"The Suite Life of the Dawn Queen on The Dawn Fool's Cruise 3-28-09"

[Butterfinger1954]

So far, very exciting and you are just barely beginning. Can't wait to sail on the Dawn on Oct. 25. Sigh....

 

...anxiously awaiting more of your review.

 

Kathy in northern Maine

[cruiseguys2009]

Hey there Cruiseguys2009.

 

What a fantastic review. I can't wait to the next installment. You are keeping me at the edge of my seat. LOL

I tried to find your link of facebook, but I am having trouble finding it. can you tell me what i am doing wrong?:confused:

 

Thank you so much, and keep up the great work

 

If you go to facebook and in the "Search" area, place this:

 

NCL Dawn 3-28-09 aka Dawn's Fools

 

That should work. Thank you for reading!

[cruiseguys2009]

I kept hearing the bells that usually an announcement follows, you know “Bing, Bang, Bong”. But there was no announcement……there it was again “Bing, Bang, Bong”. I said “Why isn’t anyone saying anything after the announcement bells?” One of our CC Sail Away partier’s says “JW, That’s the Doorbell!” Doorbell? We have a Doorbell?!

Then, after figuring out it was someone at the Door, I opened to find “The Legend” himself, Anchumann, the Concierge. I apologized to him for leaving him in the hallway, but I explained I did not know about the doorbell. (Doorbell…we had a doorbell!) Anchumann handed me a remote cell phone and showed me how to contact him…..????

 

He then asked me for my Restaurant choices, and I made a couple of changes then he graciously left. Wow, I after reading so much about this wonderful man, I finally got to meet him.

 

Everyone had to use the facilities, but were hesitant to use the glass door toilet in the master bathroom…..Anchumann solved this problem for us by directing everyone to the “other” bathroom….wait we have a Doorbell AND a Powder Room? Oh my gosh, I thought that was another closet…It was another Bathroom. Livin La Vida Loca!

The party continued after sail away and then it was time to get ready for dinner. Our first dinner, we chose the Teppenakki style dining at 8:30 and invited 3 other couples from our CC party to join us. Anchumann made all the arrangements. Unreal.

 

Got us a reservation for 8 people in a restaurant that only seats 16 people at 8:30pm on the first night of sailing. Ahh the joys of “Suite Life”.

[sjbdtz]

there were several Noro-Virus outbreaks on the ship’s previous sailing

 

 

 

I've got to say I'm enjoying your review too, but I have to take exception with something you said (well two things)....

 

 

1. You mentioned the health questionnaire asking if you'd recently had the flu, and commented "who says yes to that"?

 

You followed-up with "the ship had several noro-virus outbreaks on the previous cruise".

 

Did you realize that the "flu" and "noro-virus" are the same thing?

 

My patent hope is that anybody who has recently had the flu DOES check yes, and goes for secondary screening. Better to have 1 disappointed person / family, than hundreds of sick vacationers.

 

 

 

2.

Yes I am!....and Rob....you are part of the best thing that happened....so was Nikki, Marni, Debulicious, Charles, Kathy, Hunter, Doug, Heidi and Alan, and all the rest......I don't want to leave out the Dave Clan either!!!!

 

I thought you weren't going to name names???? :rolleyes:

[cruiseguys2009]

I've got to say I'm enjoying your review too, but I have to take exception with something you said (well two things)....

 

 

1. You mentioned the health questionnaire asking if you'd recently had the flu, and commented "who says yes to that"?

 

You followed-up with "the ship had several noro-virus outbreaks on the previous cruise".

 

Did you realize that the "flu" and "noro-virus" are the same thing?

 

My patent hope is that anybody who has recently had the flu DOES check yes, and goes for secondary screening. Better to have 1 disappointed person / family, than hundreds of sick vacationers.

 

 

 

2.

 

 

I thought you weren't going to name names???? :rolleyes:

 

Thank you on both points. As far as the first point, yes the Health Questionaire is extremely important, but when we were all filling it in, it was the general concenses that most people would check "no" even if it were otherwise. I would check yes, but that is the type of person I am, on the humorous side, for humors sake, I added that line.

 

As far as naming names, I will not equate events to names, however, I gave great honor to those we cruised with as they made the trip so very special. Our NCL Dawn Roll Call 3-28-09 Group is still going strong, check that out too. It is almost 100 pages now!

 

Have a great day!

 

JW

[cruiseguys2009]

The First Dinner:

 

Jerome and I arrived 10 minutes late for our seating to find everyone there. The party was now in full swing. There is an extensive Sake menu but I still ordered a Martini, Jerome ordered Sake. By the way, it’s no wonder I remember any of this as the cruise was one big gigantic Martini from start to finish!

 

The dinner presentation, or show, was lots of fun, artful and we both chose the Steak and Chicken combo. Lots of Veggies, plenty of food and it was good…if you like Bennihana’s, it is exactly like eating there.

 

Our Butler Anoop and another couple’s Butler, Ravi, stopped by to see us at dinner, which was thrilling to see them, then the Legend himself stopped by and checked on our dinners. Anchumann wanted to know our plans for the evening, and everyone was going to go to the Piano Bar after. I went to the casino instead, part of what became my daily ritual, and I am glad I did.

 

Jagermeister bombs flowed at the Gatsby's Piano bar, boy I am glad I went to the casino. See why next.

[mickeysgal]

 

Our Butler Anoop and another couple’s Butler, Ravi, stopped by to see us at dinner, which was thrilling to see them, then the Legend himself stopped by and checked on our dinners. Anchumann wanted to know our plans for the evening, and everyone was going to go to the Piano Bar after. I went to the casino instead, part of what became my daily ritual, and I am glad I did.

 

Wow...a butler stops by to check on your dining? That's incredible service. Do they always do this for all suites or is this because you were in the top suite?

[cruiseguys2009]

Wow...a butler stops by to check on your dining? That's incredible service. Do they always do this for all suites or is this because you were in the top suite?

 

There was another couple having dinner with us, the ones who took our original Romance Suite after we got upgraded (Chapter Two I think), and their Butler Ravi stopped by to see them as well.

 

It is a wonderful service perk that happened throughout the voyage. Every night, every dinner, every show, NCL was truly amazing and excelled in service.

[cruiseguys2009]

By the time I had my fill of the casino it was approaching 3 o’clock in the morning and I had not seen Jerome in a while. I went to Gatsby’s, the Piano Bar, and it was empty. Where can he be? I called the room on the handy dandy Cell Phone and there was no answer……so I started exploring.

 

Low and behold, I stumbled, yes stumbled, into the Blue Lagoon (the boat was really rocking and with what I had had to drink, I was the only one walking a straight line!)….and there, once again I was “blinded by the light” of those wonderful Osmond teeth and lots of Hoots and Hollers….. It was only the first night and I guess all of the Jagermeister Bombs etc all kicked in and well, the CC group got the munchies….

 

They waz really, really, really 215 sheets to the wind. I came to know one of the guys in our group well, and I could always tell when he had “teemanymartoonies” as he was awfully silent! Well, he didn’t say a peep at all…hmmm. They had ordered everything on the menu, it looked and smelled terrific (the food)……Jerome was there, mumbling something (Blah Blah Blah….Whatever!), I went back to the Casino.

 

I was NOT inebriated enough , (just pleasantly buzzed), to participate in their joy and happiness. I will say that the word of the moment was “Nekid”. That was very, very funny! (It's an inside joke known only to those who were there, Let's just leave it at that!) But I went to the Casino….

[arlee]

Smooky - thanks for the info - it was very helpful.

[cruiseguys2009]

DAY TWO, SEA DAY:

After my brief reappearance at the Casino, I ended up back in our Owner’s Suite ordering Room Service….it was the best burger I have ever had at 4 o’clock in the morning. Oh my gosh, the CC Meet and Greet is at 10:30 am…..where is the Alarm Clock Menu?

 

Fortunately, Jerome had ordered Breakfast in our Suite to be delivered at 9AM…..Anoop, our Butler, was my wonderful Alarm Clock!

 

9 AM came and there were those darn Announcement Bells again with no Announcement….Oh crap, We Have A DOORBELL! Anoop was there with our Breakfast and both of us stumbled out of bed to find fresh linen on the table and the table completely set with our Breakfast….Just like at a Ritz Carlton. Fabulous!

 

It was time to go to the official Meet and Greet Cruise Critic Gathering……just five more minutes in the shower is all I ask, Please!…..there are a gazillion shower heads, absolutely thrilling, I am not kidding!

 

Then there is the sheer size of those monstrous bath towels. Heck, once you get used to it it’s time to get off the boat and go home….but then, I have five more days to go before that happens.

[cruiseguys2009]

Casino Addendum Number One:

 

I signed up for the NCL Casino at Sea Casino Players Club Card that you insert into the slot machines for them to monitor your play. You redeem your points on the last day of the cruise, and if you rack up enough points, you get an Onboard Credit equal to your points.

 

Just a side note, I racked up enough points for a credit of $242.00.

 

Along with your Players Club Card, they also give you a coupon book filled with all sorts of match play options for the tables as well as slots, and a coupon for a free slot pull to win a cruise….I pulled, I did not win.

 

But, I found out that after my considerable play on the slot machines the first two days, I was also given a Complimentary Drink Card that the Casino Host attached to my Players Club Card. So, I guess, after all my play the first two days, I was eligible for complimentary drinks……Hello Mrs. Martini!

 

I would play the machines, I would lose, I would win a little, move to another machine, could never play the machine I really wanted to play because this woman would never get up….then.... one night, the fourth night of the cruise, I won $781.00 on a machine.

 

Jerome was with me, and he cashed in the ticket, keeping $500.00 and giving me the balance of $281.00 to play with. “Smart Boy” you say! Then I went to another machine, and don’t you know it…won $600.00 again. Jerome then cashed that ticket in and gave me $100.00 and kept another $500.00.

 

He then went up to the room with a grand in his pocket.....MY Grand!, and went to bed, thinking I would blow the rest. He thought he was soooo smart!

 

Two hours later, I called the room on the handy dandy Suite Cell Phone I was carrying and woke Jerome up. He said sleepily, “Why are you calling me?” I said “Can you please come down to the casino?” Accusingly he said “JW, What did you do?” I said again “Jerome, can you please come to the casino and bring my ID with you.” To that he replied emphatically “JW WHAT DID YOU DO????”

 

Upon arriving at the casino, I was surrounded by several Casino personnel and I needed my ID as I had won a Slot Jackpot of over $1,200.00. Yes I had one again, the third time that night, er morning, it was after all 3AM.

 

Needless to say, He was a sight to see….he had his shirt untucked in one place, tucked into his undies in another, and two different flip flops on. Jerome was so amazed by the site of me being given the payout!

 

Well, poop on me, I had to hand all THAT win over to him as well…..or I would have probably spent all of it, so he says,….I decided to follow him out and we went back to the room and went to bed.

 

Yes, the Casino was very good to me. Very, very good. It’s intimate, and the other reviews are all absolutely correct, but despite all that, I had fun. It’s always fun when you win….which, as you know, Las Vegas was not built on Winnings!

 

Remind me to tell ya’all about the one we nicknamed “Pee Pee Pants”, that’s the best story about the Casino coming up.

[Nickymjw1]

. Unmistakable in recognizing their bright white “Osmond” teeth gleaming from the sunlight. We headed for the Light! Upon arriving, there they were, the first two for the casual “Sail Away

 

Ha Ha, that is too funny!! The white "Osmond" teeth!! Was it Sam the weatherman from "good morning America"?

[cruiseguys2009]

Ha Ha, that is too funny!! The white "Osmond" teeth!! Was it Sam the weatherman from "good morning America"?

 

I forgot about that...I have to add, thanks Nikki, that one of our Group looked so much like Sam The Weatherman on Good Morning America, that we casually told people that he was; after all this guy did look like a celebrity (and so does his wife too). People actually believed it and started calling him "Sam, Hey Sam what's the weather gonna be today?"

 

See, I need all of your to help me fill in the blanks! The stories are endless, the laughter, well my sides still hurt.

[Nickymjw1]

.and there, once again I was “blinded by the light” of those wonderful Osmond teeth and lots of Hoots and Hollers….. It was only the first night and I guess all of the Jagermeister Bombs etc all kicked in and well, the CC group got the munchies….

 

They waz really, really, really 215 sheets to the wind. I came to know one ……Jerome was there, mumbling something (Blah Blah Blah….Whatever!), I went back to the Casino.

 

I will say that the word of the moment was “Nekid”. That was very, very funny! (It's an inside joke known only to those who were there, Let's just leave it at that!) But I went to the Casino….

 

JW you are cracking me up because I can picture it! I have this feeling I will be able to fill in the funny parts that I missed by going to bed by midnight! Thanks for a wonderful review so far.

 

I feel I am there again!

 

I am reading all your funny quotes, I know Doug is going to get tired of me in a while but I don't care..He is just watching bowling waiting for the Masters to come on...

Nicky

[cruiseguys2009]

OFFICIAL CRUISE CRITIC MEET AND GREET:

 

Here it was, 10:30am and as many of us had our Official Dawn Fool’s Tee Shirts on, we were milling about the Photo Area, adjacent to where our meeting was being set up at Dazzles. NCL put a nice spread out for us, knowing that there were at least 60 CC members on board, they provided us with Urns of Coffee, Tea, Breakfast Rolls and Danish, Juice and friendly smiles from the Service Staff.

 

I needed a Bloody Mary real bad, so the only bar that was open was where? The Casino!! Successful in getting my Bloody Mary I took a seat in Dazzles and just watched everyone enter the area. I chuckled at several of the CC group as they arrived, as I knew full well they were in Hangover Heaven…….don’t rock the boat! I’ve always found that the best Hangover cure is just…Drink some more!

 

Our meeting that morning was the most fun, as many of the group did not go to the unofficial Sail Away up at the Bimini Bar the day before, this was a great opportunity to meet so many more fun Groupies. The best part was to meet several who were what we call “Lurkers”, those that never said hello online. Great conversation, great expectations, great excitement was felt by all. Lots of pics, and my favorite is our group photo (That’s on Facebook too).

 

The meeting was called to order as the Hotel Director Hugo led the lineup of the Ship’s Officers. We were very impressed that every important officer showed up, that was pretty incredible.

 

Hugo led off the introductions and informed us that GI Regulations and Restrictions were in place, lots of Spritzer Girls everywhere, tanks of Sanitizer around every corner, in the elevators, public areas etc. He informed us that there were just a few minor outbreaks of Noro on the previous cruise, so NCL has a very proactive policy to prevent further new cases. He explained the procedures, such as the Buffet restrictions, (You were not able to dish out your own food onto your plate, the Service Staff did so…..I kind of like the personal touch in that myself, but others did not, to each his own I guess). No one got sick that we were aware of, so I figure that the procedures worked and the restrictions were lifted by Tuesday Night (The Fourth Night).

 

Hugo then went on to introduce the rest of the Staff including the Captain, The Food and Beverage Director, The Executive Chef, The Cruise Director (Shona was truly fabulous!) , The Chief Engineer, and The Housekeeping Director. All these people came out just for us. That is the power of Cruise Critic for ya.

 

The Captain spoke about his Finnish roots and that he now resides in Sarasota, Florida, what a really nice approachable gentleman. Alain the F & B Director informed us that yes indeed NCL reads and follows Cruise Critic and they had made several changes especially in Cagney’s due to the critiques of CC Members.

 

The Executive Chef is a huge imposing man with a very gentle soft spoken nature, he truly is The Most Important Officer, that, coupled with the Officer of Liquor (The Bar Manager)!

 

But quickly our new Fave Rave was Shona the Cruise Director. All of us were expecting John, the much touted and talked about permanent Cruise Director for the Dawn. Many in our group had sailed with him before, so this was a slight surprise to many. John went on vacation and Shona joined the Dawn temporarily, coming from the Pride of Aloha.

 

I must say, Shona did it all, did it with flair and was a consummate Lady throughout. I mean, throughout the Cruise she had to deal with “US” (Hee Hee), then Little ones, then big College Frat boys on Spring Break, as well as bring all of us together and keep us going…..she did a remarkable job and was always around. I loved her announcements once I got used to the fact that it was not our Doorbell ringing.

 

The meeting wrapped up with several of us putting our cabin numbers in for the Lottery to sit at one of the Officer’s tables later that week…..which it came to no surprise to us, that most of us won that lottery, more on that later.

 

We took a group photo then took off to the Casino (Casino? Did someone say Casino?) “Slot Pull”, a very well organized event by one of the CC Members.

 

Gleaming White Osmond Teeths both went back to their stateroom, Happily Hung…..we did not see them until dinner later that night. I felt so bad for her. I have been there, but not just yet. That time for me came a little later.

[szdiver]

I am enjoying your review as it goes along....always did like reading your reviews. Your one of the AOS in the PH was our inspiration to book the PH on the AOS for our b2b last year. Thanks again.

[cruiseguys2009]

SILC’S SLOT PULL:

 

By far the most fun and engaging group activity that I have ever had on a ship.

 

If I may indulge the organizer for a moment. SILC, these are your words from your review (which the entire review, by the way, is flawless in it’s delivery, everyone should read it) and I must repeat your instructions here as no one can describe the “Slot Pull” better than you.

 

 

 

Before I begin, I also would like to extend to you, SILC, a very public apology for what I wrote on your review (later removed), and I am truly sorry for misunderstanding what you originally documented. I was wrong and for that I am sincerely and profoundly sorry.

[cruiseguys2009]

Now, here are Silc’s exact words regarding the “Slot Pull”:

 

“I actually discovered this on a Carnival review last summer while getting ready for our September Legend cruise. I love to gamble, thought it sounded like fun, and brought it to that roll call. It's something I've dragged to every roll call ever since.

 

Here goes...

 

You need to do a little field work the night before to find a $1, three credit max slot machine. It should be a machine that has some kind of bonus game to it. Wheel of Fortune works pretty well. You will also need a pen and paper - the reason why will become evident in a few minutes.

 

Everyone comes ready with $21. There are two ways you can play. The first is to have everyone put there $21 into the machine all at once (a little more difficult to keep track this way - but some people say it's a better way to "trick" the machine), or you can have people put their $21 in when it's their turn. Either way, you will want to record everyone's name as they are taking their turn. I usually get someone else in the group to do this step. It's a check and balance for when you're done.

 

Everyone gets 7 spins (7 spins x 3 max credit machine = $21). You will have to track how many spins people take. Any winnings stay in the machine until everyone has their chance to play. Once everyone has spun, you pull out the winnings and divide it amongst all of the players. You will need the sheet with everyone's name on it who participated just to make sure everything's above board.

 

Chances are you will have to go to the cashier to get a whole lot of change (if you're lucky enough to win). Again, as a check and balance, I would suggest bringing someone else with you and the money to the cashier.

 

When we did it the first time, we all decided that we wanted to put our winnings back in and keep playing. In fact we had so much fun, we met on our second sea day to do it again! We got so loud at one point that we drew quite a crowd, and strangers wanted to join in. We told them to join us on the second sea day if they wanted to.

 

For those who enjoy gambling it's lots of fun. For those who don't enjoy gambling, it's another opportunity to get to know others who are cruising with you.

 

Hope that helps. If you have any other questions, please let me know. Sometimes I'm not as clear as I think I am!

 

Silc”

[cruiseguys2009]

As you can see, I am trying to post this as the Cruise actually happened for us, trying to keep the events close to the actual time as if we were on the Dawn, sailing with her this very moment.

 

Lunch Sunday:

 

After the Slot Pull, Jerome and I, with my third Bloody Mary in hand, went up to check out the Garden Buffet for lunch.

 

After finding the correct elevator, the ship is soooo long that it needs an electric walkway, and, you have to get on the right elevator to get to the right floor. This can be a challenging achievement when you have had a couple of Martini’s….trust me.

 

Anyway, you should take the glass Atrium elevators as they are the most convenient to the Buffet. There are dual line formations, yes, Spritzer Girls, then onto the pseudo-stations. It seems that the Dawn has tried to separate the buffet in to a couple of stations, it works once you figure it out. You don‘t have to get stuck behind a “numb nuts” picking over the tomatoes, you can line cut to the next area. Nonetheless, there was plenty of food and plenty of variety.

 

Yes, this was one of the days you could not serve yourself because of the GI restrictions, but I did not mind.

 

The only way I truly can describe the Buffet is that it is almost like Golden Corral…..now before ya’ll moan and groan….I happen to Love Golden Corral (Yes I am a Closet Golden Corral lover, about the only thing I am in the closet about!) and the buffet just reminded me of that, because of the selection. The food is good, it’s buffet food, not gourmet dining, but some entrees come close. The presentation is, well, it’s a buffet. Nice contemporary serving pieces, well manicured by the staff, always fresh from what I noticed.

 

At the time we went, there were several different entrée choices, someone carving a chicken, a roast beef carving station, lots of hot side choices, tons of incredible bread….the best part, oooh that bread, salads, salads and more salads, lots of fresh fruit and several dessert choices. If you were one of the ones to eat with Jerome and myself at the Buffet, you know that I would have six or seven plates full of food…..all at once, so there was no room for you!

 

As we had plenty of sodas in our room that were complimentary, it was useless for us to order a soda up there for lunch and pay 4 bucks for it. I just ended up having, what we call here in Florida a “Boca Cocktail”. The recipe is next……

[cruiseguys2009]

Now here is the recipe for a “Boca Cocktail”:

You take a water glass

Fill it with ice

Then add Pure Crystal Clear Water

Then squirrel away several Lemons (Limes too if you can get them)

Grab 16 Sweet & Low Packs (Two for the Glass and 14 for your Purse)

Squeeze Lemons into Glass

Add Sweet & Low

Stir

Drink and Enjoy…..just like in every restaurant in Boca Raton, Florida!

 

Those in the food service industry know exactly what I mean.....

 

Now after drinking it, don’t be surprised that in the thickest of "New York Accents", (after all, Boca is the 6th suburb of New York), you will now be saying in restaurants….”Hey, gimmy a glaaasss of waa-tar with lots of Lahman”!

 

Again, those in the food service industry know exactly what I am talking about!

[teripp]

Thank you for your travel log. I am looking forward to your posts and have set the daily email notification to keep myself up to date. Between yours and one on another cruise line 107 day cruise I will be on this site a lot ... not a bad thing either :D Heading over to Face Book now..... Just wanted to be counted as one of the Lurkers!!! (who is considering NCL for a hop to the Bahamas in November.....)

[cruiseguys2009]

The weather was beautiful and the Garden Restaurant has lots of windows. Finding a table by the window is a challenge at times, but, I have a secret. Everyone tries to sit in the first two areas, walk all the way to the back, there are usually tons of tables by the window and then you are right by a beverage station and the dessert. This area was never crowded.

 

On the other side of the Buffet Restaurant, it’s the same, but at the back is the "New York Deli", we found this out too late to enjoy the entire cruise. A couple of our good pals told us about it on the last day and I will bring this up in detail then. Oh my gosh…..That is a whole other very funny story………

[abbylynn]

Love your review JW! Can't wait to read the rest of it. I'm seeing all the good times we missed out on.

[cruiseguys2009]

After Lunch:

 

After lunch, as it was a beautiful day, we ventured onto the Pool Deck, great activity, great Music, and an even greater amount of oiled up bodies…....everywhere. Every nook and cranny. Geez, what a site….There were people in deck chairs every square inch of the place. Packed wall to wall.

 

Jerome and I remembered that we had our “Own” deck with two lounge chairs and we high tailed it to the Owner’s Suite, got our bathing suits on, then laid out in the sun for a couple of hours…..all the while drinking Martini’s. Whooo Hooo! That was fun.

 

See I told you, I had to wait a week to recover my memory from the Martini's...as Celine Dion once sang..."It's all coming back to me now".

 

All I could think about was the upcoming formal night…...my Formal “Wear”.

 

Anchumann rang in the late afternoon and was confirming our plans for the Venetian that evening. We wanted to go to the Venetian on formal night as it was the closest experience to our previous cruises, and the Restaurant is absolutely gorgeous. We decided to change the reservation for 10 people at 8PM to have several of our CC buddies and buddiettes there too. There was another reason also…..