LIVE from the Dawn Princess, Jan 29th 2006

[mississauga]

I just joined cruise critic 2 days ago and having spent over 5 hours already going over all the great tips and comments. Somewhere along the way, I saw info on how to get to the roll call for the cruise you are booked on. I was not smart enough to jot it down and now have no idea where I saw it. Rather than spend hours scrolling thru the different,threads/links, could I ask here where I can find the roll calls.? I am going on the Dawn 04/09. Most of you have all the answers right at your fingertips. Thanks in advance

[bdjam]

If you go to the message board home page (not the home page for the site) you will find a section just for roll calls. Or – click here for Princess:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=106

[mississauga]

Thanks bdjam, you are so knowledgeable. I noticed while checking the messages boards that you are so full of cruising info and knowledge and always quick to share.

[bdjam]

Thanks bdjam, you are so knowledgeable. I noticed while checking the messages boards that you are so full of cruising info and knowledge and always quick to share.

Why thank you – anything I can do to help. Some people think I’m full of myself and a know it all, but I like to share my knowledge when I can. :D

[leecim]

Toronto

Thanks for the great info on the Dawn. My wife and I will be sailling Feb28 and look forward to enjoying a great cruise. Keep up the great reporting.

[TorontoTL]

Today was the hottest day of the cruise so far. It must have been over 80 *F for sure. The Patter was confused though, it said it was Friday today and only 69*F, oh well. Cabos was much nicer than I thought it would be after a few other passengers said that they had found it boring when they had been there in the past. The main strip in the Marina is very nice with lots of boats and yachts. There are many stores, cafes and restaurants along the Marina and it is a very enjoyable walk. One can then continue on to see the lovely beach, which we didn't do, or one can head into town, which we did do. All and all a good day exceeding my expectations. Last night was the second and final formal night and we had lobster, of course I always do and always have seconds, and codfish. Excellent meal. The lobster was really delicious and juicy and I was given baby vegetables as the accompaniment to the lobster. Although we have been in anytime dining we have had the same waiting staff for most of the sittings. The head waiters have figured out that we like them and have been trying to give us a table for two in their section when it has been possible. If you're in the Florentine Dining room considering having Jorge and Monika as your wait team. We love wine and have found that Jorge along with one of the head waiters Augusto are very knowledgable about wine. We have had the Orneillia and Luce, both Tuscan wines and both excellent. Part of a promotion with another Tuscan wine at a great price. With this they have been serving us our wine in nicer Riedel wine glasses. Who needs sommeliers when the waiters and head waiters give you so much attention, information and service.

 

For Mazatlan you could walk into town fairly easily. It wouldn't be much more than a 30 minute walk to reach the market or the Cathedral. Unfortunately the route isn't just along one obvious street. If you get a good map you could plan it out and get there without a problem. Instead we took a cab out to the Golden Zone and walked all the way back to the ship passing through the old town. It was a really really long walk but quite enjoyable overall given the wonderful weather.

 

The FOD party yesterday was at the Windjammers bar up on deck and was perfect with the warm weather and great views at sailaway. Ash has been a gracious host of each of the two get togethers so far.

 

Off to dinner now and I'll post again later tomorrow.

[cruzlover]

Thanks for your great updates from a fellow Canadian. We will be sailing in April and were wondering if there were any smoky areas we should avoid. I know all dining areas and the show lounge are smoke free but are any of the bars? Thanks and enjoy the rest of your cruise!

[Polar Bear]

Thanks for your great updates from a fellow Canadian. We will be sailing in April and were wondering if there were any smoky areas we should avoid. I know all dining areas and the show lounge are smoke free but are any of the bars? Thanks and enjoy the rest of your cruise!

 

Hey there fellow Saint Johner....DH was checking out the Dawn and found you ...

 

TorontoL

We are thinking about changing our cruise on NCL in October to the Dawn ..is she of the same class as the Sea Princess???

Your reveiw is great...keep it coming...have a great time:D

[TorontoTL]

Hi Everyone, our third last day on the Dawn Princess now and is a day at sea. Very calm seas again today. In fact the past week has been very calm. I guess rough seas may be on the last day between San Diego and San Francisco, but we'll see. This has been such a relaxing cruise for us. We have kept to no specific agenda, doing whatever came to our minds. Because we didn't travel with any family or friends for the first time it really has been a different cruise for us. If you can believe it we have been spending most evenings in the gym and in the hot tubs instead of at the shows, so sorry I can't tell you about the shows at all so far.

 

One thing that has been different on this cruise is special desserts in the dining room. So far there have been two deserts that aren't on the menu that they have prepared in the dining room as opposed to in the gally. Cherries Jubiliee and Bananas Foster. In my previous cruises I have not seen them prepare any foom in the dining room. It was nice to see the head waiters preparing food in the dining room, a very nice touch.

 

There has been very little smoke on this cruise. There is one area of the Atrium bar on deck 7 that is for smokers and one area of the Patisserie bar on deck 5 that is smoky. Those are the only places that I have noticed any significant smoke at certain times when it has been busy. The Casino I assume is smokey, but I don't gamble and haven't been in the Casino when it has been open. Maybe because of the large number of Californians on this cruise there isn't that much smoke?

 

The Dawn, Sea and Sun and sister ships so if you liked the Sea you will like the Dawn. There are probably some minor differences but they are basically the same. You really get a wonderful cruise on this class of ship.

[mississauga]

Thanks for your great updates from a fellow Canadian. We will be sailing in April

 

Are you sailing on the 9th or 19th? We are on the Dawn for the 9th.

 

Benny (TorontoTL ), Thanks for all the info and updates you are providing for those of us who will be on the Dawn later this year.

[bdjam]

Thanks again for the update, Benny – I think you said you were in Anytime Dining, so it’s interesting to see they’ve moved tableside preparation into it. There was always issues about how they couldn’t do tableside preparation there because there was no set dining schedule. That’s one of the reasons I don’t choose Anytime – I don’t want to miss out!

Have a wonderful day in San Diego – it’s a beautiful place!

[SamLouisa]

Benny, thank you so much for the journal. Did the ship depart 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. on day 1 at San Francisco?

[gtaylor]

When the Dawn is at the pier in San Francisco and in San Diego is she pointed bow in or out? Planning my photo opportunities.

 

Thanks, Gary

[TorontoTL]

A wonderful lazy day at sea today. Did nothing really but had a really nice time at that. The seas continue to be glassy smooth with some mild swells just to remind you that you're on a ship. I can still hardly tell I'm on a ship in my Plaza deck inside cabin. I have to say that coming from a minisuite to this inside cabin hasn't been a problem whatsoever. I have never slept so well on a ship before. The location makes the cabin dead quiet and very convient for meals in the dining room. We haven't had one bad meal on this cruise. The food continues to be outstanding. The one thing I miss from previous cruises though is the always available Love Boat Dream. It isn't always available on this ship and hasn't been on the menu at all yet. Maybe it will make an appearance before the end of the cruise. The waiters continue to do a fabulous job and are making dinner a wonderful experience. They are all making us feel special onboard despite there being 2000 other passengers on the ship as well.

 

I'm not a football fan but just to let you know that they do make a big deal out of the superbowl for those who are interested. They had the game showing in both the Vista Lounge and Jammers. They offered food and special superbowl drinks (not sure what that is because I thought most people drank beer when they watched the game). Many of the crew were wearing football shirts as well to help with the mood.

 

The ship departed San Francisco at 5 pm and not 4 pm SamLouisa so it does give you some time to look around San Francisco. There is quite a bit to do near the Pier so check in and get out and have a look around. Just don't forget to bring some photo ID with you as well as your cruise card because you'll need it to get back into the pier.

 

We're looking forward to seeing San Diego tomorrow since we've never been there before. We have to do US Customs early in the morning though. We have to be in the Venetian dining room by 745 AM and anyone who hasn't been there by 8 AM could be fined. But really this shouldn't be much of a problem in terms of waking up early since we are gaining one hours sleep tonight as we cross another time zone.

 

Gary, I believe she was bow out in San Francisco, I will try to remember to check her position tomorrow in San Diego..sorry I'm not 100% sure about SF.

 

By the way I know I haven't been going to the shows but just to let you know the show tonight was Tribute which I saw on the Coral I think.

 

Ok, off to check out Horizon Court to "have a look" as I always say...and usually get something as a nightcap. :D

[mississauga]

TorontoTl, many others have thanked you for this thread and sharing your experiences on the Dawn with us. You have also been great in answering our questions. My DH cannot believe how you have taken time out from your cruise to go on cruise critic every day. Let me add my thanks to you also. I am looking forward to sailing on the Dawn in April.

 

You will like San Diego and the surrounding area. We were there last year in late Jan/ early Feb. and loved it. You will too.

[seastar2]

Thanks for all the great reviews and port information. There is a group of us sailing on March 10....Quite a few are repeat Dawn sailors...:)

Your reviews make me want to go tomorrow and not have to wait another month!!

[Oxo]

TorontoT: Thanks for the great daily reviews. What dining room is the PC? On deck?

[RASHOPPER2]

Thanks So Much Torontot. We Are Doing This Cruise On December 1, And Have Been Enjoying Living It Vicariously Through You. We Were A Little Concerned About Going On A Smaller Ship, But You Have Us Convinced That It Will Be A Great Cruise. Happy Landings.

[leecim]

Toronto

Like everyone else thanks for the reviews we are looking forward to our turn on the 28th to enjoy our cruise as much as you have yours.

THANKS AGAIN

[liv2cruise4ever]

Toronto, I too would like to thank you for posting everyday like you have. Everyday this is the first place I look. Just to see how your cruise is going. We too will be boarding soon.....see ya tomorrow:D

[cezovski]

TorontoTL

Thanks for all your great reviews! We leave Wednesday morning on OUR Dawn Cruise to Mexico!

Just one little question....can you do any currency exchanges onboard the ship? I won't need a lot of pesos, just for busses, etc. In Puerto Vallarta, did you go on either bus or taxi to the Malecon area on your own? Just curious as to how easy it was to do and how far it was. We are going on a tour in the morning and won't have a lot of time, but I would like to take a short zip through the downtown area before we leave!

[liv2cruise4ever]

TorontoTL

Thanks for all your great reviews! We leave Wednesday morning on OUR Dawn Cruise to Mexico!

Just one little question....can you do any currency exchanges onboard the ship? I won't need a lot of pesos, just for busses, etc. In Puerto Vallarta, did you go on either bus or taxi to the Malecon area on your own? Just curious as to how easy it was to do and how far it was. We are going on a tour in the morning and won't have a lot of time, but I would like to take a short zip through the downtown area before we leave!

 

Take care of the ship for all those that follow you. Kind of like hiking....LNT. LOL You guys have a great cruise and let us know how yours was. We'll be waiting..:cool:

[EAC]

Thanks for your continued reports. If I recall from previous cruises, the ship heads in so bow is facing the street. If it ports towards the Pier 39 side (north) then there is a great view of the ship from the Embarcadero.

 

Are you arriving at 6am or 7am. Those of us on Feb 18 have been told that we are leaving at 4pm, but will be arriving one hour later at 7am. Trying to figure out what time those who are with independent arrangements would be getting off the ship so I can book our van. If you have any info on expected disembarkation (time arrival, and then time independent arrangements get off) it would be much appreciated.

 

Have a great time in San Diego!

[rosej]

Hi Benny,

 

Just checked the Dawn webcam this morning and see that she is headed back to San Francisco. It sounds like you had a wonderful time. Thank you so much for taking the time to post. We are up next month and can't wait!

[TorontoTL]

Today is our last day onboard the Dawn Princess. It is always sad to come to the end of a most wonderful vacation. This has been the best cruise so far for us. I'm still amazed at how calm the seas have been, one can barely feel any movement on this ship.

 

Yesterday we were in San Diego and once again we had perfect weather. It was over 80 *F and clear and sunny. We spent the whole day walking all over the city. Of course in the morning we had to do the US customs thing. This was done in the Venetian Dining room for non US citizens and in the Vista Lounge for US citizens. Although the lines were very long the whole process wasn't all that painful and at least it willl lessen the chances of delays in getting off the ship to the airport on disembarkation. Anyhow, once off the ship we headed to the Gas Lamp area to see the shopping there. We were a bit too early because most of the shops weren't open yet. Hilo Hattie's however was open and was running the usual free shuttle service from the ship to the store which is located at the southern end of the Gas Lamp district. From there we headed up to Horton's which is an outdoor mall with pretty good shopping if you're not from the US and don't have all of the stores where you live. After doing a little bit of shopping we headed northeast up to Balboa Park. What a wonderful area to walk around in. Beautifull old buildings and museums. Unfortunately we didn't have to the time go to the zoo and will have to come back to SD to see that. We then walked back to the ship going through Little Italy. Once back at the ship we decided we didn't want to get on the ship and walked south along the Marina to the Seaport and Embarkadero area which was very pretty. Heading back to the ship we decided to make a stop to tour the Midway. That was very interesting and welll worth the $15 entry fee. You are given headphones and audio device to tell you about various areas of that ship and the aircraft on it. If you are into that type of thing give yourself 2-3 hours to give it justice. As we were running short on time we couldn't really listen to all of the audio information about it. Finally exhausted we returned to the ship after over 7 hours walking around SD and we realized in our rush to see as much as we could, we forgot to eat lunch! Not that we didn't need to burn some fat off after 9 days on the Dawn.

 

Last night was the Italian Night dinner and the food was wonderful as always. Once again I have to mention that they did the tableside preparation of food once again in the Anytime Dining Room. Augusto made penne arrabiatta (sp) and it was wonderful. I had the stuffed peaches for dessert which I have never had before and it was excellent.

 

Oh I forgot to mention that the night before last was the champagne waterfall which was extremely well attended and for those who haven't been on a Princess cruise before you should attend. The construction of the waterfall started around 1015 and by 1115 pm they were pouring the champagne. This was followed by dancing and drinking of free champagne. Lots of fun for all involved.

 

Time to go now, I have the rest of the day to enjoy the ship before leaving early tomorrow. I hope everyone enjoyed my posts and I look forward to reading others posting about their cruises. It helps me get throught the many months before the next cruise. For anyone who has only cruised on the big ships, I wouldn't hesitate to suggest the Sun Class ships, they truly are wonderful ships with alot to offer. The service is truly outstanding and it is wonderful how you can really get to know so many of the staff on a small ship. The staff really make the cruising experience that much better. The ambience on a smaller ship is different too. I will still do cruises on the larger Grand and super Grand ships, but overall for a more personal experience I would choose a smaller ship first from now on.

 

I'll check in later today or when I get home and settled to try to answer anymore questions that you may have. I have also kept all of my Patters to help with questions.