Norwegian Dawn 6/26 - 7/3/05

[justaknucklehead]

I find it hard to believe that some people actually book this cruise just to see Nassau!!!!! It's pitiful really.

[CruisinMom8905]

LOL I hope you wrote NCL because more than likely if you get anything it will be a discount off a future cruise...so your choice will be either to go again on NCL or lose it.

 

Now if they *did* that, that would tell me, "We're really sorry, we appreciate your loyalty, please come back" -- and I most certainly would. But when I spoke with a service rep yesterday, she made it clear that we were compensated and that was it. That reply made my cheek sting.

 

 

I am shocked that a crew member would have told you about some relationship problem.

 

We were rather puzzled by the candor as well, but appreciated the honesty. He told us that crew members are only allowed two beers a day and I guess thats a good rule when you're at sea for months at a time. Personal issues can arise.

 

I have a hard time believing that there was actually anything wrong with the ship. You say that a specialist was coming in from Finland, we were told by two different people that a specialist was being flown in from Sweden and then also from Germany. Ok, in any event a specialist was being flown in from far away.... But think about it, they have a corporate office in Miami, why not have a specialist there too?? Pure speculation, and a lot of you are going to call me off base, but I wouldn't be surprised if the captain or someone close to him needed to be in NYC for an early appointment on Sunday, July 3rd. The itinerary for this cruise was already altered months earlier cutting back our time in Nassau.

 

But if I get a voucher for a precentage off my next NCL cruise, I'm using it. It would be well worth it see Colin Kerr again. He should be doing his own stand up routine for late night TV, or hosting something. He's wonderful.

[CruisinMom8905]

I find it hard to believe that some people actually book this cruise just to see Nassau!!!!! It's pitiful really.

 

Hey, never been there. Why wouldn't a girl want to see Nassau at least once? But thanks for making me feel better by telling me that I really wasn't missing much....

[smeyer418]

The Azipods I belive are made in Finland. It might be Sweden, its up there somewhere(I have been to both I do know the difference). The ship was built in Germany. Who knows where the specialist live. While someone may be trained in this in Miami, the real expects are at the manufacturer. Parts would have to come from the manufacturer. The Azipod is probably still under some warranty so its the manufacturer who would have to fix it anyway. I am sure the csr's have been told that it for now. writting when you have a specific issue is better than calling IMO, I am glad you generally had a good time. I like the Dawn but have tired of the iternary...BTW I also appreciated the tone of your response. Thank you

[babywewe]

I dont get why your WHOLE trip was ruined over this. You got 100bucks and it was only a day. With the Nassau schedual change you only missed a few morning hours of beach time. I would be happy with the 100bucks and use it to get myself a spa treatment! or about 10 drinks LOL ....

You you knew before you sailed that more then half your time would be spent in FL ... its really not about the where you go but how you get there!

[niya305]

Now if they *did* that, that would tell me, "We're really sorry, we appreciate your loyalty, please come back" -- and I most certainly would. But when I spoke with a service rep yesterday, she made it clear that we were compensated and that was it. That reply made my cheek sting.

I don't believe NCL reservations agents are involved or even advised of any other offers that would be available if someone were to write a letter to Guest Relations.

[Mr. Cruising Squid]

I held off adding to this discussion, but after reading all the replies I decided to write.

 

 

Setting aside the issue of compensation for the missed port..

 

 

If everyone replied with a simple to the point fact that with cruising there are sometimes circumstances that force the ship to bypass a port and that it is legal according to the contract. That would be one thing, but.

 

 

A lot of people replied to momma that she should not be upset about missing Nassau. How can anyone judge how important that stop was to her and her family? It may have been the most important part of their trip!

 

 

When we were on the Dawn in June I really enjoyed our stop in Nassua. After dinner on the ship we took a taxi ( $4.00 /ea a very cheap excursion !) to the Atlantis hotel were we walked through the “Dig” a beautiful series of aquariums and walkways. It was at least as good as many commercial aquariums.. We also walked among the outdoor gardens and pools. Did a little gambling at their very nice casino and took a quick cheap cab ride home. It was a very nice night for me and my wife. The next day in Nassau we took a great little boat ride to a beach area on an island were we swam and snorkeled with the stingrays. This also was a great few hours spent there as part of our vacation! It would be impossible for anybody to tell me I should be happy to give that up for another day on the ship. No matter how much I liked the ship, which I did!

 

 

Take care all…

 

 

M.C.S.

[luvwater]

Mr. Cruising Squid:

 

I agree with you 100%. My first time to Nassau was the highlight of my trip. Today, yes after many sailings the ship is what is important to me but the ports still count.

[2Cruise4Ever]

The itinerary for this cruise was already altered months earlier cutting back our time in Nassau.

 

The itineraries for the short time in Nassau have been in existance for months because it was intended to be changed during certain days and lengthening it on other cruises, not because of early Sunday appointments:

 

2005: Jul 3, 17, 24, 31;

Includes an overnight stay in Nassau

2005: Aug 21, 28; Sep 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct 2

Doesn't - Nassau is from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

This is taken directly from NCL's website. I prefered the overnight stay in Nassau. It gave us the chance to do the 2 things we wanted: Visit Atlantis and shop in the Straw Market. We got to see the entire aquarium at Atlantis for free at night. Otherwise, it would have been $29 per person:eek:

 

The Spirt is slated to be in Nassau from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 for some cruises and others it's from 7:00 am to 1:00 next year.

 

The Dawn has been getting into NYC at around 8:00 a.m. for weeks. I've watched her come in I don't know how many times.

 

Just an FYI

[CruisinMom8905]

The Azipods I belive are made in Finland. It might be Sweden, its up there somewhere(I have been to both I do know the difference). The ship was built in Germany. Who knows where the specialist live. While someone may be trained in this in Miami, the real expects are at the manufacturer. Parts would have to come from the manufacturer. The Azipod is probably still under some warranty so its the manufacturer who would have to fix it anyway. I am sure the csr's have been told that it for now. writting when you have a specific issue is better than calling IMO, I am glad you generally had a good time. I like the Dawn but have tired of the iternary...BTW I also appreciated the tone of your response. Thank you

 

The whole idea of the product still being covered under warranty sounds credible. But then I recall the captain explaining that it was more of a software issue. Who knows...maybe the software was covered under warranty too. I've got some time though, I'll write a letter to Latitude Club Guest Relations. :)

[CruisinMom8905]

I dont get why your WHOLE trip was ruined over this. You got 100bucks and it was only a day. With the Nassau schedual change you only missed a few morning hours of beach time. I would be happy with the 100bucks and use it to get myself a spa treatment! or about 10 drinks LOL ....

You you knew before you sailed that more then half your time would be spent in FL ... its really not about the where you go but how you get there!

 

I don't think Momma nor myself said said that our entire trip was ruined. I don't think I expressed that. I feel let down by NCL that only 1% of our cruise expenses were compensated for when we missed a major port of call.

We had 2 scheduled stops in Florida, one on GSC, and one in the Bahamas. My math shows me that 2 out of 7 days would be spent in Florida...not at all half my time.

I'm not a drinker, so I didn't get any drinks, not even non alcoholic ones -- too sweet. But I did try to get a spa treatment, but unfortunately a few hundred other people had the same idea and I had a hard time getting an appointment. I know....boo effing hoo.

 

People are allowed to be disappointed.

[CruisinMom8905]

A lot of people replied to momma that she should not be upset about missing Nassau. How can anyone judge how important that stop was to her and her family? It may have been the most important part of their trip!

 

I thought that was unfair to Momma as well. We were aboard that ship too, and disappointed as well.

 

When we were on the Dawn in June I really enjoyed our stop in Nassua. After dinner on the ship we took a taxi ( $4.00 /ea a very cheap excursion !) to the Atlantis hotel were we walked through the “Dig” a beautiful series of aquariums and walkways. It was at least as good as many commercial aquariums.. We also walked among the outdoor gardens and pools. Did a little gambling at their very nice casino and took a quick cheap cab ride home. It was a very nice night for me and my wife. The next day in Nassau we took a great little boat ride to a beach area on an island were we swam and snorkeled with the stingrays. This also was a great few hours spent there as part of our vacation! It would be impossible for anybody to tell me I should be happy to give that up for another day on the ship. No matter how much I liked the ship, which I did!

 

It sounds like you had a lovely evening. We were planning on visiting the casinos as well. I also wanted to do my souvenier shopping at Nassau too. I thought I might find some pretty island sun dresses for my girls and some other things too. I feel bad for the local merchants that were expecting our business.

 

Thanks

[CruisinMom8905]

The itineraries for the short time in Nassau have been in existance for months because it was intended to be changed during certain days and lengthening it on other cruises, not because of early Sunday appointments:

 

2005: Jul 3, 17, 24, 31;

Includes an overnight stay in Nassau

2005: Aug 21, 28; Sep 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct 2

Doesn't - Nassau is from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

This is taken directly from NCL's website. I prefered the overnight stay in Nassau. It gave us the chance to do the 2 things we wanted: Visit Atlantis and shop in the Straw Market. We got to see the entire aquarium at Atlantis for free at night. Otherwise, it would have been $29 per person:eek:

 

The Spirt is slated to be in Nassau from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 for some cruises and others it's from 7:00 am to 1:00 next year.

 

The Dawn has been getting into NYC at around 8:00 a.m. for weeks. I've watched her come in I don't know how many times.

 

Just an FYI

 

When we originally booked this cruise, we had day time in Nassau. NCL informed us of the change in itinerary months earlier. We got used to the change to evening time because of some of the things you've described. No big deal. But when the POC to Nassau was completely cancelled and we got a many different versions of why, it just left me scratching my head and speculating.

 

We pulled in to pier 88 in NYC at 4am, not 8am, after we were basically meandering about the Jersey shore all day Saturday. :(

[Charles4515]

10:00 am is its scheduled docking time when overnighting in Nassau but they almost always are in by 8 or so....

 

I find the paranoia amazing. It sounds like they think skipping Nassau was planned in advance. Or that NCL would lie and say they had an engine problem that did not exist to excuse skipping Nassau.

 

In my opinion the Dawn should be booked as a week getaway. The itinerary is poor. You go for being on the ship. I was on the Dawn the week before and I booked it as a getaway. I knew from eighteen previous cruises that the itin was nothing to write home about. Nassau is one of my least favorite ports although I could understand how someone who never has been there might have some anticipation.

[DaisyL]

I find the paranoia amazing. It sounds like they think skipping Nassau was planned in advance. Or that NCL would lie and say they had an engine problem that did not exist to excuse skipping Nassau.

 

In my opinion the Dawn should be booked as a week getaway. The itinerary is poor. You go for being on the ship. I was on the Dawn the week before and I booked it as a getaway. I knew from eighteen previous cruises that the itin was nothing to write home about. Nassau is one of my least favorite ports although I could understand how someone who never has been there might have some anticipation.

I agree with you totally, but the complaints seem beyond disappointment ... They were already compensated $200 p/cabin so I'm not sure what they are looking for above that. And it's too bad they did not enjoy that extra money and a nice sea day instead of fuming and complaining....

 

We missed Barbados in Feb.

We missed Barbados in Feb., also(same cruise ? -Dawn Feb 10) and got nothing !! Aren't we the fools ? Squeeky wheel gets the oil .... :confused: We were disappointed but didn't 'rant and rave' and didn't hear of any complaints either.

[greenie]

I just don't get it.

 

You've booked a cruise. You're especially looking forward to one of the ports. The Captain (or whoever) announces that due to a mechanical problem, you will not be able to go to that port after all. And you will have to get back home 4 hours earlier than scheduled in order to take care of the mechanical problem so that the next bunch of cruisers will be able to have their cruise too.

 

So OK, you're disappointed, I would be too. That's sincerely too bad that it happened. You're maybe even a little mad--why did this have to happen, it's not fair! Understood. You feel let down. It's a bummer.

 

So ... OK. Then what?

 

You let it go. Why can't people just let it go? Why spend the energy gnawing it to death?

 

WHY do you let it take over your whole cruise experience? Why are you still into the whole thing now? WHY do you automatically do the gimmegimme mememe thing? WHY should you get money? A lot of us have missed ports. Had someone be rude, WHY would you think you should? WHY do you feel the ship "owed" you more sea-day activities? Can't you find stuff to occupy your time pleasantly? Like read a book. Watch TV. Meet new people. Eat one of every dessert on board. Make love. Get drunk. Tell jokes. Laugh. Thank your lucky stars you are on a cruise ship and on vacation, that you have the wherewithal to do so. And that you're not dead.

 

WHY do you assume NCL is lying, making up a story, hiding something, trying to get home early because the Captain has a hot date with Rosie O'Donnel? Wait, that wouldn't be right ... well, you know what I mean.

 

What is up with this?! Life is SHORT. GET OVER IT. I'm not a mean person, I'm very empathetic by nature. But this sort of thing just sucks the life right outta me.

 

 

:(

[shoreguy]

We missed Barbados in Feb., also(same cruise ? -Dawn Feb 10) and got nothing !! Aren't we the fools ? Squeeky wheel gets the oil .... :confused: We were disappointed but didn't 'rant and rave' and didn't hear of any complaints either.

 

Same cruise ! You must have missed our CC roll call - third Feb in a row. booked again in 06.

[seahorse]

Greenie,

 

Make love........get drunk..........tell jokes.............laugh:eek: :D Sounds like a VERY good plan to me. In that order too;)

 

NOW I know why I LIKE sea days:o

[YacFamily]

Pardon my interupting here, but $12K for grandparents, adults and ?? kids .....

We were a family of 4, two in an AA suite and two in BB room. How did all of you cruise for only $12K ?? By the time our rooms were paid, and after we paid for our " fun ", paid our tips, etc., we bit more than that for our vacation . We should be crying for more per capita compensation then ....... NOT !

T

[joyce B]

Two things,

 

I just spoke with a lady at work that was on that cruise, she said that some of the people were so rude. When the anouncement came on she was on her balcony, the people in the next cabin were furious, she could hear them yelling about the new.

She said the cruise was awsome.

I had talked her into going on NCL and she was sooooooooooo very happy that she did give them a try.

I was on the Feb. 10th cruise that missed Barbadoes, and yes it is dissappointing but when you are on such a beautiful ship you get over it. But some people just like to linger on disappointment I guess!!!

And go after any kind of compensation!!!

Does it make you forget about your disappointment???:confused:

[DaisyL]

I was on the Feb. 10th cruise that missed Barbadoes, and yes it is dissappointing but when you are on such a beautiful ship you get over it. But some people just like to linger on disappointment I guess!!!

And go after any kind of compensation!!!

Does it make you forget about your disappointment???:confused:

I was on the same cruise that missed Barbados and while we were disappointed nobody complained and we enjoyed the trip very much. We were not compensated at all and did not even think we should be. I hope you didn't think we were looking for compensation from my previous post. I was being sarcastic and I guess that did not come through from my post. It just seems the more these people complain the more they get. The compensation started at $25 p/person and then was upped to $200 p/cabin and they are still following through with letters to get more. I would be upset to think they get more by being the 'squeeky wheel'.

We have been on the Dawn twice and love the ship and NCL and am looking forward to cruising with NCL again.

[ncc1701]

Just one thing - the compensation was always $100 pp/ $200 max per cabin. That was in the announcement from the beginning - I don't know where the $25 pp came from. In our case, since we were a party of 5 with 2 cabins, and the 3rd person in the cabin was my daughter's friend, we prorated the on board credit to allow her to get her share.

[DaisyL]

Same cruise ! You must have missed our CC roll call - third Feb in a row. booked again in 06.

Although I've been reading CC for a while, I only 'found' the boards in May so I did miss the CC roll call. ... :( These boards are such a big help.

 

We also sailed on the Dawn Feb'04, President's week to FL/Bahamas and were 5 couples with NO kids (several teachers). We loved the cruise...

 

We sailed on CCL Legend in May and will be on 'X' Zenith in Oct. and we are currently trying to book a group (I hope) for the POAm for Sept.'06. So I'm jumping around on several threads....

 

Thanks for all the advice ... see ya around ....;)

[2Cruise4Ever]

When we originally booked this cruise, we had day time in Nassau. NCL informed us of the change in itinerary months earlier. We got used to the change to evening time because of some of the things you've described. No big deal. But when the POC to Nassau was completely cancelled and we got a many different versions of why, it just left me scratching my head and speculating.

 

We pulled in to pier 88 in NYC at 4am, not 8am, after we were basically meandering about the Jersey shore all day Saturday. :(

 

I can understand your frustration. However, the reason you pulled into NYC at 4:00 a.m. was so that the azipod could be fixed in time for the next cruise. And, the reason you meandered around the Jersey shore on Saturday was so that you all would be able to continue enjoying the ammenities aboard (casino, shops, etc. that close whenever you're in any port). I really hope this hasn't soured you to cruising. I still think it's the best way to vacation. The thing is: stuff happens that are completely out of your control. My DH went on a cruise that was supposed to stop in 4 different Caribbean ports. ALL were missed because of a storm. Was he disappointed? Yes. Did it ruin his cruise? No. IMHO just being ON a cruise ship, no matter where it goes, is worth every penny.

[crusingsquid]

Maybe NCL felt it was not do to something like mother nature, the weather that they missed the port but rather the mechancial end of their ship and felt the compensation was in some way fair. If was due to weather that they missed the port, maybe a $100 pp credit would have not been offered.