Dawn to Canada

[BuckeyePat]

I have been lurking for WEEKS, but did not find this site until after booking a cruise. Please tell this newbie how I have done so far!

 

Chose Canada because I want to cruise and my hubby is not a sun person. So, I thought if I could just get him on one ship he would get hooked and then we can go everywhere! Next stop, Alaska?

 

Booked a mini on the Dawn before learning the mini is no more than an oversized balcony[no perks etc.]. Am OK with that and figure at least I can sneak onto balcony while he sleeps in, due to curtain. Plus, feared he might pass out at size of many staterooms!

 

Learned about Casinos at Sea discount[on this board] AFTER booking, but since I did not use a TA was able to switch reservation and get a 15% discount [$400+].

 

Learned what hotels NCL used in NY but did not like the price, so used our hotel related points for a room. Flying in the day before as I trust nothing with the airlines/weather etc. Used airline miles for the flights!

 

Chose the Dawn because of 1.Itinerary 2. Not too big, not too small. 3. Not too old and has been refurbished per NCL site. 4. Relaxed dress code: spouse is in suit and tie every day for work and we dress up enough, don't need to on vacation 5. I like Casinos and slots; hubby likes a good drink and there are numerous bars! 6. Sail date of 08/31 so that hopefully I can get sun and we avoid cold, rainy weather.

 

OK so far? I have done some things not recommended on this site by many: purchased travel insurance and 2 excursions thru cruise line. Just too new to all this to figure it all out on my own....

 

My concerns so far: I have seen no one mention this cruise on these boards! We are "young" mid 50s and expect demographics to be similar and above? This will be the Dawn's first 2008 cruise to Canada--any negatives about that?

 

I have only cruised once and that was 25 years ago on Cunard with my family. So, there is fear, excitement and way too much reading of these boards! Heck, there was no internet then---and definitely not a tv in the cabin:eek: ! Any insight and or advice will be appreciated. Thanks for helping with the learning curve!

[davejohn]

Lots of info in the Roll Calls for the Dawn, as well as the forums for Canada and New England in the Ports of Call area.

[Terrafreaky]

We're taking that very same cruise on Sept 7th. Can't wait!! :)

[Cruise_More_Often]

You have done WAY better than most first-time (or almost) cruisers. I am impressed. We do the NCL excursions, too, BTW. I like the ease of booking them, boarding them and being assured of getting back on time.

 

A friend of ours did a Canada/NE cruise on the Dawn last year (they were in their late 50s), and they said they were among the youngest people on the ship. Sounded good to us, so we're doing one next year. :D

 

Can't see anything negative about being on the first CA/NE cruise of the season. Enjoy your minisuite! Another good choice.

[DMH15]

I was on the Dawn in April mini-suite 11178. Loved it. Loved the ship. My mini was right near the spa. Loved that. The spa is great - the Dawn has an indoor pool in the spa. It has great artwork in Le Bistro. You will love it.

 

Hope you have a sonderful time.

[watchdiva]

just fine!

 

We're not new to cruising and we always buy travel insurance - I'd rather have it and NOT need it than need it and NOT have it! Good job.

 

We've booked NCL excursions in the past and would do so again IF we were in a port that I wasn't familiar with or if the offering looked very good. Everyone has their own comfort level with booking excursions privately so one size doesn't fit all here. Again, IMO good for you.

 

We just came off the Dawn 6/8 and you will love her! She's the only ship I would fly from South Florida to New York for!

 

Ask your questions, join the rollcall for your cruise and you'll find that on these boards, someone will always be able to answer your questions and offer sound advice - welcome to cruise critic:D .

[DocJohnB]

You sure your a newbie? You sound like a frequent cruiser with the choices you made. BTW Travel Insurance - Good. Booking tours through NCL, not so much.

 

As to the cruise itself. The weather should be rather nice . . . pretty much over the summer heat . . . but could get a bit of it still. The further north you go, the cooler the temps. Should be pleasant. Rain? Maybe yes, maybe no. You are, of course, too early for the fall colors.

 

You can find out all about the ship by just moseying around the boards. We did the Canada/New England cruise last September on the Dawn . . . but it was more like 12 days (went into Quebec). I thought the ship was OK, the service, for the most part, OK. Discovered that although Freestyle dining has its' positives, it wasn't our 'cup of tea'.

 

Because it is only a 7 day cruise, I have the feeling that the median age will be younger than that we experienced last year. You certainly won't be the oldest on board, nor will you be the youngest.

 

You should enjoy it.

[BuckeyePat]

Thanks everyone for your kind responses. I will continue lurking;) for now and am sure I will have many questions as the cruise date nears.

[Gypsy2]

BuckeyePat

 

When is your cruise? I am on the Dawn to New England on Aug 31st. This will be our first trip up there.

 

Elaine

[20YearsBetweenCruises]

Other mentioned to join the rollcall, since you said you were new to this board & didn't see any mention of your cruise, I wanted to make sure you realized there is an entire different board category called '"roll call" which is by line & then by ship. There is an entry out there for your cruise. Here's the direct link for the Dawn:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=349