Dawn questions

[39august]

Our first cruise was on the Norway in 1999. We have sailed Princess 6 times and RCI lots. Now I'm considering NCL again for some different itineraries. The Dawn in spring of 2009 has an intinerary that includes Samana and Tortola. Here are my questions: is there a gym; how many dining venues are included and how many are for a fee and what are the fees; how is the entertainment; are there any perks for past passengers; is there a piano bar; is the casino very smokey; are there any freebies on board? Thanks for any input on Dawn and NCL.

[smeyer418]

Our first cruise was on the Norway in 1999. We have sailed Princess 6 times and RCI lots. Now I'm considering NCL again for some different itineraries. The Dawn in spring of 2009 has an intinerary that includes Samana and Tortola. Here are my questions: is there a gym; how many dining venues are included and how many are for a fee and what are the fees; how is the entertainment; are there any perks for past passengers; is there a piano bar; is the casino very smokey; are there any freebies on board? Thanks for any input on Dawn and NCL.

 

yes there is a fairly nice gym

there are 10 or so dining venues and I think 4 have fees. Cagneys, Teppinyanki, Orchid and Le Bistro everything else is free although you need a reservation for the Italian, and Mexican.

There is multiple places people are playing the piano, the Star bar and the area by the Bistro. the entertainment is standard cruise ship shows and some acts and maybe Second City.

I don't find the Casino that smokey but sometimes it is.

Limited privileges for past passengers including a party with drinks but as you get more trips your benefits increase.

 

Freebees? you have to ask your significant other or be more specific about what you are looking for.

[DAGVBSB]

I was on the Dawn in 2006. She is a great ship.

 

Didn't use the gym, so I can't answer that one.

 

Dining Venues:

Free and no reservations: Venetian Main Restaurant, Aqua Main Restaurant, Blue Lagoon (a diner style, quick sit down restaurant) and the Buffet.

Free but reservations required: Impressions of Italy and Salsa (tex-mex)

Cover Charge and Reservations required: Cagneys Steakhouse, Bamboo Asian, LeBistro (European cruisine) and Tepperanaki (Japansese Steak House Style).

 

I found the Entertainment to be good. There was a Second City Comedy Troupe and the Jean Ann Ryan Production Company. The production shows ranged from very good to mediocre. (3 shows over 7 days byt them)

 

"Lattitudes" past guest program. There is a reception and a Lattitudes Rep on board. Not many perks if you only have sailed once.

 

There are actually two piano bars. One on Deck 6 outside of Impressions and the "Star Bar" on Deck 13 across from Cagneys.

 

My mother is very allergic to smoke. She had no problems in the casino on the Dawn.