racepoint

We always order a mattress topper right away because my DH finds the beds to be uncomfortable. (I can sleep on a cold rock). Yes, people smoked up at Bimini. Most times, it wasn't a problem. There were two guys one afternoon who were lighting up cigars and that became a little bit noxious.

This is my third cruise from Boston to Bermuda. First was on the Majesty - which had its good points (loved docking in St. George) and its not-so-good points (small ship = lots of motion on the ocean). That said, we did this past cruise on the second Dawn sailing of the season (May 8th) - exactly the same week we did it three years ago.

We love the early season for several reasons. The ship is not overrun with kids. Don't get me wrong. I don't hate children. I have kids of my own. Mine are grown and I don't necessarily enjoy a cruise that becomes overrun with kids whose parents are too busy with tending to their own good time than minding their own kids. Believe me, I've had too much experience in this department that it becomes a prerequisite when booking a cruise.

Back to the DAWN. Embarkation was smooth as silk. Our daughter drove us to the port (Black Falcon Terminal, Boston). We arrived at 10:30'ish; checked in (easy peasy); and our numbers were called to board before noon. We knew the drill and know what we like to do, so headed directly to the Venetian restaurant and the two of us were seated at a table for 4 along the back windows overlooking the water. OH! I forgot to mention that we had the UBP and they slapped the sticker on our cards when we checked in. No necessity to go to guest services prior to dining. Back to the Venetian . . had a lovely white-tablecloth lunch and a glass of celebratory wine, and before we finished lunch, it was announced that our cabins were ready!

We went from the Venetian directly to our cabin and met our cabin steward. He was great! We asked for a mattress topper and for him to empty the mini-fridge and gave him a tip. The mattress topper was delivered right away, The fridge took two days and 2 reminders to be emptied. Not sure why, but it wasn't a deal-breaker.

At this juncture, I have to say that we saw no shows while on board. No reason other than they sounded like the same shows we saw three years ago and we just weren't up for seeing them again. We did not eat dinner in the buffet once. I can't comment on those two issues. We DID eat in the main dining rooms most nights (Aqua, once, and the Venetian all other nights). We ate at Cagney's one night (pre-reserved). The main dining rooms served great food. No complaints. We never had a sub-par meal. We also ate at Bamboo twice. Just okay, but the main draw for us was that it was not crowded and we could be seated immediately.

Our #2 favorite hang-out became the Pearly Kings Pub. We met more cool people here in 7 days than we've EVER met on any of our other cruises. We all just seemed to jive and it was fun. LOVED karaoke . . though not so much the people who ran it. The three that rotated through the week gave the distinct impression that they'd much rather be somewhere else, in fact, one threatened to leave after only 5 min. on the job because nobody had come up to sing and she started off admitting to being sick that night and reported for duty anyways. Like, we are all now clamoring to use the same microphone? Not cool. Let me add that the song book was REALLY sucky and I hope the Dawn/NCL remedies this issue pronto. The first host claimed that their karaoke system had crashed just a few weeks prior and this is all they could scrape up. We made the most of it, but the most fun was had when the host left one nite and forgot to turn the sound system off. My husband picked up on this and went up to the mic and started telling jokes. Before you know it, someone else had a joke and this went on and on until we closed down the bar. People passing through the Pearly Kings thought it was a comedy show and stopped by for a look-see. It was a blast and my cheeks hurt the next morning from laughing.

Off topic, but our cabin was perfect. I've always wanted to book a balcony guarantee and was pleasantly surprised with a Deck 9, mid-ship balcony. Very clean, comfy, quiet and close to the stairs.

Before I forget it, our #1 fave place to hang out was the Bimini Bar on Deck 13. An equal opportunity for sun or shade at the same table, depending on what each of us wanted, The bartenders and servers were awesome people and fun to talk to. We wanted for nothing and the view was the best. DH liked the burgers cooked at the Bimini and I loved the jerk chicken that was grilled at the pool deck.

Cagney's was nice but not how I remember it from cruises past. The food was really good (we both had the filet mignon - which cut like butter). The odd thing - and was very noticeable - was the music playing in the background. Rap just doesn't cut it in a steakhouse that seems more geared toward the Sinatra/Martin days. The music was just outta place.

BERMUDA was wonderful. Water is chilly this time of year, but that isn't a complaint. I knew to expect that. We enjoyed the beaches, nonetheless (Horseshoe Bay 2x and Snorkel Park on the last day). The local people are just the best, most friendly, welcoming, helpful people you'll ever encounter.

Disembarkation: We chose to walk off with our bags 'cause my daughter was picking us up and we already had plans for the weekend and really needed to get home early. What a cluster! It was a comedy of waiting with your bags in one spot, only to have an NCL rep come along and tell you that you can't wait there. We waited in a couple different areas and eventually ended up in a "cow line" - complete with "mooing" passengers. I'm telling you, this was a fun bunch of people!

In summary, I would do this cruise again and again and again. It's my 9th cruise and most favorite for the ease (no airlines); the onboard experience; Bermuda is to die for; and the time of year we chose is just perfect.

P.S. I have cruised with Carnival, RCL, Princess and NCL, the latter being my go-to choice.

Just returned from the DAWN on 5/15. We had the UBP, but in talking with bartenders/booze crew waiters/waitresses, we found that the tips are their ONLY source of income. They are not included on the daily gratuity that we're charged. They do not earn a minimum wage from NCL. Our tips provide their entire income. They were great people to talk to and interact with and I had no problem with throwing an extra $1.00, $2.00, $5.00, etc. on to the tab. Judging by the way Irene hustled, she is doing fine - as well she should.

Thank you for the correction. I've read so much on these boards in preparation for our cruise, which sails TOMORROW. I still have not received a response to my two e-mail inquiries to Coco Reef, so it appears that won't happen. I was hoping to reserve a day pass at some resort, but at this stage, I guess I'll hae to wing it.

I thought I read somewhere on these boards that Coco Reef is the former Nine Beaches.

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I, too, am keeping a close eye on this one. We're sailing Boston to Bermuda tomorrow. If anyone has any updates, please post them! Thanks.

At this point, I'd love to book Coco Reef. I've written to them twice and we sail in less than 48 hours. No response. Ugh

Can you get back and let us know what the hotel says about day passes? I struck out with Elbow Beach Resort and I've written to Coco Reef to see about a reservation for this coming Monday (May 11th), but they haven't gotten back to me. Thanks!!

Thank you for the reply re Coco Beach. I think $69 is fair for what you get and to (hopefully) dodge the crowds. My inquiry to the Elbow Beach Resort for a day pass came up negative. They do not sell passes and their property is exclusively for the use of resort guests. Understandable. I get it. They DO offer cabanas at $500/day. I'm just not thinking in that direction.

I'm trying to bump this up to get current information on Elbow Beach. It appears the resort there rents chairs/umbrellas to non-guests. This info. was from 2013. Can anyone tell me the current status? We are arriving in Bermuda on Sunday, May 10th, and I am considering taking a bus (or ??) to Elbow Beach. I would like to know about rentals, facilities, and snack bar/adult beverages at the beach. Any current info would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for the reply and links. I did see those and that's what inspired me to check out Elbow Beach. I'm thinking of trying to do that on Sunday when we arrive, but I was hoping to learn when the busses stop running on Sunday. Then again, I might just check out the shuttle. If it goes as far as Elbow Beach, that may be the way to go. Thanks, again!

I'm getting excited for DAWN sail to Bermuda on May 8th. It's just the DH and myself - no kids this time - so we want to see all we can see. We've been to Bermuda a few times before so I know what I DON'T need to do (St. George, Crystal Caves). I DO want to get to Horseshoe Beach and Elbow Beach. I cannot seem to find when the busses stop running on Sunday (5/10). (I thought I read it's around 5:00-6:00 p.m.) My question is which of these two beaches would I want to spend the most time??

Both Horseshoe Bay and Elbow Beach look heavenly. We are two active adults traveling without kids and we're looking for a beach destination for our May 8th cruise that offers: food, (adult) beverages, bathrooms, chair rentals and . . . with any luck, waves and boogie board rentals.) Suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I booked a Balcony Guaranty on DAWN and was assigned #9562 for our Bermuda cruise in May, 2015. I'm hoping some of you who posted that you were booked for this cabin will get back on here and give a review of the cabin/location and what you thought of it. I think it looks like a good location (especially for a guaranty), but it would be really great to hear of first-hand experience. THANKS!

Me, too. I was hoping to hear some advice from someone who'd done this. We would be coming from Dockyards and I don't know if we get to Horseshoe Bay via ferry or bus or both. Also looking at a stop at the Swizzle Inn before returning to the ship. ANYONE????........

Thank you, everybody! We have plans for that Friday/weekend and, ideally, I'd like to be off and heading home asap. I think I will plan to tell our ride to be there at 8:00 and they can wait in the cell phone lot. I have no problem with carrying my own luggage off.

Looking at booking a non-NCL excursion on Tuesday, the day we leave Bermuda. Cruise itinerary shows a 5:30 p.m. departure. What time do I absolutely need to be back to the ship??

We are coming back on Dawn from Bermuda into Boston on 5/15. We have the offer of a ride - to and from - the port. What time should I expect to be able to be off the ship; at the curb; and ready to be picked up on return? Thank you!

Aft balcony would be perfect. I would only be mindful of the fact that bubble solution is VERY slippery if it were to accumulate on the balcony floor surface. I'll bet, for this reason, they probably wouldn't allow it in the public areas. In any event, have fun on the cruise!!!

Ahhhh. Thank you, Hawkeye. I did look at the deck plan as soon as I learned the cabin #. I've only heard about the "hull" balconies and, although it wouldn't be my first choice, we were prepared to enjoy whatever was assigned to us. In this case, I feel that we gambled and won!

Ahhhh. Thank you, Hawkeye. I did look at the deck plan as soon as I learned the cabin #. I've only heard about the "hull" balconies and, although it wouldn't be my first choice, we were prepared to enjoy whatever was assigned to us. In this case, I feel that we gambled and won!

I've always wanted to book a balcony guaranty as long as it was just DH and I traveling without kids. We finally did it a few weeks ago and just today learned that we've been assigned #9562. I've searched this site looking for info on this cabin. I mainly want to know if it's a regular balcony or a "hull". Other than that, if anyone has first-hand knowledge of it, a quick review would be awesome!

Crystal Caves would pose a problem for anyone with mobility issues. I've only been there once (2012) and we chose one of the multiple caves to tour, but there were hundreds of steps to climb down and then back up. (Also, if anyone tends to be claustraphobic (sp?), the caves could be a problem). Don't get me wrong. It was a beautiful place to visit, but I'd hate for you to get there and be disappointed that all of your party couldn't participate. Maybe someone out there has been more than I have and has something different to offer? Tobacco Bay (St. George) is beautiful with shallow, calm and clear water, and a cute little beach shack-type restaurant for casual deck dining overlooking the beach. I've been there several times - always in May - and it was always very laid-back and relaxing. The ferry ride to St. George would be enjoyed by all. Once you get there, you can hire a taxi to Tobacco Bay. It's totally walkable, but, again, the steep and steady hill climb would be tough for anyone with mobility issues. If some of your crew wanted to explore from there, they could walk further "around the corner" to Fort St. Catherine and Achilles beach. The Fort is kinda fun to tour and it's a pretty walk to get there.

On the pool deck, there is a lot of shade on both port and starboard sides, covered by the sun deck above. There will be loungers set out and tables and chairs where you can get a breeze and people-watch and/or watch the ocean go by - all while staying out of the sun.

I'm following this thread because I have booked a Balcony GTY on Dawn in May. No assignment yet. I booked this because I really want a balcony. I understand now that there are some suites that just have a wall of windows and no balcony? I'm assuming that I will not be bumped up to a suite, but if this scenario played out and I ended up without a balcony. I would not be thrilled. Call me silly. It's just my opinion.