dcruiser50

Suggest you just pay for the extra meal

Depends on the restaurant, full coverage at Cagneys, modern, temppanyaki, leBistro, la cuccina, one entree, all else unlimited has been my experience.

Ive also been to Bermuda several times on the Dawn, Spirit, and Breakaway , df5250 and roger001 are spot on for ship comparison and excursion choice for first timer. I have booked the Gem in May this year great cruise Enjoy! 

Just make reservations at the restaurant you want atv120 days prior to sailing, you key card will be marked 3sdp and will be in the system. 

Helpwanted is correct, and the waiter  will tell you which wines are available for free. 

Contact the access desk, with all information cabin,Reservation # etc, and they will confirm that it will be in your room. Bring an extension cord and outlet tap since there are very few outlets in the cabin

It's not free, just a perk when you select a cabin you like. Marketing 101, you are free to select a GTY cabin at a lower cost without any perks, if you like to choose your cabin location like me your willing to pay the cost and get the perks

The cruise lines should just set a layout for lounger and charge for them like theater seats the closer to the pool the higher the cost. You could even reserve on line. Might stop all this bickering

Being platinum you only get to ask for the lowest tender number available, NCL excursions have priority. Usually I have found that most ignore the system and just clog up the stairways, and then again there are so many platinum cruisers it's a horror show. Therefore I suggest that you make your excursion plans with NCL 

What is the minimum you can bet in the casino

I am always amazed how people think thatt they are entitled to a spot by the pool, and/or reserve chairs/tables for their group. My #1reminder for cruisers is to rememder that they did not charter the ship, ans sharing is caring. Some people just think that they are more important than anyone else, we can just hope that they will reap what they have sown 

Where are the smoking areas on the Gem. Just looking for accurate information and not looking to start another smoking discussion. So just honest replies please

Just reserve for 4 then when you get on the ship go to the reservation desk and update

Putting in an amount other than $0 indicates that you are looking for coverage for cancellation insurance, I purchase using $0 Just for the medical and medevac coverage

Really can't understand why people rant and rave over this. Some posters seem to have the attitude that NCL should pay them to cruise, simply it is a choice that you make. Cruise or not, drink or not, do what you like. If you have to pinch penny's to go on a cruise you probably shouldn't Go! Remember that cruise lines are a business not a charity!

Maybe the cruise line should pay the OP to cruise, and have the staff tip for the pleasure of serving, that might solve the problem

Use the service as a platinum latitudes member, never had a problem all done very well. The only thing to look for is the little tags they put on, they can end up in irrating places but very easy to remove. Welcome to and enjoy the NCL experience

DoD it last Apr from budget, free Miami pick up, dropped off at full, no problems

The question of tipping will bring out a lot of opinions, I just stated what I do. Some will argue that it is included in the DSC, others will argue against tipping at all. Everyone should do whatever makes them comfortable

I always tip $10.For the platinum latitudes member dinner. I figure what would be an average dinner tip, have tiped more when the service was excellent.

I've been on the Dawn 10 times, so here are my suggestions

If you want to go to the veniceian her use the stern (rear) elevators

To go to aqua use the central elevators

To go to the theater use the bow elevators if you want to avoid the casino, central ones if you don't

Quiet spaces deck 13 aft, and around and forward of the bikini bar

Shady areas depends on what direction you are going and what time of day, covered seating and tables on the pool deck (12) port ((left side is smoking) right (starboard side is non smoking, take some time and explore the Dawn, and have a great time

Never had a problem with NCL laundry, but my wife does her delicates in the sink and hangs them on the line in the shower. The only thing that can be irritation is the little tags they attach which are easy to remove

Since this is your first cruise and assuming you have not been to any of the ports I recommend that you look for excursions that give you an overall view of the island, such as "best of ..........". Visiting every port can be very tiring on multi post cruises, so don't extend yourself so much that you don't get to enjoy the cruise experience. Try not to need a vacation from your vacation, but most of all welcome to cruising and enjoy!

What is the big deal about cancelling, you are on the ship, stop by or call from any phone to the reservation desk, it's a so common courtesy , but that may be too much for some

Just cancel as soon as you know. I had to cancel once due to my wife feeling ill just an hour prior to the reservations and was never charged