Back from Dawn (6/20-6/27) stayed in Garden Villa

[songster67]

Back about 3 hrs now. We were in the Horizon Villa # 14000. I'll post review of trip/room later but start with q's

[Bunnynme]

How wonderful was the Garden Villa Suite? How many other people were in it? It looks absolutely amazing!!!!

 

Would love to hear what restaurants you went to and how you liked them.

 

Thanks,

Madeline

[bragstarr]

No questions; I'm jealous. Was it wonderful? I actually am curious about your opinion of the restaurants also!

Robin

[songster67]

It absolutely was beyond compare. I have never travelled nor been attended to like this before. Gonna be hard doing anything else from now on. We were 6 people...my wife and I, our 3 kids, and my mom. The other villa, though, only had 3 people. The review will include the restaurants.

[henryf]

Welcome Home, Songster67,

Will you have any pictures to post? Would be great if you can. Also, who was the CD and how were the shows? Thanks.

[NorgeCruisin]

Were you a last minute upgrade?

 

It must have been a wonderful experience! Glad you had a good time!

[CruisinMatt]

I am beyond jealous! :D

[songster67]

Ok now for the review. Keep in mind, that the Villa afforded lots o' things but I can also offer comparison; because we were in a deck 11 suite last year.

 

EMBARKATION

We arrived at the pier around 11:10am. It looked like bedlam. Since we upgraded to the Villa about 2 weeks before sailing, we did not have new docs so we went to the non-ticketed line. A little unsure, I stopped an NCL rep who had just closed her counter on that line (naturally) and asked if we were in the right place. She asked which category we upgraded to, and when I told her the Villa she pulled us out of the line and asked us to wait right near it. Two minutes later, a man came over, introduced himself and within 1 minute, we were being checked in. While at the check in desk, Ruth, the Concierge came along and waited for us to finish. By 11:25 we were onboard and in the suite. Our stewards were waiting to introduce themselves and before we had the chance for Ruth to give us the suite tour, our luggage was brought in.

 

THE VILLA

Oh my lord! It was the most incredible room I have ever seen and the pics don't do it justice. Living room with couch, coffee table, player piano, bar, desk with laptop. Dining room with seating for 8 and a drawer of every menu from every restaurant. Spacious bedrooms with mostly king size beds. Baths with glass showers and glass sinks/countertops, but the real thriller was outside. You step outside and it looks like a Greco/Roman garden. There is a wooden table with seating for 8 under a covering loaded with (faux) ivy and grapes. Next is a hammock built for 2 then a cozier table with seating for 4. Benches and statue busts abound. Two steps up and there's the jacuzzi the door to the steam room/shower/cabana, a covered bench (great for pics) and more statues with a lion's head fountain. Walk up the rounded staircase and you reach a HUGE sunning area with enough room for 50 people and deck chairs and cocktail tables for 10. All of this overlooks the Oasis pool. The room itself is just above the pool bar and Cagneys.

 

Huda, the butler, was next to drop by and brought the adults champagne and OJ for the kids. He explained his role -- more Major Domo than anything else. My wife was interested in the spa, so Ruth had the Spa Manager come up and introduce himself. Apparently, there are certain treatments that are only available for Villa guests and pretty much anything can be done in the room. Ruth and Huda excused themselves and we unpacked. Huda came back with shrimp trays and canapes and we snacked and sat outside. Every night, either the Hotel Manager or Concierge sends up canapes and crudites before dinner and truffles and chocolate covered strawberries late. We gave Ruth our requests for restaurants (apparently Villa guests can even get reservations at the main restaurants) and we were off.

 

On Friday night, we hosted a cocktail and dinner party in the Villa for 10 people. A bar waiter from the Star bar handled drinks, we chose Venetian as our restaurant and Huda served us as any waiter IN the restaurant would.

 

Three of our specialty restaurant meals were complimentary as was most wine with dinner. Our good fortune extended to others as a couple who were not staying for dinner on Friday had made reservations at Salsa. We began our party at 715 and they didn't think they'd make it because their reservations were for 730. They tried to change the time to 815 but the Salsa maitre d' told them they couldn't be accomodated. They were a little sad and the maitre d' asked if they had a special function to attend. When they told her they were invited to the Villa for cocktails, she immediately changed their reservation.

 

What did get a little weird is we tend to maintain a low profile. Unfortunately when you need to put your card key in a slot in the elevator to hit the button for the 14th floor, other passengers take notice. Many said nothing, some asked if we were millionaires, some told us they were going to get off on our floor and tour around, and some were just nasty. I'm NY born and bred, people, don't p*ss me off. I don't like to pull rank but the would be tourists were put in their place and the nasty ones, well some I couldn't resist humiliating and others I reminded that a cruise is a vacation many don't get to enjoy so chill out.

 

THE CRUISE

Fantastic! Sure the Villa added many perks, but the seas were smooth. Had a quickie shower in Canaveral just before departure, and a couple of doozy storms on Saturday afternoon, but otherwise the weather was beautiful and hotter n' heck. The Kid's Crew program was great, as usual, even though there were some new counselors and 800 kiddies. I've been to Florida and the Bahamas so we stayed aboard except for a quick walk along Bay Street in Nassau. Was a little dismayed to see so many parents abandon their kids at the kiddie pool and how many overweight grown men decided to go down the slides -- landing on children in the process, but there's always something.

Found the gift shop staff atrocious. Now, I understand how long their contracts are, but relax gals...you signed up for this. On Monday night, one of the jewelry clerks told me she was thrilled to be in port the next few days. When I asked if we passengers are really that bad, she told me "worse". I remembered that for the comment card. On the other hand, on Thursday afternoon, I was walking into the Garden Cafe. One of the Cafe 'attendants' was about to walk in at the same time, but abruptly stopped to let me in first. Now I'm 5'10 and 170 lbs and wear a 42 regular jacket. We both easily could've walked in simultaneously...side by side even. I extended my hand and said "Ladies, first". She said "No, I'm crew." So I told her that as a passenger I'm giving her an order to go and reminded her that on Sunday I wouldn't be a passenger anymore. Poor girl turned so red but smiled from ear to ear.

 

Casino was good. Usually I only play Caribbean Stud Poker, but the table was cold for me. Made good money on roulette.

 

Okay, okay...food/restaurants. We ate at Cagney three times, Impressions, Bamboo, Le Bistro and had Venetian for our in room party. I thought Cagney's was better last year, but still very good. Had surf n turf one night, lamb chops, and a rib eye. Get the crab cakes and skip the onion soup (a little murky). If you go to Cagney's, slip something to either Joey or Noel (the Maitre D's) and ask for Renate as your waiter and Monika as your assistant. They were PHENOMENAL!!! When my mom ordered the veal chop our 2nd night there, Renate said, "okay, so you want the rib eye" meaning the veal stunk.

 

Impressions was very good. We were there on Monday night. Can't remember our waiters name but it began with a J. He, too, was great. I had the tiger prawns but overall everyone loved the meal.

 

Last year we went to Teppanyaki and Bamboo. If you've been to Benihana, skip Teppanyaki. We weren't thrilled with Bamboo last year, but decided to give it a 2nd try. THE BEST MEAL OF THE TRIP. If you like meat, get either the 3-style pork or the beef dish. Yum.

 

Last year we didn't go to Le Bistro and I regret it. What a beautiful restaurant sitting amongst these unreal works of art and the food was the 2nd best of the trip. My wife raved about the sea bass, and we all had the beef consomme baked in a puff pastry. I screwed up and had the Fire Star combo. It was okay but I kinda felt like I was eating at Medieval Times.

 

Lastly, while we didn't go into Venetian (and somehow didn't last year either) we did have the food on Friday night in the Villa. If you like lobster, hold out for Friday. Awesome. And start with the sesame-crusted lamb appetizer.

 

Although I have a sweet tooth, I didn't go nuts on dessert. The cheesecake was great. My wife said cherries jubilee was good but they didn't burn off enough of the alcohol, and the vanilla souffle was probably the best of the trip. Didn't need dessert knowing a plate of truffles were waiting for me. Instead, if you like wine, make sure you try the Muscat Vin de Glaciere. It is a sweet ice wine only for dessert...you'll be glad you did.

 

If anyone has specific wine or booze questions I'll try and answer. Two great bartenders were Jerrito in the casino bar -- tell him Steve who drinks Bellinis says hi -- or Maria in the Pearly Kings. She is a riot.

 

We love the casino and disco so can't say anything about the shows or cruise staff, but no one seemed disappointed.

 

DEBARKATION

Another perk of the Villa. We met Ruth at 930 at the Stardust Theatre. We had a slight delay in clearing because two 20-year old girls from Lebanon were too busy getting over hangovers to cooperate and show up at Immegration. But at 10, Ruth escorted us off the ship, got us a porter, who helped find our bags in the VIP section then led us to the elevator, out to the street where she put us into our (NCL sponsored) limo for the ride home.

 

Overall, a great trip and now gotta work my tail off so we can do it again for the 10-day 11/18 sailing. Don't think it's gonna happen though unless I have a winning lottery ticket.

 

Just ask questions and otherwise enjoy your sailings. It really is a great ship and wish each of you the experience of rooms 14000 or 14500. It was a once in a lifetime experience for us, and something we should ALL have the good fortune of discovering.

 

Steve

[sasisu]

Hi Songster, your trip sounds like a fabulous dream? What type of suite did you stay in last year?

[songster67]

We were in an AB penthouse #11550. Also a last minute upgrade

[bragstarr]

Steve,

 

Too bad they don't have an smilie who is drooling, because that is what I am doing now. I'm going to be in an inside cabin! As a Queens born and bred gal, funny to hear you gave those nosy people in the elevator the business!

Cannot wait to see pictures of the villa.

Robin

[sbcs5390]

HeH... seems like you had a great time. Yes, I'm jealous, but you had a good time and that's what's important.

 

If I saw you put your card in the elevator, I'd probably just give you a coy kind of simper, but not make comment. Shows those people to mess with NYers! (I live in NJ... and know not to)

 

Robin- Don't worry, you can stay in an inside cabin, but go to every activity, and have the time of your life. Who knows, you might not even wind up back in your room every night!

 

Someday, maybe I could get a chance in there. According to the NCL site, it can hold 6 people. Now, say you're a group of college people. I think I remember playing with the numbers sometime and figuring that it really wouldn't be that much more, considering all the perks, to stay in there if all 6 split the cost, versus 3 individual cabins at a lower category. I'll look at it later.

 

I can't wait to see those pics, either! Thanks for the info.

 

-Brian

[CruisinMatt]

OK.....

 

I have to ask too....

 

ARE you a millionaire?? :D:D:D

[Robert313]

I was also on this cruise, but in an balcony on Deck Nine. Everything was fabulous and I loved the cruise. Crew members worked very diligently to make every passenger's vacation one of relaxation and fun! Post-cruise depression has already set in..I would definitely go back on the Dawn.

[sasisu]

We are in an AB suite in 3 weeks. Please tell me about that room and the little extras that came with it. Thanks.

[AmyinVail]

Songster - well, you came through! You promised a review from the villa and you did it! I thought a millionaire like you wouldn't have time! LOL You have pictures, too? Can't wait. I'm going to go for it on the Star next spring in Mexico...I have plenty of time to coordinate my strategy!!! Thanks again!!

[DivaG]

Thanks so much for the review. I think it's a wonderful thing that you work hard and can provide wonderful vacations for your family. ;)

 

Quick question: Did you use a TA, internet or booked directly with NCL?

We're booked for the Sept. 12 sailing on the Dawn and I am soooooo excited. 11 weeks to go - YIPPEE

[hanaasmom]

Also staying in AB Aug 29 and would love details, Would love to upgrede to Villa-how much did it cost and when did you make the upgrade?

[songster67]

Thanks Diva for the vote of confidence. I do work 10 or 11 hr days and sometimes Saturdays, but my idea of vacation is taking it with my kids. We go away 1 week out of the year and we've been lucky to upgrade these last two.

 

Sas: the AB room is just as unreal. That was the category we booked before upgrading to the Villa. It does a great job holding 4 people assuming two are a couple or don't mind sharing a bed. The balcony is lovely, and the rest of the room is beautiful. You get a dutiful butler and access to the Concierge, as well as priority debarkation.

 

Depending what time I get home from work, I'm going to try and connect the camcorder to the computer and make a video for y'all of the Villa, or at the very least get some digital pics up.

[songster67]

We originally booked an AB with connecting AF (3 adults, 2 kids, 1 infant). We upgraded on June 7 and it cost us $375 per person (not incl infant). So we did it for under $11k total. Still tons o' loot but lived like royalty.

[sbcs5390]

Not too bad, but still costly. The upgrade was definitely worth it, though.

 

-Brian

[macdays1]

Songster, what a review! Thanks for sharing the magic with us. I'm going to buy an extra Powerball ticket and hope for the best. :-) Seriously though, no matter what type of cabin you are in, as long as you're cruising, it's a great vacation. I'm going on the Majesty for the 4th time in less than two weeks. Every vacation is magical for me. I love cruising. It doesn't get any better. Looking forward to seeing your pics. Glad you had such an awesome time.

 

Maureen

[sbcs5390]

4th time in 2 weeks? Wow.

 

-Brian

[songster67]

Sorry havent posted pics yet. Doesnt it completely stink how you go away on vacation and you get back to work and REGRET it. Long sick hours. All for king and country. Will try and create pics/video between now and end of long wkend.

[sbcs5390]

Don't feel bad, my pics from last August's vacation are still sitting on my digital camera card! Have to take care of those soon...

 

-Brian