Dawn Questions

[chefchick]

Okay folks, We leave on Sunday and Im terribly excited and my mind is full of questions! Excuse me if you have answered these before but when I did a search I couldn't find my answers. So, for those of you who have been recently and can help:

 

1) Its the first time we are bringing our son on a cruise (he's 12). Can we bring him into the lounges with us for a before dinner drink? I think the answer is yes, but I never even thought about it before. What about bringing him along for bingo or trivia, is that a problem? Anywhere but the casino and the disco, is that right?

 

2) If we buy him a soda card, what are the restrictions? In other words, is there anywhere he cannot buy a soda? Dinning room, the pool bar, the pizzeria, etc? Also, he will have his own account (ship boarding card) can we put a daily or weekly limit on it or is that up to us to "trust" him? I hope that makes sense, we trust him but I could see how just signing for things could get out of hand.

 

3) We are taking a cab to San Diego pier. Is there a place close by to purchase bottles of water for our cabin?

 

4) Is the dining room open early (by Noon) on embarkation day? I prefer it to the buffet, but we will be hungry after our flight, so Im sure I'll eat anything - just thinking of options.

 

5) So what's up with the fuel surcharge? I know there is a thread on this, but IF we paid our final payment back on October 1, will we get hit with it? We booked through an online site, not a traditional TA so I haven't received info on this particular subject. Are they just adding it to the final bill along with tips, etc?

 

6) Does the Dawn have any secret doors or special places that only you seasoned travelers know about? Want to let a new princess cruiser in on it? :)

 

Thanks in advance for your help. Anything else that you can tell me about the Dawn would be appreciated.

[BurBunny]

Let's see what I can answer here for you:

 

1. Yes, he's allowed anywhere except the disco and casino. You might not want to take him to a late comedy show as well, as those tend to be a bit more risque. Taking him other places, like trivia, etc., is allowed, but make sure he's comfortable in that environment - might not be too fun for him and he won't be looked upon favorably if he's not acting in tone with the activity.

 

2. Soda card is good anywhere they serve sodas from the "gun" - the main exception is room service. But pools, bars, dining room, pizza, etc. are all included.

 

5. (Yes I skipped a couple here) Your sailing is prior to the effective date for the fuel surcharge, so you won't be assessed the fee. That's only for sailings starting after February 1, 2008.

 

6. All the way forward on Aloha and Baja I believe you can go through the doors to the forward viewing area - be forewarned it's VERY windy up there when you're underway. Aft on Baja is a nice fantail area as well. These doors aren't well marked, and rarely anyone out there.

[Murphey]

Secret place on Dawn/Sun/Sea: Above the Horizon Court, Forward on the Sun Deck. There is a "splash" pool, about 1 foot deep. Perfect for sitting in the water and reading. No one is hardly ever there....quiet!

[Tina G]

Aloha deck, aft. Lovely quiet deck, great if you don't have a private balcony, and lots more room to stretch out. One floor up is a hot tub and small pool.

Ther is absolutely no reason to buy bottled water! The ship's tap water is better than most at home. I fill my personal water bottle from the tap before going on excursions.