about all of them with no problem. But...the Star (sister ship of the Dawn) was my least favorite until this cruise. I just don't seem to care for that class I guess. We absolutely LOVE the Spirit and she's older and smaller. LOVE LOVE LOVE HER! Loved the Sun/Sky and liked the Pearl/Jewel class too.

 

So, this does not effect me wanting to do the smaller or older ships at all. :) And...if Dawn is the only means to go back to Bermuda in the future, I'll sail her again...for the port. There's no such thing as a bad cruise in my book. :)

 

Loved your review! I was on the Dawn two years ago and will be sailing on her a again in a few more weeks. The Dawn was my least favorite cruise (but still great) and I'm trying to see if my opinion changes.

 

I hope you have a wonderful time. Going to Bermuda is awesome no matter what ship you are on. :D

[spacewoman]

That's incorrect. LGA is closest to the pier, EWR is next and JFK is furthest.

 

Thank you, I know someone would have it exact!

[mitsugirly]

Kim, I have read a lot of your reviews and they great and so helpful. I was on the Epic a couple of months after you in November 2010 and now will be embarking on the Breakway the day you disembark.

I have a couple of questions if you don't mind.

We have only been snorkeling once before and it was a guided tour, the places you snorkeled in Bermuda was it shallow water or was the water above your head? A couple of people in our group are not very comfortable in deep water without life jackets.

We are also thinking of purchasing the Olympus Tough Camera, do you have the 860 model? I was looking back and couldn't find what model you have. I believe I read that you use it for all your pictures, what settings do you use the most? Your pictures are so beautiful I can only hope mine come out half as good! Thanks for all your help.

 

Yes, usually snorkeling from the beach is in either very shallow water to fairly shallow. I could stand up in almost all the places and of course it's entirely up to the people in your party if they want to go further (deeper). I usually don't adventure out too far over my head (usually no more than 7-8 feet) since I usually have my little one with me, who can swim, but still makes me nervous, but always remain close enough that if I need to stop and rest or adjust my gear that it's fairly close by to get to. People snorkeling along the sides most places there (the rocks) will see plenty of things with no problems at all. :)

 

Yes, I have the model 860 and also the 620 Olympus Tough cameras. Love them both. I mainly use the 620 for most of my pictures and that's only because I got so use to it before getting the 860. The 860 is just a tad bit bigger as well. But, it does have a lot of other nice features on it that the 620 doesn't. (For instance you can video AND take pictures at the same time :D and it actually has several different water settings, 3 I believe, and the 620 only has 1)

 

Honestly I use a ton of different settings. I pretty much rotate back and forth when taking pictures. I can take a picture of something, change the setting several times, while I take the same picture to make sure I get something I like. I can tell you that one of the settings will make the picture pop with color...the skies super blue, reds pop and so do greens and that's by putting the setting on the water (snorkeling) mode. For some reason when you use this setting out of the water, it makes it super colorful. :D They have a lot of different "beauty" modes and color modes to play around with too. I usually keep my camera on the SCN mode because that's where a lot of the settings that aren't auto are at. Landscape, beach setting, night scene, SPORT, and sunset are all settings I rotate during taking pictures.

 

One of my all time FAVORITE modes is the "miniature" mode that is located under "magic". It's like a tilt shift picture. It works out great if you are taking pictures (like from the ship) looking down into port (especially when there's people) and it makes them look like they are all "fake" miniature people. I actually didn't take any pictures on this mode on this review. With the battery issues I was having, it just wasn't a thought on my mind this time around and I'm completely kicking myself for it because I love those pictures. But you will find them in my other reviews. I will definitely have some next time in Bermuda!!! :D

 

Hopefully that helps. :)

[spacewoman]

How about Weschester Airport (HPN)?

 

Kathy

[spacewoman]

scratch my question Kim

 

I looked at the website and see they do not fly into Westchester.

 

Any way to get a connecting flight on another airline into Stewart Airport? It puts you an hour away from the pier, hotel prices much cheaper, but does leave you with needing a mini bus service to the terminal. (depending on the head count, limo can do 6-8 with luggage)

 

You could fly into Albany but that leaves you with a 3 hour trip to the terminal and the cost of transportation would be high (can you rent a mini van with drop off in the city maybe?)

[first time cruiser 8]

Yes, usually snorkeling from the beach is in either very shallow water to fairly shallow. I could stand up in almost all the places and of course it's entirely up to the people in your party if they want to go further (deeper). I usually don't adventure out too far over my head (usually no more than 7-8 feet) since I usually have my little one with me, who can swim, but still makes me nervous, but always remain close enough that if I need to stop and rest or adjust my gear that it's fairly close by to get to. People snorkeling along the sides most places there (the rocks) will see plenty of things with no problems at all. :)

 

Yes, I have the model 860 and also the 620 Olympus Tough cameras. Love them both. I mainly use the 620 for most of my pictures and that's only because I got so use to it before getting the 860. The 860 is just a tad bit bigger as well. But, it does have a lot of other nice features on it that the 620 doesn't. (For instance you can video AND take pictures at the same time :D and it actually has several different water settings, 3 I believe, and the 620 only has 1)

 

Honestly I use a ton of different settings. I pretty much rotate back and forth when taking pictures. I can take a picture of something, change the setting several times, while I take the same picture to make sure I get something I like. I can tell you that one of the settings will make the picture pop with color...the skies super blue, reds pop and so do greens and that's by putting the setting on the water (snorkeling) mode. For some reason when you use this setting out of the water, it makes it super colorful. :D They have a lot of different "beauty" modes and color modes to play around with too. I usually keep my camera on the SCN mode because that's where a lot of the settings that aren't auto are at. Landscape, beach setting, night scene, SPORT, and sunset are all settings I rotate during taking pictures.

 

One of my all time FAVORITE modes is the "miniature" mode that is located under "magic". It's like a tilt shift picture. It works out great if you are taking pictures (like from the ship) looking down into port (especially when there's people) and it makes them look like they are all "fake" miniature people. I actually didn't take any pictures on this mode on this review. With the battery issues I was having, it just wasn't a thought on my mind this time around and I'm completely kicking myself for it because I love those pictures. But you will find them in my other reviews. I will definitely have some next time in Bermuda!!! :D

 

Hopefully that helps. :)

 

Thanks so much, this does help a lot. I am going to print this out so I will remember where to find the miniature setting!

[garnet115]

I really don't know what the terminology is for the area, so what is "midtown"? When you say that it's a pretty easy shot from Newark to there, an easy shot to where? Are you talking about the cruise port or in order to do things in the area? What type of transportation are you talking about for this?

 

Sorry for the delayed response - you probably already have your questions answered, but I didn't want to be rude and ignore.

 

I consider midtown to be both where the cruise port is (albeit all the way West rather than centrally located), as well as where many Manhattan attractions are (ex: Times Square). Definitions of midtown will vary depending on who you ask. To me it is pretty much anywhere from 23rd Street up to around 60th Street, give or take. All in all, Manhattan is a small island and pretty easy to navigate, so where ever you want to go is fairly easily accessible. I recognize that "easy" is relative, especially when you have small kids in tow!

 

Although some people complain about Newark, I find it to be the easiest airport. Some of that may be because I live a stone's throw from the Holland Tunnel, making it a particularly quick trip (early morning without traffic it is under 30 min). But really, from the airport to any place on the west side (such as the cruise port) is a pretty easy trip.

[my_crib_too]

 

I have the Gem and the Jade left to sail still.

 

 

I've never read one of your reviews from the Pride of America. Have you cruised Hawaii? A picture person like yourself would be in heaven in Hawaii.

 

I apologize if I missed a review.

 

bruce...