What can I expect from the Dawn?

[readytogo2]

Hi All,

We have cruised on the Star, Golden and Crown... enjoyed every one of them.:D We just booked a cruise on the Dawn. Can we expect the same great times we had on the larger ships? I'd appreciate any comments pro or con. Thanks

[san diego sue]

Hi,

I was on the Dawn in October 2007 and liked it well enough to repeat a cruise, going end of Month. I haven't been on the other Princess ships mentioned so can't compare.

What we liked (we have cruised over 30 cruises on various cruise lines).

The dinners were very good.

Two different shows each night (they have two showrooms).

Ship very easy to get around.

Promenade deck , you can walk completely around.

Clean ship.

San Diego a great port to leave from.

Only negative was room service. Didn't seem to matter what you ordered, you got what they brought you instead. Every morning the order was wrong till we decided to skip it.Even that wasn't a negative, it was funny.

Have fun

regards,

San Diego Sue

[CL-JW]

Hi All,

We have cruised on the Star, Golden and Crown... enjoyed every one of them.:D We just booked a cruise on the Dawn. Can we expect the same great times we had on the larger ships? I'd appreciate any comments pro or con. Thanks

 

We've sailed the Golden and the Dawn and loved them both equally.

 

The size of the ship is very nice - easy to navigate.

 

Don't miss La Scala, the pizzeria - excellent pizza. We also really enjoyed the Wheelhouse.

 

We have a bunch of interior pics here: Dawn Princess Interiors

 

Enjoy your cruise!!:)

[readytogo2]

We've sailed the Golden and the Dawn and loved them both equally.

 

The size of the ship is very nice - easy to navigate.

 

Don't miss La Scala, the pizzeria - excellent pizza. We also really enjoyed the Wheelhouse.

 

We have a bunch of interior pics here: Dawn Princess Interiors

 

Enjoy your cruise!!:)

Your pics are great:)!! Thanks for posting them!

[nw2this]

We've sailed the Golden and the Dawn and loved them both equally.

 

The size of the ship is very nice - easy to navigate.

 

Don't miss La Scala, the pizzeria - excellent pizza. We also really enjoyed the Wheelhouse.

 

We have a bunch of interior pics here: Dawn Princess Interiors

 

Enjoy your cruise!!:)

 

The Wheelhouse has live music every night correct? Is it the same band everynight or do they switch up? What type of music is played and what type of dancing? Is it mostly ballroom dance or more freestyle?

[cruiseryyc]

The Wheelhouse (my favorite lounge) usually has a three or four piece combo playing light listening, dance music. More ballroom than freestyle - think Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis - of course you may be too young to know those singers, but for those of us over 45 it's a great spot to hang out.

[CL-JW]

Your pics are great:)!! Thanks for posting them!

 

Glad you like - hope they help! Thanks for the nice comments:)

[CL-JW]

The Wheelhouse has live music every night correct? Is it the same band everynight or do they switch up? What type of music is played and what type of dancing? Is it mostly ballroom dance or more freestyle?

 

The Wheelhouse (my favorite lounge) usually has a three or four piece combo playing light listening, dance music. More ballroom than freestyle - think Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis - of course you may be too young to know those singers, but for those of us over 45 it's a great spot to hang out.

 

On our cruise (this was a couple of years back now), the band did play every night. Usually easy listening.

[AZAaronBoy]

Just got back from the Dawn and had a great time. There are a lot of very good employee's onboard that have fun while taking care of you.

 

There were more than a few nights where we hung out with them in Jammers. They were spending their "off" time with us.

 

I am still working on writing up my review and scanning the patters to post online. This will give you all the band/entertainment info.

 

Unfortinatly while I wasn't completly lost I seemed to be turned around very easily. Also some of the bathrooms can be very hard to locate as the signs are not always clear.

 

I wish we could afford to crusie again before the ship leaves Mexico and our new friends contracts are over.

[victory2020]

Can anyone tell me what the room service menu is on the Dawn? Can you order it embarkation day? (I'm not into buffets)

[Cozzette2]

and had such a great time:D

The staff was great the ship beautiful and the food plentiful and good.

We decided we liked the dinning room for breakfast as it was easier to get a table but they close at 9:30 to set up for lunch so don't wait too long to get down there.

We loved walking the Prominade deck every mornig, the gym was usually pretty crowded. I guess we traveled with a healthy group.

I thought the layout was great, but I agree that finding the bathrooms was a challange.

One other thing, we ordered fresh fruit and never got it and when we ordered room service it was about a half hour earlier than we had asked for, not a deal breaker, we just ordered it for later after that.

I loved this cruise and will be sorry to see the Dawn leaving, what a great ship and crew.

Cozzette

[readytogo2]

Thanks for all your comments:)

[happyscot]

Light.

 

Hic.

 

Memo to self: read post more carefully.

[petefoss]

We've cruised on the Sea, Sun and Dawn (all the same layout). Had a great time on all three.

 

I like the all the way around Promenade deck, and I also like to walk around the Lido deck and Sun deck. You get a lap around the ship with two flights of stairs mixed in for cardio.

[cruisePRN]

Thank you for posting those great pictures :)

[christinelee]

You will really enjoy yourself...Here are the menus

 

1st Night

SAILAWAY DINNER

 

SMALL PLATES, SOUPS & SALADS

Lobster and Seafood Terrine, Dill-Mustard Emulsion

Watermelon and Iced Citrus Mascarpone

Vegetable Spring Rolls, Hoisin-Peanut Dip

Tortellini and Spinach Soup, Parmesan Sprinkle

Creamy Porcini Mushroom Soup, Tarragon Leaves

Frozen Rum-Infused Piña Colada Soup, Pineapple Dots

Watercress, Red Radish and Iceberg Lettuce

Choice of Home-Made and Low-Fat Dressings

 

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Tiger Shrimp Cocktail, Piquant American Sauce

Classic Caesar Salad

 

PRINCESS SIGNATURE FAVORITES

Pasta Shells in Marinara Sauce with Wok-Fried Chicken Strips, Broccoli, Capers and Olives

Fettuccine Alfredo, The All-Time Favorite from Rome

 

LARGE PLATES, ENTREES & MAIN COURSES

Barramundi and Pencil Asparagus in Hazelnut Butter

Lemon, Herbed Israeli Couscous

Crockpot with Cajun Spiced Crawfish, Black Mussels, Cayenne Pepper and Tomatoes

Creole Rice

Luau Pork with Apricot Drippings

Runner Beans and Smoked Bacon Fricassee, Roast Potatoes

Slow-Roasted 5-Star Prime Rib of Beef

Natural Rosemary Jus, Char-Grilled Tomato, Loaded Idaho Potato

 

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Atlantic Silver Salmon Cutlet

Princess Compound Butter

Farm-Raised Chicken Breast

Herbed Natural Juice

Corn-Fed New York Cut Sirloin Steak

Red Wine Demi-Glace

Premium Beef Fillet Tournedos

Green Peppercorn Sauce

VEGETARIAN MENU

Crisp Iceberg Lettuce with Watercress and Red Radish

Creamy Porcini Mushroom Soup, Tarragon Leaves

Pasta Shells and Broccoli Florets in Tomato Sauce

Moroccan Vegetable Ragout, Pita Bread Triangles

Artisan Cheeses, Walnut Bread, Cluster of Grapes

Sweet & Nutritious, Eco-friendly Fruits, Changed Daily

 

 

 

2nd Night

ITALIAN DINNER

SMALL PLATES, SOUPS & SALADS

Herb and Sea Salt Preserved Shrimp, Squid and Black Mussel Antipasto, Lemon Aioli

Dry-Cured Prosciutto di Parma and Sweet Cantaloupe Melon

Eggplant Parmigiana with Basil-Tomato Sauce

Pasta e Fagioli Red Bean Soup, Parsley-Parmesan Dust

Rustic Vegetable Minestrone, Pesto Crostini

Nippy Peach Bellini Soup with Sparkling Prosecco

Mixed Greens and Baby Spinach with Crisp Bacon Bits, Pecorino Cheese and Pine Nuts

Choice of Home-Made and Low-Fat Dressings

 

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Tiger Shrimp Cocktail, Piquant American Sauce

Classic Caesar Salad

 

PRINCESS SIGNATURE FAVORITES

Pappardelle Pasta and Grotto-Style Rabbit Ragout

Fettuccine Alfredo, The All-Time Favorite from Rome

 

LARGE PLATES, ENTREES & MAIN COURSES

Turbot Saltimboca over Linguine

Tomato Sauce and Basil Oil

Gamberi alla Fra Diavolo

Flambéed Scampi in Hot & Fiery Marinara Sauce, Pearl Rice

Costoletta di Vitello Piemontese

Bone-In Veal Rib Chop, Thyme-Shallot Reduction, Roasted Potatoes

Brasato di Manzo al Barolo

Beef Pot Roast Braised in Full-Bodied Barolo Wine with all the Trimmings, Cornmeal Cakes

 

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Atlantic Silver Salmon Cutlet

Princess Compound Butter

Farm-Raised Chicken Breast

Herbed Natural Juice

Corn-Fed New York Cut Sirloin Steak

Red Wine Demi-Glace

Premium Beef Fillet Tournedos

Barolo Wine Reduction

The Executive Chef has paired each dish

with the freshest and most enhancing sidings

VEGETARIAN MENU

Baked Eggplant Parmigiana

Vegetable Minestrone, Pesto Crostini

Mixed Greens and Baby Spinach, Pecorino Cheese and Pine Nuts

Stuffed Zucchini and Braised White Beans

Artisan Cheeses, Walnut Bread, Cluster of Grapes

3rd Night

 

1ST Formal night

 

CAPTAIN’S WELCOME DINNER

SMALL PLATES, SOUPS & SALADS

Smoked Barberie Duck Breast, Wild Greens, Cassis Vinaigrette

Grapefruit and Kiwi, Minted Raspberry Coulis

Blue Crab Claw Quiche, Dry Roasted Chili Salsa

Herbal Chicken Tea and Wonton Soup, Spring Onions

Asparagus Cream Soup with Salmon Quenelles, Scallions

Chilled Yogurt-Tamarind Soup, Lemon Zest

Panache of Butter Lettuce, Curly Endive, Radicchio and Arugula

Choice of Home-Made and Low-Fat Dressings

 

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Tiger Shrimp Cocktail, Piquant American Sauce

Classic Caesar Salad

 

PRINCESS SIGNATURE FAVORITES

Bow Tie Pasta with Veal Strips, Morel Mushroom and Petits Peas in Cream Sauce

Fettuccine Alfredo, The All-Time Favorite from Rome

 

LARGE PLATES, ENTREES & MAIN COURSES

Halibut with Green Swiss Chard

Haricots Verts and Potatoes, Tomato-Cumin Coulis

Shrimp Newburg, Pea Pods and Carrots

Saffron Rice Timbale

Hunter-Style Rock Cornish Game Hen

Mushroom and Potato Ragout

Two Beef Fillet Mignons

Madeira-Truffle Demi-Glace, Almond Croquettes, Wild Thyme Sprig

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Atlantic Silver Salmon Cutlet

Princess Compound Butter

Farm-Raised Chicken Breast

Herbed Natural Juice

Corn-Fed New York Cut Sirloin Steak

Red Wine Demi-Glace

Premium Beef Fillet Tournedos

Mustard and Sage Essence

 

VEGETARIAN MENU

Grapefruit and Kiwi, Minted Raspberry Coulis

Panache of Butter Lettuce, Curly Endive, Radicchio and Arugula

Bow Tie Pasta Tossed with Tomato Segments and Basil

Vegetable Fritters on Paprika Cream Sauce, Braised Lentils

Artisan Cheeses, Walnut Bread, Cluster of Grapes

Sweet & Nutritious, Eco-friendly Fruits, Changed Daily

 

4th Night

CARIBBEAN DINNER

SMALL PLATES, SOUPS & SALADS

Sea Scallops and Sweet Pink Shrimp Cocktail, Mango Mayonnaise

Pineapple with Honey-Roasted Pistachios

Eggplant and Chicken Liver Empanadas, Crisp Plantain Chips

Spinach, Crabmeat and Shrimp Soup

Chunky Yellow Split Pea Soup, Turmeric and Cumin

Frosty Mango and Pear Soup, Candied Ginger

Field Greens with Spring Onions and Cabbage Slaw

Choice of Home-Made and Low-Fat Dressings

 

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Tiger Shrimp Cocktail, Piquant American Sauce

Classic Caesar Salad

 

PRINCESS SIGNATURE FAVORITES

Penne Pasta with Mussels in Garlic-Cilantro Cream Sauce

Fettuccine Alfredo, The All-Time Favorite from Rome

 

LARGE PLATES, ENTREES & MAIN COURSES

Butterfish with Curried Onions and Tomato Petals

Yogurt-Mint Raita

Fish and Shellfish Pot-au-Feu in Saffron Nage

Rouille Crostini

Braised Lamb Shank with Three Bean Cassoulet

Rosemary Sprig

Sage-Crusted Pork Saddle Roast, Apple-Cider Sauce

Black Beans and Rice

 

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Atlantic Silver Salmon Cutlet

Princess Compound Butter

Farm-Raised Chicken Breast

Herbed Natural Juice

Corn-Fed New York Cut Sirloin Steak

Red Wine Demi-Glace

Premium Beef Filet Tournedos

Shallot and Port Wine Reduction

 

VEGETARIAN MENU

Frosty Mango and Pear Soup, Candied Ginger

Field Greens with Spring Onions and Cabbage Slaw

Pasta Tubes and Vegetables in Garlic-Cilantro Sauce

Lentil Burger, Fried Egg and Melted Cheese

Artisan Cheeses, Walnut Bread, Cluster of Grapes

Sweet & Nutritious, Eco-friendly Fruits, Changed Daily

 

 

5th Night

CHEF’S DINNER

Quail and Venison Saddle Terrine, Gingered Red Onion Compote, Mesclun Salad

Twice Baked Goat's Cheese Souffle, Garlic Sabayon

 

Wild Mushroom Cream Soup with Porcini, Madeira-Marinated Sun-Blushed Tomatoes

Boston Lettuce Tossed in Shallot Dressing

 

Strawberry and Thyme Infused Lemon Sorbet, Thyme Sprig

 

Seabass on Braised Belgian Endive

Beurre Blanc, Red Pimiento Confit, Champagne Risotto

Alaskan King Crab Legs

Drawn Butter, 1/2 Lemon

Seared Pork Tenderloin with Cocoa Spice Rub

Natural Jus, Eggplant and Zucchini Ratatouille, Truffled Mashed Potatoes

Herb-Roasted Pink Rack of Superior Lamb

Rosemary Essence, Boulangere Potatoes

 

English Stilton with Crisp Leek Hay

Port Wine Glaze

Crown’s Menage à Trois

Chilled Mini Raspberry Panna Cotta

Tiny Gateau Opera, Honey-Hazelnut Semifreddo with Nutella Twist

 

Coffee or Tea with Home-Made Mignardises

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Atlantic Silver Salmon Cutlet

Princess Compound Butter

Farm-Raised Chicken Breast

Herbed Natural Juice

Corn-Fed New York Cut Sirloin Steak

Red Wine Demi-Glace

Premium Beef Fillet Tournedos

Barolo Wine Reduction

The Executive Chef has paired each dish

with the freshest and most enhancing sidings

VEGETARIAN MENU

Baked Eggplant Parmigiana

Vegetable Minestrone, Pesto Crostini

Mixed Greens and Baby Spinach, Pecorino Cheese and Pine Nuts

Stuffed Zucchini and Braised White Beans

Artisan Cheeses, Walnut Bread, Cluster of Grapes

Sweet & Nutritious, Eco-friendly Fruits, Changed Daily

 

6th Night

(2nd Formal Night)

 

CAPTAIN’S GALA DINNER

SMALL PLATES, SOUPS & SALADS

Tian of Crab, Scallop and Shrimp, Duo of Caviar, Papaya Coulis

Vegetable Terrine with Herb Salad, Lemon Grass Vinaigrette

Asparagus with Tomato and Pancetta, Hollandaise Sauce

Chicken and Root Vegetable Petite Marmite

Zucchini and William Pear Soup, Poppy Seeds

Ice-Cold Stonefruit Smoothie Soup, Dried Apricots

Belgian Endive, Boston Lettuce and Tomato

Choice of Home-Made and Low-Fat Dressings

 

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Tiger Shrimp Cocktail, Piquant American Sauce

Classic Caesar Salad

 

PRINCESS SIGNATURE FAVORITES

Veal Ravioli in Creamy Porcini Mushroom Sauce, Veal Jus

Fettuccine Alfredo, The All-Time Favorite from Rome

 

LARGE PLATES, ENTREES & MAIN COURSES

Rockfish on Creamy Potato and Leek Vichyssoise

Truffle Oil

Lobster Tail and King Prawns, Tumeric-Fennel Emulsion

Wilted Romaine Lettuce, Whipped Potatoes

Royal Pheasant in Pan Juices

Caramelized Shallots, Sweet Garlic Confit, Basted Turned Potatoes

Beef Tenderloin Wellington

Truffle-Madeira Demi-Glace, Duchesse Potatoes

 

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Atlantic Silver Salmon Cutlet

Princess Compound Butter

Farm-Raised Chicken Breast

Herbed Natural Juice

Corn-Fed New York Cut Sirloin Steak

Red Wine Demi-Glace

Premium Beef Fillet Tournedos

Black Peppercorn Sauce

VEGETARIAN MENU

Vegetable Terrine with Herb Salad, Lemon Grass Vinaigrette

Zucchini and William Pear Soup, Poppy Seeds

Belgian Endive, Boston Lettuce and Tomato Salad

Rollatine with Roasted Pumpkin and Walnut Mascarpone, Thyme Cream Sauce

Artisan Cheeses, Walnut Bread, Cluster of Grapes

Sweet & Nutritious, Eco=friendly Fruits, Changed Daily

7th Night



LANDFALL DINNER

SMALL PLATES, SOUPS & SALADS

Fruits of the Sea and Avocado, Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette

Watermelon and Feta Cheese, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Creamed Chicken, Sweetbreads and Mushrooms in Puff Pastry Case

Philadelphia Pepper Pot Soup, Chili Dust

Double Beef Consomme with Mini Choux Buns, Scallions

Chilled Curried Pumpkin Cream Soup

Grilled Vegetables with Chives and Hearts of Romaine Lettuce

Choice of Home-Made and Low-Fat Dressings

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Tiger Shrimp Cocktail, Piquant American Sauce

Classic Caesar Salad

 

PRINCESS SIGNATURE FAVORITES

Linguine Pasta with Littleneck Clams in Cream Sauce, Love Parsley

Fettuccine Alfredo, The All-Time Favorite from Rome

 

LARGE PLATES, ENTREES & MAIN COURSES

Freshwater Barramundi with Gentle Spices and Garam Masala

Aromatic Rice

Seared Diver Scallops

Herb Ratatouille, Roasted Hazelnut Potatoes

Roasted Tom Turkey with All the Trimmings

Fruit Stuffing, Giblet Gravy, Cranberry Relish, Glazed Sweet Potato

Prime Rib of The Best Beef au Jus

Horseradish Cream, Twice Baked Potato

 

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Atlantic Silver Salmon Cutlet

Princess Compound Butter

Farm-Raised Chicken Breast

Herbed Natural Juice

Corn-Fed New York Cut Sirloin Steak

Red Wine Demi-Glace

Premium Beef Fillet Tournedos

Madeira and Foie Gras Gravy

 

VEGETARIAN MENU

Grilled Vegetables with Chives and Heart of Romaine Lettuce

Vegetable Consomme with Mini Choux Buns, Scallions

Rice and Eggplant Timbale & Fritters, Spicy Tomato Sauce, Mango Cheek

Linguine Pasta with Overnight Tomatoes and Chili

Artisan Cheeses, Walnut Bread, Cluster of Grapes

Sweet & Nutritious, Eco-friendly Fruits, Changed Daily

[mii]

We've sailed the Golden and the Dawn and loved them both equally.

 

The size of the ship is very nice - easy to navigate.

 

Don't miss La Scala, the pizzeria - excellent pizza. We also really enjoyed the Wheelhouse.

 

We have a bunch of interior pics here: Dawn Princess Interiors

 

Enjoy your cruise!!:)

 

What great pics. Thank you for sharing those.

 

Marilyn

[AZAaronBoy]

The menu's above are close but not exactly.

 

The Dawn has not switched to the Small/Large Plate menu's yet. Also the Formal Nights are Monday (2nd) & Friday (6th)

 

Italian Night is the 3rd (Cabo) & Crab Legs Wed (Mazatlan).... I don't remember the rest and didn't ask for copies of the Menu's to scan.

[CL-JW]

What great pics. Thank you for sharing those.

 

Marilyn

 

Thank you for posting those great pictures :)

 

Thank you both. We really enjoy taking a lot of pictures of the ships we sail.

 

We will be doing a two day repo on the Dawn in May. Can't wait to get back on board!:)

[Tina G]

You can expect larger bathrooms! Also, there is more open deck space for photography buffs!:D

[Susie51]

DH and I are thinking about cruising Dawn Princess in July to Alaska or Star Princess to Mex. Riv. in Nov. Both are round trip from San Francisco.

 

I have been on Diamond and Grand Princess. Each time I was in an OV obstructed view cabin. I really liked the bathroom on the Diamond. How do the bathrooms on Dawn or Star compare?

 

Also, has anyone sailed out of San Francisco? How well do they handle embark and debark? Any tips?

[liv2cruise4ever]

DH and I are thinking about cruising Dawn Princess in July to Alaska or Star Princess to Mex. Riv. in Nov. Both are round trip from San Francisco.

 

I have been on Diamond and Grand Princess. Each time I was in an OV obstructed view cabin. I really liked the bathroom on the Diamond. How do the bathrooms on Dawn or Star compare?

 

Also, has anyone sailed out of San Francisco? How well do they handle embark and debark? Any tips?

 

Just don't expect much from the port facilities, and you'll be fine. Sailing from SF is beautiful. However, the terminal is like a warehouse. But, since I live only 40 miles away, I will put up with it. They have changed the debark process, and from what I've heard, its alot better. The Dawn is one of my favorite ships.:D

[beader405]

It's been more than 20 years since my last cruise and I forgot how exciting it can be to prepare for it. In fact, I am already planning our next cruise! I've visited the Greek cities but never the islands. Since I live in SF Hawaii is also an option. In both cases I would fly to the location and then cruise from there. Any suggestions as to best boat, time of year etc, etc.