Live- From New York, its the Dawn to NE-Canada 5-18-19

[seadog67]

We are waiting for our excursion near the tender dock area of Bar Harbor..

 

chilly wind so thanks to Mking for the heads up last week on it being cold and exposed in this area.. bundle up is right..

 

Some snap from the area. Dawn looking sweet anchored in the inlet..

[mking8288]

@seadog67  - Good (late) morning to Mrs. & you, and everyone else.  The sun is out and isn't that great, don't mind the chilly wind and go enjoy this day in its fullest.  Still dreaming about the fresh lobster & lobster roll we had last week. 

 

I see the low tide at the pier/dock.  Must be great for some of the crew to get time-off to get ashore and play tourists for a little while, it might only the 2nd. time visiting Canada to some of them as told - 2 of them told us about $20 lobster & others were dining in the same place as us.  

 

Had forgotten about the Dawn staying late in St. John last night, read about a heads-up post from @jaja on the Roll Call ... what was posted all-abroad time for yesterday ?  

 

 

[bones774]

Just started reading here , maybe I missed but what dining room(s) were avail when you embarked.

PS- Mking, just noticed you were from Queens, me too. Do the names Blue Bay, Hilltop and Host mean anything to you?lol

[shadowmeboy]

What time did Immigration start today? I know you mentioned it was smooth. Did you have a NCL excursion? 

[sun_lovin!1]

2 hours ago, mking8288 said:

@seadog67  - Good (late) morning to Mrs. & you, and everyone else.  The sun is out and isn't that great, don't mind the chilly wind and go enjoy this day in its fullest.  Still dreaming about the fresh lobster & lobster roll we had last week. 

 

I see the low tide at the pier/dock.  Must be great for some of the crew to get time-off to get ashore and play tourists for a little while, it might only the 2nd. time visiting Canada to some of them as told - 2 of them told us about $20 lobster & others were dining in the same place as us.  

 

Had forgotten about the Dawn staying late in St. John last night, read about a heads-up post from @jaja on the Roll Call ... what was posted all-abroad time for yesterday ?  

 

 

 

Can you please tell me where to get the $20 lobster?!

[mking8288]

Standby to see what seadog67 find ashore today on best lobster deals ...

but, to answer @sun_lovin!1 - we heard about that after we already ate ours, at just slightly prices at Bar Harbor, $20 would indeed be an excellent price for a whole lobster (wonder, too, if the establishment(s) offered special crew prices as appreciation or courtesy to ship personnel ...)   Our $20 lobster roll was excellent & came with a big basket of tasty fries (jumbo sized) and the 1.25 lb. lobster dinner (came w. fries & cole slaw) for $24 was just as good - see this post in our thread with the posted menu board prices - plain & straight forward, not M.P. (market pricing) just 1 block up the little hill from the tender pier & make a right turn.  Free (unsecured) & very fast WiFi.  

 

Lobster & seafood with a waterfront view is priced accordingly, 1/2 block from the pier ... (too chilly to sit in the open air upper level ... in one of the pix) - lobster dinner was like $44.  The key, is, you literally taste & bite into the freshness, reasons we don't chase after specialty meals onboard.  

 

@bones774 - lived in KGH many, many years ago before moving to 11355, been in *56 since 2006 ... the only thing that ring a bell would be the old "Hilltop Diner" on Union Tpke, closed quite a few years ago & now a TD Bank, another nearby diner also closed and one of my favorite, Georgia Diner on QB - 24/7/365 since the late 70's.   

 

If only NCL folks know about seafood feasts at City Island ... for us, 20 minutes over the BWB if traffic isn't bad (although, prices had gone up in 2019 ... business is just as good.)  

Edited May 22, 2019 by mking8288

[bones774]

Sure, done Georgia, KGH is my stomping ground also, Shimons and in the really old days, Capri pizza and Marios. Blue bay diner LIE and Franny Lou blvd, Host deli also LIE just past utopia

Had many lunches on City Island but not for years now

[seadog67]

4 hours ago, mking8288 said:

@seadog67  - Good (late) morning to Mrs. & you, and everyone else.  The sun is out and isn't that great, don't mind the chilly wind and go enjoy this day in its fullest.  Still dreaming about the fresh lobster & lobster roll we had last week. 

 

I see the low tide at the pier/dock.  Must be great for some of the crew to get time-off to get ashore and play tourists for a little while, it might only the 2nd. time visiting Canada to some of them as told - 2 of them told us about $20 lobster & others were dining in the same place as us.  

 

Had forgotten about the Dawn staying late in St. John last night, read about a heads-up post from @jaja on the Roll Call ... what was posted all-abroad time for yesterday ?  

 

 

 

Howdy good sir! All aboard was 11:30 last night with a 12 am departure. Had lobster roll that was 20 in fact had 2 and the place we went, will post later has a $44 2 lb lobster meal. They were fresh steam as we watched. Was plenty of lobster in the roll and others had a whole lobster pot with I think a 5 lb lobster and fixing for +- $65 but do not quote me. 

 

I will I’ll post the name when I review my pics soon.

[seadog67]

Just got back onboard after an awesome hike along the coast of Acadia National Park. I am throwing together a YouTube video of it and will post once it uploads and give some impressions. Short answer it was awesome.

[seadog67]

3 hours ago, shadowmeboy said:

What time did Immigration start today? I know you mentioned it was smooth. Did you have a NCL excursion? 

 

Immigration started about 8 am but the line started earlier and only for those on NCL Excursions. Once the doors opened to bliss there were 3 officers checking and it moved fast and we were through in less than 10 mins. 

 

Be be aware they were checking your excursion tickets in the beginning so I figured you did an early independent tour you should check first as they did turn someone away who said they had an early independent tour.

 

Right after immigration we headed to deck 4 and onto a tender and over to the dock, all in about a half hour after they started immigration. We had a 9:15 ncl tour so we were about 40-50th in the line when it started.

 

like I said, the lineup started early like a half hour before they opened the doors.

[seadog67]

We had a very nice hike along the Ocean Trail in Acadia National Park. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and very nice and kept the pace that was comfortable for the whole group.

 

Here is a video of out time

 

https://youtu.be/NA9-CX8ShWE

 

more updates shortly

[seadog67]

Good Morning Critics, we arrived into Portland early this morning as a cloudy day dawned again..

 

catching up on yesterday, after returning from our hike and uploading the video I threw together, I used the last two hours of cell service to do some work that popped up on email.

 

We had dinner again in Los Lobos and again it was excellent. We then wandered listening to music at Gatsbys and the Grand Atrium. 

 

We are not show people so tend to miss the theater shows.  You can read great details about the shows in Mkings semi live report where he details them in excellent fashion.

 

This morning dawned :) cloudy but much warmer! Big yay from Mrs. S on warmer.

 

Even The Dawn has a big smile!

 

Had a nice breakfast in O’Sheehans of an omelette and corned beef hash which was excellent. One area NCL needs improvement is in their coffee offered, at least as pertains to temperature as we have yet to have a hot coffee outside of the buffet or the purchased coffee at the Atrium Cafe.

 

Here is a short video of some time lapses from this morning..,

 

https://youtu.be/7MnmPYV43MA

 

We are headed out to Kennebunkport to sightsee and take a small cruise around the town.

 

Will post pictures.

[seadog67]

Pictures of the local area map offered from the info booth.  No apparent Wifi at the immediate local dock area..

 

 

[seadog67]

We took about a 30 minute bus ride from the dock to Kennebunkport to do a scenic cruise and lobster pull. Sail near George Bush vacation compound which you can see in the pics below.

 

Had about an additional 45 minutes to explore Kennebunkport area and had an uninspired lobster roll from the nearby clam shack for $21.

 

Yesterday’s was miles better. Headed back to the ship for a 3:30 all aboard.

 

 

[mking8288]

Great Video as uploaded on YT,  shared with the gang ...  Thanks !!

 

The lobster roll in Bar Harbor was better than the ones we had in downtown Portland.  One of our favorite place on that waterfront has been closed, Three Sons Lobster & Fish ... the other place, isn't easy to get to without a car or taxi/Uber ??   Called Bayley's Lobster Pound, family owned & operated for a century - in Pine Point, ME - about 20 miles south of downtown, off US Rt. 1 at the end of Rt. 9 by the local beach.  Last time we drove up there, gosh - it's been nearly 9 years ... these places were our "feeding" grounds for the freshest lobsters.  Found an old pix on my Google Photo / Drive ...

 

Heads up for possible choppy seas overnight into morning heading for Newport, "rolling thunders" expected to come toward the Northeast later today and even off shores, gusty wind (across the bow, west to east) expected in the Dawn's path, it seemed - nothing serious, maybe just strong/gale force wind gust - just tell Mrs. S to hang on a bit tightly while bar hopping after dinner.  Tendering tomorrow could be "fun" for some & scary for others ... I'm sure you can do a visual once they drop the lifeboat & watch them launch for the pier.  It wasn't bad last Friday for us.  Waves in that area of the Atlantic at 2 to 3 meters, or 10 ft. & under.   Mrs. M was on the lookout for Right Whales & exclaimed that something black spotted in the distance & moving (shark ??) ... sure - no, just a small sailboat.  It's Fleet Week in NY, should be a pretty one to come back into our bay.  

 

Edited May 23, 2019 by mking8288

[jaja]

jaja here.--just off Dawn....till seadog gets back online....thought I'd report...we missed Newport yesterday...got all way into harbor.. Captain decided way too choppy and windy to anchor and tender....spent the day at sea...

Also..we came in real early this AM...

[amygutman]

B2B Dawn reviews....thanks to you @seadog67and @mking8288 for making so many people happy. 

 

Cannot wait to find the "not-so-secret" lounge on deck 9, and loved all of the amazing tips and photos from you both. 

 

Sounds like this ship is a classic, and I look forward to avoiding fighting the mobs of 5000+ passenger ships - truly seems like you both were able to be very "freestyle". 

 

I know it takes a huge commitment, but if you continue these Live streams, I would follow either of you in a heart beat even if I wasn't going to be on those ships - you bring us along on vacation with you, and that is a VERY cheap way to travel!

 

Welcome back home! Amy

[jaja]

QUESTION...did anyone buy the bracelet and charms they had offered?  I can't figure out how to open the clasp ????? Don't want to force it and break it ....

[mking8288]

@amygutman - thanks.  I am sure seadog67 is just as happy that folks are happy getting tips preparing for their own cruise ahead ... waiting for the continuation of last week's semi live report.  If I am not mistaken, there is going to be a 3rd semi/live Dawn update in less than 2 weeks, by shadowmeboy ... also running the Roll Call.  That should provide a great deal of continuity & uncover plenty of secrets in passing along the unknown, LOL.

 

After this sailing, DW and others reaffirmed our "bias" that classic "big" ships like the Dawn are preferred for us, over the mega/+ ships ... just the fact that shows do not need/take/accept reservations and it is so much easier to make dining reservations or just walk up when it isn't busy - it's "no, can't do" on the BA, Escape or GA as my BIL realized ... the extra bells & whistles are useless if you must queue up behind long lines.  

 

The nature of satellite WiFi internet made it very difficult to truly do "live" post and stay conneced at all times, it has come a long way since 2005 but its hardware & server aren't up to par compared to the BA or Escape, or even the Gem, just a few years younger - despite the recent, major drydocking work done.  She is a fine ship, a great ship as a whole.  I have no idea when we are going to cruise next, what & where,, what ship, etc. - as we can be impulsive ahead these days - the last one I did was on the January Escape to West Caribbean for 15 days/14 nights - link is below, if you haven't read it or bookmark it.  If and when I do it, it will be on CC for everyone interested.

 

Meanwhile, I am waiting to get the rest of the "reporting" from seadog67 myself, there're plenty of area that I did not cover, like the bars & club scene on the ship, or the drinks & beverage package, etc.  

 

@jaja - sorry, can't help you with that clasp ... hopefully, someone else can - or, if you upload a picture of that here, maybe some of the jewelry experts lurking can explain how to - if you are still not successful ??

 

[jaja]

1 hour ago, mking8288 said:

  

@jaja - sorry, can't help you with that clasp ... hopefully, someone else can - or, if you upload a picture of that here, maybe some of the jewelry experts lurking can explain how to - if you are still not successful ??

Thanks...but I think I figured it out !!!

1 hour ago, mking8288 said:

 

 

[shadowmeboy]

4 hours ago, mking8288 said:

I am sure seadog67 is just as happy that folks are happy getting tips preparing for their own cruise ahead ... waiting for the continuation of last week's semi live report.  If I am not mistaken, there is going to be a 3rd semi/live Dawn update in less than 2 weeks, by shadowmeboy ... also running the Roll Call.  That should provide a great deal of continuity & uncover plenty of secrets in passing along the unknown, LOL.

 

 

Thanks for the shout out! My wife and I will be vlogging (YouTube) the week and I will do my pictorial review upon return from the cruise. With the limitations on the internet, I don't want to commit to something I cannot fulfill!

 

I appreciate the time you and Seadog67 put into your reviews. I will be doing most of my updating during my cruise on my twitter and Instagram feeds under the Shadowmeboy name. Then do one of, as some will say "popular,' reviews. I love sharing my cruise and if you all like it, then I will do it every time. To see what we are planning to do, subject to change, visit https://youtu.be/oaLeFXFGaY4 - our NCL Dawn Pre-cruise Preview! We are planning on eating a lot of lobster!

 

Thank you @mking8288 and @seadog67 for your efforts here on cruise critic, I enjoyed it.

[purpleally]

4 hours ago, shadowmeboy said:

 

Thanks for the shout out! My wife and I will be vlogging (YouTube) the week and I will do my pictorial review upon return from the cruise. With the limitations on the internet, I don't want to commit to something I cannot fulfill!

 

I appreciate the time you and Seadog67 put into your reviews. I will be doing most of my updating during my cruise on my twitter and Instagram feeds under the Shadowmeboy name. Then do one of, as some will say "popular,' reviews. I love sharing my cruise and if you all like it, then I will do it every time. To see what we are planning to do, subject to change, visit https://youtu.be/oaLeFXFGaY4 - our NCL Dawn Pre-cruise Preview! We are planning on eating a lot of lobster!

 

Thank you @mking8288 and @seadog67 for your efforts here on cruise critic, I enjoyed it.

I LOVE your reviews. Hardest part is waiting for them!

[Moonglo]

On 5/18/2019 at 9:22 PM, seadog67 said:

Well, after what felt like a long day with the excitement of traveling, we tried to see the welcome aboard show but we were late arriving and it was packed in the entrances with standers and we did not want to fight through.

 

We made a quick donation to the casino college fund sadly and walked the deck to admire the bright moon.

 

Tomorrow is a sea day so plans are up in the air.  Since Mking provided the dailies last week let me know if you want to see them again and I will post them.

 

Clocks ahead one hour tonight and be sure to put your breakfast order out before turning in..,

 

Good Night Critics, see everyone bright and early tomorrow...

 

 

The chocolate Croissants are my fave......love room service on NCL.

[shadowmeboy]

13 hours ago, purpleally said:

I LOVE your reviews. Hardest part is waiting for them!

 

Ah Thank you!

[want2go]

How does disembarking in NYC work?  First time on Dawn coming up and want to sightsee NYC before LGA flight.  Do you get options of times?  What is earliest? What is latest?

Thanks for your trip review!