cacj

Captain Gunnar left the Pearl for vacation on the 12th of Jan, according to Archie during the finale. No announcement was made as to whether he was returning to the Pearl after the vacation. He is a terrific captain and a funny guy.

We enjoyed the rack of lamb at Le Bistro. At Moderno, we found the meats overcooked and until we mentioned this to our server, we were ready to cross Moderno off our "return to" list. But she heard us, and all of the meats were done to our liking and made us much happier diners. We did not enjoy the location of Moderno, it did not feel like a restaurant atmosphere, but rather like an outdoor theater. But the food was good after we asked them to adjust the "doneness."

We also enjoyed the meal at La Cucina. I wish I could remember exactly what we both ordered, but both of our meals were good. My husband had a seafood item over a risotto, and I had a linguine dish. The appetizers were also tasty.

We sailed 8-15 Dec, and we found it to be a fun cruise. There were plenty of things to do, and we often felt conflicted as to which one to choose. The weather was a bit rainy off and on during the first part, but partying went on. All the staff treated us well, and we had great fun dancing. We love to dance, and as long as we can find some music to make it happen, we are thrilled. The atrium always had some great musicians playing. Spinnaker varied, but we always had fun.

As for the MDR, we ate there several times and always found something tasty to eat. Service was very good except for one miss in the Blue Lagoon for breakfast, but we forgave that immediately. One miss was pretty good percentage. We enjoyed La Cucina, Moderno (first experience) and Le Bistro...good service and food. Le Bistro on the last night of the cruise was packed, and we felt the restaurant could have used some more space...too tight, and a bit loud, but we still enjoyed the meal.

Ship looked great to us, and we found the crew to be quite nice. You will enjoy yourself for sure.

Is there an observation lounge on Pearl? Like the Sun's? Are there any 2 for 1 bar specials during the day? Are there areas where smoke is an issue?

Thanks for your replies!

For us it's been the same as the turnaround time for the normal bag special.

So if you gave laundry on day 3? You won't get it back until the last night of the 7 day cruise?

When we were on the Sun last year, we got the CAS card. We brought it on the Dawn and found out that we had to reapply for one on the Dawn. This seemed odd to us, and just wondered, why? We asked the host and his reply was that he did not know why.

How long does it take to get laundry returned when you use your platinum perk?

Thank you DPG1111. Finally someone that was not on the cruise understands. It doesn't matter how many times you were on NCL or the Darn Dawn, if you were not on the troubled voyages, you do not know how you would react!! I stated from the start that first and last impressions were the most remembered. No info from the brass means humongous confusion, and that's what it was. I never said that it did not have good points, any cruise is a good cruise. I guess that what bothers me the most is NCL not doing anything to inform us and all the posters talking about yesteryears cruises, no idea what they will say if it happens again, especially if they are not on an affected cruise.

As for the debarkation/embarkation problems. The first couple of weeks were reported on, in real time by other members of cruise critic. This was helpful for many of us who were heading to the next cruise.

When we met the HD at the M&G, he informed us that the problem was definitely the open loop. He told us that because of the debarkation backups, NCL was not insisting to empty the ship by 10AM. He told us that they would be encouraging those of us who were not needing to meet a flight or head out early to linger at breakfast, and even stay until 11:30 or noon if needed.

Then, we got an announcement that our cruise (Dec 8-15) did not have that open loop, we did not pick up the Brits in Cozumel. So, regular time debarkation (10AM) was back.

One of our fellow M&G members asked the HD if all of these problems with debarkation made it worth it to NCL to pick up passengers in Cozumel. The report was that it was only 70 passengers. His reply was that it was not his to say, that regardless, this is what was being sold, and they had to comply.

The debarkation went smoothly. We left the ship somewhere between 9 and 10AM and there was a free flowing line throughout the process of customs.

If we had been an open loop. Our plan was to stay on the ship as long as we could to avoid the standing in customs. But since it was a closed loop, things went smoothly. If it had been a long wait on the line for customs, it would have been a hardship for my husband, because he cannot stand for long periods. It becomes a health risk after a certain length of time.

I know others for whom this is also true. It is the mere effect of suffering, either from standing, or heat, or dehydration that worries many who face this in future cruises. It is not just to complain or gripe.

NCL knows that this is a risk to passengers. I am certain of it. But whether or not the next open loop will be better for debarkation is to be seen.

As for the embarkation on Dec 8, we did have a loop di loop line outside the terminal when we arrived (at approximately 1:45 PM) but it was moving, and they did have servers handing out water constantly. The sun was hot, and we were worried for the length we might have to wait, but all in all, it was only about 20 minutes at most. When you approached the entry, they broke the one line into two lines and alternated the feed into the building. Once inside, the security folks did their best to assist and move you through.

Inside the terminal there were the usual loop di loop sections, filling out health questionaires, etc....but once you checked in, you were free to board.

Our embarkation happened during the return of the previous cruise which was an open loop. So, something seemed to be working better. Of course, NCL had done a thorough job of calling passengers on the Dec 8 cruise to alert them to arrive after 1 PM. We did, and I know others around us reported that they waited to arrive also.

We were in our cabin sometime after 2:30, in plenty of time to grab a quick bite at the Bimini Bar and head off to muster.

Each embarkation and debarkation can be so different. It isn't just the open loop that can cause delays and lines. If customs calls inspections or has other legal matters to clear up, it falls on everyone.

Oh, we left port after 7PM due to a several things....US Health came on board for the inspection (Dawn received a 98% rating, I believe), hip hooray! And also, the fuel barge didn't bring enough fuel....stunning to the captain and crew. So, when that happened, we missed our spot on line for sailing (something to do with narrow exitway of the port area).

But again, if one has to stand in line for long periods of time, we do feel for you. As I know my husband just can't do it. It is really hard on his health.

I feel for the OP. We sailed on the Dec 8 cruise, and we went to the M&G on Sunday where the embarkation issues and other things were mentioned. The HD was humble and aware of issues where they had been missing the mark. He specifically mentioned that the reception area had a lot of new people, who were still a bit weak in their reception skills. Having also seen how this can play out (on another cruise), we feel for the OP. It is no fun to have a person who is in the front line, at the reception desk, who is inadequately handling the complaints or concerns. The HD asked us for our patience in dealing with reception, and encouraged us to seek out help (press the up button).

That being said, it is all the more reason to participate in the M&G, where you get to meet the HD and others who can help you. We received a card that gave the names and they encouraged us to contact them with any concerns (or compliments.)

The embarkation/disembarkation issue was also discussed, and apologies etc. The plan was to have all guests receive a less hurried exit on Dec. 15, to allow for the problem...but then, because they did not pick up the Brits in Cozumel on Thursday, and won't be doing so on this week's cruise (as we understand), there were no disembarkation problems.

Regarding the Venetian and the shows. We ate often in the Venetian and did not have any issue, so we wondered if the size of your group made things a bit slow. We had only one issue with attitude in service staff, but that was at the Blue Lagoon, and one out of the many fine moments of service just didn't amount to a problem for us.

On some cruises, we have asked to have a pitcher of water placed with us, when we knew that we were especially thirsty. Or two glasses filled for us each.

The sound system was awful for the singers many times. Their energy and talent should be showcased better. We did enjoy the shows, but we even felt that there might have been some deliberate maladjustment on some singers' microphones, but that was just our own speculation....not based on much other than the spotty sound problems.

As for smoking, we don't so cannot comment.

The Garden Café worked pretty well for us, but we eat light and don't have any use for bacon. However we did notice one gent who was digging into the pile of bacon looking for that perfect piece. Might account for crumbling. We felt the Café worked pretty well, had adequate serving stations and was manned fully.

As for the NCL customer service reply...all we can say is be patient, because we have found when we expressed our concerns to the offices, we always got a satisfactory answer. Albeit, not as quickly as we would have hoped for it.

We feel for your disappointment, and especially the situation with the toilet. That sort of problem should have been handled much more expeditiously.

Rick Starr is the comedian. He was terrific.

Oh, it is great if you can post dailies! But if not, please confirm your show times listed. Especially interested in first and last nights of cruise. Thanks!

We did the lifeboat drill at 4:30 and departed sometime after 5:30 and people were trickling in after the Lifeboat drill.

 

 

This is our third straight cruise out of Tampa. Paradise, Legend and now Dawn.

 

There were no major delays at all on the previous two getting off and through customs. (getting on the Legend sucked as it was late due to fog)

 

Costa Maya is kind of a cool looking port and the Chacoobean ruins are well worth it.

Thanks for the response. We plan to arrive later to the port, and don't want to miss muster if possible.

What are the show times on the Dawn West. Caribb?

What time is the muster scheduled? If persons are standing in line for so many hours, is the muster schedule adjusted?

Not all of us belong to FB...some of us highly guard our right not to FB, so we appreciate any CC improvement to roll calls! Yay!

NCL just called us with a robo call announcement that "due to seating limitations in the Port of Tampa, all guests are asked to arrive no earlier than 1 PM." They mentioned that guests could find themselves standing in line for as long as 2 hours. Glad to see that NCL is reaching out to inform all arrivals about the port congestion and very long lines.

Great review, thanks!

DH loves the Liar's Club...did they have one?

Also, how were the shows? Who was your favorite act? Did they have a crew show? Any info there would be appreciated.

...care what others think or they don't realize how it appears...It is like the guy that is 60 plus, hairy, overweight and comes to dinner, on a Princess cruise in cargo shorts and flip flops. I was taken back, but no one said anything to him.

Oh, now if you want to start a new thread about flip flops as foot wear, game on! Wearing them to the pool or around the decks, on the beach...just great. Wearing cheap rubber flips, (NOTE: not designer foot thongs with substance and style), wearing those cheap rubber flips as everyday and all day footwear....ugh! OT! Sorry, but the image of your Princess guy, just conjured up this reply.

We asked our local favorite breakfast restaurant server if she noticed anyone coming in for breakfast in their pj's and her reply: "yes, occasionally, usually teenage girls."

But I do agree, the age and income are irrelevant. Social etiquette should still matter, in fact, I don't think it hurts the world if there were self awareness in the social setting.

But now that we are aware of the new trend, I am hoping to go to the buffet, not for breakfast, just for laughs.

The irony of this thread is that there are people who claim that they would not be judgemental of pajama wearing buffet visitors. However they have no problem judging those who do judge pajama wearing buffet visitors. Aren't we humans grand?

We are curious, what do you mean by local casino rep?

We have never gone to the buffet for breakfast, and after reading this thread, we are less inclined to venture there.

If folks prefer to walk out of their cabin in robe and/or pjs, it sounds like they are most familiar with dorm life, where such behavior might be common.

The lack of social awareness that perhaps others might not find this behavior acceptable is more symptomatic of other things going on today.

Lots of folks on planes take off their shoes...to us, a disgusting display, especially if the person has no socks on or foot odor. And then there are the ones who, shoeless, get up and use the airplane bathroom. Come on! Totally gross.

I once had a young woman stick her bare foot onto the armrest of my seat (she was seated behind me).

As for showing up at any public venue in bed clothes, unless it is a planned theme event, I think it shows a serious lack of self awareness and social skill, which seems to be the trend in today's world.

Now that we know that other guests do frequent the buffet in bed clothes, we are prepared for the fact. Do we judge it? You bet. But that is what people do. That too is the trend.

Oh, boy! Never mind.....it was my error...it is the Dawn sailing those dates. Sorry for the error. Pearl is still on their charter schedule, as far as I know. Apologies. In fact, moderator, you could delete this thread, for the error is all mine.

Just noticed that the Pearl is now booking for Jan 12 and Jan 26 cruise dates. Did the charter for Sandy Beaches get canceled?

Some interesting replies here.

Oh, well, we were just looking at the idea as another way to prepay with getting a little discount.

Seems our idea is not so good.

We don't drink enough to be at all enticed by the UBP. Our imbibing might go up with a prepaid punch card, and of course, if we had to both buy them, NCL is guaranteed our drink purchases.

When we pay as we go, my DH is less likely to have a drink...I will usually at least have a glass of wine with dinner, but he will forego that as a rule (he just hates paying for huge markups).

I guess I haven't given the idea a good look. Thanks for the discussion, and I love some of the responses...you guys are funny.