Dawn to Bermuda review - May 8 - 15

[racepoint]

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.

[BeachMartini]

Glad you had such a great trip! We leave next week. Question about the mattress topper. What was it, and did it make that much of a difference? We sailed in 2012 and I don't remember the beds being uncomfortable. Thanks!

[BeachMartini]

Also, you are not the first person to comment about the karaoke crew! What's up with these people?

[jethrojam]

I remember thinking the music was different at cagneys because all i heard was 90s grunge. Never heard any rap though thankfully.

[cruise_bos]

Thanks for the great review! Glad to hear you had a great time. Quick question and I hope that I dont start a flame war. You said that the Bimini bar was one of your favorite places on the Dawn. I was wondering if you can still smoke one one side of the bar up there. I always like hanging out there and I do smoke so i was wondering if it was still permitted. Thanks!

[candygirl27540]

Not the OP but just off the Dawn. Yes,you can smoke on the port side of the bar.

[biker@sea]

Thanks for the great review! Glad to hear you had a great time. Quick question and I hope that I dont start a flame war. You said that the Bimini bar was one of your favorite places on the Dawn. I was wondering if you can still smoke one one side of the bar up there. I always like hanging out there and I do smoke so i was wondering if it was still permitted. Thanks!

 

Good Question !

 

Port side Was for smoking .

[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.