What are the NOT TO BE MISSED things to do on NCL Dawn? (and any other tips too)

[Ruski007]

So I've been good and researched the site for tips and things that are not to be missed on the ship. I've got a list together as below... anyone have anything else to add?

Boarding Hints

· Once you board, go to the Venetian for lunch. The Venetian is located on Deck 6 aft. Most newbies are at the buffet. Find out what the real food is like right away. Portions are small, but ask for as much as you like.

· Usually the first two night have discounts for the Pay Specialty Restaurants, Le Bistro, Cagneys & Bamboo. They are worth the extra.

· For anyone sailing when it's cold outside there is one particular spot on deck 13 where you can stay warm while waiting for the obligatory overhead V. Bridge photo. Starboard side (right) just before the steps to the raised bow area with the forward hot tub there is a large vent which provides enough warm air to keep you defrosted while enjoying the view.

· Super deals at the spa on the first day of the cruise...especially a massage on the beach at the private island.

 

Must Dos

· Martini Clinic

· Margarita Clinic

· Chocolate Buffet

· Le Bistro

· Try to make the cha cha or swing class given by the internationally acclaimed dance team of Svetlana & Roman

· Piano Bar - Dan Hidge

· Don't forget to take your free spin in the casino every day

 

Things to ask for

· Feather pillows

· Foam mattress pad

· Robes

· Bar soap instead of liquid

 

Ports of Call

· St.Thomas – shopping/snorkeling/ Sapphire & Megan’s Bay Beaches

· Tortola – Virgin Gorda –Baths/ Dolphin Swim

· St. Martin – Friar’s Bay, DIVI bay, Orient Beach (if into nude thing), water sports.

· San Juan– been there done that for work way too many times…

· Bahamas– snorkeling

 

Things to know

· If you take your bags with you, can disembark first

· The steam rooms & sauna, lap pool, hot tub, & hydrotherapy pool in the spa are all "no charge"

· Lap pool & hot tub in El Dorado Spa

· 'secret' hot tub all the way forward on deck 13, forward of Bimini. Was very often un-crowded and often empty

· Also check out Star Bar for drink deals later in the evening, 2 for one and such

· Another tip: the buffet lines are not identical, if you don't find what you like on one side check out the other. Also one of them has great indian food.

· Slot machine that pays at least once a day max is Jackpot party on back wall or right wall depending, which way you come in. Quarter Machine. Not the last in row but is next to the stampede machine. The payout playing max bet is 250.00.

· 24 hour food available at the Blue Lagoon (take out available too), and through Room Service

· If you want to make reservations for LE BISTRO...make sure that you state you want to eat in the restaurant or they may put you just outside the entrance in an area called the WINE CELLAR (which is actually in a small lobby area).

· If you eat in the main (free) VENETIAN DINING ROOM...try to get a table next to the aft windows...a great spot to watch the wake behind the ship and don't be surprised if the automatic window washing makes a sweep past you!

 

· Free soft serve ice cream machine at Sprinkles

[Maryfrei]

Wow, thanks for putting all that together!

 

Don't forget Cappuccino or Espresso in the Dining Rooms, all meals, no extra charge, yummy:).

[judyf]

That's a great overview. Can you do one for the Star??? LOL

 

I have copied and pasted so many notes now that I think I'm more confused. I need to get it organized like you did. Love the way you did it.

 

Where's the time? Oh, if I stop reading and posting on CC's I might find some time. Now I dhould get off line and go cook dinner.

[tinkerbell1951]

So I've been good and researched the site for tips and things that are not to be missed on the ship. I've got a list together as below... anyone have anything else to add?

Boarding Hints

· Once you board, go to the Venetian for lunch. The Venetian is located on Deck 6 aft. Most newbies are at the buffet. Find out what the real food is like right away. Portions are small, but ask for as much as you like.

· Usually the first two night have discounts for the Pay Specialty Restaurants, Le Bistro, Cagneys & Bamboo. They are worth the extra.

· For anyone sailing when it's cold outside there is one particular spot on deck 13 where you can stay warm while waiting for the obligatory overhead V. Bridge photo. Starboard side (right) just before the steps to the raised bow area with the forward hot tub there is a large vent which provides enough warm air to keep you defrosted while enjoying the view.

· Super deals at the spa on the first day of the cruise...especially a massage on the beach at the private island.

 

Must Dos

· Martini Clinic

· Margarita Clinic

· Chocolate Buffet

· Le Bistro

· Try to make the cha cha or swing class given by the internationally acclaimed dance team of Svetlana & Roman

· Piano Bar - Dan Hidge

· Don't forget to take your free spin in the casino every day

 

Things to ask for

· Feather pillows

· Foam mattress pad

· Robes

· Bar soap instead of liquid

 

Ports of Call

· St.Thomas – shopping/snorkeling/ Sapphire & Megan’s Bay Beaches

· Tortola – Virgin Gorda –Baths/ Dolphin Swim

· St. Martin – Friar’s Bay, DIVI bay, Orient Beach (if into nude thing), water sports.

· San Juan– been there done that for work way too many times…

· Bahamas– snorkeling

 

Things to know

· If you take your bags with you, can disembark first

· The steam rooms & sauna, lap pool, hot tub, & hydrotherapy pool in the spa are all "no charge"

· Lap pool & hot tub in El Dorado Spa

· 'secret' hot tub all the way forward on deck 13, forward of Bimini. Was very often un-crowded and often empty

· Also check out Star Bar for drink deals later in the evening, 2 for one and such

· Another tip: the buffet lines are not identical, if you don't find what you like on one side check out the other. Also one of them has great indian food.

· Slot machine that pays at least once a day max is Jackpot party on back wall or right wall depending, which way you come in. Quarter Machine. Not the last in row but is next to the stampede machine. The payout playing max bet is 250.00.

· 24 hour food available at the Blue Lagoon (take out available too), and through Room Service

· If you want to make reservations for LE BISTRO...make sure that you state you want to eat in the restaurant or they may put you just outside the entrance in an area called the WINE CELLAR (which is actually in a small lobby area).

· If you eat in the main (free) VENETIAN DINING ROOM...try to get a table next to the aft windows...a great spot to watch the wake behind the ship and don't be surprised if the automatic window washing makes a sweep past you!

 

· Free soft serve ice cream machine at Sprinkles

what a riot .. u r 2 much .... now i don't have to sort through my mess ! Love it !! Tink

[awatt]

Ask for Prince as your waiter! You won't be disappointed.

[Ruski007]

Thanks guys! Can you tell that I'm a planner :o . My mom always asks me if I have any time scheduled to tinkle because I always overplan.

 

okay... capuccino & espresso in dining rooms...that's a good one...I like espresso... and Prince as a waiter... what else what else? Any other insider secrets?

[jaybyrd3007]

· For anyone sailing when it's cold outside there is one particular spot on deck 13 where you can stay warm while waiting for the obligatory overhead V. Bridge photo. Starboard side (right) just before the steps to the raised bow area with the forward hot tub there is a large vent which provides enough warm air to keep you defrosted while enjoying the view.

 

LOL i laughed when I saw this because when we sailed on the Dawn in the cold winter this was a LIFE SAVER!!!!!!! Just make sure you dont leave it because the passengers around you are going to be jelious!

Happy sailing

[Mooder]

·

For anyone sailing when it's cold outside there is one particular spot on deck 13 where you can stay warm while waiting for the obligatory overhead V. Bridge photo. Starboard side (right) just before the steps to the raised bow area with the forward hot tub there is a large vent which provides enough warm air to keep you defrosted while enjoying the view.

Is there a sail-away party while departing NYC? We took the Crown to Bermuda last June and enjoyed the party on deck - and the views - and have been wondering what they do in the winter. Your suggestion makes me wonder if everyone is on their own during the sail-away?

 

Thanks for all the help - this was a wonderful idea!

[silkhair1]

I love tips like this, anyone else?

[claudie]

What a great list! I can't think of anything to add.

[BarbCT605]

If you want to make reservations for LE BISTRO...make sure that you state you want to eat in the restaurant or they may put you just outside the entrance in an area called the WINE CELLAR (which is actually in a small lobby area).

Actually, my DH & I asked for this area one nite because Dan Hodge was playing piano right next to the small lobby area! We had already dined next to the "masters" previously, so we really enjoyed the live music while dining.

 

Speaking of Le Bistro, be sure to have Escargot for appetizer & Chocolate Fondue for dessert -- yum!:D

[calmac]

The Sushi bar is open for lunch on sea days - all you can eat for $10.

[miami]

You have done your homework :)

 

Must have at Le Bistro is the chocolate fondue.

 

You have to sign up for the express disembarkment but if you need a cab they will be waiting for you (but since you are from NJ I guess you probably won't need one).

 

Enjoy! The Dawn is a beautiful ship.

[Dolphins]

1. Breakfast in the Venetian.

2. Ballroom dancing in the Spinakker Lounge on Big Band Night.

3. Have at least one dinner in Salsa (Shrimp frajitas) and La Trattoria (Fruit de Mare and Zuppa Englaisa for dessert).

4. Pamala Stanley if she is performing nightly in Gatsby's.

5. Of the main restaurants, our favorite for dinner was Impressions

6. Anna Y Los Vientos or Best of Friends if they are performing in the Atrium.

7. Pianist Vladimir Krevian in whatever lounge he may be playing.

8. Buffalo Wings in the Blue Lagoon

[suzy671]

is there coupons for these restaurants? You mentioned discounts.

[Smellytoes]

If you're going on the Dawn soon do not miss Eddie Holman in the Stardust Theatre. He was so good we saw him 3 times.

 

And I know this has been posted here before but if you have your heart set on a particular specialty rest. make your ressies as soon as possible after you board. We got shut out of Salsa, Le Bistro and Cagneys.

[silkhair1]

I think we are going to plan our evening meals before we get on and make those reservations right away!!!!! This time there are only 8 of us (last cruise we had 13) so it ahould be easier!!!!!

[silkhair1]

I can't wait to see the Statue of Liberty from the ship. Beautiful!!!

[billy7834]

Anyone else have any must-do's?

[Zeno]

My best "generic" NCL tip (I have not been on the Dawn but have been on 3 NCL cruises) READ your Freestyle Daily. There should be one in your cabin when you arrive and one will be delivered every night (for the next day). It contains lots of useful info: Opening times of restaurants and dining rooms, any theme nights, any discounts being offered, entertainment - times and places, activities - times and places. We never leave our cabin without ours.

[Cosmopolitan]

is there coupons for these restaurants? You mentioned discounts.

 

Every evening, during turn-down, your cabin steward will leave a "freestyle daily" in your cabin.

This daily shows all activities on the ship for the following day.

 

It will also list the speciality restaurants (in a little corner usually on page one) - This is not the main list of all restaurants which is on the back of the daily -

 

If there is a special (usually 50% off cover) it will be stated in the speciality restaurants list.

Most times it is for dining 5:30 - 6:00 - meaning your ressie must be for those times.

Usually does not include Teppanyaki or "a la carte" priced items.

 

I believe that when we've sailed the Dawn and Jewel, they both had the 50% off specialities on sail-away day.

 

Try to check your daily each evening when you return to your cabin so you do not miss out on the AM activities for the next day and you can plan your day around the "specials" of the day.

[chessie68]

My best "generic" NCL tip (I have not been on the Dawn but have been on 3 NCL cruises) READ your Freestyle Daily

 

 

This is a great tip.We learned this one after showing up in the wrong place or at the wrong time for several activities. We thought we could remember where we were supposed to be. After showing up at the Captains gala in the wrong place, we started carrying ours with us :mad:

[Cosmopolitan]

 

And, a tip I learned on these boards..bring a highlighter to mark where you want to go. Easier when you check your daily during the day.

 

And, there are extra dailies down in the Atrium if you forget to bring yours with you and also they are in many different languages.

[silkhair1]

Anything else anyone can think of?

[Tarheelbelle]

You must go to the spa pools [whirlpools and wave pool]. They are great. No only that, but the lounge seats at the back of the spa are a great view of the wake of the ship---very peaceful! The lounges to the side near the dressingrooms also have these loungers and are great when there are no "seminars" there.

Also, the Zuppa Inglese in Il Adagio was excellent. Salsa restaurant was also really good. BTW, these are free specialty restaurants.

Enjoy your cruise!