Just off the Dawn 6/13-6/20

[2Cruise4Ever]

I guess I put this in the same category as different experiences by different people during the same week. We sailed with you and I don't remember seeing a ton of smokers anywhere I went. In fact, I remember thinking to myself that the casino wasn't nearly as smoky as I had remembered it in the past.

 

I spent a lot of time on outside decks this cruise (awesome weather, wasn't it????). And, remember seeing a few smokers around. But, most of my time walking around, I noticed fewer smokers than non-smokers.

 

Also, having spent a pretty good deal of time at the kids pool.... I never saw one smoker light up there. We must have been around different areas of the ship at different times.

[UandMe4Ever]

I frankly do not think the smokers are to blame- It is the NCL policy that is the problem for me.

Although if one were to light up while sitting within 2 inches of another person, I do think is is common courtesy to ask if the other person minds.

Celebrity seems to function well with the PORT side smoking arrangement as did NCL in the past.

On NCL, smoking IS only on the Port side~ Not near kids pools, food venues, etc. No indoor smoking either. Not in MDR or any other restaurant, most bars now smoke free.

What else do people want. They don't like smoke, stay off our smoking ships and find ONE that is totally smoke free. Stop complaining please. It's your choice to cruise and YOU pick the ship w/ full knowledge of the smoking policy, so.please, cool it!!

 

Not even Holland America is smoke free.

[jdarch]

 

One thing I found completely gross and this may be because of my profession was the lack of sanitizers being used or encouraged! Last cruise, people practically forced you to use them, this one I saw about 2% using them. I would not be surprised if the Dawn doesn't end up with the Noro virus sometime soon.

 

We were on the Dawn just before you - I noticed the same thing right away. Our first Dawn cruises there were wall units, upright stations, and/or crew members with spray everywhere, particularly at the restaurants. This time, I was surprised to find only a few wall units, and other than coming on and off the ship, the was no proactive sanitizing. I can only guess this is a cost-cutting measure.

I'm no germophobe, but once I noticed this (and some questionable hygiene habits in fellow pax :(), I started going out of my way to use them. I agree: I wouldn't be surprised if there was an outbreak.

 

We had an odd smoke issue in our cabin. By mid-week, every so often I'd notice a strong cigarette smell in our cabin. I'd check in the hall, on the balcony - nothing. Poltergeist?? Then I noticed everytime DW lowered the AC temp (the fan) in our cabin, we'd get the smell. All I can think it was stronger air pressure from one of the cabins around us would force the air in. Weird.

[metgame24]

I was also on the Dawn the week of 6/13. There was clearly a smoking side of the pool area and promenade. Only once did we encounter someone not following "the rules". It did not become an issue, since they put there stuff on a chair and left. But I would not have had a problem asking them to not smoke in that area. We even sat out on the promenade in the smoking area one night and saw only a handful of smokers. I guess it's just a timing thing when you travel with that many people.

[naxos]

I am bowing out of this "conversation" I had thought that one of the purposes of this board was to provide information to others. It seems that some folks take personally NCL policies. I had hoped to inform others who may want to sail on NCL in the future that the NCL smoking policy is different than it had been and that one could expect to find smoking permitted virtually anywhere on all open decks. This policy was confirmed by the hotel director unapologetically. As customers, we have choices and can make informed choices. I did not expect to have others make rude comments.

 

For some reason some posters assumed that some negative remarks were made about New Yorkers- since I am one- that is just untrue. The hotel director made the remark about the difficulty his staff would have confronting a "New Yorker" but as cruisenurse pointed out, no problem yealling at a pax taking a photo in the no photo photo gallery.

-

[Mooder]

What sort of drinking games were played around the pool deck? This is new since I sailed the Dawn. The only thing I can think of was that the pub crawl passed through, but it was really quick. It would be a real change if they were allowing anything inappropriate on the pool deck.

[mbisson]

Seeing the different opinions of how the smoking situation is on the Dawn from various people who were on at the same time---something doesn't jive. And unless Hugo has had a major personality change since I met him-something there isn't quite as I remember either

[CruiseNurseBabe82]

Seeing the different opinions of how the smoking situation is on the Dawn from various people who were on at the same time---something doesn't jive. And unless Hugo has had a major personality change since I met him-something there isn't quite as I remember either

 

I think everyone has their own limit to how much smoking they can deal with or not deal with. At different times there were no people smoking on the deck and other times there were multiple people. As far as Hugo goes, he was pleasant and wonderful as always.

[DawnGirl]

The hotel manager actually said to me that he did not think his friendly staff would be able to tell these New Yorkers that they had to stop smoking and then admitted to me that he is a smoker.

 

 

I hate cigarette smoke but have never had a problem on the Dawn. But every cruise is different, so I am sorry if it was excessive on this cruise. But knowing Hugo, it inconceivable that he said such a thing! If ever there was a man who knew diplomacy, management and customer relations, it is Hugo! He is the reason I think so much of the Dawn that I call myself "Dawn Girl" here on cc.

[LOWTYD]

What sort of drinking games were played around the pool deck? This is new since I sailed the Dawn. The only thing I can think of was that the pub crawl passed through, but it was really quick. It would be a real change if they were allowing anything inappropriate on the pool deck.

 

I'm with you on this one. I don't recall any drinking games by the pool on my last Dawn cruise. ( and if there was, why wasn't I invited:()

 

I don't recall a smoking problem. I did see some smokers up on deck and most seemed to be following the port side rule. Being an ex smoker, I do not like to be around cigarette smoke. The only place I can complain about is the casino and that is only because some poeple don't put them out all the way and it ligners. I think Carnival ships are more smokier than NCL, but that is my opinion and I still sail them. Otherwise, I had no problem. I am surprised Hugo would say something like that. That is so unlike him.

Sorry about the OP's decision not to sail NCL again.

[mbisson]

I'm with you on this one. I don't recall any drinking games by the pool on my last Dawn cruise. ( and if there was, why wasn't I invited:()

 

You were invited...You did participate...That's why you don't recall ;)

[Hunwolf]

I just read the original review and the poster didn't say (explicitly) or really imply the smokers were from (or lived in) New York. He did wonder whether the ship(s) leaving from New York contained more smokers. He never referenced "New Yorkers" specifically if you want to be exact about it. I'm sure that a lot of people (from a lot of states and even Canada) can drive/fly quickly to that specific port. I don't assume that people embarking from the port of Miami are largely from Florida.

 

In short...I think his words were taken a bit out of context.

[2Cruise4Ever]

I just read the original review and the poster didn't say (explicitly) or really imply the smokers were from (or lived in) New York. He did wonder whether the ship(s) leaving from New York contained more smokers. He never referenced "New Yorkers" specifically if you want to be exact about it. I'm sure that a lot of people (from a lot of states and even Canada) can drive/fly quickly to that specific port. I don't assume that people embarking from the port of Miami are largely from Florida.

 

In short...I think his words were taken a bit out of context.

 

Agreed.. but he/she referenced a conversation with the HD, Hugo, who is very well known on these boards. And, many people feel that Hugo would never respond in such a nonchalant manner; it's way out of character for him. I think that's why the OP responded that way.

[CruisnGram]

The cons

 

And this is the deal breaker for me-- Smoking everywhere on deck was a huge problem. It was not possible to walk or sit on the promenade deck without breathing smoke no matter what time of day or night. Same in all outside space. On sea days all deck space was filled with smokers. I'm not sure if

there are more smokers sailing from NY or not but smoking is promoted as evidenced by the humongous cartons for sale as soon as one boards the ship. When I sailed on NCL in the past, one side of the ship was designated for smokers- not so here. I spoke to the Hotel director, Hugo and he told me that one side smoking policy could not be enforced because the passengers would not be able to figure out which side was the smoking side.

 

As a smoker I found the situation on the Dawn to be the exact opposite of what you claim when I sailed on her. There were definitely assigned smoking areas that were enforced. I also find it hard to believe that Hugo made that statement...perhaps you misunderstood him?

The 2 towel rule-- I have never had to give my sea pass to get an extra towel.

 

Fact is, people steal towels. And giving your sea pass just assures that you will return the 2nd towel. Don't quite know why that is so upsetting since your account wasn't charged.

 

Drinking games at the main pool deck during the day in front of kids- just poor taste IMHO

 

Again this must be new as I've never seen drinking games at the pool on an NCL ship. Most of the other cruiselines yes, but not NCL. They must have decided to join the others.

 

The main dinig room menus do not vary much and therefore encourage diners to dine for an upcharge.

 

I haven't sailed NCL since the new menu's were released so can't comment.

 

Food was fair and plentiful- desserts in the dining room were unimaginative.

Disembarkation in NY was a zoo- freestyle meant that everyone lined up to leave the ship.

 

Why stand in line when you can spend the time relaxing in your cabin or up on deck? That's what freestyle is....choosing what you want to do. Can't imagine anyone wanting to stand in line.

 

NCL provide transportation and food for me to get to Bermuda but I would not sail again at any price point unless the smoking policy changes.

 

Sorry you didn't enjoy your vacation more. It's tough to spend so much money and have a lousy time. Hope your next cruise meets all your expectations.

 

CG

[DawnGirl]

Actually there were signs on the starboard and port side of the promenade deck which stated "you can smoke here " and there were accompanying ash trays bolted to the rail. NCL has given up the notion of one designated smoking section except at the pool deck where there are moveable ashtrays on one side. But in the Freestyle daily it specifically states that one can smoke on all open decks. One particular problem is that often the promenade deck has shade but if you choose shade you get smoke. A dilemma for me.

 

I think the policy is not to enforce any rules lest it violate the premise of Freestyle cruising.The hotel manager actually said to me that he did not think his friendly staff would be able to tell these New Yorkers that they had to stop smoking and then admitted to me that he is a smoker.

 

I saw no one smoking in the dining room-but do wonder what would happen if one decided to light up. I guess anything goes...

 

I just read the original review and the poster didn't say (explicitly) or really imply the smokers were from (or lived in) New York. He did wonder whether the ship(s) leaving from New York contained more smokers. He never referenced "New Yorkers" specifically if you want to be exact about it. I'm sure that a lot of people (from a lot of states and even Canada) can drive/fly quickly to that specific port. I don't assume that people embarking from the port of Miami are largely from Florida.

 

In short...I think his words were taken a bit out of context.

 

I don't think his words were taken out of context, though some posters may have forgotten he was attributing the comment to Hugo. He did specificially say that Hugo referenced "New Yorkers" in talking about smokers. See quote above from OP's post.

[mbisson]

I wish I lived on the east coast right now. I would take it upon myself to take one for the team and book the Dawn immediately :) just so I could report back

 

Darn but I enjoyed my cruise on her, so some might not consider that much of a sacrifice though LOL.

[Hunwolf]

I don't think his words were taken out of context, though some posters may have forgotten he was attributing the comment to Hugo. He did specificially say that Hugo referenced "New Yorkers" in talking about smokers. See quote above from OP's post.

 

Ok...I missed the followup comment. That...umm...wasn't worded so well.

 

I've been on cruises from the same port (same cruise line) and noticed a large variation in the number of smokers. That's just the way it is.

[CruisnGram]

The hotel director made the remark about the difficulty his staff would have confronting a "New Yorker" but as cruisenurse pointed out, no problem yealling at a pax taking a photo in the no photo photo gallery.

-

 

First of all, the photograph people are not NCL staff. They are a private company.

 

Second, I'm not implying that you are not telling the truth, but Hugo is a perfect gentleman and would never insult a group of passengers like that. If you say he said it, then you were there and I was not and I take you at your word, but knowing Hugo, I'm sure it was said in jest, perhaps to lighten the situation if you were upset when speaking to him.

 

CG

[bankofdad]

Just a note on the drinking games from my porspective for what it's worth, as we were on this sailing as well.

 

This was the very first time I have been so aggressively approached regarding the "pub crawl". Don't get me wrong, I love to have cold beverages on my vacations, and this wasn't an exception! It seemed like every time I ordered a drink I had to fight off the invitation to participate, but no big deal. I thought the bar staff was great on this cruise. However, while it sounded fun, it just wasn't what I was looking for.

 

My wife and I had discovered a relatively quite spot somewhat away from the pool area on the day of the pub crawl (which ended with drinking games in the pool area that are being referred to), but we could still hear the action, and glimpsed during a bathroom break. While it was not an activity that I would necessarily want my kids to observe, I don't think this was any more offensive than the "sexy legs" or "hairy chest" contests and others we've all seen on past cruises. If my kids had been sailing with me, like in the past, I would simply have found something else for them to do with us until after the event (there are many other things to do on adjacent decks with kids), which only last around the pool for about 30-45 minutes.

 

IMHO, it was no big deal. Let the adults have some fun for a while, after all it's our vacation too! Take the kids elsewhere for awhile and save you're loungers around the pool with your beach bag and towels until it's over.

[2Cruise4Ever]

Just a note on the drinking games from my porspective for what it's worth, as we were on this sailing as well.

 

This was the very first time I have been so aggressively approached regarding the "pub crawl". Don't get me wrong, I love to have cold beverages on my vacations, and this wasn't an exception! It seemed like every time I ordered a drink I had to fight off the invitation to participate, but no big deal. I thought the bar staff was great on this cruise. However, while it sounded fun, it just wasn't what I was looking for.

 

My wife and I had discovered a relatively quite spot somewhat away from the pool area on the day of the pub crawl (which ended with drinking games in the pool area that are being referred to), but we could still hear the action, and glimpsed during a bathroom break. While it was not an activity that I would necessarily want my kids to observe, I don't think this was any more offensive than the "sexy legs" or "hairy chest" contests and others we've all seen on past cruises. If my kids had been sailing with me, like in the past, I would simply have found something else for them to do with us until after the event (there are many other things to do on adjacent decks with kids), which only last around the pool for about 30-45 minutes.

 

IMHO, it was no big deal. Let the adults have some fun for a while, after all it's our vacation too! Take the kids elsewhere for awhile and save you're loungers around the pool with your beach bag and towels until it's over.

 

 

Very well said, Dad. Exactly what I was thinking (except for the invitations to the pub crawl... never received one, except in the Freestyle Daily).

[jaja]

Agreed.. but he/she referenced a conversation with the HD, Hugo, who is very well known on these boards. And, many people feel that Hugo would never respond in such a nonchalant manner; it's way out of character for him. I think that's why the OP responded that way.

 

Smoking issue aside...

I agree, that having met and conversed with Hugo at length on numerous occasions on our cruise, he is a most respectful and diligent person and is a "listener" and proactive..

[andrewandstacie]

I wish I lived on the east coast right now. I would take it upon myself to take one for the team and book the Dawn immediately :) just so I could report back

 

Darn but I enjoyed my cruise on her, so some might not consider that much of a sacrifice though LOL.

 

Rest easy, I will be sailing on the DAWN this Sunday. I too can not stand second hand smoke. I'll let you know what I find.

[mbisson]

Rest easy, I will be sailing on the DAWN this Sunday. I too can not stand second hand smoke. I'll let you know what I find.

 

While I'm not a fan of 2nd hand smoke-I bet even if it's there, I'd have an outstanding time :)

 

I hope you guys have a great cruise!

[bankofdad]

While I'm not a fan of 2nd hand smoke-I bet even if it's there, I'd have an outstanding time :)

 

I hope you guys have a great cruise!

 

Agreed! While it was a minor irratation at times, it by no means took away from our cruise. I respect smokers rights, it's just that a minority of smokers on this cruise did not respect non-smokers IMHO.

[CruiseNurseBabe82]

While I'm not a fan of 2nd hand smoke-I bet even if it's there, I'd have an outstanding time :)

 

I hope you guys have a great cruise!

 

Didn't ruin my cruise. It would take a tidal wave to ruin it.