Dawn Princess--should we book???

[cruznon]

We're thinking about cruise on the Dawn Princess. From the photos I've seen, she looks like a lovely ship. The Dawn is older, so my question is about her condition. Has anyone recently been on the Dawn and would give me some info ? ANy info you can pass along would be greatly appreciated...service, food, cabins, ship upkeep, etc. Thanks so much!!:)

[envy4u]

We sailed her in May to Mexico . The ship is in great condition for her age . She is showing some wear and tear on the carpets but they were replacing some of it when we were onboard .

 

The staff for the most part were all friendly and courteous .

 

We had anytime dining and loved it . We got to dine with others or alone if we wanted . The food was good and we got to know the maire d and he always filled a special request the night before or came up with something special for us .

 

The cruise director was not that great to tell you the truth . Many people feel a C.D. sets the tone of the ship . We don't really care because we always have fun .

 

The cabins are a little smaller than on a Grand class ship especially the closet . They are well kept .

 

I guess the pressing question is would I sail on her again and my answer would be yes as long as I was going to a hot destination . We sailed from San Fran. and it was a liitle cool first 2 days out and upon returning . They do not have a covered or indoor pool .

 

Hope that helps .

[cruznon]

Thank you envy.

It does help. We would be sailing from San Francisco also. We are used to the cool weather of the west coast to Mexico. We are set to sail on the Diamond Princess for a 7-day, but like the idea of an 11-day instead. I think we'll go for it.

[MilliesMom]

We're thinking about cruise on the Dawn Princess. From the photos I've seen, she looks like a lovely ship. The Dawn is older, so my question is about her condition. Has anyone recently been on the Dawn and would give me some info ? ANy info you can pass along would be greatly appreciated...service, food, cabins, ship upkeep, etc. Thanks so much!!:)

 

We just got back from the Dawn on Saturday (Alaska cruise). Here's a link to my review if you would like to read it.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=7818100#post7818100

 

Our only complaint was with the main theatre. We traveled with a friend in a wheelchair and she was not able to sit with us in the theatre (see review for more details).

 

The ship was very nice and we were treated extremely well. The food was GREAT. Yes, we would sail on her again.

[chasetf]

We're thinking about cruise on the Dawn Princess. From the photos I've seen, she looks like a lovely ship. The Dawn is older, so my question is about her condition. Has anyone recently been on the Dawn and would give me some info ? ANy info you can pass along would be greatly appreciated...service, food, cabins, ship upkeep, etc. Thanks so much!!:)

We have cruised her a number of times over the years as you can see in my signature. We have not noticed any degradation or aging at all. She is one of the "older" ships in Princess which has the youngest fleet. She is only 9 years old which pretty "new".

 

We would sail her again without hesitation. :D

[TourneyKit]

We sailed the Western Caribbean on her last year and had a wonderful time. We had a catagory BA on the Riviera Deck and found the room to be in very good condition. Loved the balcony as it was our first. Had all the room we needed for our personals and the service was excellent. The staff was always pleasing and went out of their way to make sure we were accommodated. Food was good to excellent. Being close to the HC we ended up there for breakfast and lunch and they always had something we enjoyed. Never felt crowded on this ship. It was a November sailing and our fellow passengers were in our age group for the most part 45-55. Would sail on her again in a heartbeat depending on the itinerary.

[star gazer]

Thank you envy.

It does help. We would be sailing from San Francisco also. We are used to the cool weather of the west coast to Mexico. We are set to sail on the Diamond Princess for a 7-day, but like the idea of an 11-day instead. I think we'll go for it.

 

In the fall of 2007, Dawn will be sailing out of San Diego. The length of the cruises will be 7 days instead of the previous 11 days out of San Francisco. Dawn will visit Cabo, Maztalan and Puerto Vallarta in that order.

[cruzinchris]

We've only cruised on Princess' "grand" class ships (5 to date) and are looking forward to the 11-night voyage on 1/25/07. We're prepared for the slightly smaller stateroom/balcony but, when we've unpacked and are settled in, we're certain we'll be happy campers.

 

We realize that the ship won't look brand-spanking new because it isn't, but we're certain that we will still be assured of Princess superior ambiance, cuisine, entertainment, and service.

 

We haven't visited SF in more than 25 years and are also excited about spending a day there prior to sailing.

 

Bon Voyage!

Chris

[jlp20]

Have you posted any photos on the web of this trip?

[Tahoestarr]

The cruise director was not that great to tell you the truth . Many people feel a C.D. sets the tone of the ship . We don't really care because we always have fun .

 

We are sailing on the Dawn in February...what didn't you like about the Cruise Director??:confused:

[envy4u]

He had no personality . Sounded insincere most of the time and was so predictable in what he had to say . Infact U wiykd say it before he did .A real phony IMHO .

[Tahoestarr]

hmmmmm....that's too bad! Perhaps he'll leave before February! LOL...oh well...like you we have a good time no matter what!

[liv2cruise4ever]

We're thinking about cruise on the Dawn Princess. From the photos I've seen, she looks like a lovely ship. The Dawn is older, so my question is about her condition. Has anyone recently been on the Dawn and would give me some info ? ANy info you can pass along would be greatly appreciated...service, food, cabins, ship upkeep, etc. Thanks so much!!:)

 

Cruznon, I recognize your name from the HAL Threads. I too, cruised the Zuiderdam last Dec. In fact, when we got home, we, really, really, wanted to go again...........real soon. So I found a great deal on the Dawn Princess and sailed Mar. 10-20, out of SF, our homeport. I do have to say that of all the cruiselines I've sailed, and everyone is unique in their own way, that I prefer Princess over all others, so far. Yes, rooms are smaller. HALs rooms cannot be beat. No, it didn't have the Spa like the Z. But for an older ship, she is beautiful. We loved the atruim with the 2 pianos. The food was way, way, better that HAL. Princess dining room food was IMHO better than the Pinnacle DR. Service was right up there with HAL. I would book the Dawn in a minute. In fact, we're going to sail her again this Jan. 25th. That's my two cents worth. Any other questions.....fire away.:D

 

And about the cruise director. If your talking about "Frank", I agree, he is the worst I've ever sailed with. Very cheesey! In fact, very sickening. I just hope he's not the CD on this next Jan. sailing.

[cruznon]

live2cruise4ever,Cruisinchris,

Thank you, I also recognize your name. Your post gave me a good comparison to HAL experiences. Very helpful...

 

Cahsetf,Cruisinchris, TouneyKit,Milliesmom,

Thanks to all of you for your input. As soon as I send this, I'm calling Princess to switch our reservation. We were going to do a 7-day on the Diamond, but 11 days is sooooo much better!!!:D

[MilliesMom]

We are sailing on the Dawn in February...what didn't you like about the Cruise Director??:confused:

 

We just got off the Dawn last weekend and thought the cruise director did a good job. His name was Frank Castiglione. We talked to him quite a bit at the Past Cruisers cocktail party, very personable.

[envy4u]

We just got off the Dawn last weekend and thought the cruise director did a good job. His name was Frank Castiglione. We talked to him quite a bit at the Past Cruisers cocktail party, very personable.

 

I am glad to hear you had a good time with him we along with others DID NOT LIKE HIM .

[Tina G]

Oh, dear, About Frank - if you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all.:( and I have nothing to say.

[envy4u]

Oh, dear, About Frank - if you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all.:( and I have nothing to say.

 

 

Touche` !

[liv2cruise4ever]

live2cruise4ever,Cruisinchris,

Thank you, I also recognize your name. Your post gave me a good comparison to HAL experiences. Very helpful...

 

Cahsetf,Cruisinchris, TouneyKit,Milliesmom,

Thanks to all of you for your input. As soon as I send this, I'm calling Princess to switch our reservation. We were going to do a 7-day on the Diamond, but 11 days is sooooo much better!!!:D

 

cruznon, what date are you looking at for the Dawn? I just got Exaltinghim (Marie) to book our sailing in Jan. I know, for sure, that you remember her as well. Fellow, HAL cruisers.....LOL:D

[FlorenceItaly]

cruznon, what date are you looking at for the Dawn? I just got Exaltinghim (Marie) to book our sailing in Jan. I know, for sure, that you remember her as well. Fellow, HAL cruisers.....LOL:D

 

Yep, we're BOOKED. We are just waiting for a few more details to fall into place to finalize, but I think they will. I can't wait to see John and Deedee again, and would love to meet you :).

 

Marie

[max405]

Good site, we are booked on her in Feb 07 and are in a mini suite, also have any time dinning. Any info on these items would be great. Thanks for the help!!

[max405]

Have not heard from any Dawn people yet !!! MAX

[liv2cruise4ever]

Have not heard from any Dawn people yet !!! MAX

 

Loved the Dawn. My favorite ship! Twice in 10 months.....:D

[LARGIN]

Will be on the Dawn next month and looking forward to a great time with two great ladies.. my wife and the ship..

[cruznon]

We were planning to book Dawn Princess as stated earlier, then we noticed that the Golden Princess was leaving the same day and the balcony cabins are 100 sq ft larger than on the Dawn (balcony larger also) so we opted for the Golden--10 days. ExhaltHim, I also recognize you from HAL boards.

We sail in April.