The Dawn in Winter – Blogs – shoreguy – 02/12/2006 Western

[WaldosPepper]

You've got it Wally!

 

I hope she's ready for the Posse! :eek:

[Tomct]

Actually, the Dawn has just left Cozumel, and is now speeding northward to pick up those of us fortunate enough to be boarding her on Thursday! :D

 

Have a great cruise!! Hope you bring back some of that warm weather with you! We just gto back from Texas where we spent a few days, and though it was cool down there for the natives, we loved it!

[LorraineAtSea]

Good morning,

 

I really appreciate your responding to my "hair dryer question" ... and I laughed when I opened the picture and saw one on your dresser :D

 

Anything I don't have to pack is a plus ... thanks again and keep enjoying your cruise.

 

Lorraine

[angeljt]

Good morning,

 

I really appreciate your responding to my "hair dryer question" ... and I laughed when I opened the picture and saw one on your dresser :D

 

Anything I don't have to pack is a plus ... thanks again and keep enjoying your cruise.

 

Lorraine

Lorraine,

The hair dryers were decent too.

Jackie

[shoreguy]

:D Dateline – off the Florida coast – current speed 26 knots – smooth seas and a following current. 11:30 am.

Sorry I have been negligent in my blogs but the last two days have been very busy. Lots of little stories to share. I did just take a minute and read thru some of the posts but I only have 180 of my original 250 minutes remaining. At one point my availbel minutes keep going up. First the 30 latitudes bonus minutes, then the 15 bonus minutes certificates they gave me to hand out at the CC meet and great. Then it seems every time someone uses one of those certificates I get a few additional minutes. Pretty cool.

Today’s random thought

This is Capt. Peterstam’s last cruise. The replacement is onboard.

Belieze – We did the New River & Lamanai River Safari – A great excursion almost ruined. Kid’s gone wild. The tour itself is a long day – hour bus ride, new larger boats then when I last did this tour for an hour + on the river, interesting lunch at Lamanai, tour of the ruins, 1+ back down the river, bus back to town.

Extended family of twelve with 6 kids that in fact ran wild. Climbing on everything, entering every space with do not enter signs, sitting on the artifacts, climbing the partially excavated sites and throwing the rocks from them at their parents. Everyone was cringing as a five year old ran unsupervised in from of the group and climbed to the top of the 100 foot + pyramid. We were certain we would be stuck in Belize waiting for the medical evacuation. As it turned out we were only a little late leaving the site as we had to wait for the last members of our tour to show up – guess who.

Back to the ship for a well needed cocktail party in the owners suite with some of the CC members. Pooled our beverages – Poland Goose, Evain Absolute, Nestle Beam, ……It was a very long night for a few of us. After a couple hours all the water was gone.

Dinner was a little confusing. Called Alex got an 8 pm reservation for Impressions not problem. In fact he called back and said the the F&B director wanted use to join him as his guest at Bamboo. We went to Bamboo (one restaurant I have never eaten in before) were promptly seated and waited for Toni. It seams there was some mixup. He came by hoped we were enjoying our dinner since he was eating with the Captain. We are eating with him tonight in Cagney’s.

The meal – not my favorited – The Sushi was the highlight. I had duck in crapes. 3 tiny crapes served in what looks like an ice cream cone holder. I joked this is so small I don’t even get a plate. They brought me a plate.

One of the other’s had ordered the same Peking Dick dish and I noticed he only ate one. I asked if he liked it. His answer – it was fine but he was saving room for the duck he ordered for dinner. We had to break the news that he was looking at his dinner. The table broke into laughter.

My son have the Korean ribs – his description “dog bones” – small pieces of beef reb bones with fat, grizzle, and some meat.

The final touch to set of what was an embarrassing dinner –the wine was skunked. We sent it back and I headed out for a smoke. As I passed the bar I could see the bartender smelling the bottle and then heard her say – What wrong theses people, bottle almost empty , why send back now. I had to stop. “Lady you can go to the table and pout the wine from the four glasses on the table back in the bottle if that will make you feel better. I think I embarrassed her which after several Martinis was my intent. We had been embarrassed from the moment we sat down.

All that aside we had to laugh and a good time was had by all. Stopped by blue lagoon for some food and off to the Casino.

I will work on Cozumel later – Stay tuned – ATV adventure only in Mexico, Latitudes Platinum gathering, HD and the new Menues, Casino very very good to me

The music of Selwyn Wright has a growing loyal following – some of you my enjoy it. It is hard to get into Impressions as every walker onboard seems to be draw to Gatsby’s by some magnetic power of Rogers and Hammerstein and assorted other show tunes.

[Stillfloatin']

Thanks SG. Keep em coming!:D

[WaldosPepper]

Thank heavens you finally posted! I started to think you'd fallen overboard! :eek:

 

Great blog - I'm laughing all the way through, and getting more and more excited as each day draws nearer to your return and our departure! :D

 

Hope the rest of the trip is fabulous, but sorry to hear you've run out of water. :p

[Stevie17]

Ah, Shoreguy.....your posts always make me smile. Sounds like you're having quite the adventure. Can't wait to read the rest! :D

[angeljt]

Sorry I have been negligent in my blogs but the last two days have been very busy.

Not at all. Thanks for taking the time to tell us your stories. We're enjoying them.

Jackie

[shoreguy]

1 pm – speed up to 27 knots – partly sunny and warm

Mexico – Monday

6 ships in port including the Dream. Morning tender including a converted party barge selling silver jewelry and tee shirts onboard as we sat in out plastic chairs. Capacity 500 passengers. It seams the port will not let the Dawn use more the two of her own tenders to make sure the locals can make $. That barge apparently broke down early and the allowed the ship to put two more tenders in service. Our return was on a beautiful jet ferry boat as a tender. Air conditioned and an interior like an airplane.

Here a tour you could not run in the states. ATV Beach and Jungle Adventure. Quick van ride, sign you rights away, put on the plastic helmet, almost no instruction, and head out on the highway with 30 passengers most of which have never driven an ATV. The machines were in various states of disrepair. We hit speeds in excess of 75 KPM.

Some did not get far as they tried to keep up and had no idea how to get out of first gear causing engine failure. Some ATV were in very good shape, some pulled to the right some to the left. Most had brakes. Some no foot brakes. The short off road portion of this 10 mile drive was not on sand or dirt but exposed coral. With holes, sharp rocks, bumps and tight turns. ATV’s in the bushes, chains off, some just stuck. Never saw anything that looked like a jungle with all the damage to vegetation. We were having a great time no issues others were not having a great day.

Here is the amazing part of the tour – we stop at the beach for free shacks and soft drinks. The stop is are you ready a bar. $2 beers to improve the driving skills of the passengers. Have to wonder who provides insurance for this tour. I would do it again we had a blast.

Downtown is coming back – lots of construction – the area around the square you have to look to find the damage. Same old aggressive hawking by the shop keepers.

Back to the ship and called Alex to book the Bistro for 7:30. Main dinning room menu was Mediterranean – nothing I really wanted.

I had received an invitation to a “Intimate Gathering with Senior Staff” and a letter for another free dinner with wine from the Latitudes Manager. The reception was held in the Port room off Spinnakers. 10 real Platinum passengers and 10 members of the staff from 6-7. I spent most of the time talking with Hugo the HD about many of the concerns posted on CC.

Some of what I heard in no particular order. I mentioned some of the concerns with the menus and bar prices. He has concerns. Keep in mind the menus are on a 3 month trail and major portion of the weekly leadership calls. It is in fact a cost cutting measure but those savings are coming from reductions in choices not quality. By reducing the options it allow for more cook to order, far less waste, and the ability to protect the quality and cut the cost.

I guess the best path is if you are not satisfied with the new menus let NCL know. By the way those that have nothing to compare it to have few issues. Those of us who are always comparing to past are more sensitive.

We both agreed that perhaps a whole new menu might be a better path not a subset of the old. My suggestion at least you could market it as a change to offer more options for those that sail the Dawn over and over.

Talking about over and over – The Dawn has the highest level of repeat passengers of any ship in the fleet with some having been onboard 10-15 times. An amazing number have only cruised on the Dawn.

My comment – don’t put that loyal base at risk, great ships, more coming, great crews and staff, don’t kill it over $5 in food or taking away the perks those passengers have grown to expect.

I shared that perhaps a fuel surcharge or even a fare increase might be a better answer. That has in fact been an ongoing debate. I simple answer is a price sensitive as most of you are Marketing feels they can not afford to put a higher price in the market. They may be right. They know who their primary market is.

It seems this reception is part of the New Latitudes Program. There will be Platinum and Platinum. You will not get the free dinners and invitation to this reception if you buy in only if you earn it. I think it is good they still plan to reward their most loyal passengers.

FYI – it you buy the package you are only platinum for the cruise you book with that money. Now you could use half for one cruise and half for another and extend the perks.

Dinner last night was perfect in the Bistro – One small issue we have run out of bananas.

Casino was very very good to me – I made enough to pay off my onboard account..

Margarita tasting again today at 4 – looks like they will have one every sea day.

Not looking forward to returning to NYC. They are going to have to drag me out of this AB.

Yes there are changes. Something that always happens but if you cruise in the present and not compare to the past I think the Dawn remains a great option, a remarkable value, with a great staff that wants nothing less then to delight every passenger.

[Stillfloatin']

Too funny. I can just picture the combination of beer, decrepit ATVs, inexperienced drivers and a dusty road. Sounds like perfect conditions for a hilarious adventure.:D

 

Also appreciated your conversation with staff re: CC issues over food and previous perks. It's good to have you as our unoffical advocate. Thanks ShoreGuy. As always, reading your blog is a joy.:)

[NormanW]

Looking good on that long leg back to NY...

 

For the folks going on the right (Eastern) cruise leaving Thursday...

 

Well we'll leave that for another discussion!

 

Enjoy! :D

 

Cheers,

 

Norman

[bragstarr]

Sorry, couldn't resist that.....

 

Your posts, as usual, are both hysterical and informative. I find it funny how you continually complement Impressions, and yet they removed it from the Jewel. I always thought that was a mistake of theirs. Can't wait to hear more stories when you get back and have more time. Did you ever see the Valentine's couple again?:eek:

 

Robin

[marilynd]

Shoreguy: I want to add my thank you very much for being such a good advocate for those of us who are frequent cruisers on NCL. It is good to know that there are still some special perks that can't just be purchased for a price.

 

 

Love reading about your cruise. I have looked at the ATV tours several times. Never thought they sounded very fun. I have some experience on an ATV here at home. Your description of your tour and the people watching has made me excited to book an ATV tour just for the laughs.

 

I have taken the river and ruins tour you took in Belize. I enjoyed the jungle ride on the river. Very laid back and relaxing. But I didn't do it with obnoxious children along. You sometimes have to wonder why parents don't do anything to control their children. Especially on shore exursions which are really designed for older children and adults.

 

Enjoy your cruise !!!!!!

 

Marilyn

[awh45]

Jim

 

Thanks for the posts.We cant wait for our turn. Hopefully we won't have the rough start you did and if you didn't get enough of the Dawn this time around I think there are some cabins still available on our 3/5 cruise.Your the best.:cool:

[Aliann]

One of the other’s had ordered the same Peking Dick dish and I noticed he only ate one.

 

Okay, am I the only one who wants no part of this new dish they serve?

[EileenN]

Thanks for the word! Just scratched Bamboo off my list. Tell us how the money flowed in the casino...Machines or table.

Appreciate your taking time to fill us in on the latest! Eileen

[shoreguy]

Thanks for the word! Just scratched Bamboo off my list. Tell us how the money flowed in the casino...Machines or table.

Appreciate your taking time to fill us in on the latest! Eileen

 

Don't do that based on my experience. I all fairness the waiter warned me it was small and ask what else I wanted. You can order mutiple entres. Ckeck out the menu.

 

Tables all the way for me. Last night two straight flushes on 3 card poker to start with at 40 to 1 with a quarter bet on the pair plus.

 

I just had dinner with Tony and Hugo - Hugo gets off with the captain this week. Tony gets off on March 5. All are back in May.

 

Saw both Norweigen Way shows tonight. As a joke in the second show they had it snowing on the stage. Wish I had brought my camera.

 

This is something I don't want to see in 36 hours

[Aliann]

Glad to see you got out of town safe and sound and having a good time, and I hope you don't come back to the same mess you left in, but... I'm in D.C. area on the east coast and they are calling for possible flurries and rain mix tomorrow afternoon. Not sure which direction it's headed or how fast.

 

Wishes for a safe return.

[WaldosPepper]

Oh, wow. I'm really bummed to hear that Hugo is disembarking when you do! :( I sure hope is replacement is as wonderful.

 

Counting the hours, and watching your progress as you sail north. Weather upon your arrival should be in the low to mid forties, and mostly sunny. :D Check out the top of the pier when you sail in - might just find three of us up there waving you home!

[matt690]

Shoreguy... thanks for posting again, and I'm glad you're enjoying the cruise.

 

How are the poolside bbq's? How was the weather today, and is it expected to be cold all day tomorrow? Has any of the entertainment or food stood out? Also, are there towel animals and has the chocolate buffet occurred yet?

 

Thanks!

 

-Matt

[NormanW]

Don't count on it looking like that...snow long gone.

 

Now some fresh stuff may be falling from the sky on thursday morning. Uh oh.:eek:

 

I mean nothing big just some wet flakes or cool rain showers. Just a reminder that it still is winter in the Big Apple. Anyone want to go groundhog hunting? :p

 

Cheers,

 

Norman

[dkathi]

We sailed on the Dawn 9/04 and were able to purchase round trip bus service from NJ to the pier from NCL. We have friends sailing on 3/26 and they tell us that the bus service is no longer available. Does anyone know if this is accurate? Without it everything becomes more difficult. kathi

[maurick]

This is what we were told also. No bus service anymore.

[snorklinbarb]

Hi Shoreguy,

Glad you're having a good time. We just got back from 2 wonderful weeks back on the Jewel. Like you, we had a chance to pass along a lot of feedback - from Lat. benefits to the new menus - to the powers that be and they were so receptive to hearing all the feedback.

 

We had the opposite experience at Chin Chin's on the Jewel. Ended up eating there several lunches and I think 4 different evenings! Those 3 Peking duck crepes were an appetizer on the Jewel, which, with soup and a delicious salad course (I liked the special Asian chicken salad), followed by one of the entrees like chicken vindaloo, shrimp, etc. was more food than we could sometimes handle! However, we didn't order the Peking duck as a main course, so don't really know what that serving looked like. You had me laughing.

 

We thought the new extended menu was excellent and a big improvement over the Bamboo (don't know if their menu also changed). The Jewel also has shabu shabu and we went back twice for it. Bamboo offers sukiyaki (which we've found just delicious).

 

Sounds like you're all having a great time. Enjoy your last days.:)