Live From the Dawn...

[Dorinda]

Hi CFL - well, I only posted once - but I was live!

 

Sal - just out of curiosity, who was the Capt. when you were on? The reason given for the cocktail party rather than the luncheon concerned the Norwalk virus that was still going around. At the cocktail party the Capt was there but not the Staff Capt. They are evidently very worried that the top crew members could all become ill and incapacited at the same time. BTW, the problem was over before the cruise ended.

 

We had some rough-ish seas on the last day. A few people didn't feel well. Two of our tablemates missed our last dinner, which was sad.

 

For future cruisers - be sure to check your final bill. There seemed to be many mistakes when it came to the free internet. Our bill was finally corrected but it took a couple of trips to the purser's desk.

 

The fill in cruise director, Neil Chandler, was great. We hope to sail with him again. He gave us two CC parties and atteneded both. Couldn't have been nicer. Don't miss his morning show - it's funny and you have a chance to win a free drink of the day.

 

We were off the ship, on BART, in the door before 11:30. Sure beats flying!

 

All in all, it was a fun, relaxing cruise and a great way to spend 11 days!

 

Cheers - and happy holiday everyone!

Dee

[liv2cruise4ever]

Dee,

 

Welcome home to the Bay Area. Sorry for the unhospitable weather you're returning to.

 

Just curious, do you know how long Neil will be on the Dawn? We're cruising in Jan. and hope that he will still be aboard. Please post pictures if possible. Are you going to write a review?

 

Anyway, Merry Christmas!

 

Liv2cruise4ever:D

[Dorinda]

Dear liv2cruise4ever - We think you are in luck because we're pretty sure we heard that Neil is on till February.

 

Nope, won't be posting any pics because we hardly took any! Besides, when I saw CFL's pics I figured they were better than any I could take!

 

No review, either - except to say: the cruise was good value, with great service, good food, enjoyable entertainment, fun ports, and a lovely ship.

 

I bet you'll have a wonderful time!

 

Cheers,

Dee

[cruiserforlife]

Dee,

 

OMG...I had forgotten about your "live" submission...please excuse me.;)

 

CFL

[Bobed1927]

I just found this thread so my question is a bit late. We're booked for C635 on March 10. My SO likes an afternoon nap and has a problem with noise. Was the problem ever corrected or did it persist for the entire cruise?

[stanford's girl]

Judy and I were just laying around in the hottub today, watching the frigate birds fly by, getting our feet massaged by the jets in the tub, warm bubbly water flowing up your back. No cell phone, no computer, no frantic phone calls, just kick back, relax. After about 20 minutes we looked at each other, sighed, and then kicked back for another 20 minutes.

 

It one of those times in life that you simply pause the time stream and take a deep drink of the entire moment, the feelings, the sites, the sounds. Then the real world seeps back in and time begins to flow again, but the sense of complete relaxation and calm remains.

 

What a beautifully written example of a special moment. :cool:

I hope everyone who cruises captures the type of feeling you described so well. :)

[LETS PARTY]

 

What a beautifully written example of a special moment. :cool:

I hope everyone who cruises captures the type of feeling you described so well. :)

Janice

Well Well I see your lurking about!!!:) :p

How was the Westerdam?

WE were on the Crown Oct 27-Nov11 left from nyc to PR

nice ship

will be going on the Dawn 2/16 you guys should come!! 4th time on Dawn

Rob & Marty

[liv2cruise4ever]

Dear liv2cruise4ever - We think you are in luck because we're pretty sure we heard that Neil is on till February.

 

Nope, won't be posting any pics because we hardly took any! Besides, when I saw CFL's pics I figured they were better than any I could take!

 

No review, either - except to say: the cruise was good value, with great service, good food, enjoyable entertainment, fun ports, and a lovely ship.

 

I bet you'll have a wonderful time!

 

Cheers,

Dee

 

Dee, thanks so much for the quick response. Good news about Neil...fingers are crossed :)

 

You're right about CFL's pictures....they are beautiful!!!!

 

Loved your synopsis....

 

Yes, we will have a wonderful time, how can you not!!!!! Cruised on the Dawn last Mar. Loved her and will sail again in one month. Ahhhh...........

 

Merry Christmas,

and Happy New Year!:D

Liv2cruise4ever

[cruiserforlife]

I just found this thread so my question is a bit late. We're booked for C635 on March 10. My SO likes an afternoon nap and has a problem with noise. Was the problem ever corrected or did it persist for the entire cruise?

 

I think Cruisin Sal was closer to your room then I...the noise problem is one Princess can remedy,it appears they left whatever it was on auto-pilot instead of shutting it down at night.Hopefully Sally will check-in with her comments.

 

Wasn't a huge problem,just an annoyance.

 

Hope you have a fun cruise,

 

CFL

[Cruisin Sal]

Dorinda,

Our captain for most of the week was Wm. Kent.

Bobed,

The noise in C635 occurred on the first night. Everytime the tenders were out the noise came back. It has something to do with the davits. We had 4 separate incidents. One must keep at it with the purser's desk until they get an engineer to dismantle it. The last night leaving Cabo San Lucas we called the dest 5 times. My DH said if it didn't stop he was trading beds with the captain (10:30 pm). Just be persistant.

Sally

[RASHOPPER2]

And A Merry Christmas And Happy New Year To All. Hope That We Meet Again On Another Wonderful Cruise.

 

Ruth-ann And Lloyd

[cruzinchris]

This past Saturday as DH and I watched the Dawn sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and into the sunset, we realized that there are just three sailings prior to our cruise on January 25. Just 31 days until we sail on the lovely Dawn Princess!

 

Best wishes to everyone for a Happy Holiday!

Chris

[Sonogirl]

Hello from the Dawn, Xmas Cruise;

 

This is our first day at sea. The waters are calm, temps today in the mid 60’s, getting warmer as we head further south. We have sailed 486 nautical miles

 

Embarkation: We arrived early as we had a party of 6 & our elderly mother with us, and wanted to try to get ahead of the crowds. Some passengers were still departing so the curbside check in was crowded. Our Luggage was taken promptly by porters and we were escorted by terminal personnel to check in, then issued group boarding cards & brought to a holding area. We boarded the ship at approximately 11:30 AM. To Carolers singing in the Atrum. Our luggage arrived to our room in time to get ready for dinner

( late seating, Traditional Dining).

Important to note Those of us in the first 2-3 groups boarding DID NOT get Embarkation Photos Taken, as they were not set up upon our arrival. This was not a big deal for us but for those of you that it is important to, plan to arrive a little later.

 

Food: Lunch: Horizon Court ( Buffet) BIG Disappointment. Not a great selection and Not very Tasty.

Dinner Traditional Dining: Late Seating 8:00 Wait staff so far very attentive. Food Very Good. Out of the selection available our group preferred the Pasta & the Chicken Cordon Bleu.

 

Activities:

A lot of activities going on, too many to mention in this post, however the places we went Casino, Jammers were pretty quiet the first night . We were told that this is normal. We did not attend the Welcome Aboard Show, with Comedian Steve Wyler, as our dinner ended later than we expected. One of the potential problems with late Seating 8:00 is that Shows are scheduled for 8:15 & 10:15 If dinner lasts longer the seating is difficult.

 

More later. Have to get ready for Xmas eve Dinner. Formal Night.

 

The Atrium is especially nice with a Beautiful Tree, Santa & his sleigh and Gingerbread Houses decorating the area. Also each room has a nice garland on your mail box.

[cruiserforlife]

Sonogirl,

 

Thanks for taking the time to post "live" from the Dawn today,glad to hear things are going well.I thought about the Dawn today on my morning walk...as I do often.

 

"May your seas be calm and your drinks tall and cool...!":D

 

And a very Merry Christmas to all you Dawn cruisers,past,future,...and current.;)

 

CFL

[Carol C]

Hi Everyone:

 

We are just home last night from San Francisco and our trip on the Dawn Princess.

 

Hi D, it was nice to meet you and John and meet others at our Cruise Critic get togethers. Gangway I believe was his name came to the last one and even wore his blue Cruise Critic shirt. Neil the CR was infact very pleasant and easy to speak with. A very light hearted young man. Hello to Andi and Wilbur, Carol and her husband. Delightful people. The people from Vancouver, I cannot remember your names, always had smiles on their faces.

 

A few comments, we had a pleasant relaxing cruise, we loved the few rocking days we had at sea, we love the motion. We thought that embarkation was horrible and I was very glad my husband is Canadian and we got to go to the short line, there were several hundred people standing in a que and no place that we saw for the many elderly that could have used a place to rest.

 

I would avoid all trips to the Horizon Court, food choice was minimal and food quality below average. This is our opinion, we are not foodies by no means and easy to please.

 

Service in the dinning room was wonderful, traditional, late seating. Our waiter and assistant were full of personality.

 

The room steward was efficient but you would have thought the room supplies were coming out of his own closet. We would have 2 bars of soap, one for the sink, one for shower. One container each of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. Two bath towels, hand towels and wash clothes were always repleneshed but never an extra upon request. Frequently we had to ask for fresh beach towels to be delivered after handing him the wet ones. As I stated he was efficient and minimal. This did not diminish our cruise just found him to be a very frugal person. TP was not replaced on the roll until just about out!!! I was glad for a box of tissues in the bathroom.

 

The entertainment was hit and miss, we walked out on one comedian, the first ever for us after 21 cruises. Other entertainers were fine. Show times were inconvenient for late dinner seating, we missed a few because of scheduling.

 

While there was nothing really wrong nor was anything especially excellent on this cruise. The people we met from Cruise Critic and our tablemates made this cruise fun for us.

 

We had a balcony cabin and we used it as much as possible., we just had to schedule times when we heard our neighbors leave their cabins. We were between a cigar smoker and a cigarette smoker. I realize that they have rights also and expect full use of their balcony as we did. I would like to see maybe smokers on one side and non smokers on the other, but realize that this would be very hard to schedule I imagine. We felt deprived when opening the door to the balcony, we were hit with smoke and did not get full use of the balcony.

 

All in all the ship was very clean and appeared to be in good condition, we were in the atrium when Santa and his sleigh with reindeers came crashing down, not all the way but what a smack beside the elevators, we were glad to see no damage to passengers or Santa. We were grateful for the crew and other passengers taking responsibility for hygiene practices and the Noro virus precautions were called off.

 

Happy Sailing:

Carol and Norm

[Mary Jane 711]

Hi Carol,

I was on the cruise on the Dawn previous to yours. I am glad you enjoyed your cruise as much as we did. I also had a hard time with the smokers on board. We didn't have that problem on our balcony, thankfully. However, the smell of smoke did ruin some of the times we spent in public rooms. It was pretty bad. I look forward to the day that no one smokes on board anymore. Don't hold my breath I guess!

Also glad you mentioned the Noro virus precautions seemed to be called off. We had quite a few outbreaks on our cruise and it felt like a hospital ship.

[cruiserforlife]

Great review Carol,yup...that about sounds like the cruise we were on although I imagine the HC can go hot & cold in terms of quality from week to week.I've heard that complaint from others as well.The HC food on our cruise was better than average with a few items being excellent.I don't generally eat at buffets so I'm only guessing here.I like to eat a salad at lunch and that was always fresh as is Princess's food in general.

 

Sorry to hear about your frugal room steward,imagine such a thing..."er,can I have a roll of TP PLEASE!":eek:

 

As far as the smoking issue,I don't have the answer there nor does the cruise industry I'm certain.Many european clientele smoke as well as many from the Orient so I'm not sure how you deal with that.I still cannot believe that cruiseships allow smoking inside the cabin,even if I smoked,I wouldn't do that.

You'll see less smoking areas in the future probably but smoke-free?

 

They tried that once,didn't work...

 

CFL

[Sonogirl]

Post #2

Christmas Eve & Day:

 

Formal Night Christmas Eve: Everyone was in their Holiday best. There was music, Carolers, and Photos in the Atrium. The Captin also hosted his welcome party in the Atrium.

 

In the Dining room, there was the Traditional Christmas Turkey, Ham and Medallions of Beef, which was my choice. Another table favorite, was the Veal Stuffed Ravioli with Porcini mushrooms. We have decided to each pick our Entrée and then get 1 additional one for the table to split. Everyone in our party enjoyed their pick and of course the table favorite, Ravioli impressed us all. There was also a snow crab (& something) crepe as appetizer which was to die for! Our dinner was complimented with Champagne to start followed by a Special Rubicon.

 

Evening activities: Both the Casino and Jammers had large groups for the evening activities. 1st night of Karaoke, demonstrated a wide variety of talent. Christmas Night will be the 1st heat of Competition. DJ. Played until the wee hours of the morning, which made for a late start, for our group opening presents on Christmas morning.

 

Christmas Day: Santa Arrived to see the children around noon, and there was a plethora of activities throughout the day. The weather definitely warmed enough for us to partake in some time by the pool as the temperature reached the high 70’s. The seas were a little rougher during the morning hours as we were navigating through the Mexican waters towards Mazatlan.

 

Since we were late opening presents and did not have breakfast we decided to try the Dining room for Lunch service. The table selections were Traditional Turkey & Braised short ribs. Both were enjoyed by our group with each accompanied by a nice selection of side dishes.

 

Evening Activities: The Holiday Show with Illusionist Chip Romero was in Princess Theatre & Comedy Club with Scot Wyler in Vista Lounge, which is what we saw. I personally was too tired from the previous evening to really appreciate this comedian, so it became a early to bed night.

 

Day 4 Mazatlan: The men in our group played golf with the tour while the ladies had a spa day.

For the golf enthusiasts: The golf course my husband says was a 7 out of a 10. A fair course difficulty wise for the mid range golfer, a little overpriced for the condition of the course, and the Boys had a great day of male bonding.

 

For those Ladies who were left on board, Princess offered 20% discount for SPA services while their SO” s golfed. I had the Seaweed Wrap with ½ body massage. My mom had a haircut and my son’s girlfriend had a facial. All of us were very happy with our services, we had a very relaxing day.

 

Misc. Shipboard Info:

Coffee Card : good only for Hot Coffee drinks . You can not use it for iced, blended or alcohol + coffees.

 

Laundry room: Only 2 washers & dryers per floor. Plan on saving your laundry until day 5 at sea where they allow you to stuff 1 Princess laundry bag full for only $20. A good deal and a lot less hassle and waist of time!

 

The dinners days 3 & 4 were Continental & Princess menu. One of the nights we tried the Pizzeria and had a nice Italian dinner. My Son & his girlfriend had date nite at the Steakhouse and said that it was their best dinner so far. Food excellent and atmosphere great, very much worth the extra $25.00 charge for special night.

 

Day 5 At Sea:

A wonderful day to spend poolside. Temps in the high 80’s. We saw a school of dolphins swimming along the starboard side of the ship in the afternoon. Plenty of activities also going on throughout the day.

 

Dinner was International night. The majority of our table stayed with the USA Surf & Turf. I chose the Leg of Lamb, and our table pick was the Italian Crepe. All enjoyed.

Also Dining room getting a little less crowded on some non formal nights now so it is easier to get done in time to make shows.

 

Too much sun and anticipation of a full day in Acapulco again caused an early night to retire. A few of us stayed up for the comedy show featuring Andres Fernandez. Excellent show, however I would caution a lot of his material is geared for adults so it may not be the best choice for the children in your groups.

 

All for now I will try to recap the next couple of days later.

 

 

 

 

 

:p

[cruiserforlife]

Wow Sonogirl,cruising during Christmas sounds like sooo much fun!;)

Thanks for taking the time to fill us all in...you're making us all jealous you know.:rolleyes:

 

Enjoy the remainder of your cruise...

 

CFL

[Cruisin Sal]

CFL,

For Christmas our kids gave us a digital camera. I wish I had had it on the Dawn cruise so you could have shown me how to use it!

Happy New Year. May 2007 be a good cruise year for everyone.

Sally

[CruisinCadie]

We're booked for the C635 in April. Please report back when you return from your cruise and let us know if the problem still persists. My DH also likes his afternoon nap and gets quite irritable when his sleep is disturbed.

 

KD

[cruiserforlife]

CFL,

For Christmas our kids gave us a digital camera. I wish I had had it on the Dawn cruise so you could have shown me how to use it!

Happy New Year. May 2007 be a good cruise year for everyone.

Sally

 

Cool Sally..you'll love it.

 

Happy New Year to you and Jack too...as well as all our Dawn cruisers!;)

 

CFL

[Bonnie-Jean]

Hi,

 

We are booked and paid in full for March 21st cruise, airline tickets bought and hotel reserved. I have a question about transporation from airport to hotel at Fishermans Wharf. What is the best means of transporation?

Taxi or Shuttle? If shuttle, which company?

 

I always appreciate all the information provided on these boards. Have been very important in making decisions.

 

Bonnie & George from Oklahoma City, OK

[aaerobear]

It really has to do with how far you are from the pier. If you are in a downtown hotel, use a cab, they are not that expensive and are quite reliable. If you are staying at a hotel near the airport, then use either Lorries or the Supershuttle, I think they are now about 18-20 dollars PP.

 

Ed

[tahoe782]

Bonnie and George

 

There is always the Bart rail system from airport to pier. We will be joining you on this cruise

Aleeta