QueenOfZoom

As for how it all went -- yes, I can agree that the Captain and crew kept us very safe in extremely calm waters for the majority of the cruise. And yes, we were aware when we boarded the itinerary had changed -- but losing 25% of our cruise monies wasn't an option for us since NCL offered nothing else. And yes, I am one of the ones who would have MUCH preferred to go north.

 

We were travelling with another couple and enjoyed the food (to a point) and the shows especially. We made the most of it with each other, but life onboard was not great and we seemed to have to work for every little nuance like salt and pepper and silverware every single morning at breakfast! Our room steward was horrible -- when we checked into our room there were no hand towels or toilet paper! The room was not finished nor had it been vacuumed. The desk was covered in spilled coffee and sticky stuff that came right off with a wet wipe! They sent in another room steward to finish cleaning up and scrub our bathroom with bleach (don't ask).

 

 

Unlike the Breakaway, we found this ship incredibly noisy. The walls seemed thin and we could hear our neighbors on both sides, including their TVs, and above and below! The door slamming was the worst -- it sent on 24/7 and was incredibly loud and annoying. (and who thought it was a good design to have the doors open in the hall :confused:).

 

Anyway, as far as skipping Nassau - we would have taken that in a heartbeat over any of the other ports they gave us -- where the feel like temps were around 105!

 

GSC -- where I ended up getting heatstroke (and we were only there for 2-1/2 hours) was nothing like we expected! Because they tender in, we had to wait in the theater an hour before we were called and we waited to get off the ship until 12:30. We are not beach people, but the only other island we have visited is Disney's Castaway Cay (where they can dock). This island was very raw compared to that. Instead of nice little huts with nice merchandise and ship stuff, they had Bahamians with tents set up around the beach area near the launch. There was very little shade anywhere and the food was served in a metal building with no fans and stifling heat. Even the hangers you sat in with the picnic tables there were no ceiling fans to move air. We could not wait to leave.

 

Port Canaveral -- again, another feel like 100 degree day. Every excursion was expensive and since most things closed at 6 p.m. -- and they got in at 1 pm. -- we chose the bus to Disney Springs. We got a total of 3-1/2 hours there. Except for the terrific Mexican dinner our mates bought, it wasn't worth it.

 

Then they announced they were skipping Nassau. That's when you could see the passengers getting irate and the line at guest services got very long that night and the next morning. While they gave us a whole $30 each for Bermuda port fees, they offered nothing for Nassau's cancellation. At least Nassau would have been a full day -- we could have gone to Atlantis or visited the museums and even taken a cab to the Fort.

 

We made the most of our time onboard and enjoyed each other's company and some of the food - but we really felt nickel and dimed as everyone has stated about NCL. They didn't even offer us drinks or an onboard credit or anything to smooth over the very visible and audible complaints we kept hearing. A lot of anger was encountered by us those last two days because NCL told the passengers they were told to advise everyone to contact corporate when they got home -- and were even giving out pre-printed cards with the address! Unbelievable.

 

It didn't help when we got home and saw what RCCL and Carnival gave! After they cancelled Nassau, they really should have stepped up and had a chance to show some real customer service.

 

All in all, we paid Bermuda cruise prices for five days at sea and two crappy ports. The crew we encountered were either clueless, or abrupt and rude. The waitstaff for the most part were awesome, however. All four of us decided we weren't sailing NCL again -- didn't like Pride of America and the Breakaway was just okay. Going back to Princess and Carnival and Disney! ;)

As far as how NCL handled the diverted cruises financially I completely agree.

Ship/food/ports are definitely personal opinions. I absolutely loved Escape and GSC...last time we sailed that was the only port where I would disembark!

I was on the Dawn cruise that went north. Enjoyed the ship, food, crew, entertainment but Canada and Maine? No thanks. My husband had actually gotten home from Canada two days before this trip! Many people didn't find out until the morning we sailed and had no appropriate clothes for the 50 & 60° temps. Pool bar closed early and no outdoor evening entertainment because of the cold. While most people tried to make the most of the cruise there was just a general bad attitude feeling on the ship (passengers, not crew).

Hurricane season and it is what it is. Sailed Carnival many times years ago and then once again this past May, never again. Will stick with NCL and counting down the days until Breakaway in January ;)

Got off Dawn on Friday, 122 days until Breakaway!

From Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre's FB page: 'NORWEGIAN ESCAPE has cancelled call to Bermuda next week (Wed 12th Sept) due to forecasted weather.'

so now,Wedsday,Huricane Florence is cat.4!And beside Bermuda entire east coast south of Boston could be affected.What will happen,anyone got good idea because I sure don't.

Wow, didn't see that update! Supposed to be leaving on Dawn Friday to Bermuda...

Call me crazy but I think it would be fun just sailing all around and away from a hurricane. Give me all the sea days I can take.

Would love this!!! (y)

I hope it works out, last thing we want to do is Florida, GSC and Nassau

Glad I bought the thermal spa pass :D

Found this thread because I'm on Dawn to Bermuda out of Boston on Friday...this is the latest update I've seen:

If you are a non-smoker, the Bliss should be your go to NCL ship over all others.

 

If you are a smoker, do not under any circumstances book a cruise on the Bliss! The Bliss only has 1 very small, unprotected from the elements, designated smoking area.

 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IwhHuxFGVf8GRxIe1V30Bj0elmkPLRuQUxOpmI8LiFE/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks so much for taking the time to put this together, very much appreciated!

 

Dawn Dance Battle

– This is a takeoff on "Dancing with the Stars"type show featuring ship dancers and passengers. It was a lot of fun. I laughed so hard my face hurt. It is in the Bliss Lounge.

Watched this for the first time on Sky last month, it was great!

I'm on this sailing as well! First time on Dawn, first time sailing out of Boston, first time to Bermuda!

It depends for us...if traveling together I need to make sure I have kids home to take care of the house and dogs. We usually book thru CAS, those are done soon after receiving the certificate. Cruised in May & July this year, have a solo booked for September, and traveling together on a 10 day in January.

Even intoxicated a person would have to be standing on a chair or table or the railing, it doesn't 'just happen'. And after all that time and money and worry no one is ever doing to admit to that after the case.

I bring a bag for dirty clothes. When it comes time to pack I just throw the bag in my suitcase.

There is a shampoo/conditioner dispenser in the shower. I bring my own leave in conditioner though because of wind, salt water, etc.

I always bring an extra bathing suit.

Couple of zip lock bags to keep together small souvenirs like postcards, magnets.

Beach bag or tote for heading to the pool, spa, into ports.

Waterproof phone cases work, hold most phones, and can also store your room & credit cards.

The dinner in front of me which I don't have to cook.

Yes! It's a vacation...someone is cooking for me, serving, cleaning up: I'm happy!

I'll never understand the huge draw for soft serve, and it's not just on NCL....

Baltimore is definitely very easy! Thanks for the comment about Boston, sailing out of there for the first time early next month.

Hello QueenOfZoom,

There is a roll call for our cruise, and meet and greet is being organized.

If you are interested.

Hopefully we will meet on the cruise..can’t wait!! 😳

Brian

Thanks~~~

The chicken salad on the buffet. And the pretzel rolls and sticks.

Egg salad is very good too.

 

 

I've only seen egg salad sandwiches, is it offered somewhere else as well?

Even though you are solo, if you bid and win you pay for two. I think because of that many solos don’t bid high. But I don’t the

think NCL cares if there are 1 or 2 people, they get the same money. Sometimes if life boat capacity is an issue, being a solo may give your bid an better shot.

That's interesting, thanks! I've gone thru the bid process in the past but never solo.

Love NCL's buffet pizza, the chocolate lava cake, Haven beef tartare :hearteyes::hearteyes: Favorite restaurant though would have to be Food Republic.

I cruised quite a bit in the 80s and 90s then that stopped because of 5 kids in 6 years plus an ex that hated to travel. Fast forward to 2016 and the spouse gets his first CAS certificate. We did NCL Getaway, Epic, and Escape together...had Dawn booked just before Christmas last year but I had to cancel at the last minute so he got to travel solo. Late in June I was looking at Cuba cruises and decided to go; spouse couldn't get the time off work so I went with my oldest son (2 of my kids are still at home but they are 25 & 23). Then earlier this week I was looking at Bermuda cruises for September, again he can't get time off so I'm going solo! I kind of waffled around making the decision but he encouraged it so we'll see....it's been over 20 years since I traveled alone so if it happens again depends on how this trip goes :)

Just booked Dawn to Bermuda for Sept 7, first time traveling solo in years!

Booked Dawn to Bermuda in September a couple nights ago, just received the upgrade email for balcony and mini suite. Have people traveling solo been getting bids accepted?

If you are staying pre- or post-cruise at a hotel, the Hilton Riverside is at the pier. Easiest place to stay and nice rooms.

 

Thanks for posting this, sailing out of NOLA for the first time in January and have the Hilton booked the night before the cruise.

In 23 days I will be sailing on the Dawn out of Boston to Bermuda

Second time to Bermuda, first time on the Dawn and sailing out of Boston

I’m in an Aft PH Suite. Single supplement was waived for this cruise!!! 😳🚢⚓️

I just booked that cruise last night! :D