NCL Dawn (Boston)

[esm54687]

Just boarded and the order is:

 

1) Ambassador, Platinum Plus, Platinum

2) Special Assistance

3) Numbered Groups

 

No CAS priority except getting a lower number. I received Group 3 and arrived at 10am.

 

If you are looking to park in the garage, it is only available for overflow of the open air lots.

 

The original Massport open air parking lot that is located at the bow (one they said was closed).... is open ($20 / day) - this was a pleasant surprise as I love this lot and the easy access.

 

They were asking your "arrival time" but not checking or enforcing. They staggered people going up the escalator which made going through security a breeze and checkin fast.

[biker@sea]

http://www.portbermudawebcam.com

 

Weather Looks wonderful From the Bermuda live web/cam

 

Happy Sailing

[BirdTravels]

We saw the same thing when boarding the Jewel in Los Angeles. No CAS check-in line. No CAS priority embark.

[esm54687]

Thank you..... actually changing the itinerary based on weather heading down..... arriving Monday at 8am (instead of Sunday at 1pm) and departing Wednesday at 6am (instead of Tuesday at 5pm)

[elainemasey61]

Looking forward to your review. Sailing June 9th[emoji3]

 

 

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[ALS1214]

Enjoy!

 

 

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[hladygirl]

Thank you..... actually changing the itinerary based on weather heading down..... arriving Monday at 8am (instead of Sunday at 1pm) and departing Wednesday at 6am (instead of Tuesday at 5pm)

This happened today us last October on the Dawn due to hurricanes heading to Bermuda. Arrived Sunday 10 am and left Tuesday 9 am. Tuesday the ride was verrrry rough but had fun.

[esm54687]

Just want to give bullets since nothing has really changed from TheDougOut's extensive review of the Dawn in November.

 

This is Friday to Monday (dailies and spa menu will be posted upon my return). Anything specific to ask, let me know and I will see what I can do.

 

Surf and Turf: now includes shrimp as lobster no longer available

Moscato wine: no longer in stock. Spoke to Raj (Bev Manager) and he mentioned its no longer made.

Tomahawk Ribeye: no longer on Cagney's menu

Laundry Special: $19.95 Day 4

 

We were in room 10730 (Aft Balcony B1).

- first time in B1 (secret to keeping balcony door from sliding open and close is to "lock" the handle it via the handle while open)

- it's a walk to everything but at the same time super quiet

- even with rough seas the movement was minimal.. this was a concern as others reported extensive movement

- room steward was very attentive and room was spotless.

- I'm now addicted to B1 (booked one for our March 2018 11 day on Gem)

 

Friday: embarking process already covered.

- Rooms were available a little after 1:30 but you were allowed to drop off your carry on

- Lunch at Venetian was very good and service quick. Had Fish & Chips while wife had Philly Cheese Steak.

- Dinner at Cagneys was fantastic. Had porterhouse cooked perfectly (medium rare) while wife had filet mignon cooked well done (butterflied) and she raved about it. Again, service was super friendly and quick but certainly not rushed. Note: tomahawk no longer available

 

Captain made an announcement that due to storms along our route, we would be taking a slower route which explained the itinerary change. The ship would hug the coast until Philadelphia and then head out to Bermuda. Zero issues from passengers as we all appreciated the safety aspect. This also caused main pool and entire T-Rex section to be closed until mid Sunday..... leading to kids and floatation devices in the adult hot tubs... amazing that the chair hogs were actually reserving deck chairs in the pouring raining "just in case the sun broke" (despite posted signs prohibiting "reserving" and a time limit of 30 minutes, nothing was done by NCL staff to enforce)

 

Originally scheduled to arrive in Bermuda Sunday at 11am but now pushed to Monday at 8am and instead of leaving Tuesday at 5pm it will be Wednesday at 6am.... very acceptable change especially factoring storms and safety.

 

Sail away party moved inside to Bliss due to rain and cruise staff / passengers didn't miss a beat with the noise and enthusiasm.

 

Very very low number of kids on this cruise and despite tough seas and rain..... both passengers and crew are all in great spirits

 

Turning clocks ahead tonight

 

 

Saturday:

 

High winds, seas and storms have us traveling much closer to the eastern seaboard than normal. Still not a bad ride at all. Those not with anti-nasause solutions in place will disagree... but if you were prepared, you had no issues at all.

 

Casino staff extremely friendly while relieving me of my money... Lol. I finally found Acqua Panna that I've been reading about.... while the casino is a smoking location but only for "those actively playing" there was no enforcement. As a non-smoker, this was frustrating to have smokers sit next to me chatting and smoking.

 

Dinner at Teppanyaki is always fun and a ton of food. Engage with other table members and it is even more enjoyable.

 

 

Sunday:

 

Sea Day.... sun finally broke out and decks were packed. Pool opened midday so everyone was happy.

 

David and Abi Haines Magic show was fantastic..... even though I've watch Penn & Teller's Magic Exposed, the finale act still baffles me.

 

Monday:

 

Arrived at 8am and Anthem of the Seas (I think) is following us down the channel.

[MsAnnMcD]

Thanks for the update! I got locked out on our aft balcony on deck 10 a few years back. :o Thanks for the reminder.

[BostonBeachGirl2017]

What does CAS stand for?

 

Just boarded and the order is:

 

1) Ambassador, Platinum Plus, Platinum

2) Special Assistance

3) Numbered Groups

 

No CAS priority except getting a lower number. I received Group 3 and arrived at 10am.

 

If you are looking to park in the garage, it is only available for overflow of the open air lots.

 

The original Massport open air parking lot that is located at the bow (one they said was closed).... is open ($20 / day) - this was a pleasant surprise as I love this lot and the easy access.

 

They were asking your "arrival time" but not checking or enforcing. They staggered people going up the escalator which made going through security a breeze and checkin fast.

[esm54687]

CAS = Casino at Sea

[reallyitsmema]

Enjoying your review. I have heard conflicting information about NCL ferries to St George. Heard they were to start May 1, then heard July, some say they will be free. If you see any information about this new service, could you please post it? I am sailing NCL for the first time in July, so any information is appreciated. I know we can use the Bermuda ferries for $5 cash or $4.50 token, but if the new ferries are only for NCL passengers, they sound like they are a good option.

[ColoradoGurl]

Enjoying your review. I have heard conflicting information about NCL ferries to St George. Heard they were to start May 1, then heard July, some say they will be free. If you see any information about this new service, could you please post it? I am sailing NCL for the first time in July, so any information is appreciated. I know we can use the Bermuda ferries for $5 cash or $4.50 token, but if the new ferries are only for NCL passengers, they sound like they are a good option.

 

 

There are some free ferries operating during the Americas Cup, maybe that's what you have heard about? If you go to the Ports of Call (Bermuda) board, there is some helpful information regarding ferry schedules and the free ferry offered by the island during the month of june, but if there's a different one offered by NCL I haven't read about that yet.

 

 

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[reallyitsmema]

There are some free ferries operating during the Americas Cup, maybe that's what you have heard about? If you go to the Ports of Call (Bermuda) board, there is some helpful information regarding ferry schedules and the free ferry offered by the island during the month of june, but if there's a different one offered by NCL I haven't read about that yet.

 

 

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No, my question has nothing to do with the America's Cup. There are many threads in this forum and in the Bermuda port of call forum discussing the new NCL ferry service. There are ferries being built that will be ready for the 2018 season but there are ferries being leased for the 2017 season. There is a lot of conflicting information and speculation as to when the service starts, what ships it will service and price. Was hoping the OP has some actual information as they are on an NCL ship in Bermuda.

[esm54687]

No, my question has nothing to do with the America's Cup. There are many threads in this forum and in the Bermuda port of call forum discussing the new NCL ferry service. There are ferries being built that will be ready for the 2018 season but there are ferries being leased for the 2017 season. There is a lot of conflicting information and speculation as to when the service starts, what ships it will service and price. Was hoping the OP has some actual information as they are on an NCL ship in Bermuda.

Understood the question and will certainly seek that answer for you. I heard May 10th but will confirm dates, cost, frequency etc.

[reallyitsmema]

Understood the question and will certainly seek that answer for you. I heard May 10th but will confirm dates, cost, frequency etc.

 

Great, thank you so much. I am sailing in July but one of our party is also sailing in May, so I am trying to find information for her.:)

[ColoradoGurl]

No, my question has nothing to do with the America's Cup. There are many threads in this forum and in the Bermuda port of call forum discussing the new NCL ferry service. There are ferries being built that will be ready for the 2018 season but there are ferries being leased for the 2017 season. There is a lot of conflicting information and speculation as to when the service starts, what ships it will service and price. Was hoping the OP has some actual information as they are on an NCL ship in Bermuda.

 

 

Oh ok. I'll have to read some more because I've only seen info about the free ferry for the cup, and that the "regular" ferry still costs $5. Haven't seen anything in all the reading I've done the last 4 days about a free ferry but I haven't read every post, sorry.

 

 

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[biker@sea]

Oh ok. I'll have to read some more because I've only seen info about the free ferry for the cup, and that the "regular" ferry still costs $5. Haven't seen anything in all the reading I've done the last 4 days about a free ferry but I haven't read every post, sorry.

 

 

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The Bermuda paper had this in Dec.

 

 

"A Bermudian firm has won a bid to run two ferries between Dockyard and St George for Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Cruiseport Ferry Management, owned by experienced mariner Beau Evans, will operate the two 85-foot catamarans from next July.

The boats, built by NCL and thought to be worth between $3 million and $4 million each, will carry up to 250 passengers each and run regularly between the two destinations.

The service, to be entirely staffed by Bermudians, will provide a massive boost in transport capacity to St George.

Senator Michael Fahy, the Minister of Tourism, Transport and Municipalities, said the service would “more than double” the service to the island’s former capital.

Mr Evans holds Department of Marine & Ports class C pilot’s licence, as well as having a Standards of Training, Certification and Watch Keeping for Seafarers qualification, which includes proficiency in marine safety, security, firefighting and first aid.

Mr Fahy said: “Mr Evans has an in-depth knowledge of the Bermuda marine industry, possessing a long history in the field of marine operations and services as well as experience in cruise ship operations.

“I am also very pleased to announce that the captains, crews and all of the associated support staff for this venture will be Bermudian.”

NCL submitted a request for proposal to run their boats in August.

Kenny Bascome, Junior Minister of Tourism, a St George’s MP, said: “This increase in business will provide an important boost to the number of visitors to the Olde Towne.

“It is anticipated that the catamarans will be based in St George’s during the winter months for repairs and maintenance, providing a further boost to the St George’s economy.

“This is yet another step forward in improving tourism in St George’s — the jewel in the crown of Bermuda’s tourism product.”

Bill Hanbury, CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, said earlier this year that the ferries, which will create up to ten jobs, are expected to run on the island until 2022.

Mr Hanbury added that the new service would augment to public ferry system rather than supplant it and the investment was not one Bermuda could have afforded on its own.

NCL ships from its Regent Seven Seas and Oceania premium lines will also make a dozen calls to St George next year.

2076

SUBMIT NEWS TIP OR ENQUIRY "

[ColoradoGurl]

Thanks Biker@sea. Does this mean only NCL passengers can use the free ferries?

 

 

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[esm54687]

This may be of interest:

 

Captain: Martin Holmquist

Hotel Director: Alain Magnier

Cruise Director: Giovanni Artavia

Guest Services Mgr: Michelle Taladhay

Beverage Mgr: Raj Rodrigues

[esm54687]

[esm54687]

Not enforced at all......

[biker@sea]

Thanks Biker@sea. Does this mean only NCL passengers can use the free ferries?

 

 

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I Don't Know?

 

I kinda think that FDR gets Norwegian to paying tab.

But it more for the sister co. ships ( that dock in St. George ) convenience.:o

 

Win Win ;p

 

And this=

 

 

 

 

A new ferry dock in St George’s is nearing completion, but ferry service to Hunter’s Wharf will not begin until Wednesday.

 

The construction of a new ferry dock began last year in advance of increased cruise ship service to the town this summer.

 

While the summer ferry schedule is set to come into effect on Monday, summer service to St George’s will begin two days late.

 

A government spokesman said: “The new ferry dock at Hunter’s Wharf was required because the cruise ships will be using the renovated Penno’s Wharf, which was previously used by the Bermuda Ferry Service.

 

“The Orange Route Service from Dockyard to Hunter’s Wharf will not commence until Wednesday 26 April.”

 

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Edited May 8, 2017 by biker@sea

[Chesneygirl]

Enjoying your review. I have heard conflicting information about NCL ferries to St George. Heard they were to start May 1, then heard July, some say they will be free. If you see any information about this new service, could you please post it? I am sailing NCL for the first time in July, so any information is appreciated. I know we can use the Bermuda ferries for $5 cash or $4.50 token, but if the new ferries are only for NCL passengers, they sound like they are a good option.

 

Looks like the new NCL ferry service may start as early as next week!!

http://bernews.com/2017/05/ncl-charter-vessel-arrives-summer-season/

[Barb Nahoumi]

Thank you..... actually changing the itinerary based on weather heading down..... arriving Monday at 8am (instead of Sunday at 1pm) and departing Wednesday at 6am (instead of Tuesday at 5pm)

 

I watched the Dawn arrive and dock this morning.