Thanksgiving on the Dawn: SDYC Addict Tries NCL Suite Life for 1st Time

[frequent traveler]

Looking forward to my first sailing with NCL suite "life" on Dawn. En route to Tampa. In the past 6 or so years, the largest ship I have cruised on has had less than 600 people and almost all have had less than 125. I've missed a casino and some other options offered by NCL so I am looking forward to this week. I will be posting daily as a newcomer to NCL and Dawn and I've really enjoyed lurking on this board, everyone has been really helpful, so maybe I can return the generosity with live updates during Thanksgiving week.

 

 

Eagerly anticipating

 

FT

[dmpuszcz]

Look forward to reading your review as we sail in 2 weeks. Happy sailing!

[Jim Avery]

Bon Voyage Frequent Traveler & ZQVOL.

Jim & Lois

[jdvmd]

Looking forward to my first sailing with NCL suite "life" on Dawn. En route to Tampa. In the past 6 or so years, the largest ship I have cruised on has had less than 600 people and almost all have had less than 125. I've missed a casino and some other options offered by NCL so I am looking forward to this week. I will be posting daily as a newcomer to NCL and Dawn and I've really enjoyed lurking on this board, everyone has been really helpful, so maybe I can return the generosity with live updates during Thanksgiving week.

 

 

Eagerly anticipating

 

FT

Have a great cruise! Can I ask what is SDYC Addict in your title?

[Jim Avery]

Have a great cruise! Can I ask what is SDYC Addict in your title?

 

Stands for SeaDream Yacht Club. A small ship all inclusive line.:D

[jdvmd]

Stands for SeaDream Yacht Club. A small ship all inclusive line.:D

 

Got it! Thanks!

[DMH15]

Hope you enjoy the Dawn. I love Le Bistro. Hope you try it.

[frequent traveler]

Hope you enjoy the Dawn. I love Le Bistro. Hope you try it.

 

We have plans to do so. Just haven't picked the night yet. Thought we'd take a look at the menus. We all love lobster so I am looking forward to that dinner. I've read so much about it here recently.

 

Have arrived in Tampa to a gorgeous sunny day. We are staying at the waterfront Marriott and check in was a breeze. The rest of the family is doing some last minute shopping while I start relaxing. :)

[scopewest]

Please post your thoughts, esp. going from Sea Dream to a larger ship! Have a great time!

[DMH15]

We have plans to do so. Just haven't picked the night yet. Thought we'd take a look at the menus. We all love lobster so I am looking forward to that dinner. I've read so much about it here recently.

 

Have arrived in Tampa to a gorgeous sunny day. We are staying at the waterfront Marriott and check in was a breeze. The rest of the family is doing some last minute shopping while I start relaxing. :)

 

I always have a hard time choosing between the Cream of Mushroom and French Onion soups in Le Bistro. They are both so good that I usually have to go there twice!

[frequent traveler]

I always have a hard time choosing between the Cream of Mushroom and French Onion soups in Le Bistro. They are both so good that I usually have to go there twice!

 

I love both of those soups. Is it possible to request tasting portions of both? That is one of the great features of Sea Dream - sampling different menu items. I have always thought an all inclusive is much more cost efficient for us so I will be testing this perception on this trip as we sign for cocktails and wine with dinner for the first time in at least 12 voyages (at least for me, this up charge for dinner is definitely new)

 

FT

[zonap]

I love both of those soups. Is it possible to request tasting portions of both? That is one of the great features of Sea Dream - sampling different menu items. I have always thought an all inclusive is much more cost efficient for us so I will be testing this perception on this trip as we sign for cocktails and wine with dinner for the first time in at least 12 voyages (at least for me, this up charge for dinner is definitely new)

 

FT

 

Absolutely! You just (usually) can't get multiple entrees. But appetizers, sides and desserts are totally fine for ordering multiple items. Enjoy!

[frequent traveler]

Tampa has turned cloudy, cool, and breezy. Where is the sun? Our zero coke, sparkling water, and diet red bull are tucked away nicely in the extra duffle bag. If you grab a bite at at the Champions Sports bar in the marriott (22 screens for Saturday football games, watched the Oregon and K State upsets at the same time) nachos, wings, and Cuban sandwich were very well liked. Pork sandwich and burger would not be repeated again

 

Hotel is full of Amway convention. After about 6 elevators stopped totally full this morning DD and DS needed caffeine so badly they walked down 17 flights to Starbucks! Me, I'll just use the coffee maker in the room and if I understand what I've read on this board, we will be able to lunch in Cagney's on board?

 

Only a few hours...

[OnTheGoMom921]

Yes, as a suite guest, you will have lunch in Cagney's. Make sure you get on the correct waiting lines at the port, as suite travel affords you a special embarkation line, as well as a special waiting area with refreshments. Your concierge will come to that waiting area to escort you to the ship. If your room is ready, you may drop your carry-ons there, otherwise you can bring them to Cagney's with you.

 

The priority embarkation and priorty tenders were one of the best perks of being a suite guest. No waiting in cattle lines was worth the price of the suite!

 

Make sure you have your butler attend to any of your needs. Bring a pad/pen to leave notes for him/her. If your room needs any amenities (ie, robes, slippers, specific coffee flavors, honey for tea, feather pillows, extra cushions for balcony furniture, etc) let him/her know immediately. Also, if you have the Lavazza machine in your suite, have the butler show you how to use it on embarkation day. You will love that machine!

 

Enjoy your cruise

~Michele :D

[DisneyJen]

Looking forward to virtually sailing with you and the family this week as we spend Thanksgiving here in NC. First time in I can't remember how long it will be just DJ's DH, DJ's DDs (one human and one four-legged) for Thanksgiving.

 

Anticipating your reviews of all aspects compared to our beloved SD!

 

Toasting you all with a Grand Mimosa!

[Jim Avery]

We too are awaiting the posts. Also home alone at Thanksgiving:eek: We were scheduled to be on SeaDream with Frequent Traveler. Maybe later.:D Want to hear more about the "Suite Life" as it could be an easy drive to for us.

[DisneyJen]

We too are awaiting the posts. Also home alone at Thanksgiving:eek: We were scheduled to be on SeaDream with Frequent Traveler. Maybe later.:D Want to hear more about the "Suite Life" as it could be an easy drive to for us.

 

Why don't you and Lois drive on up here to NC and spend Turkey Day with us?

 

We did the "Suite Life" on HAL a few years ago at Thanksgiving. It was different than our normal turkey day ... but then again the definition of norm for Thanksgiving has changed as we have aged:eek:

[puddles99]

Absolutely! You just (usually) can't get multiple entrees. But appetizers, sides and desserts are totally fine for ordering multiple items. Enjoy!

 

This has been my experience in all specialty restaurants, too. If you want multiple entrees in the MDRs, you can get those, too!

 

Have a fantastic time; it was a 2010 sailing of the Dawn that made me fall in love with Norwegian. I hope you have the same experience. Enjoy your adventure!

[Jim Avery]

Why don't you and Lois drive on up here to NC and spend Turkey Day with us?

 

We did the "Suite Life" on HAL a few years ago at Thanksgiving. It was different than our normal turkey day ... but then again the definition of norm for Thanksgiving has changed as we have aged:eek:

 

Hi DJ. Thanks for the invite but we are going to a neighbors for Turkey Day. We should be doing it on a ship instead.:D

J & L

[frequent traveler]

Bear with me, NCL veterans, this is from a “newbie” to NCL and suite life. My husband tells me I was on the Dawn many years ago for a two cruise to nowhere from NYC, but it was work related and I was in meetings all day and in an inside cabin, so I if I was on the Dawn I don’t remember.

Yesterday was a mixed day, so let me start with the good – the cabin, our cabin attendant, and our butler. I love the 2 bedroom family room suite with a balcony. There are 4 of us, parents with 2 grown children and the space is great. I can’t wait to try the Jacuzzi tub with a picture window. There’s plenty of storage space tucked away in some neat areas, two sinks, separate toilet area. Shower also has ocean view and is quite large. This beats Regent and SD hands down by far. We chose the family suite, due to the balcony. A couple of larger suites only have glass windows, no balcony. And I am so glad we did. The chaise lounges are padded with very thick cushions and very very comfortable. I think I will spend much of the next 6 days when we are on board here on the balcony. The only thing I don’t like – is the glass door to the toilet area – while it has stripes of frosting, it is not a solid door.

For TV addicts, the suite has 4 TVs, one the living areas, each bedroom and over the tub. Movies, the news, and even ESPN run constantly. Of course we stayed tuned to the location and cameras (even though this morning, we are still shown as docked in Tampa).

We have a wonderful cabin attendant or steward and butler – more about them later when I can spell their names correctly. So cheerful, helpful and apologetic . . . so I will begin at boarding.

Tampa was a bit of a zoo yesterday. We arrived around 11:45 which appears to be late from the number of people – in fact security took away the “priority” lane for suites and diamond, etc level members just as we arrived. After we cleared security just to the right, there was a sign pointing to the right stating “priority boarding”. We did not know until just as pictures were being taken that this was not the location for suite check in. However, the gentleman checking us in cheerfully guided us back to the far end of the holding area where a suite check in area with light pastries, coffee, water and chairs was roped off. We picked up keys, met our concierge, and after a few minutes got in line to board. General boarding was open and it took no more than 15 minutes to go through the lines (assisted by our butler), board the ship and find our way to our cabin on deck 11. After dropping off our luggage, checking in on a few pre boarding requests made through the suite concierge line through Darius, we headed to Cagney’s for lunch.

We waited a bit to enter Cagney’s – it was still nearly empty, but I guess there is also a bit of a rush for guests to make reservations at the speciality restaurants for dinner. After the hostess accommodated a large party making reservations, we were seated. The menu had a broad range of choices and we will post later – we are taking pictures. My flounder was outstanding. One of the best I have ever had. I strongly recommend. DS and I were also pleasantly surprised to find a large bottle of Pelligrino to only be $4.50. Since we like our bubbles it was nice to not be gouged. The cocktail of the day was also enjoyed – a version of a martini with the pear flavored Grey Goose, limoncello, and a couple of other ingredients. The 3 at our table were enjoyed.

 

After lunch, DH and I acquired spa passes – an adults only area. Then we headed back to the room, hopefully to unpack and make other arrangements, and wait for the life boat drill . No all inclusive passes – just a wine special, 6 or 8 bottles for 20% off, and it’s a limited list – not the entire wine list. So DS and I started selecting our wines when DD made an “ICK” discovery – 3 pairs of men’s boxer-briefs left by the bed in her room and a stained sheet. A call on our housephone, a uniform showed up and the room was later cleaned. Easily fixed, I am surprised it doesn’t happen a lot, with the time people vacate cabins and the time people starting boarding. Turn around days must be terribly straining on housekeeping.

Life boat drill was non-eventful except for people who think the rules don’t apply to them . . . our muster station is in the theater, accessible on 2 decks. And staff in the theater were wearing dark green vests – never seen them before in desks that did not “glow” in the dark, maybe these will, staff outside the theater were wearing the standard bright orange.

After the lifeboat drill, returned to the cabin – DS’ bag and the dive bag arrived, but by 6:15, none of our other luggage had appeared (we had tagged with the provided luggage tags, with cabin number and “priority status”). When we called to check on, we were asked for a description and told that the staging area on Deck 7 would be searched as all the bags with tags had been delivered and our tags had likely come off. No problem, DH and DD went down to identify bags – then there was a problem – our bags weren’t there and there wasn’t any suggestion of where the bags could be – just “wait”. I was not looking forward to a week without bags, so I went down to the desk on Desk 7 to ask to speak to management. A general search was conducted and our bags were located – they had been put off to the side in a closed area on our deck –I was reassured that they would have been located by morning anyway. Our concierge, butler, and cabin attendant were very apologetic , but it wasn’t their fault – our butler had even gone to Deck 7 to look for the bags after we called the first time. I’ve read here that she has 10 cabins to take care of and she went out of her way to look for our luggage. All’s well that ends well.

We wandered to dinner a bit later than we liked and since it was lobster night ate in one of the main dining rooms, Aqua. I think . . .or is it Agua? I think Acqua . . .mushroom soup and lobster for me. With a cheese course for my dessert. DS had the chocolate panna cotta (with no sugar added) and love it.

Some of the pillows we had “pre-ordered” through the concierge did arrive so we had plenty by turn down service . . . we turned in early and then got up early – dreary, raining today. Went to Cagney’s for breakfast – had wonderful Eggs Benedict and some fresh fruit. Then I used my spa pass – worked out a bit, gym is very nice, was full due to bad weather. Sat in the adults only area in the spa, indulged in the hot tub and back to Cagney’s for lunch. Had nice corn chowder and then a swordfish burger. The ginger/carrot salad was very good along with the wasabi mayonnaise across the bun. DS had a nice asparagus/prosciutto/shaved parmesan/fresh greens salad. Waiters were very apologetic that we had to “wait” for drinks – bar across the hall was closed today so they had to go down a level – we explained we were in no hurry, so need to rush and really enjoyed. Now debating what’s up on the schedule. There are so many activities. But a nap might just win. Having cocktails with the captain later this evening (I think all Suite guests are invited), have made reservations for dinner the rest of the week, and we are having dinner at the Chef’s Table one night. So should be a very good week (not for weight gain, but for taste buds).

[Jim Avery]

Sounds good so far. Thanks for taking the time to write. I, too, am amazed at the housekeeping staff on turnover day--on any ship. You will never see that kind of output at any hotel.:eek: Food sounds good.

[DisneyJen]

The family suite sounds wonderful! How many SD cabins could you fit in it?

 

Thanks for posting!

[EaglesWin]

I always have a hard time choosing between the Cream of Mushroom and French Onion soups in Le Bistro. They are both so good that I usually have to go there twice!

 

Why choose? Get them both!

[juliehope]

we are sailing Dec 2 and would love to see dailies and of course pictures-- we have a 6 year old and would also love to see the kids 6-9 freestlye- dont know if you are the scanning type -but i thought id ask-- have a great thanksgiving and cruise in general

[frequent traveler]

we are sailing Dec 2 and would love to see dailies and of course pictures-- we have a 6 year old and would also love to see the kids 6-9 freestlye- dont know if you are the scanning type -but i thought id ask-- have a great thanksgiving and cruise in general

 

we are definitely a scanning type and will be glad to post the dailies and pictures (internet is so slow right now - just can't do it from the room). Not sure what you mean by kids 6-9 freestyle as our "kids" are grown. I can see the kids pool from the gym and hear them pound in the activities room . . . but if you have something specific, please let me know.

 

Tuesday morning –

Odds & Ends:

There is no Splenda on Dawn. This has been confirmed. Yellow packets are just NutraSweet. Our lovely butler when requested for them said ship does not have anywhere. Ship is full this week – so martini hour only involved 20% discount.

Cocktails with the captain was very calm, less hanging on than I’ve seen in other ships. Spinnaker lounger was reserved. Captain and his team were there greeting guests who then proceeded to sit and be served drinks and finger foods (mainly shrimp and assorted cold items). The Captain then walked the aisles speaking to almost every table. He seemed very personable. We later say him and his 1st officer dining in the Italian restaurant in a quiet corner a couple of tables away where they were only disturbed one time by one over zealous guest wanting a photo with the very handsome 2nd officer (not the captain!).

Internet from the room has been spotty – dropping us constantly. However we are fairly far forward, so it may be better towards the center of the ship. Various packages – the cheapest is 270 minutes for $100.

Off and on seas have been a bit choppy so its been nice to have the butler bring us potato chips and crackers to have in the cabins, but it appears its available from room service 24 hrs a day also. As we walk the halls, room service appears to stay pretty busy, at least yesterday, on a rainy sea day. I feel sorry for the parents next to us. The two children were fighting constantly – from my place on our balcony, I could hear the parents try to keep them separated, I think I was able to nap before either one of them crashed! The way the cabin is arranged, that is the only time I hear them – or in the wall between the two common living areas. Bedrooms are peaceful at all times.

Dinner was Italian last night. According to the concierge – all new menus. I had beef Carpaccio and the lobster fettuccine. Both were fine and lots of lobster in the fettuccine. Warm bread with two types of olive oil, garlic and pesto was a very nice opener. DS had tiramisu and I had ricotta cheesecake for dessert. Yum Yum. DS and DS had a pork dish – very good, however, gnocchi, while flavored well was a bit overcooked. My fettucine was perfectly cooked. Ass’t Maitre D was helping out all night –we had met him before at Cagney’s. Menu in the main dining rooms looked good – we will post all after we return home, but specialty restaurant was much quieter than main dining room. The less noise the better and we had a seat next to the windows which allowed me to minimize claustrophia. But for these 2 factors – last night, food /service did not merit the $60 service charge. Staff is the same throughout the ship – friendly, try hard, and want to do their best. So far, all is good there. Last night was formal night – not that you had to be, but picture were be taken in the main “lobby” on the staircase. So people were out in full force. I had forgotten how cute little kids in full suits can be be – generations of family were posing. It was fun to watch, but the corridors and public areas were full in the early evening. And the mixture. In one group a woman was decked to the nines while another was wearing t shirt, shorts, and sandals as if she were going to the beach – not sure how the photographer ended up on that one.

 

Skys are overcast right now. Hope it clears us before we dock. We are headed off to just the beach trip though we may do some shopping on the way back to the ship. Haven’t decided yet.

 

ft