amberjohn Posted August 14, 2016 #1 Share Posted August 14, 2016 (edited) Intro: We took this same cruise last Summer (pre-dry dock) so I will be comparing the two cruises. We had a wonderful cruise and thought all the changes made the Ship look like new. The were 5 of us on this cruise. There was my wife (Nancy) and I (John). There was my son (Johnny) who turned 21 on the cruise. The final 2 were my daughter (Amber) and her Fiancé Brandon (who would like to be referred to as "Legit" for his Ping-Pong and Basketball talents on the ship) both in their mid 20's. Nancy and I had the UBP promo and went crazy with it. We are not big drinkers but thought we would take advantage of this deal to try out many, many drinks. We slept over Amber's apartment in Milford NH on Wednesday August 4th which would get us 45 minutes closer to Port. I know that timing and location can make or break many aspects of a vacation. I think both were working in our favor because we had few issues with drink lines, crowded pools or negative experiences. Edited August 14, 2016 by amberjohn wrong location Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amberjohn Posted August 14, 2016 Author #2 Share Posted August 14, 2016 Day One, Friday August 5th: We left early on the 5th assuming we would hit a lot of Boston traffic. We left at 8:30am for a 10:30am check in. There was very light traffic and we got to the port at 9:40am. We were all parked, checked in and seated by 10am. The time went by fast and we were boarded by Noon. Once on board we got our first drinks and then headed to the Venetian for lunch. This is probably our only negative comment on the rehab. I think the person who selected the pictures for the Venetian must have been on the UBP promo also, they were hideous. By the time we left the Venetian our inside cabin, 5th floor was ready and we dropped off our bags. We spent the rest of the afternoon at the Pool, hot tub, drinking and watching the poolside entertainment. At 7pm we went to the Venetian for dinner. After dinner we went to different locations around the ship to listen to different music. Our evening ended with chicken wings at O'Sheehan's and then we all passed out by midnight. (miles walked around ship today was 5.34) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James_Elmore Posted August 14, 2016 #3 Share Posted August 14, 2016 Following Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txhomeschoolmom Posted August 14, 2016 #4 Share Posted August 14, 2016 Following...thanks much for taking time out to write a review [emoji106] Sent from my SM-G928T using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cincicruisers Posted August 14, 2016 #5 Share Posted August 14, 2016 Following, great start Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amberjohn Posted August 15, 2016 Author #6 Share Posted August 15, 2016 Day Two, Saturday August 6th: We lost an hour (set clocks ahead) so we had breakfast at 9am. First on the agenda was the Ping-Pong tournament which was won by my future SIL (legit). The rest of the afternoon we hung out at the pool/hot tub. Late afternoon we did our own thing. Amber and Johnny entered the Shuffleboard tournament and won third place. "Legit" played basketball. Nancy and I watched "Deal or No Deal" and then watched the "Close Up show of Dave DaVinci (very good show). To save time, we decided to eat our dinner at the Garden Cafe. We ate and changed our clothes and went to the 7pm showing of "Band on the Run (my favorite show)". After the show we went to the hot tub. We changed our clothes and went to O'Sheehan's for wings and other snacks. We ate, drank, and listened to the "Masquerade Duo". We then proceeded to the Bliss Lounge to listen to some 70's music. It was 2am when we went to bed. (miles walked around ship today was 3.0) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easyboy Posted August 15, 2016 #7 Share Posted August 15, 2016 Following.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sand and Seas Posted August 15, 2016 #8 Share Posted August 15, 2016 Good start! Looking forward to rest of your review:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amberjohn Posted August 15, 2016 Author #9 Share Posted August 15, 2016 Day Three, Sunday August 7th: Today we had our only sit down breakfast, which was at O'Sheehan's. It was time for the ship to dock in Bermuda so we went to the top deck to watch. We packed up our snorkel gear and headed off the ship to Snorkel Park Beach which is a short walk from the Ship. On our previous two cruises there was no charge for the beach on Sundays. This time there was a $5.00 charge per person. We put on our water shoes and snorkeled 1:30pm-3:30pm. The swimmers were stirring up the sand so the visibility was not as clear in the shallower water. Once we got out a little deeper we saw many more fish. We headed back to the ship at 4pm leaving Amber and Johnny at the beach to get more sun. We all showered and went to Bamboo for dinner. The food was very good but the service was the slowest we experienced all week. After dinner we went to the "Who wants to be a Billionaire" at 8pm. This was run very poorly. Every time the contestant was going to get the answer wrong they would steer him towards the right answer. At 9pm we watched the show, "Showdown" which is similar to the TV show "the Voice". This was another very good show. After the show we went to the "Island Night Deck Party" on the Pool deck. We sampled some late night snacks at the Garden Cafe. After the Party we took our nightly trip to O'Sheehan's for chicken wings. After eating the kids went out and we headed to bed at 1am. (miles walked around ship and dockyard today was 7.7) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James_Elmore Posted August 15, 2016 #10 Share Posted August 15, 2016 I haven't seen a menu for bamboo I know it's Asian food but what kind of items on the menu thanks for the review Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amberjohn Posted August 15, 2016 Author #11 Share Posted August 15, 2016 There is a menu floating around the boards, which I can't seem to find. Hopefully someone can post the link? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pathubia Posted August 15, 2016 #12 Share Posted August 15, 2016 Thanks for posting, we are on the Dawn in October. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James_Elmore Posted August 15, 2016 #13 Share Posted August 15, 2016 There is a menu floating around the boards, which I can't seem tofind. Hopefully someone can post the link? Yeah I've found very little info anywhere which is weird Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cubechick Posted August 15, 2016 #14 Share Posted August 15, 2016 I haven't seen a menu for bamboo I know it's Asian food but what kind of items on the menu thanks for the review Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk I thought Bamboo was gone as it isn't listed as a restaurant I can make reservations for. Glad it is still on board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherrypop Posted August 16, 2016 #15 Share Posted August 16, 2016 I thought Bamboo was gone as it isn't listed as a restaurant I can make reservations for. Glad it is still on board. Best part is its complimentary now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrBrCruise Posted August 16, 2016 #16 Share Posted August 16, 2016 Yeah I've found very little info anywhere which is weird Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk I don't know where the whole menu is posted, but I have some of Bamboo; Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James_Elmore Posted August 16, 2016 #17 Share Posted August 16, 2016 I don't know where the whole menu is posted, but I have some of Bamboo; Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Awesome thanks Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted August 16, 2016 #18 Share Posted August 16, 2016 Following. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amberjohn Posted August 16, 2016 Author #19 Share Posted August 16, 2016 Day Four, Monday August 8th: We all met up at 8am for breakfast at Garden Cafe. Johnny gave Amber and "Legit" a Jet Ski excursion (for a birthday and Engagement gift) and we gave Johnny a Jet Ski excursion for part of his 21st birthday gift. They had to be at the KS Sports office at 9am to sign waivers for the 9:31am departure. In Bermuda you cannot rent a Jet Ski on your own. You get your own Jet Ski but you ride out with a "leader" and a total of 6 riders. As they road out on their Skis we took pictures. I wanted to take pictures of them returning from the deck of the Dawn so we headed back. The tour takes 75 minutes which gave us time to walk back to the ship, take some pictures of the ship. go up to the 12th deck, get a drink and get set up in the front of the ship for pictures. I was able to take about 25 decent pictures until Nancy realized I was taking pictures of the wrong group. I re-adjusted and then was able to take pictures of my actual family. Once they were done they met us at the Garden Cafe for lunch. All three of them loved the Jet Ski experience and wanted to do it again. After lunch we left the ship and took a ride (complimentary) on the train that tours the Dockyard. We got off at the "Bermuda Fun Golf" (mini golf) and played a round (thanks Legit and Amber) at $15 a player. This was a lot of fun. The sun was intense but the course and views were gorgeous. We left the golf and visited all the stores on the Dockyard. Johnny bought some Cuban cigars and we bought a bowl for my Mother. We went back to the Dawn at 5pm. We showered and dressed for 7pm dinner at the Aqua. We had a great waitress (Nancy) and our best meal of the trip so far. We went to the 9pm "Second City" Comedy Show. We didn't care a lot for the show a year ago and we didn't like it any better this year. Once the show was over we went to O'Sheehan's for more wings and snacks. We have another early day tomorrow so we all went to bed around midnight. (miles walked around ship and dockyard today was 9.5) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amberjohn Posted August 17, 2016 Author #20 Share Posted August 17, 2016 Day Five, Tuesday August 9th: We met early for breakfast at 8am. We had a 9am Catamaran/Snorkel excursion. I chose the "Restless Native" for four reasons. It had the best reviews, the best cost, the longest time out and the best "treats". The Catamaran tied up right near the Dawn and we all chose a nice comfortable spot on the netting with large bean bag pillows. The 40 minute ride was smooth and relaxing. We anchored close to a small private beach. You could swim, sunbathe, use a paddleboard, kayak or snorkel. Complimentary water, juice, rum swizzles or fresh cooked chocolate chip cookies were at our disposal. We got back at 12:30pm. Amber and Legit went shopping. The rest of us went up to the pool area. We all met up and went to O'Sheehan's for a delicious lunch. After lunch we went back to the 12th/13th deck to watch the Ship depart from Bermuda at 5pm. The Dawn left almost an hour late because two separate couple decided to saunter back to the Ship to the Jeers of their fellow cruisers. I'm not sure but at one point it looked like a security car was sent out to find the stragglers? Once the ship was out at Sea we went to the 7pm "Dave DaVinci show". We all liked the show but it wasn't one of our favorites. As good as his close-up show was (couldn't figure out how he did the illusions) the night show with the bigger props was a lot easier to figure out. Back to the Aqua we went and had our second best meal of the cruise. We were hoping to have a drink and celebrate my sons 21st birthday at midnight. Johnny had gotten so much sun and little sleep over the previous 3 days that he didn't feel well and fell asleep at 11pm so we would have to celebrate on his actual birthday, August 10th. We decorated the room with balloons, pictures and banners and went to bed. (miles walked around ship and dockyard today was 3.2) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James_Elmore Posted August 17, 2016 #21 Share Posted August 17, 2016 Enjoying your trip with you Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leen50 Posted August 17, 2016 #22 Share Posted August 17, 2016 Is Bamboo complimentary just for lunch? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amberjohn Posted August 18, 2016 Author #23 Share Posted August 18, 2016 Bamboo is only open for dinner. I think they open at 5:30pm each night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimswims Posted August 18, 2016 #24 Share Posted August 18, 2016 I thought Bamboo was gone as it isn't listed as a restaurant I can make reservations for. Glad it is still on board. Hi there Cubechick! I think that you got your answer but I understand that Bamboo is now part of the complimentary dining choices. I just wanted to say hi. I see you are going on the Dawn repo. I doubt I have to say this but please take pictures:). We will be on the Dawn again next August. It will be our first cruise in 5 years:eek:. Hope you are well and hope to see you on a ship soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amberjohn Posted August 18, 2016 Author #25 Share Posted August 18, 2016 Day Six, Wednesday August 10th: We woke up early and gave Johnny his Birthday cupcake and gift. Johnny was glad that the clocks were set back and he could enjoy a 25 hour Birthday. We all went up to the Garden Cafe for breakfast at 9am. Nancy and I went to a show called "Bar bets and Tricks" which was fun. After the show we hung around the pool (clean water) until 1:30pm. We entered another Ping-Pong tournament (Legit won again) and played some family Shuffleboard. Nancy and I ate lunch at O'Sheehan's so that we could watch the Dave DaVinci Q&A that was happening in the Atrium. Back to the pool again until 5pm. We went to Venetian for a Birthday dinner. Our waitress (Baby) was great. The staff sang Happy Birthday to my son and brought him a cake for dessert. After dinner we went to the 9pm "Elements Show", which was very good. Once the show was over we went to the "White Hot Party" on the pool deck until 12:30am. We went to the cabin and the kids went to the After Party. (miles walked around ship today was 4.8) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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