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2Cruise4Ever
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Posted: Mon Jun 23rd, 2008 07:30 pm | 1st Post |
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PART I – THE GENERAL CRUISE EXPERIENCE
I don’t know how, but each time we sail on the Dawn, it gets better and better. This year was no exception. Me, DH, DS (10), DD (5), and my parents drove up to NYC the day before and stayed at the Holiday Inn Midtown (again). Wonderful hotel and extremely convenient to the port. We ate at Rolf’s restaurant in Gramercy Park for dinner. Fabulous food, but very hot indoors.
OK, on to the good stuff!!!
Embarkation: Could not have been easier. We left the hotel at 10:15 a.m. Thanks to the directions of a friend, we were at the terminal in 5 minutes. NCL offered “early-bird” check-in where we took care of the usual paperwork. Unfortunately, our key cards were not ready, yet. But, no worries. We received them later, just before we boarded. Then, it was upstairs to the VIP waiting area for coffee, tea, juice, and various continental goodies (very nice touch). We enjoyed some nice conversation with Logcabin (Hi, Scott!!) and Watchdiva (Hi, Lin!!!). After a very short wait, we were called to board. A quick check through immigration and the obligatory embarkation photo, and turned the corner…. Gasp!!! Imagine The Space Odyssey theme song playing as I rounded the corner in slow motion. There she was!! My favorite ship, going to my favorite destination: The Dawn to Bermuda!
As in the past, we were greeted by smiling faces and warm wishes for a wonderful cruise. But, this time, it was a little different: a glass of bubbly and a personal escort to our cabin, AB Penthouse Suite #11510. That’s when I realized that aside from the wedding and tour groups, we were amongst the first ones on board. No words can describe the feeling that washed over me as I encountered service that I imagine only royalty experiences. A very nice surprise awaited us: our cabin was ready! Really????? At 11:45 a.m.???? How is that possible? I found out later, why.
Cabin: Our third time on the Dawn, our third time in an AB (Suite 11510; the Ruby Suite). All of the AB’s are the same, just mirror images of each other depending on whether you’re Port or Starboard: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living area, dining area, balcony, and yes 4 televisions (2 with DVD players built in)!!!! Fridge, coffee maker, Jacuzzi tub, immense master bathroom, and storage, storage, storage! OK, let’s see, I thought. How much of 2.0 has been implemented? Champagne and personal escort upon embarkation – check; upgraded bedding and pillow menu – check; daily goodies menu – check; daily fruit bowl menu – check; upgraded champagne in the suite – check; Will we receive cookies before we disembark? We’ll see….
Our cabin stewards were Luis and Carolyn. They were absolutely fantastic!!! More details on how Luis saved the day later….
Food: We ate in Teppanyaki, Venetian, Cagney’s, Garden Café, Blue Lagoon, Room Service, and Impressions Italian (twice). All the food was excellent (lobster tail Monday night in Venetian, whole Maine lobster in Cagney’s, lobster ravioli in Impressions both times). Room service for breakfast (yes, we ordered from Cagney’s twice – wonderful crab cakes Benedict!) all but one day: Cagney’s for breakfast on last morning. Can you tell I like lobster??? Food is so subjective. And, I’ll eat just about anything. So, if you have any specific questions, please ask away. I loved every meal and pretty much ate my way from one end of the ship to the other! Oh, and the chocolate lovers buffet was Thursday night at 10:00 p.m. in the Garden Café and was absolutely fabulous.
Bermuda: Wednesday we took the bus to 9 Beaches, thanks to the recommendation of Tamika who sold us our 3 day bus pass. 9 Beaches was absolutely perfect. It was the closest thing to Great Stirrup Cay that we have ever found: chairs and umbrellas for no charge, drinks and food at Hammer Heads Bar N Grill right on the beach. The water was shallow for yards and yards with gentle lapping waves: perfect for our children. Wednesday evening we went to the Harbor Nights Festival in Hamilton. Other than the Gombey Troop Dancers, it wasn’t that much to write home about: street vendors selling the usual touristy trinkets, and some local food, but not much; the hot dogs were good, but expensive. The Gombey Troops were incredible!!! About a dozen or so danced with 4 or 5 drummers down Front Street and back for about 45 minutes. I don’t know how they keep up that stamina, but it was quite a sight to see. I highly recommend going just for that!
Thursday we took the Hartley’s Helmet Dive excursion (on our own, not with the Cruise Line). Now, THAT was awesome!!! We had experienced the helmet dive in St. Thomas. But, Hartley’s blew that one completely away!!! We were 8-10 feet down with fish swimming all around us. This is the perfect way to dive for those of us who are completely blind without our contact lenses or glasses. The price was $75.00 per person. And, we were under for about 30 minutes.
Friday we shopped around the Clock Tower Mall. Very nice selection of stores. And, then we spent the afternoon in Snorkel Park. Chairs, umbrellas, wave runners, other water sport equipment all for rent. 2 chairs and an umbrella was $25 for the day. And, to our kids’ delight, a huge water slide: $2 per ride, or $25 for an all-day pass. They also have a bar and grille with slightly higher prices than 9 Beaches. But, very clean and only a short walk from the ship (about 10 minutes). We wouldn’t hesitate to go back there again.
Disembarkation: a complete breeze! We decided to eat breakfast in Cagney’s and disembark a little later. Since we were driving, we were in no rush. I highly recommend doing this!!! Breakfast was leisurely and absolutely delicious. We walked off the ship around 9:45 a.m. with no line and were escorted to our luggage by our wonderful Concierge, Anca. She is a true gem. Together with the amazing butler, Armando, our cruise couldn’t have been better! They both deserve immense praise. And, thank you to Hugo, for rushing down the gangway to see us off. What a nice touch to end our vacation.
Oh, and, yes, we received a plate of chocolate chip cookies on Friday!
A couple of minor inconveniences, but nothing to sweat about: the TV remote in the bedroom wasn’t working (maintenance replaced it), a light was out in the living area (maintenance replaced it), and service was a bit slow in Venetian. The kids wanted to go see the magic show with the Kids Crew. So, we had to skip dessert on “Dress Up if You Want to” night. Again, no big deal.
Part II to follow…..
Last edited on Mon Jun 23rd, 2008 07:32 pm by 2Cruise4Ever
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RCCL Majesty ~ 2/2001
Pacific Princess ~ 10/2001
SS Norway ~ 5/2002
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2005
CCL Fascination ~ 9/2005
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2007
CCL Victory ~ 10/2007
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2008
CCL Victory ~ 10/2008
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2Cruise4Ever
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Posted: Mon Jun 23rd, 2008 07:34 pm | 2nd Post |
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PART II: SPECIAL EXPERIENCES:
Captain’s VIP Party: It was great to spend some time with all the ship’s officers. The Captain even stayed for a while. Hugo, the best Hotel Director on the planet, Alain, awesome Food & Beverage Director, Steffan, incredible Staff Captain, and Pedro, Cruise Director Extraordinaire were all very gracious and entertaining.
Dinner with the officers: Each week, the officers dine with selected guests on Thursday evening. Go to the main desk and ask for your name to be put into the drawing. Surprise! We, along with Logcabin and his DW (Lynn), were selected to have dinner with Hugo. This was probably one of the biggest highlights of the cruise for us. It was truly an honor. And, our table was surrounded by 9 others with passengers and officers. Thank you, Hugo, for being such a wonderful host. The food and the wine were excellent!
The people who made our cruise extra special: Hugo, thank you so much for checking in with us throughout the week. It wasn’t necessary, but very much appreciated. Armando, the amazing butler, paid attention to every little single detail. For instance, our DD still takes naps in the afternoon. Armando made sure that Luis kept the sofa bed out and made up for her in the second bedroom. Also, twice after coming back from the beach, sandwiches awaited our arrival (yummy!!!). Additionally, on Friday, gummy bears magically appeared on our dining table. Needless to say, he earned a very good tip. I wish we could have given him more! And, Ravi, our butler from last year, stopped by to say hello (and, again at dinner the last night). How nice that he remembered us. Ravi, congratulations on your marriage!
Anca is one of the best concierges I’ve ever met. And, she works harder than any woman I’ve ever seen. She was visible without being obtrusive. She helped out when she could (got me into the salon for a quick nail fix when they were booked). And, she pointed us in the right direction when we weren’t sure what to do. Anca, you are a true asset to the company. I thoroughly enjoyed our chats about travel.
OK, I’ve saved the best for last. Luis, our room steward (with help from Carolyn) saved the day from what could have potentially been a very disappointing cruise for our 10 yo DS. Anyone who has kids this age will know that nothing comes between a child and his or her Game Boy! Well, guess what? On Friday morning, it did. I was sure it was still in the cabin so I didn’t begin to worry until it still didn’t show up anywhere by Saturday morning. No, it wasn’t in the Kids Crew. My Mom saw him put it away before she took him up there Thursday evening. OK, now we knew he wasn’t lying. Grammie saved the boy from being accused! We asked if our room stewards had seen it. Nope. The next thing we knew, the phone was ringing, the doorbell was sounding, and everyone was in a tither. 3 security crew members showed up at the door, asking permission to search the room for the Game Boy (even after we had completely tossed the place looking for it). Boy, they sure take missing items seriously. We hadn’t even filed any kind of report (and hadn’t intended to)! They didn’t find it either. Our conclusion? The boy walked in his sleep and put it in the trash. It’s the only explanation we could come up with. About 2 hours later, Luis stopped by. He had an idea. “Has anyone pulled the bed away from the wall?” I didn’t know it could be pulled away from the wall. So, we took the mattress out into the hallway (again). Luis pulled the bed away and Ta Da!!!! The Game Boy fell to the floor!!! Luis, you are our hero. It was stuck between the bed and the wall.
This is one cruise we will never forget. The Kids Crew counselors were amazing. Every crew member we encountered asked if there was anything we needed or wanted. The hospitality staff deserves awards. And, the ship is pristine. You’d never know that she wasn’t brand new and how many passengers she’s carried over the years.
We continue to be die-hard NCL cheerleaders. And, can’t wait to book another NCL cruise!
____________________
RCCL Majesty ~ 2/2001
Pacific Princess ~ 10/2001
SS Norway ~ 5/2002
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2005
CCL Fascination ~ 9/2005
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2007
CCL Victory ~ 10/2007
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2008
CCL Victory ~ 10/2008
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goodml
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Posted: Mon Jun 23rd, 2008 08:52 pm | 3rd Post |
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Thanks so much for taking the time to post this review. After 10 previous cruises, I look so forward to our first one with NCL on Dawn this October. I really appreciated the info about 9 Beaches and the Helmet Dive. We'll definitely look into both.
 Sadly for us, no VIP services because we never spring for the premium cabins but it all sounds like heaven. I'm so glad you had a great time. Thanks again for the great review.
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ML
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2Cruise4Ever
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Posted: Mon Jun 23rd, 2008 09:07 pm | 4th Post |
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Regardless of the type of cabin you have, you'll still be given the royal treatment on the Dawn (or any NCL ship, I've heard). You will enjoy it immensely!!!
For Hartley's, go to this website. Mrs. Hartley was great to work with when I was planning our dive:
http://www.hartleybermuda.com/
Happy Sailing!
____________________
RCCL Majesty ~ 2/2001
Pacific Princess ~ 10/2001
SS Norway ~ 5/2002
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2005
CCL Fascination ~ 9/2005
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2007
CCL Victory ~ 10/2007
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2008
CCL Victory ~ 10/2008
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GREGandamy
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Posted: Mon Jun 23rd, 2008 11:59 pm | 5th Post |
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| Nice review. Glad you had a good time, we love the Dawn too. We had Armando as a butler when we were in an Owner's suite on the old Norwegian Wind and agree that he's terrific.
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Next up:
Grand Princess TA 04/09
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shoreguy
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Posted: Wed Jun 25th, 2008 04:57 am | 6th Post |
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Hugo is a wonderful person I so so glad he got his well earned promotion. I still remember dinner with him and Klaus in Cagney's before the farewell show on the "Blizzard" cruise. Someone had come up with the idea to have fake snow for the show. Even that idea was debated over dinner to make sure they did not upset any of the passengers. They went with it and it brought down the house.
Thanks for posting the review. It really has me excited for my cruise on Sunday even if it is not on the Dawn. When NCL gets it right nobody does it better.
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“I'd rather die while I'm living then live while I'm dead.” Jimmy Buffett
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whatawonderfulworld
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Posted: Wed Jun 25th, 2008 06:54 pm | 7th Post |
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It sounds like you had one terrific cruise - and thanks for taking the time to report. Our first NCL cruise was on the Dawn - we took an upsell to 9500 AC from an AF. It was simply wonderful...from start to finish. No one, other than our butler, the stewards and the concierge, knew we were in an AC and we were treated wonderfully bythe entire staff. We are not demanding passengers and we greeted everyone with a smile. Everyone, and I mean everyone, always returned our smile.
I look forward to again sailing on the Dawn - the memories of our first NCL cruise still put a huge smile on my face.
Thanks again.
Ciao,
WaWWLast edited on Wed Jun 25th, 2008 06:55 pm by whatawonderfulworld
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“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” Mark Twain
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shoreguy
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Posted: Wed Jun 25th, 2008 07:07 pm | 8th Post |
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whatawonderfulworld wrote: It sounds like you had one terrific cruise - and thanks for taking the time to report. Our first NCL cruise was on the Dawn - we took an upsell to 9500 AC from an AF. It was simply wonderful...from start to finish. No one, other than our butler, the stewards and the concierge, knew we were in an AC and we were treated wonderfully bythe entire staff. We are not demanding passengers and we greeted everyone with a smile. Everyone, and I mean everyone, always returned our smile.
I look forward to again sailing on the Dawn - the memories of our first NCL cruise still put a huge smile on my face.
Thanks again.
Ciao,
WaWW
I have been on the Dawn 7 times starting in Feb 2003 from Miami. My cabins have been acrcross the board and always treated wonderfully as well. First 3 cruises were standard balcony, number 4 an upsell from a Cat H (cost more the any of the prior balcony cabins and they were sold out) to an AF mini, number 5 a real treat upsell to the GV for one night CTN, Number 6 upsell from a deck 10 aft BA to an AB, last cruise outright purchace of an AB. Once you go penthouse it is hard to go back
I still do love that ship
____________________
“I'd rather die while I'm living then live while I'm dead.” Jimmy Buffett
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PCD_Barb
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Posted: Thu Jun 26th, 2008 02:39 am | 9th Post |
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Thanks for the review, 2Cruise!
I enjoy reading great reviews. It helps me relive ours vicariously through the eyes of others! We've had nothing but great experiences cruising with NCL; particularly the Dawn. It's so hard to understand any tainted otherwise.
My hubby expressed an interest in going on Hartley's Helmet Dive, but after the helmets we used in Cozumel I wasn't too enthused with the ones I saw on their website. Did you get a picture of the ones you used, 2Cruise? Also, was your "dive" near a reef or anything of special interest?
Here's what we used in Cozumel. The water never got higher than just below our chins.
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2Cruise4Ever
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Posted: Thu Jun 26th, 2008 03:14 am | 10th Post |
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Barb ~ I've enjoyed our "chats." The Hartley's is one of a kind. His grandfather was the first one to develop the helmet. And, now Greg still makes them by hand. I do have pictures, but I haven't had the chance to upload them yet. I will let you know when I do.
We did the helmet dive in St. Thomas (similar to what you pictured here). I thought that was great. But, Hartley's put St. Thomas to shame! Yes, it's right near a reef. It's a few miles away from King's Warf. There's a roped off area where the ship ties up. And, you walk down a ladder off the stern of the ship (about 10 feet down or so). Greg is right there with you and directs you where you need to go. Then, he takes a ton of pictures underwater. For $15 you can get a copy of the CD. I recommend it highly.
There were a total of about 24 of us. There were 3 dives of 8 people each. Each dive was about 30 minutes long. He has trained the fish in the area and they eat right out of his hands. Beautiful fish. Beautiful coral. It was all very sereal. You and DH will love it!!
____________________
RCCL Majesty ~ 2/2001
Pacific Princess ~ 10/2001
SS Norway ~ 5/2002
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2005
CCL Fascination ~ 9/2005
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2007
CCL Victory ~ 10/2007
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2008
CCL Victory ~ 10/2008
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PCD_Barb
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Posted: Thu Jun 26th, 2008 05:52 am | 11th Post |
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Thanks, 2Cruise.......My hubby is going to be upset with me if I tell him this! I guess I'll have to book another Bermuda cruise to make up for it!
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goodml
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Posted: Fri Jun 27th, 2008 01:44 am | 12th Post |
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2Cruise4Ever wrote: Barb ~ I've enjoyed our "chats." The Hartley's is one of a kind. His grandfather was the first one to develop the helmet. And, now Greg still makes them by hand. I do have pictures, but I haven't had the chance to upload them yet. I will let you know when I do.
We did the helmet dive in St. Thomas (similar to what you pictured here). I thought that was great. But, Hartley's put St. Thomas to shame! Yes, it's right near a reef. It's a few miles away from King's Warf. There's a roped off area where the ship ties up. And, you walk down a ladder off the stern of the ship (about 10 feet down or so). Greg is right there with you and directs you where you need to go. Then, he takes a ton of pictures underwater. For $15 you can get a copy of the CD. I recommend it highly.
There were a total of about 24 of us. There were 3 dives of 8 people each. Each dive was about 30 minutes long. He has trained the fish in the area and they eat right out of his hands. Beautiful fish. Beautiful coral. It was all very sereal. You and DH will love it!!
So when the other groups are diving, are you just sitting on the boat waiting for them?
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ML
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2Cruise4Ever
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Posted: Fri Jun 27th, 2008 01:49 am | 13th Post |
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Yep, but it was just fine. We were chatting with the other waiting divers and getting our wet suits on (if you want one), and just having a great time. There are two glass bottom areas on the boat where you can watch the fish swim by, too. And, we were busy taking pictures, etc. The time passed very quickly.
____________________
RCCL Majesty ~ 2/2001
Pacific Princess ~ 10/2001
SS Norway ~ 5/2002
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2005
CCL Fascination ~ 9/2005
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2007
CCL Victory ~ 10/2007
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2008
CCL Victory ~ 10/2008
Pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/ric
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goodml
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Posted: Fri Jun 27th, 2008 01:53 am | 14th Post |
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| Sounds great! Thanks. Is there an extra charge for the wet suit?
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ML
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2Cruise4Ever
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Posted: Fri Jun 27th, 2008 09:27 am | 15th Post |
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Nope. Greg pointed to some people and said, "You get a wet suit, and you get a wet suit...." Anyone else who wanted one could get one. But, there were a few people that didn't have a choice because the water temperature was below 80. So, the children, the elderly, and a few smaller people needed them.
No charge for it.
____________________
RCCL Majesty ~ 2/2001
Pacific Princess ~ 10/2001
SS Norway ~ 5/2002
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2005
CCL Fascination ~ 9/2005
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2007
CCL Victory ~ 10/2007
NCL Dawn ~ 6/2008
CCL Victory ~ 10/2008
Pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/ric
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