What's with the Dawn?!

[cod]

I met someone briefly yesterday (on land) who has been on 40+ cruises (every mass market line except RCI) and when I asked which one he liked the best it was the NCL Dawn..hands down, which he has sailed on several times.

 

I wasn't able to get further details but I'm very curious as to what is so special about the Dawn!!

[Daniellee143]

I don't know but in less then 3 weeks I'll be taking NCL's Dawn!! I'll have to get back to you then and hopefully I'll feel the same way!!!!!

[Planer's Edge]

I met someone briefly yesterday (on land) who has been on 40+ cruises (every mass market line except RCI) and when I asked which one he liked the best it was the NCL Dawn..hands down, which he has sailed on several times.

 

I wasn't able to get further details but I'm very curious as to what is so special about the Dawn!!

 

Was this person a New Yorker? If so, there are a lot of New Yorkers that grew to love the Dawn since she was sailing out of New York for a few years. They got too know the staff and the staff got to know them. You will probably have the same thing with the Gem in a few years. It reminds me of the old days of the Norway and people sailing her for weeks at a time and others that had sailed her 70 - 80 times. It is amazing how cheap cruising can be without airfare involved.

 

PE

[ZoneHPH]

i would even go so far to say that the Dawn is pretty much a part of NYC as anything else. when she started her NYC runs it just makes for a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing that NYC is her home port. add to the fact that Lady Liberty is on the hull art...just another reason people may feel an attachment.

 

then, of course, the ability to sail her as often as you are able. i, too, will find out the Dawn's mystique in june. you can bet i'll have a full review for all to enjoy.

[watchdiva]

Even though we swore we would never cruise out of NY again (after a disastrous embarkation/disembarkation experience in the 90's) - the opportunity to cruise the Dawn to Bermuda was too good to pass up! We love the ship (we had our first penthouse suite on her in 2003) and are excited to be going back on her once again!

 

We were lucky enough to cruise Dawn when she was based in Miami before her move to NY. Since we live 45 minutes from Port of Miami and Port Everglades (25 minutes) we love not having to fly to reach our ship but the Dawn is worth it!

[Grandpaul]

Sounds like you were talking to me. 40+ cruises and the Dawn is our favorite ship. Well, since the Norway is no more. Just the right size for us and some beautiful quiet areas to hide out in. Rooms are beautiful especially the AB rooms. We've become friends with several of the entertainers and crew we've met while on board. Love sailing out of New York. Very good kids programs for the Grandkids. Like the Freestyle meals. Feels like our second home.

[nderoche]

My first time on Dawn was on the New England run. We followed a hurricane all the way to Halifax. It was a bit rough but I loved every minute on the ship from the sushi conveyor to the Tex-Mex tapas.

If there was one thing that made it special that would be the people.

Always friendly and accommodating especially the room stewards.

We will always remember the view from Cadillac Mt. with the Dawn in the background and I can share it with you.

[jefarl]

just returned from our first tiem on the Dawn and did not see anything to rave about nor complain about. Just an average ship. We have been on 16 cruises so far. Layout OK, cabin (outside deck 8) had ample storage but not enough room around the bed for both of us to get in/out without climbing on bed. It was one side or the other. Did like the shower and bath facilities though.

Staff was wonderful and entertainment great.

[jefarl]

repeat

[slotaddict]

I love the Dawn, have been on her 3 times. She is a great ship. Always had an amazing time, food was great, service was great. What more can I say???

[rccoble]

We were on the Dawn in late March this year and loved it as well. I think we really liked the layout and all of the smaller areas to hang out. We loved Gatsby's and the Pearly King's Pub. Also, the staff was really friendly and we just loved the overall vibe of the ship. It just was a bit different than others we have been on.

[NJ04SS]

Just got off the Dawn.......and I will sail it again, and again, and again. The food was great, the staff went out of there way....the ship was beautiful, and big. We hit 47 foot waves, and yes I got sick, but the ship stood up great, and right after I got use to it, I was good as new when the ship was a rockin'!!

[CC Help Michell]

I'm not sure the "New York" connection explains it all, since we aren't from there, or sailing the Dawn from there, though I'm sure that's a big part of it. In any event, I'm SO looking forward to our first cruise on the Dawn out of Miami next April. One reason we booked her was the simple fact that she has throngs of fans on these boards, including people who have sailed her repeatedly (even more than just 3-4 times, some have sailed her 12+). A ship and crew that earn that kind of loyalty have got to be worth seeing, so we're going to! :)

[Planer's Edge]

]I'm not sure the "New York" connection explains it all[/b]' date=' since we aren't from there, or sailing the Dawn from there, though I'm sure that's a big part of it. In any event, I'm SO looking forward to our first cruise on the Dawn out of Miami next April. One reason we booked her was the simple fact that she has throngs of fans on these boards, including people who have sailed her repeatedly (even more than just 3-4 times, some have sailed her 12+). A ship and crew that earn that kind of loyalty have got to be worth seeing, so we're going to! :)[/quote']

 

If you check a little more closely, those people that have sailed her "repeatedly" are probably within driving distance from New York City. While she was sailing out of New York year around she gained an immense fan base from residents in the northeast. I know "He Who Must Not Be Mentioned" sailed on the Dawn a number of times.

 

That does not mean that there are not others that love the ship. She did sail out of Miami for awhile before moving to New York. I am sure the Gem will generate a similar fan base over the next few years due to sail out of New York year around.

 

PE

[CC Help Michell]

If you check a little more closely' date=' those people that have sailed her "repeatedly" are probably within driving distance from New York City. While she was sailing out of New York year around she gained an immense fan base from residents in the northeast. I know "He Who Must Not Be Mentioned" sailed on the Dawn a number of times.

 

That does not mean that there are not others that love the ship. She did sail out of Miami for awhile before moving to New York. I am sure the Gem will generate a similar fan base over the next few years due to sail out of New York year around.

 

PE[/quote']

 

Well, as I said, I'm not sure (i.e., I didn't actually go research! ;) ) whether the NY connection explains it all of the huge fan base, but I'm still glad I'm going to have a chance to sail her, based on lots of reviews from lots of people, at least one of whom you alluded to. Geography alone frequently isn't enough to establish that kind of loyalty, even with some ships that have had the same city as a home port for years.

 

If I fall in love with the Dawn, too, I might even be willing to go to NY to sail her, which is a huge concession from me, as so far I've resisted NCL's persistent efforts to make me fly north to NY in order to sail to points south during the summer, but I'm willing to be persuaded by a great ship/crew. :) The NY area is actually usually a reasonable air ticket from ATL too.

[2Cruise4Ever]

I don't know but in less then 3 weeks I'll be taking NCL's Dawn!! I'll have to get back to you then and hopefully I'll feel the same way!!!!!

 

I assume you're going on the June 8th sailing???? Then, come join our roll call!!! Link to it is in my signature. See you on board!

[Planer's Edge]

Well, we have to fly long distances to cruise anyway. It is tough catch a cruise in Denver.

 

Don't get me wrong we thoroughly enjoyed the Dawn last November (repo from NY to Miami) so much that we are doing the repo again. But, I don't find that much of a difference between most all of NCL ships because we base our like of NCL on the crews. As far as physical ship preference we like the Sun.

 

PE

[nderoche]

Well' date=' we have to fly long distances to cruise anyway. It is tough catch a cruise in Denver.

Don't get me wrong we thoroughly enjoyed the Dawn last November (repo from NY to Miami) so much that we are doing the repo again. But, I don't find that much of a difference between most all of NCL ships because we base our like of NCL on the crews. As far as physical ship preference we like the Sun.PE[/quote']

 

Hello Planer's Edge....We loved the Dawn and loved the Sun out of New Orleans. I agree the crew can make the difference. I must say we thought the crews were similar but loved the layout of the Sun. We are on Sky this fall and can't wait to compare Sun's sister ship.

Hope to cruise with you some day.

 

Nick & Julie

[Planer's Edge]

Hello Planer's Edge....We loved the Dawn and loved the Sun out of New Orleans. I agree the crew can make the difference. I must say we thought the crews were similar but loved the layout of the Sun. We are on Sky this fall and can't wait to compare Sun's sister ship.

Hope to cruise with you some day.

 

Nick & Julie

 

If you like the Sun you will probably like the Sky. There are enough differences that they will be unique experiences. We just love the size (passenger count) of those two ships. We would love to sail the Sky again but cannot justify going for a 3 or 4 day cruise. Doing a back to back to make a 7 day would be a not very appealing itinerary.

 

PE

[pbsli]

Just off the Dawn 5/11 cruise and We agree "The Best" Even with bad weather and a tragedy the crew and ship are top of the line. I just finished a long review and will try to add more tommorow with pictures, see below

 

Had a very easy trip from Long Island to pier Arrived too early to board but waited in a small upper area for suite guests (and bridal group). There was coffee, tea, juice, cake and cookies available. At first we were directly incorrectly to main waiting area but after asking a few people we were redirected to the upper lounge area (be forewarned there is no elevator).

A little after 11:00 we were boarded by group; bridal party first then suites, then latitudes. Fast and simple check-in, met Anka but did not have escort to room as they were not yet ready. Champagne or OJ as we boarded was a nice touch and you could have as many as you wanted. Went to Venetian for lunch, nice table at back of dining room with a view of water and NJ. Food and service were very nice; they did not rush us at all.

After lunch we went to see if suite was ready (it was). My husband was happy to sit on balcony with a scotch and take pictures. Then we met Ravi our butler, as good as things were going they just got better. Ravi was wonderful. The 2.0 upgrades were not in the suites yet but Ravi got us new down pillows, extensions cords for computer, etc. Champagne & chocolate covered strawberries, fresh flowers, fluffy robes, big fluffy towels. We were off to a great cruise. Sat on balcony with drinks as we left NY.

Dinner at Bamboo that night Sushi Bar was fabulous. The sushi chef Heikichi Allida made some wonderful suggestions. We had just been seated when Code Oscar was announced, my husband went out on the deck (he said he saw a small blinking light in the water & then nothing) Crew was there immediately putting out rescue boats but water temp was only 42o. They kept making announcements from the bridge to let us know what was going and officers could be seen everywhere letting guests know the latest.

Weather was not the greatest, lucky my husband & I both have good sea legs.

Room service in the suites is great. Ravi said anything we want from any restaurant any time. Also breakfast and lunch at Cagney’s for suite guests. Anka was great with suggestions & if we picked a time that overlapped a show or activity she would suggest a change.

Not happy with the casino, went there the first night to set up an account but it was sooo smokey, poor ventilation, very few manned tables (I like interaction not machines) that we decided to skip it for the duration of the cruise.

Dinner at Venetian one night food good but it’s such a large room and can get quite noisy. Salsa (free) was very good and white sangria was very good. LaBistro, Impressions and Cagneys (all extra charges) were great. The small extra charge was worth it (anywhere for $10 to $20 per person) Great selections, window seats impeccable service and much quieter than the bigger restaurants. The Garden Café and Blue Lagoon were also nice.

Unfortunately due to weather the pools (even in the spa), hot tubs and most outside decks were not available while at sea.

I know this is long so I will do a second review on Bermuda. But… the Segway tour was a great intro. to the dockyards easy to use and Rob the owner is a great tour guide (highly recommend).

[njlandlubber]

I don't understand all the accolades about the Dawn. We sailed the May 4 cruise. All i can saw is it was ok. The ship was nice. Most of the crew was very pleasant. Our cabin was very nice and plenty of room. Altho we weren't upgraded with any pillows, bedding, robes, no fruit, no cookies, the room was nice, and met our needs. we had a balcony cabin - deck 9. the bathroom was very nice, i was surprised how big it was and easy to navigate.

I classify myself as very critical and judge everything by how i would offer/treat/serve others. For the most part, the food in many of the restaurants, yes even the alternative restaurants were cold and we felt we were not treated well at all. very rushed, especially in Impressions. Food was cold, overcooked, blah. My steak in Cagneys - which i requested med/well came back raw.. no kidding, it was actually bloody and cold and raw inside. When it came back - the same portion - it was rock hard and dry and not enjoyable at all. I thought of asking for another serving, but by the time i would have gotten it, my husband would have been done with his meal. So I just chalked that up to $40 wasted and experiences learned.... that NY/NJ has better restaurants than this cruise ship. The one exception was La Bistro which would be placed in the SUPERIOR category. Sevice was excellent, food was wonderful and atmosphere was very enjoyable.

Entertainment was nothing to rave about. it was enjoyable.

I'd probably sail the Dawn again, due to the proximity to NYC, but if there is another ship I'd certainly choose another for comparison.

In my opinion, there is NOTHING SPECIAL about the Dawn.

I guess it just proves everyone has a different opinion about anything.

And dont blast me - this is my experience and my opinion. If your experience and your opinion is differnt/better, i am happy for you - your money was well spent.

[paulekrause]

just returned from our first tiem on the Dawn and did not see anything to rave about nor complain about. Just an average ship. We have been on 16 cruises so far. Layout OK, cabin (outside deck 8) had ample storage but not enough room around the bed for both of us to get in/out without climbing on bed. It was one side or the other. Did like the shower and bath facilities though.

Staff was wonderful and entertainment great.

 

Totally agree

[Dolphins]

We have sailed on the Dawn four times and will return to her again in October. She introduced us to freestyle dining after years of traditional dining roulette. She inaugurated year round cruising out of New York which made it unnecessary to fly to Florida every winter. The Dawn gave us the best entertainers we ever enjoyed on a cruise ship- Pamala Stanley, Anna Y Los Vientos, Best of Friends and Vladimir Krevian. We loved breakfast in the elegant Venetian and dinner in intimate Impressions. We enjoyed dining in Salsa while listening to the performers in the atrium and watching the glass elevators in the soaring atrium (missing on the newer NCL ships). We always look forward to returning to the Dawn which now sails to our favorite island port- Bermuda.

[CaptainLou]

Just to balance out the "positivity" with some TRUTH, we were on the same sailing...and after more than THIRTY wonderful cruises on many different ships, here is exactly why this was our worst cruise experience ever:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberre...?EntryID=42023

 

If you are booked and it's prior to final payment, there's still time for you to switch over to the Carnival Miracle (our next cruise in January).

 

Lou & Phyllis

[CruisnGram]

Just to balance out the "positivity" with some TRUTH, we were on the same sailing...and after more than THIRTY wonderful cruises on many different ships, here is exactly why this was our worst cruise experience ever:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberre...?EntryID=42023

 

If you are booked and it's prior to final payment, there's still time for you to switch over to the Carnival Miracle (our next cruise in January).

 

Lou & Phyllis

 

Could you please tell us what quaifies your review to be the truth and the others lies?