NCL Dawn Cruise to Nowhere Review - May 5, 07 trip

[Dunder]

What can I say about one night aboard the Norwegian Dawn?

 

:mad: Oh yeah. Awful Food! Awful Food! Awful Food! Awful Food!

 

We were on the Dawn's Cinco De Mayo cruise-to-nowhere on May 5-6. We had two cabins - one on Deck 10 and my parents were on Deck 8.

It was my first time on an NCL cruise. The decor of the Dawn is very nice and although the computers were slow, the embarkation process was easy enough with a very nice lady, Soledad.

 

:mad: Food and Service was the worst ever on a cruise. One of the key features of a cruise SHOULD be food. From breakfast to dinner to room service it should be A+. Not on the Dawn..no how, no way! Its sad.

 

The Garden Cafe lunch buffet seemed like leftovers. The Aqua restaurant for dinner took an hour to get our entree and the food was awful. We ordered at 8:15 and received entrees at 9:20. Only the caeser salad was good. I hear the Impressions restaurant had faster service but the same awful food!

 

-- Breakfast in the Venetian Sunday morning was shockingly gross. Grilled ham was smaller than on a McMufffin, overcooked and cold. The scrambled eggs were dry and tasteless. The french toast was two tiny, tiny pieces. One plus - the orange juice and coffee were good!!

 

-- The stewards were very nice and always had a nice greeting. The suited staff were also very nice. Casino staff were nice but I won $200 so maybe I was just in a good mood. Nice casino but table limits of $25 dollars up was high - especially for craps!!!

 

-- Restaurant staff all over the ship seemed MISERABLE, very miserable. From the dinner reservation staff at embarkation to the waiters to the hostesses. Service at the Blue Lagoon sucked too - (both times we stopped by at 5pm and 3am). People sat for about 10 minutes and then just walked away. Many people complained at the Venetion during breakfast. Don't even try the tomato soup as its just warm tomato sauce with a crouton. Three of us left it on the table.

Let me be clear, these waiters were running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Working very hard but doing very little. They need management.

 

Its a beautiful ship and they had plenty of activities. I would travel on this ship again but only after I hear the food has improved. Maybe I was spoiled by the food and on the Carnival Victory so I hope NCL gets better chefs. Also, unlike Carnival, this cruise only has water, tea, coffee and milk as part of the deal. Carnival gives lemonade, orange juice and cranberry juice via dispensers all over their ship.

 

Entertainment: For a one night cruise the entertainment was very good. There was no broadway style show which disappointed the older folks but plenty of music, karaoke and entertainers. Several of the smaller bars had good singing acts and karaoke was packed. The cruise director was fun and so was the juggler who was very funny!

[matt690]

I have to agree for the most part about your review. The food was just disgusting. The service in Impressions was not much better... after 2 hours we had to walk out so we could make the show... didn't even get to have dessert. As for the entertainment... where was the cruise director and cruise staff at sailaway? And what is NCL's excuse for the two hosts of QUEST having 7 shots on stage and saying 9 times on stage to buy shots for $3.50 each... the whole show was a sales pitch... embarassing for the first time cruiser we brought along.

[heelfan94]

Wow, that's several negative posts about this sailing. I'm a little surprised that so many people agree on this one. :)

[Welove2cruise2]

I guess we won't have a one or two night cruise in our future -- that seems to be the common link here...

[mgf316]

i was on this cruise on the 5th too and have to agree the food was horrible- there wasnt a good choice and whatever it was, was just bad and tasteless. breakfast was really bad too, the cruise i took last August was much better and the food was really good-- i dunno what happend and i was dissappointed-- hopefully they do something about this-- otherwise it was a fun 1 night cruise

[familyof4cruising]

i was on this cruise on the 5th too and have to agree the food was horrible- there wasnt a good choice and whatever it was, was just bad and tasteless. breakfast was really bad too, the cruise i took last August was much better and the food was really good-- i dunno what happend and i was dissappointed-- hopefully they do something about this-- otherwise it was a fun 1 night cruise

 

I wanted to avoid having a horrible food experience, so I went to Cagneys. Instead I paid extra for a horrible food experience. I love NCL. I never complain, so trust me I am only stating what happened on the one night. This will not stop me from sailing on NCL - I know better, but what a shame for the first timers on this one night.

[cliffd64]

I enjoyed this party immensely (I wouldnt characterize it as a cruise) and the food I did have was just fine.

 

We had lunch in Venetian, and had dinner in Cagneys...

 

The lunch was very good, and since we were there fairly early, the service was impeccable.

 

The problem I had with Cagneys was more due to the restaurant being so busy and overbooked, that it took more than a half hour PAST our reservation to be seated. Made me wonder what a reservation is for if you have to wait 40 minutes or so for a table you made a reservation for (and it was only for 2, not a large group). But, we knew we would be seated eventually so we tried to enjoy the meal anyway.

 

The meal in Cagneys was very good... although the service was off due to the fact they were most likely overcapacity. I still prefer Le Bistro, so I guess next time, I'll stick with what I know works.

 

The biggfest problem on these dinner dance cruises is that EVERYONE tries to get a table in the specialty restaurants, and they tend to overbook.

 

To be honest, we slept through breakfast, so I canoot comment on the breakfast offerings...

 

It was a late night :) :) :)

[nyflush]

I have been trying to get a group of girls to come on NCl with me ive only Cruised once last year on the Dawn im going again in July. Cant get my friends to go on a cruise so for my best friends 40th i was going to book us on the dawn Sept 1st thought this would be a great way to break the ice but now what im reading this may be a mistake :(

 

How about Le Bisto? any good for the 1 nighter can we book a table for 10 girls? any info would be great :)

 

Im sure we will have a blast i just dont wanna hear from them i hate cruising food was so bad blah blah I wanna get them on a 8 day bash!

 

Thanks in advance

[cliffd64]

I have been trying to get a group of girls to come on NCl with me ive only Cruised once last year on the Dawn im going again in July. Cant get my friends to go on a cruise so for my best friends 40th i was going to book us on the dawn Sept 1st thought this would be a great way to break the ice but now what im reading this may be a mistake :(

 

How about Le Bisto? any good for the 1 nighter can we book a table for 10 girls? any info would be great :)

 

Im sure we will have a blast i just dont wanna hear from them i hate cruising food was so bad blah blah I wanna get them on a 8 day bash!

 

Thanks in advance

 

If you take them on a 1-nighter, keep in mind this will not let them experience anything but the ship itself. A normal cruise is entirely different. If they know that ahead of time and have the appropriate expectations, you should be fine.

[Bagbklyn]

I also believe the food for breakfast was aweful. It seems that NCL made the food horrible just so they could kick people off. I have been on Carnival cruises to nowhere and their breakfast wasn't as bad as NCL's. I cruised on the dawn before so I think it was definetly isoldated to the 1-day cruise.

 

Also the cruise staff were partying along with the passengers on the cruise. I think the captain must have given them the weekend off. with all that said I wouldn't hesitate to take NCL again, and still recommend it to friends and family. I will just lower my expectations for the 1-nighters on NCL and make sure I don't overpay.

[Mooder]

How about Le Bisto? any good for the 1 nighter can we book a table for 10 girls? any info would be great :)

I had a great experience Cinqo de Mayo. Because of the date, we chose to eat at Salsa's and the food and service were both great. The place was not full at all so we got just enough attention from the waitstaff and teh food was good and prompt. We noticed 2 different groups of girls (at least 10 each) having a great time at the restaurant. At least one of the groups was a bachelorette party and I coudl tell they were loving every minute of it. Choose wisely on a 1-nighter. I think the lesson from thsi cruise is that even though Cagney's is usually wonderful, they can't handle the crowds on a 1-nighter so I am glad we didn't go there even though it is usually our favorite.

[nyflush]

Thanks Cliff, I have already told them but I would like to have a good meal is Le Bisto open for the 1 nighters and is it good?

 

Thanks Bagbklyn, how do I get the best rate for us its going to be 10 or more of us I made online invites and like told the girls to invite friends etc so it could be up to like 20 girls and I just sent them an online link on the invite that I found or told them to call a local travel agent its a $199pp $173 if you have 4 in a room think that might go down? I just dont want them to sell out.

 

Any help would be great

[Bagbklyn]

Thanks Cliff, I have already told them but I would like to have a good meal is Le Bisto open for the 1 nighters and is it good?

 

Thanks Bagbklyn, how do I get the best rate for us its going to be 10 or more of us I made online invites and like told the girls to invite friends etc so it could be up to like 20 girls and I just sent them an online link on the invite that I found or told them to call a local travel agent its a $199pp $173 if you have 4 in a room think that might go down? I just dont want them to sell out.

 

Any help would be great

 

I believe your best bet is to deal with A TA. They can probably get you a better rate or OBC then NCL can. The TA might be able to get you an upgrade if the price drops. Booking directly with NCL you usually have to wait until you get an upsell or be lucky enough to find an operator willing to help you out.

[newmexicoNita]

I have been trying to get a group of girls to come on NCl with me ive only Cruised once last year on the Dawn im going again in July. Cant get my friends to go on a cruise so for my best friends 40th i was going to book us on the dawn Sept 1st thought this would be a great way to break the ice but now what im reading this may be a mistake :(

 

How about Le Bisto? any good for the 1 nighter can we book a table for 10 girls? any info would be great :)

 

Im sure we will have a blast i just dont wanna hear from them i hate cruising food was so bad blah blah I wanna get them on a 8 day bash!

 

Thanks in advance

I have never taken a one nighter, but have a two nighter: they really are pretty much for partying only: crowded casinos, food less than great and overall service not as good as longer ones. I would try for something like a 3 or 4 day cruise if you want to introduce friends to cruising. Even that isn't the same as a week plus, but it is better. NMNita

[SailAways]

I have never taken a one nighter, but have a two nighter: they really are pretty much for partying only: crowded casinos, food less than great and overall service not as good as longer ones. I would try for something like a 3 or 4 day cruise if you want to introduce friends to cruising. Even that isn't the same as a week plus, but it is better. NMNita

 

I understand the one or two night cruises being more of a party atmosphere, but why should the food and service be any different?

This simply does not seem right when you consider that it is the same ship, same crew, same cooks, etc.

What would be the difference here?

Perhaps my premise is completely wrong, and they do bring in inexperienced crew, etc. for the short cruises.

If so, it is apparently bad business, according to this, and previous threads expressing similar disappointments.

Do you have any insight as to how this works?

Thanks:)

[electricron]

I understand the one or two night cruises being more of a party atmosphere, but why should the food and service be any different?

This simply does not seem right when you consider that it is the same ship, same crew, same cooks, etc.

What would be the difference here?

Perhaps my premise is completely wrong, and they do bring in inexperienced crew, etc. for the short cruises.

If so, it is apparently bad business, according to this, and previous threads expressing similar disappointments.

Do you have any insight as to how this works?

Thanks:)

 

Is the food really that different? I don't think so.

A one night cruise just doesn't have the time to experience the entire menu choices available over a week. I wouldn't expect the "lobster night" menu on a one night cruise. Whereas I expect some of the weekly vendors might show up twice in a week, to load and unload while old and new passengers are, I don't expect all will. Therefore, some food items have been on the ship from the previous week's longer cruise embarkation.

 

The whole crew pitches in moving bags around on disembarkation-embarkation day. If they aren't moving bags, they're moving other supplies. To expect the crew to be in a great mood after two straight days moving bags and supplies is expecting too much. Actually, the crew on a one night cruise doesn't even get the time to know you, even if it was a "Traditional" cruise. With a NCL style "Freestyle" cruise, I don't know how they manage. It's not like you'll be returning tommorrow to chat with them.

 

The passengers rush around trying to take in everything, the crew gets rushed, therefore the overall experience must be rushed. The ship isn't running smoothly with its normal routine, because it isn't doing its normal routine. Take anyone or anything out of its normal routine, and you'll see panic every time.

[nyflush]

Thank you all for great advice i will find a TA for sure change my invite link the way im doing it leaves to much room for a big Drama Mess! Salsa's is an awsome idea get everyone a Margarita then its all good :):) as I remember from last year we had a great dinner, don't know about the 1 nighter but at least its no extra cost for food with a large group and im sure beats the buffet.

 

I havent seen any 3 nighters from NY I will have to look into that that would be great to bring the kids on.

 

Does anyone know if room service breakfast is any good or is it the same?

 

Thanks again for taking the time to help :):)

[Bagbklyn]

Thank you all for great advice i will find a TA for sure change my invite link the way im doing it leaves to much room for a big Drama Mess! Salsa's is an awsome idea get everyone a Margarita then its all good :):) as I remember from last year we had a great dinner, don't know about the 1 nighter but at least its no extra cost for food with a large group and im sure beats the buffet.

 

I havent seen any 3 nighters from NY I will have to look into that that would be great to bring the kids on.

 

Does anyone know if room service breakfast is any good or is it the same?

 

Thanks again for taking the time to help :):)

 

If you want a 3 night cruise look at carnival, and NCL has a 2 night cruise from FRI-SUN on the Dawn on OCT 26, but it's a little more pricey.

[zubee23]

We were on the 5/4 Dawn one-nighter. Had dinner at Bamboo (8PM reservation) and it was excellent. My husband had duck and I had the steak teriyaki. Service was great, Bamboo wasn't crowded (empty tables), lights were twinkling off shore - it was a lovely evening. We had breakfast at the buffet the next morning - not the best I've ever had but certainly not the worst. Hey, as long as I'm not cooking or cleaning I'm pretty happy. We had a great time. If price was right, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

[brooklynphil]

Hi all,

 

I was on the Dawn one-nighter on Friday. So now I've been on the Dawn 1 and 7 nights and the Spirit 1 and 8 nights.

 

I'll compare this one nighter to the longer cruises with NCL.

 

1) It took about 30 minutes longer to board the ship this time.

2) Lunch buffet was pretty bad this time compared to always being pretty good.

3) Dinner was excellent as usually in the Venetian. Soup to nuts in 55 minutes. It was pretty empty. Very tasty soup, salad and some kind of turkey cutlets.

4) Saw South Beach show again. Still great.

5) Casino. Good and bad. The bad was $25 minimum on all tables. They moved out the Texas Hold-em table to bring in 2 $50 limit blackjack tables in its place. The good. Great food and that's unusal for the casino light snacks. I can't believe the breaded jumbo shrimps that were there for the taking. I guest they wanted to keep everyone in the casino all night. Also sushi, dumpling, etc.

6) Sail away barbecue started at 4:40pm and had to close at 5:00pm for a half hour due to the muster drill. When I was on the Spirit's one nighter, the rule was that no muster drill required for 1 night. That's been changed.

 

I got the BA balconey for $200 for two people so I can't complain. The only other thing worth mentioning is that I got one of the last parking spots available at 11:45am. So when I looked at the parking lot at sailaway, cars were double parked all over the place. At 9:00am the next morning my car wasn't blocked but there were a lot of upset people waiting for late sleepers to come to their cars. Not fair.

 

Phil

[travage]

Lets be honest, NCL is not known for its food-one night or ten nights.

I never understood how these cruises were profitable for them. Turnaround days are the hardest day for staff, and the day when they make the least money in relation to the amount of work they are doing. And I know for a fact that they do not bring in a different, less experienced crews, for these "trips."

As someone who has worked as a waiter...a position where your tips are your salary and the $3 an hour you make barely covers taxes....I would think that the crew on NCL strongly dislikes these cruises and the amount of work involved for what is probably their worst tips of their contracts.

[Bagbklyn]

Lets be honest, NCL is not known for its food-one night or ten nights.

I never understood how these cruises were profitable for them. Turnaround days are the hardest day for staff, and the day when they make the least money in relation to the amount of work they are doing. And I know for a fact that they do not bring in a different, less experienced crews, for these "trips."

As someone who has worked as a waiter...a position where your tips are your salary and the $3 an hour you make barely covers taxes....I would think that the crew on NCL strongly dislikes these cruises and the amount of work involved for what is probably their worst tips of their contracts.

 

Most of the times, and like for the Dawn this week is because it was chartered out by an organization. So instead of letting the boat sit idle they rather turn in into 2 1 nighters, which is more profitable then 1 2- nighters. There biggest incomes must be the drinks and the casino, and a rational player if they are on a 2 cruise wouldn't spend all their money on the first night, while if you had 1 night, you would blow it all away.

[travage]

Bagbklyn,

 

what you said makes sense. I hadn't thought about charters. I still think they are a little unneccessary, though. Why not just give some ship tours to travel agents and such, and give the crew the night off, but I know that would never happen.

[newmexicoNita]

I understand the one or two night cruises being more of a party atmosphere, but why should the food and service be any different?

This simply does not seem right when you consider that it is the same ship, same crew, same cooks, etc.

What would be the difference here?

Perhaps my premise is completely wrong, and they do bring in inexperienced crew, etc. for the short cruises.

If so, it is apparently bad business, according to this, and previous threads expressing similar disappointments.

Do you have any insight as to how this works?

Thanks:)

 

you are right, it certainly shouldn't be, but it seems to be that way. Yes, quite often they do use less experienced crew members and the food< well the cruise lines know the money will come from the casino and drinks. Again, it isn't the way it should be, but it is that way. That is why I would never think of taking one. NMnita

[newmexicoNita]

Lets be honest, NCL is not known for its food-one night or ten nights.

I never understood how these cruises were profitable for them. Turnaround days are the hardest day for staff, and the day when they make the least money in relation to the amount of work they are doing. And I know for a fact that they do not bring in a different, less experienced crews, for these "trips."

As someone who has worked as a waiter...a position where your tips are your salary and the $3 an hour you make barely covers taxes....I would think that the crew on NCL strongly dislikes these cruises and the amount of work involved for what is probably their worst tips of their contracts.

Food is subjective and we have found it almost identical on mass marketed lines except HAL. HAL was much better, RCI probably not as good. The best part of NCL is the dining choices which no other line can begin to approach at this time. NMnnita