Am I Really Doing This?

We were also on the October 24th sailing on the Dawn and I have to agree, it was decidedly lackluster. I didn't notice too many maintenance problems in our cabin but public bathrooms were out a LOT and friends of ours were without water and their bathroom for an 8 hour stretch at one point (the whole floor was out I think).

We still had a good time because we were with friends and, honestly, I don't expect a luxury experience with cruising. But the food and service everywhere except the specialty restaurants was Applebees level quality. Decidedly blah. Nothing I would consider, "good". The service I was more surprised by...how not good it was. Super slow in the MDRs, not friendly at all, and didn't follow any of the "good service" rules such as not clearing your plate until everyone was done, etc. The specialty restaurants were definitely all a notch up in both food and service. Still not really gourmet (Le Bistro possibly the exception there), but good food.

Again, we had a great time because we didn't go in expecting the Ritz and we were with a bunch of friends. But I absolutely support what the OP has said in terms of the Dawn not being run all that well at the moment.

Thank you for all of your responses. It seems there is some debate on this issue!

This may be a really dumb question, but are the pools on the ships heated? We're taking the Dawn to Bermuda on the 10/24th sailing and I know it will be chilly those first two days. Although I know people won't really want to go swimming if it's too cold, if the pool water is warm it would be nice. Obviously there are also the hot tubs!

Thanks.

I'm going on the Dawn the week of October 24th with my boyfriend and two other couples. So, three cabins, all paying separately. The specialty restaurant reservations just opened up and we would like to make some reservations. The problem is, when you go to make the reservation for 6 people, it seems to want that one person to pay for all 6 people. Will we be able to split the costs to three cabins once we're on board? Or will the person who makes the reservation for 6 be charged for 6?

Thank you.

Question...since you have to purchase the beverage package every day of your cruise, does that include the last day where you disembark by 10am or so? I would hate to pay $50 for alcohol for a day that doesn't have the opportunity to drink. Really.