mainepaddler

We've been on the Dawn the last three years and have found that the O'Sheeans food has been consistent. We love the Thai Chili wings. Everything else is as bad as food you'd get at Chili's or Fridays. The service has been slow and forgetful. The bartenders are great. 

We live in Maine, so I would never even consider booking a New England/Canada cruise. In September, our cruise to Bermuda was rerouted to....New England/Canada. I have to say, it was amazing!!! The highlight of the trip was Go Fundy Tours with Alec in Saint John. 

In addition to the points already made, I will add that the Dawn has Los Lobos. The food there is delicious, but it is also fun to just hang out at the bar. 

The Carnival Splendor has an amazing spa! 

You can purchase the Thermal Suites pass online

Personally, we like to see sunsets from our balcony so I look at the map and plan accordingly.

We also drink Bulleit on our NCL cruises

That is true. I hadn't thought about it. We were not overly impressed with Los Lobos but will give it another try on our next cruise. I don't believe in judging based on one experience. We are picky about Mexican food since we spent most of our lives living in Texas, So. Cal and NM. No matter what the food was not spicy enough for us.

I don't think that Los Lobos had fajitas, which are my favorites. O'Sheehans has them, but not quite as good as local Mexican Restaurants.

Los Lobos isn't Tex-Mex. I think of it more as upscale Mexican inspired food. We enjoy eating there, but enjoy the bar even more. It is small and especially at the beginning of the cruise very quiet. It takes a while for folks to discover it. They have fun cocktails and the bartender is usually great. You can get the guacamole made bar side as well.

Also the Dawn has Los Lobos, the Mexican restaurant. The food and drinks are top notch.

How long did his tour last?

About six hours.

Specialty coffees (doesn’t make sense) and bottled waters (at least consistent with no can sodas) aren’t included, so it is easy to understand why you would think soda wasn’t included either.

But Irish coffees are. So we got those instead of cappuccinos a few times. The first time I forgot and got a surprise when I took a big sip of my really strong boozy coffee.

Sounds like a great tour, what were his contact details?

Use the link in the original post

Totally agree! Our cruise was changed from Bermuda to Canada/New England because of Hurricane Florence and I was able to book this tour a week before. I have no idea how he was available, but we were so lucky he was. Amazing attention to detail and sweet little surprises made for an all around unforgettable day.

We will be visiting Bermuda for the first time in Apr. Are the mini taxis easy to find, not to far from the ship?

Thanks

Yes. They are located in a lot right between the two docks. Very easy to spot and about a two minute walk.

Once onboard we ask the bartenders and they go through exactly which of the liquors that we like are included. There are some odd things- like one time Jim Beam wasn't included, but Bulleit was so we spent the week having the more expensive Bulleit and gingerales for free.

Just be aware you may receive Bermuda dollars as change. We bring small bills so we don't end up stuck with currency to exchange at the end. (Plus we use the dollars to tip for drinks on the ship).

Yes. (1:1 conversion)

IMO you are getting a gift !

3 days in Bermuda in exchange for the Bahamas/FL .

I can only say Wow!

 

Bermuda is so much nicer , classier and friendly than

the Bahamas . Like no other island in the Atlantic.

 

Port Canaveral ( Orlando) = not enough time to experience the parks

Nassau = Check reviews ? Many don't leave the ship

Great Stirrup Cay = The only highlight of the previous itinerary.

 

 

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Totally agree! Also Bermuda cruises are usually pricier so you are getting a bargain too. There is so much to do in Bermuda and being in port for three days is really nice! Bermuda is beautiful, clean, and easy to get around. We've been on NCL's Boston to Bermuda three times and just booked our fourth!

The NCL Escape will get to Bermuda at 5:00 pm on 10/31/18. Is that rather late to do anything on the first of three days, or is there anything open late that's within walking distance of the cruise ships?

 

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That is late in the day and late in the season. We were there in late October last year and some things were closed for the season already. You might find a couple shops in the Clocktower mall open but most stores and the museum will be shutting down for the night. The Frog & Onion and Bonefish will probably be open for food and drinks.

They keep changing my cell number to my wife's. So I get to laugh when she keeps getting calls from NCL trying to convince us to invite other people to cruise with us.

I know I will get flack for this next statement, but please everyone realize I am laughing while I'm writing this, because I do find this comical, that these following statements somewhat contradict each other..

Quoted from a recent freestyle daily

"DINE WHEN YOU WANT. With no set dining times and no seat assignments, you can dine on your time and not on a schedule." "DO I NEED RESERVATIONS?. Although not required, we recommend making reservations at our main dining rooms and specialty restaurants to ensure you have the dining experience you want at the time you prefer".

 

I'm thinking if I'm recommended (since if I don't I may not get the times I would prefer), then that pretty well says to me I will have a schedule. ;p

And this is why I think "Freestyle" is such a joke. The way it works is the opposite of how they market it!

This is super helpful https://www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/prepare-for-your-cruise/what-to-pack

Yes.

IN YOUR STATEROOM

All staterooms feature a TV, safe, hair dryer and bath products as well as a mini-bar, which are pay upon consumption. Room service is available from 5 am to midnight (subject to convenience charge), and all stateroom-to-stateroom calls are free

Can they make good barbeque on a ship? I have my doubts.

 

Otherwise, I'd say Mexican / Latin American.

The Dawn has Los Lobos and it is very good!

Maybe you could start a new thread with links to each of your reviews and then just post a link in your signature to the new thread with your reviews. Just an idea.

This is the best idea