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Live from the Dawn-Owners Suite 10506

Baitman19

By Baitman19,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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Baitman19

Baitman19

Posted
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Hi All!

Left the house at 10:15am for the ship. Got to the pier at 11:20am and it was a madhouse. Got a porter to check our bags and proceeded to the VIP area. At about 12:15pm, a NCL rep called for all Garden Villa, Owner’s Suites and Penthouses to follow her. They escorted us to the front of the lines and to the check-in and then to the key pick-up desk. Since we were in an Owner’s Suite, we were escorted to a table where Claudio was greeting the VIP’s. He welcomed us back to the Dawn and even remembered us from the cruise we took before. It was his first on the Dawn. He called for Carmen (our butler supreme) to escort us onto the ship and into our cabin. Carmen came and kissed and hugged us. She told my wife that she really remembered her name because it was still programmed into the cordless room phone and kept coming up Diane S for the next 5 cruises after we left.

Unpacked our carry-on and it was off to The Venetian for lunch. It wasn’t crowded at all, as this cruise looks and seems like a newbie cruising one. Lunch was good. Came back and our luggage was waiting for us. Unpacked and Carmen brought our booze and mixers just before the Muster Drill. My wife was dying for a Bloody Mary, but had to wait until the drill was over. Our Muster Station is the Stardust Theater and it wasn’t as crowded as on our last cruise. Back from the drill and the “Tiki Bar” is now open. I poured a Jim Beam and Diet Coke and made her a spicy bloody mary. The ship was delayed leaving until 5:30pm. We pulled away from the pier and were on our way. Tried to sail away on our balcony, but it was just a bit chilly at 5:45pm.

I told my wife we would get two Dawn hooded sweatshirts when the Galleria opened, so we didn’t pack any. Well, the Galleria opened 1 ½ hours late because of the delayed sailing. It seems a new company is taking over and everything is on sale, but they don’t have any sweatshirts. Boy, I hope the warm weather gets here soon.

For all of you who keep track of staff, there’s a new Cruise Director, Linda Minnikin from the UK. We’ll meet her at the show tonight. Made registrations for Salsa at 8:00pm.

Now wife has the urge for a Banana Colada. Brought the Magic Bullet with us. Grabbed a banana off the fruit bowl and added rum and Pina Colada Mix (provided by NCL.) I tried to charge her $7.95 and she said put it on my card and give yourself $5.00 extra. What does she think, I’m going keep making her these for free now?

Went to Salsa for dinner and met Agus our waiter. He’s been on the Dawn for 3 months and likes it. He was on the Dream before and says it’s easier working on the Dawn than on the Dream. Only 3 restaurants on the Dream and always crowded.

Went to the show. Dan Hodge, Modal Magic, & Fire & Ice played. If you’re a Tina Turner fan, you’re gonna love Fire & Ice. At first glance, Linda (Cruise Director) is very professional, but can’t compete with Paul Baya of Colin Kerr. I guess we were spoiled by them. I think we’ll like her better than Ricky Mathews as the cruise goes on.

Got out of the show at 10:50pm, came back the cabin and it’s been a long day. The boat is really rocking now, so we’re gonna try and get rocked to sleep now. Breakfast in the cabin at 8:00am tomorrow and Cruise Critic meeting at 10:30am. Got a lot on the plate for tomorrow. Good night now!

Be back again soon.

Diane & Monty

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EileenN

EileenN

Posted
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Hi Diane and Monty, Sounds like you got off to a good start. I envy you cruising this time of year. It would be great to get away from the pre holiday rush. Saw the bridge cam and looks like you are in for a bumpy ride today. Hang on and keep reporting. We love hearing from you. Make that two pina coladas!!! Eileen

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shoreguy

shoreguy

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Thanks for posting - please if you get a hance find out how long Linda is going to be onboard. Perhaps my least favorite CD. I cruised on the Sun with her in August 2004 and did not know there was a CD onboard:rolleyes:

 

If you like low key you will like Linda.

 

Baitman19 have a great cruise:)

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smoothdancer

smoothdancer

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OK with day one under your belt, do you feel that the cost of the owners suite is worth it?

 

We just booked on the Crown( I know not the Dawn), and debated the suite a lot. They only had owners suites, and then AC suites available. We went with the AC, and now having second thoughts. Would love to here what you think.

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TrinaLC

TrinaLC

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OK with day one under your belt, do you feel that the cost of the owners suite is worth it?

 

We just booked on the Crown( I know not the Dawn), and debated the suite a lot. They only had owners suites, and then AC suites available. We went with the AC, and now having second thoughts. Would love to here what you think.

 

 

An AA is definintely worth it on the Dawn, not sure about the Crown. But how about trying for an upsell? Do a search and you'll find the phone number and lots of advice.

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Baitman19

Baitman19

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Day 2

Woke up at 6:00am, 1 hour later than normal. Temperature is 58, better than last night. Seas are calming down and we’re off the coast of North Carolina. Scheduled breakfast will have to wait for tomorrow. Still too cold and windy to eat outside. Sent our clothes out for free pressing for tonight’s Captain’s VIP Cocktail Party.

Went to the Internet Café to get our 30 free minutes, then it’s on to the Galleria to see what’s on sale. Tommy Bahama 50% off. Booze, buy one get one free. Had to buy some booze. Christmas shopping on the ship is fun at ½ off.

Went to the Cruise Critic Meet & Greet at 10:30am in the Star Bar. Met up the CruiseLunatic, Cruzinbob, Terrabull, Iceburg and the rest. Fun to try and figure out who’s who. Had about 30 people show up. Met the new Cruise Director, Hugo (the Hotel Director, Tony, the Food & Beverage Manager & Tania Bessel, the Asst Hotel Manager. Claudio took us to the Garden Villa. Only one is occupied.

Back to the cabin for a Spicy Bloody Mary, thanks to Terrabull. He brought me a bottle of The Anchor Bar’s Nuclear Hot Sauce.

Tried to lay out on the front balcony since the sun has come out. Still too windy and cold when the sun hides behind the clouds. This afternoon should be much better or maybe not. The seas are picking up again and the clouds are rolling in.

Just got back from the Latitudes Party and lunch. We met Ms. Mathy, she’s been on NCL 31 times and was given a bottle of champagne for her loyalty at the party. Have a little time to kill before the Martini Clinic at 3:00pm. Can’t wait to see Benny again.

Went to the New York Deli for a little lunch and it was quite good.

Nice crowd for the Martini Clinic about 35 people. There have been some changes to the Martini Clinic since last time. It’s still $10.00, but you only get to sample 3 martinis. Benny made 3 of his signature martinis: The Bogota, the Expresso & the AtlanticQ. It’s back the cabin.

Opened the cabin door and poof now there’s a Christmas tree in the room. Really nice.

It’s almost 5:00pm and we’re off the new Latitudes Bonus Rewards talk in Dazzles Lounge. Handed in our tickets for the free vacation drawing next Saturday. The deal is a nice one, but it doesn’t reward those who have traveled NCL over the years. Starting to feel the effects of the Latitudes Party and the Martini Clinic, so it’s back to the cabin for a rest.

Skipped the Captain’s VIP Cocktail Party, our clothes came back from pressing late.

It’s 7:15pm and we’re off back to see Benny before dinner at Cagney’s to have an Apple Martini and a Banana Banshee before dinner.

Dinner at Cagney’s was great. Claudio stopped in to see us and to tell us the Captain missed us at the party. Boy, I hope he was kidding.

After dinner we stopped back at the Star Bar for an after-dinner martini; Raspberry Torte. Selwyn Wright was at the piano and played some nice songs. Time to crash for the night. Have to set the clocks ahead an hour tonight. Have an early day tomorrow. Couples Massage at 8:00am in the Mandara Spa.

See you tomorrow.

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smoothdancer

smoothdancer

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Thanks for the advice Trina.

 

We are booked on a cruise that covers the 4th of July. We tried to book a PH suite, and there were none available so I am going to guess that an upsell probably wont be an option for us because I expect the AA's to sell out before I could do an upsell. Our only hope is that there are some cancellations come the final payment date. Final payment is not until April so we have a way to go yet.

 

The whole issue for me is the lack of a balcony. I know I will really miss not having a balcony, but I'll survive I'm sure!!!

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cruisingfromMN

cruisingfromMN

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Day 2

Woke up at 6:00am, 1 hour later than normal. Temperature is 58, better than last night. Seas are calming down and we’re off the coast of North Carolina. Scheduled breakfast will have to wait for tomorrow. Still too cold and windy to eat outside. Sent our clothes out for free pressing for tonight’s Captain’s VIP Cocktail Party.

Went to the Internet Café to get our 30 free minutes, then it’s on to the Galleria to see what’s on sale. Tommy Bahama 50% off. Booze, buy one get one free. Had to buy some booze. Christmas shopping on the ship is fun at ½ off.

Went to the Cruise Critic Meet & Greet at 10:30am in the Star Bar. Met up the CruiseLunatic, Cruzinbob, Terrabull, Iceburg and the rest. Fun to try and figure out who’s who. Had about 30 people show up. Met the new Cruise Director, Hugo (the Hotel Director, Tony, the Food & Beverage Manager & Tania Bessel, the Asst Hotel Manager. Claudio took us to the Garden Villa. Only one is occupied.

Back to the cabin for a Spicy Bloody Mary, thanks to Terrabull. He brought me a bottle of The Anchor Bar’s Nuclear Hot Sauce.

Tried to lay out on the front balcony since the sun has come out. Still too windy and cold when the sun hides behind the clouds. This afternoon should be much better or maybe not. The seas are picking up again and the clouds are rolling in.

Just got back from the Latitudes Party and lunch. We met Ms. Mathy, she’s been on NCL 31 times and was given a bottle of champagne for her loyalty at the party. Have a little time to kill before the Martini Clinic at 3:00pm. Can’t wait to see Benny again.

Went to the New York Deli for a little lunch and it was quite good.

Nice crowd for the Martini Clinic about 35 people. There have been some changes to the Martini Clinic since last time. It’s still $10.00, but you only get to sample 3 martinis. Benny made 3 of his signature martinis: The Bogota, the Expresso & the AtlanticQ. It’s back the cabin.

Opened the cabin door and poof now there’s a Christmas tree in the room. Really nice.

It’s almost 5:00pm and we’re off the new Latitudes Bonus Rewards talk in Dazzles Lounge. Handed in our tickets for the free vacation drawing next Saturday. The deal is a nice one, but it doesn’t reward those who have traveled NCL over the years. Starting to feel the effects of the Latitudes Party and the Martini Clinic, so it’s back to the cabin for a rest.

Skipped the Captain’s VIP Cocktail Party, our clothes came back from pressing late.

It’s 7:15pm and we’re off back to see Benny before dinner at Cagney’s to have an Apple Martini and a Banana Banshee before dinner.

Dinner at Cagney’s was great. Claudio stopped in to see us and to tell us the Captain missed us at the party. Boy, I hope he was kidding.

After dinner we stopped back at the Star Bar for an after-dinner martini; Raspberry Torte. Selwyn Wright was at the piano and played some nice songs. Time to crash for the night. Have to set the clocks ahead an hour tonight. Have an early day tomorrow. Couples Massage at 8:00am in the Mandara Spa.

See you tomorrow.

 

Claudio is so wonderful! He spoiled us on the Spirit last February. I would book any ship he is on.

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Baitman19

Baitman19

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Day 3,

Carmen buzzed us at 6:55am with our coffee. Boy the night went quick, losing that hour. Asked for some sliced fruit to make a fruit smoothie for breakfast. Didn’t want to fill up before the massage. It’s 7:45am and it’s off to the Mandara Spa for a soak in the aroma-therapy whirlpool and then a Couples Massage. Have to relieve the stress from cruising. Not really! It was fabulous. We both feel like a million dollars.

The seas have calmed down, the sun is out and the temperature is 75 and climbing at 10:00am. Time to use the front balcony at last. Tony, the Food & Beverage Manager reminded me to take off my sunglasses this time. We both had “raccoon eye” on the last cruise. It’s time for a Spicy Bloody Mary and soaking up some sun. I put my towel on my lounge chairs to reserve them. Oh, I forgot, don’t have to do that in this suite. Be back later.

Just got back from Bamboo. Had the “All you can eat” sushi bar. Much more crowded than last time. The sushi was good!!! They put out much more tuna sashimi this time. We skipped dessert, but I could eat sushi as a dessert. We’re going back for Teppanyaki tonight. My DW suggested I
make mango coladas for dessert for the balcony. I expect a tip this time.

The seas are calm and the wind is down and the sun is making it feel hot. Just what we’ve been waiting for. Not much going on on-board today. Everyone is worshipping the sun now. Be back later.

Time to go see Benny for a martini bef
ore our late afternoon siesta. We’ll after 3 martinis and 6:00pm, we left. No siesta today. DW says she wants to stay up late tonight. We went to dinner at 7:30pm at Teppanyaki. Full house at the table. Presentation was good and the food was too. Claudio stopped in to Teppanyaki to see how everything was going. He asked us if we wanted to get off in St. Thomas before the rest. I guess that’s another perk. We’re learning a lot about perks on this cruise.

We then had 20 minutes to kill before we met Claudio at the Stardust to escort us to our seats, so we walked around Deck 7 twice and then onto the Stardust Theater to see John Knight the comedian. He did a little on the first night and was very funny. He was a riot and had some really good blonde jokes. It’s 10:30pm and the meal; martinis & Kirin are making me sleepy. I guess, we’ll try for tomorrow night.

Hoping for breakfast on the side balcony tomorrow morning.

Answers to some questions:

Maltesemom: Carmen says hello and how are you doing. She’s the greatest!!!!

shoreguy: Benny says Linda (Cruise Director) is on until Feb 06. We don’t find her funny at all.

Smoothdancer: Of course, having an Owner’s Suite is worth the money. A room you can get lost in, perks everywhere, treated like royalty, 2 bathrooms, 2 big balconies, a butler & concierge and much much more. The idea is to get it at the upsell price and not pay full. We’re not wealthy, just a good shopper.

Dawncruiser05: Lance was a bad boy and is on permanent vacation from NCL.

Bye until Day
4.

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BarbCT605

BarbCT605

Posted
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So glad you're having such a lovely time!

 

What is the NY Deli? That must be new ...?

Hi Greenie,

 

When my DH & I were on the Dawn last June, we went looking for the NY Deli.

 

Geez, we couldn't find it.

 

I've read since, that was all the way aft on the port of Garden Cafe at lunch time.

 

Another reason to go on a new cruise:D

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greenie

greenie

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Hi Greenie,

 

When my DH & I were on the Dawn last June, we went looking for the NY Deli.

 

Geez, we couldn't find it.

 

I've read since, that was all the way aft on the port of Garden Cafe at lunch time.

 

Another reason to go on a new cruise:D

 

Barb, my lord, woman--you are absolutely right! I am just going to hafta book another cruise on the Dawn to find the NY Deli. Obviously, I did NOT get my full money's worth last time!

 

:D

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Markandrews

Markandrews

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Wow your trip sounds like it is going great. Love to take you along with us next time to make us some of those great drinks.

 

Please tell Claudio that Todd from cabin 9504 on the Jewel 12 day Europe cruise said hi. He was really good to us and we look forward to seeing him on an NCL cruise soon.

 

Enjoy reading your day by days.

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shoreguy

shoreguy

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Hey Baitman, these daily reviews are just wonderful!

 

Any idea who will be replacing Linda as CD on February 6? We're booked on 2/23 and would love to know who the CD will be!

 

So glad you're enjoying all the perks of the AA! Savor every moment! ;)

 

I am afraid he meant thru Feb 2006:rolleyes: Normal 3 month assignment

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