TyGrimmett

We found a tour from the ship that does the caves, Tom Moore’s Jungle, ice cream, and I forgot what else.

It was over $200/person. We’ve reserved a Twizy, and are basically doing our own version of the tour at our own pace, and for much cheaper.

Here’s to us both finding luck!

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Hi all,

We leave the port on the NCL Dawn on June 15th. We’ve been given some on board spending money, but have learned that it can’t be used to book excursions until we’re actually on the ship.

Most plans are made, but we would like to book one more with snorkeling. Has anyone ever waited to book until on the ship, or should I just bite the bullet, pay for it, and find something else to use the on board credit on?

We don’t want to miss it.

Thanks!

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Thanks!

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When we cruise, we’re going to have an inside cabin. I like white noise, and I like air. Would I be allowed to bring a small fan on the ship with us? I know, I’m ridiculous.

Thanks!

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From a native, welcome to Boston, Bills fan! It seems like many of your questions are answered, but I'll give you a bit more "insider" information as a huge fan of the Dawn (after all, the ship is named after me!) The best place for sail-away is the Bimini Bar, but you may want to bring a jacket. Even on a hot summer day, Boston Harbor can be breezy. The route out of Boston "Haa-baa" (go ahead, say it out loud - we really talk like that) goes right under the flightpath of Logan Airport, so depending on the wind, planes will either nearly land on you or take off right over your head. It is a wicked rush, so exercise your Ultimate Beverage Package for maximum effect. Just FYI, they do not call us "Taxachusetts" for nothing - any drinks you order before the ship sails are subject to taxation, throw all the tea you want in the aforementioned harbor. IMHO, one of the most awesome things about the Dawn is the spa, and my DH and I get a spa pass every trip. The main dining rooms are great, and O'Sheehan's is the best kept secret for getting breakfast - much better than the buffet and it serves longer than the dining rooms if you sleep late. Their wings are legendary, and they usually serve prime rib on the first and last nights of the cruise. If you are lucky enough to be on a sailing with Jose and Patti (check schedule here https://www.joseandpatti.com/calendarandschedule/) get a seat in O'Sheehan's early for their shows. Many people, us included, book our Dawn vacay's based on their schedule, they are THAT good. The other shows on the ship are awesome, too, especially "Elements". If you can, build an extra day or two into your trip to visit Boston, it is an awesome city. If your trip is after mid-July and you are game, Mary Jane will be legal and available, but you probably should not bring it on board. On Bermuda, don't rent a scooter unless you like getting stitches, but do rent a Boston Whaler from Somerset Watersports if you are up for an unforgettable adventure. Take a mini-van from right in front of the ship to the beach (I think $7 each way) because it is so much better than the bus. There is a free NCL ferry to St. Georges. Have a great time!

Hey Dawn,

That is a lot of helpful info! Especially about the wings and shows!

We’re actually talking about a scooter rental all day so that we can basically explore the island for a solid day. Would you suggest the ferry instead, if we’re going to the other end that is?

My wife and I both work in Ohio, and are sailing in June, so I don’t think we would be able to swing the good stuff either way! Hahaha!

Thanks so much!

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Hi All,

My wife and I are cruising to Bermuda this June with NCL, and will be docked from early Sunday afternoon to early Tuesday evening.

We plan to go on the twilight triangle cruise, as well as the shipwreck/reef snorkeling excursion.

We would like to do a couple of other things that I think would be easier to do on our own via moped, but wanted to get some opinions.

I'm thinking that if we rent a moped for a day, we could go from the dockyard to Hamilton to visit the crystal cave, the aquarium, Art Mel's, and then hit Horseshoe Bay Beach on the way back (or on the way there).

Would taking the ferry make our day any faster? Are there any places to eat and/or shop that you would recommend?

Thanks!

Thank you all for your help! It is much appreciated! Lastly, I can't wait to rock my Buffalo Bills gear in Boston!!

Hi All,

My wife and I are taking our first cruise and it is going to be out of Boston. We will be sailing to Bermuda on the Norwegian Dawn, and am hoping to get some ship boarding advice.

1-The Flynn Cruise Port allows for people to enter at 10:30am according to the telephone messages, and the ship wants everyone boarded by 2pm. If we arrive at 10am-10:30am, can anyone share with us what to expect? Will we be waiting outside for a long period of time, or can we begin boarding at 10:30am?

2-What is boarding like? Is it similar to an airport? What should we plan for?

3-Once boarded, can we go to our rooms, and begin enjoying the amenities on the ship?

4-Is there any advice/suggestions that anyone cares to give us about cruising? We're excited!

Thanks!

We have been on both and have done the Bermuda run on the Dawn three times. We are going on the Escape again in Feb 2018

 

Personally, I prefer the Dawn. I thoroughly enjoy the fact that I can drive to Boston. I like the three days in Bermuda where I can come and go as I please. I like the promenade deck on the dawn that the Escape doesn't really have.

 

You are right that the Dawn doesn't have the newer bells and whistles of the Escape, but it also doesn't have the passenger volume.

 

I guess it comes down to what you like. If you want to do water slides and the ropes course, the choice is obvious. If you want a relaxed cruise with less people, the Dawn is your ship.

Willise, I guess you question for you would be which ship has better food in your opinion? That escape has more free options, as well as a Margaritaville for this ParrotHead. However, with the free at sea options, we can get alcohol and all of the food for gratuity.

Thanks again to everyone!

Thanks all! Please share some feedback when you're back Beachiekeen!

I think I prefer Chevrolet to Caddy, but I get the analogy ;-)

Hi all,

My wife and other are planning a cruise to Bermuda in June of 2018 for our 2nd anniversary. As of now, we're definitely going with Norwegian, but we're kind of in a bind, and your opinions would be much appreciated.

We could sail on the Norwegian Dawn out of Boston, Massachusetts. It's a smaller ship than our other option. It doesn't have the bells and whistles that others do, due to its size and age. However, it's got a pool, alcohol, and food. You add, our parking will probably be free there, thanks to a friend.

Our next option is the brand new Norwegian Escape that sails out of Manhattan, NYC. It's essentially brand new, has a water park, pool, a ropes course, and several bells and whistles. Parking won't be free, but it's a closer drive for us.

The cruise lengths are the same and the cost is a difference of $61, so no big deal. The bells and whistles aren't huge deals to us, but they are pretty neat.

So, has anyone been on either ship, or both? Why might we pick one over the other? Has anyone sailed from NYC or Boston?

Thanks all!!