CanadaTraveller

I’ve been on the Dawn 3 times (a balcony, a mini suite and the two bedroom suite) and have never had a complaint about the coolness. I like it very cool.

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We all have choices about where we spend our money and I won't spend it in countries that will arrest, jail or execute people like me. It isn't just that I can fake it and get by, but that people like me live under these conditions. I don't want any money going to these countries. I have always wanted to go to St Petersburg but won't see it anytime soon. Same for Dubai. Both places are bucket list worthy, but won't make it onto my list until things change. There are so many places in the world where we can travel freely. I stick to spending my money there.

Finally, vacations are fun and a time to relax. I don't want to go anywhere I have to be guarded in action and speech just to see the Burj Khalifa.

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Just today a comment was made about NCL and how to the masses on it, all they know about manners is that it's a word in the dictionary.

My husband's about to turn 60 and I'm in my mid 50's so I guess we fit the Oceania demographics but truly have no desire. And we don't use water slides, rock walls, etc. However we do enjoy the laid back relaxed feel of NCL.

 

If we decide to look elsewhere then most likely it will be to Azamara or Sea Dream.

As you can see by my signature I am a big Norwegian fan. I did cruise Oceania, and though not my favourite cruise, it was not because of the fellow passengers. In fact, the passengers were wonderful and among the nicest people I have met on a cruise. People on the Oceania board are only a small cohort of the passengers on Oceania. Some do not realize how similar the two lines are, especially on a longer cruise. So please don't pass up a great itinerary because of what was said on the board and know that they will also be very helpful should you choose to book an Oceania cruise. When I see the right itinerary I would go again.

This is what we in Canada refer to as the American illusion of safety. Like your airport body scanners and removal shoes, these procedures give you the opportunity to feel safer even though those procedures do not actually increase your safety at all.

Just to clarify, as a Canadian, I have never heard of an American illusion of safety. I do not believe it is an American issue. In this case, I would not be a particularly happy passenger if my plane were flying over an unsafe area where a stray bullet could hit the plane. Not an illusion if the skin of the plane is penetrated. I would feel the same way if my flight were directed over Syria or Ukraine. No vacation is worth the risk. There will be frustration, anxiety and a lot of last minute plans, but I would rather that than someone being injured by a stray bullet.

That's too bad that numbers were low. We have lucked out, with many attendees though the Epic setup was difficult to connect because of the design of the bar chosen. I'll see how it goes on the Sun in December.

I've sailed the Dawn twice, once out of Boston and spring out of NOLA. My experience is limited on different lines, probably because we have been so fortunate on NCL.

Just a few comments:

the Dawn is sister to the Star, not the Sun.

The renovation to the Dawn and Star destroyed the Spinnaker Lounge and did move it to a lower level. But I have had fun there.

GLBT meetings on NCL are very well attended. On the Dawn, the number took up most of the lounge on occasion. NCL has hosted periodically just to get things going. People meet up, have a drink, and will break off into smaller groups depending on what's on that night.

NCL introduced a new menu this year across the fleet, and I found it good to excellent. I will not step into an Applebee's, so I find that comparison quite unfair.

Suite life on NCL is fantastic. I did it on the cruise from NOLA. We had a two bedroom and used the second as a clothing room. Make use of the concierge. Even for dinner reservations in the dining room. You won't wait for a table ever.

I am not a buffet person, but the layout on the Dawn is not well done. It does not have the Great Outdoors to relax and have a snack.

The Spa is an under utilized space. We used it every day. If you are a spa person, get the pass right away. Lap pool, thalassotherapy pool, great view out the back...fantastic for a small ship.

Will you meet a range of people on board? Of course. But the same is true in any shared accommodation. The people you connect with will come from different socioeconomic groups. I found the same on Oceania. Money does not equal class or manners.

The shows on Norwegian are very good. We took friends on our last cruise, who were more Cunard, HAL and Princess cruisers. They loved the entertainment, even on a smaller ship, found the food good and loved the fact they left their tuxes at home.

It is so good you are spending time in NOLA. Mardi Gras this year was my first visit and I was blown away by its tattered beauty. And what we found cool about sailing from NOLA was the catchment. Many people drove to the port, so we met many people from the southern states and mid America. As Canadians, we were enthralled by the southern accents. And we Facebook with several from that GLBT gathering on the Dawn.

Have fun!

I hear where the OP is coming from. For years, I avoided going to a country that my fellow citizens visited regularly because of the crime and murder numbers. Finally, friends convinced me to give it a try and I went to Florida. I wasn't murdered in a drive by, gangs didn't rob me and I loved state. But in comparison to Canada, for me, the US was a risk I didn't want to take.

On a Mediterranean cruise 3 years ago, I was in Ephesus, Turkey, when the Syrians shot down a Turkish fighter. I wasn't worried as I knew the cruise line would ensure our safety, at the very least, for insurance reasons. Istanbul was fantastic, and is on my list to return. Athens had riots before we arrived (I call this my failing economies cruise) but when we were there, Athens was calm and wonderful. Spain had issues, but it didn't affect us.

In summary, I am a coward, but I do want to see the world. And I am on this board because my sense is, Regent would be ideal for me in its service. I want a line that takes control of the vacation if their are problems in any given site (yes, I was in Bangkok for riots last year, yet did not see one and had a great time. I always figured that if you had a riot, the city was affected. In Bangkok, it turns out a riot can happen a few blocks away and have no impact on your shopping. Go figure!) I want to visit Egypt, Jordan and Turkey again, so am eyeing up a Regent cruise.

Regent will not follow the itinerary if it in any way hurts their reputation or their assets. If there were any danger, ports would skipped. Ports are skipped because winds are too high for tenders. They would definitely skip if they thought their passengers were in more danger than winds.

I have met some delightful, well mannered kids on my cruises.

I have to agree. I have been amazed at how well kids have been on the cruises I have taken. Perhaps it is all the activities, or I have been very lucky, but even on a New Years cruise on the Epic, filled with kids, I really walked away with a good impression of this generation.

I've been on an adult cruise, and didn't really notice the difference. But, I don't settle next to the pool and I accept kids will be kids.

Disclosure: no kids, never wanted kids, and am amazed by those that do.

We had Karabi in February and found her excellent. Never made a call that wasn't answered, she made all our reservations for the week, we connected at breakfast when we needed, and never felt ignored. Quite honestly, could not have had better service, and really preferred the services she provided vs the butler. By that I mean, the snacks were nice but really not necessary. The help with excursions and reservations and spa passes were more important to us. And I appreciated her demeanour. Helpful, not gushing.

Thanks for bringing this topic up. I don't like to relax in the sun, so have noticed how barren the promenade deck is on the Dawn. I have been on an Oceania ship and if FDR has anything to say, we should be seeing more seats on NCL. The promenade on Nautica was a great place to relax with lounge chairs and tables available. One of the best parts of that cruise for me.

If you do spend time in Barcelona, that is where I got most of my Euros for the trip. Banking machines are very available. Ho Ho bus is excellent to get your bearings and if you are there for a while, you can use the subway there after. For men, keep your wallet and phone in front pockets, women, purse in front. There are pickpockets, but never had a problem.

If you spend time in Venice, tour of Doge's palace is amazing. I had read that one of the best things to do is get lost in Venice. So we did. One afternoon to evening spent just wandering the streets, finding a restaurant here, bar there, and gelato everywhere. Water taxis are expensive, but transit boats are not and they are plentiful. We spent a few days in Venice, and then caught the high speed train to Rome for another week of touring. In Rome, when it was a port stop, we did the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel so we could avoid lines when we returned to Rome. We did do the NCL tour and it was well organized. When we returned at the end of the cruise, we spent a week getting lost in the city and wandering into museums we came across. It was a once in a lifetime trip, and while in Italy, we wanted to see as much as possible.

If you feel confident, Istanbul could easily be done on your own, by using the tram service. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar are all close, and though we did do a tour, I would have preferred it on our own (first cruise, so did tours in most ports). The port is just across the bridge from all the historical attractions. Once you get back to the ship, find a relaxing spot, looking over the Bosphorus, and just watch the ballet of ferries. It is fascinating.

Have a great time. I have been to Europe before, but loved doing it on a cruise ship. It was so busy and relaxing (how does that happen?) And it got me hooked on cruising.

Two increases within a few months is just dumb. It makes a company look disorganized, haphazard and desperate. A planned approach to increases is fine. Raining gratuities every so often is necessary but doing it back to back like this really makes you scratch your head wondering what the heck is going on up in that boardroom.

I agree completely. The cost is not a deal breaker, it just feels knee jerk in its execution. NCL is a good product, fits my needs and is the yardstick by which I compare other lines. And at this point, no other line gives me the flexibility that NCL does, except for Oceania and Regent Seven Seas at a significant mark up. So, unless I see the product deteriorate, it is where I will spend my cruise dollar. If it does deteriorate, there are many other products out there, but I will have to adjust to their type of cruising. I just don't see wearing a suit to dinner as part of a relaxing time away.

As others have stated, I would prefer that the charges be included in the fare, so there isn't this sense of another payment. It just gets people's ire up.

Thanks so much. Just have to cool my heels till then.

I am looking forward to trying Regent in 2017. Would anyone be able to tell me when the new itineraries are released? I am hopeful there will be itineraries that stop in India or East Africa.

Many thanks.

I went through the same experience when I booked on NCL Spirit. Reviews made me question whether I had made a good decision. It sounded like the food was awful, the ship falling apart, the staff were terrible. But, I had my flights booked and stuck with it.

Turned out, the food was good, the staff amazing, and the only thing I could say wasn't up to par, was the trim on a lamp. And I was a newby, and didn't know I could have asked to get it glued down.

Right before my last cruise on the Dawn, there were many threads on how it was falling apart. It wasn't. Neither were the staff or food horrible. Take both glowing and negative reviews with a grain of salt.

I am rather a fussy traveller. Wherever I stay has to be very clean (some OCD issues), I have to have good food (for chains in the US, I gravitate to Capital Grill and Mortons) but do prefer non chains, I expect good service and am pretty high maintenance. Though my last cruise was in a suite, I am happy in a balcony. I have really enjoyed my cruises on Norwegian, on ships that have some bad reviews.

Good luck and enjoy!

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:) I had a message on my phone this morning from "Dawn" from NCL. She left a call back number with the reason she was calling, so I called her back. She wanted to clarify the room service charge per the postings on CC and the FB site.

 

 

 

Dawn stated that as far as she knows the RSC is a 2 week trial on 2 of their ships and is only for the full entrees (hot meals). The Continental breakfast will continue to be served at NO additional charge in the mornings. This confirms what another CC poster listed with photo's of the full menu and the door card for the Continental breakfast. She did not know if this was going to go Fleet wide as this information has not been communicated to them as of yet. Remember she is the messenger, not the CEO, we don't shoot the messenger here.....Don't shoot me either.

 

 

 

I have another call into NCL regarding some follow up verification questions that I thought of after I got off the phone.

 

1. Full Suites and Havens RSC waived or just the Havens?

 

2. ADA, RSC waived if there is a disability issue?

 

3. How did NCL handle the issue with those on the BA and GA who weren't happy with the surprise RSC?

 

4. If NCL does continues the RSC for full menu fare Fleet wide, how will this be communicated to those with a future booking?

 

 

 

Dawn (sp) was pleasant, professional and listened to my concerns. My issue was with the way NCL rolled out of the charges without prior notification to current guests on board the Getaway and Breakaway. She understood my concern about the RSC roll out that could have / should have been communicated better. I suggest it would be NICE if there could be a NEWS window icon/window on the NCL website. The NEWS window would inform cruisers of changes regarding status of specific cruises and rate changes and updated weekly. It is better to get the news (good or bad) directly from NCL in my opinion.

 

 

 

If I hear back, I will add the answers to the above questions.

 

We have all read the LONG posts regarding this issue, so I think that the call from NCL was a positive step in improving communication.

 

 

 

“A little Consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.“

 

― Winnie the Pooh

 

Thanks OP for sharing your discussion with Norwegian. It is greatly appreciated. I just wish others had read all the way down to your Winnie the Pooh quote. Not everything requires a scholarly review of each word, possible meaning and intent of the speaker. You had a chat, you were told some things and you graciously shared.

From my perspective, I am happy to pay for expanded service. Cooked eggs sound great. It may prompt me to use RoomService more often. But I won't know until my next cruise and I won't worry about it, vow never to cruise NCL, study my contract, and get myself filled with anxiety for what is relaxation time. Times change. I once got free delivery of milk; I don't anymore. My life went on. I am sure others will be able to cope with this change.

All will be well if we channel our inner Winnie.

I can tell you that after a recent trip on the Dawn, I was impressed at both the quality of the new menu, but also the presentation. I found the old menu good to excellent, with a few let downs. On the 7 day cruise, each meal was well done. No letdowns.

I generally do not like chain "family" restaurants, and avoid Applebee's, Perkins, etc. I mention this because so often the main dining room will get a bad review and a comparison to these types of restaurants. I don't see it. I enjoy well made, fresh tasting, attractive dishes. I found the old menu lacked some finesse and presentation. I had no complaints about food on my last cruise. And we only went to the specialty restaurants just for a change of scenery on 2 nights. (Moderno, which seems to have really hit its stride and the Italian Cafe, which was ok more because of service than food) But, as everyone will mention, food is very personal.

Let us know how the Sun goes, as I will be on her in December.

I LIKE THIS! For only $4.95 I can have food for four delivered to my cabin! Between us that will be a pizza, four burgers, two BLTs, and a few side items! In a heart beat I would pay $4.95 for the convenience of sitting on my butt out on my balcony while someone else brings us all food.

I agree. Having been on the Dawn a few weeks ago, I would have been very happy with this menu and the cost of 4.95. The new dining room menus were amazingly successful, so if they could pull off that quality on room service, I would partake.

I am huge Norwegian cheerleader. When I had similar issues of cleanliness on Oceania, I found the Hotel Director/ Manager just as unresponsive, a surprise after only sailing Norwegian and experiencing their action on issues. But we now have new leadership at Norwegian and perhaps they have something to do with this change. Now, where did they come from? So, unfortunately, I am not surprised, at the cleanliness or the response. Just wish they could get their act together because both lines have much to offer.

I have little/no experience on other lines besides Norwegian, but have always found their cruises friendly, open, and fun. I have been told by parents that their children's programs are excellent, and the cost is generally much lower than Disney. The other factor for any gamblers is Disney does not have casinos. I am not a gambler, but Norwegian does have some pretty huge casinos. Another factor could be that on all my cruises, there was a very active LGBT gathering, with very good attendance each night. We have made some great friends over the last few years from those gatherings. Best of luck, but from what I have read, most cruise lines are LGBT friendly so I don't know if there is a bad choice.

It was amazing!

Did 21 days in Asia on Oceania, and what they did in several of the ports was 2 days, rather than one. That way, you get to spend more time and see the lights of Shanghai, Hong Kong and Saigon. Having done it, I would say it was the perfect way to see Asia, because you could pull yourself out of the frenetic city to the tranquility of the ship each night. But the flight to Asia. Never again. Halfway there, I decided that I would just spend the rest of my life there rather than endure the flight back.

Hi all. I read the attached a while ago. Blue Man is getting replaced by Pricilla, Queen of the Desert and Burn the Floor.

http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/pressroom/pressRelease.html?storyCode=PR_111714

We arrived in New Orleans the weekend before Mardi Gras and sailed the following Sunday. New Orleans was fantastic, but I really looked forward to my first suite experience. Here are my thoughts.

Amazing

The cabin. We had a 2 bedroom family suite. Spacious, comfortable, well maintained and the most amazing bathroom on earth. Each morning, how could you not feel special taking a shower while looking onto the ocean. It was easy to have friends in for pre dinner snacks and cocktails because of the space.

The concierge. Every request was completed and followed through. We are not particularly demanding, but always had reservations, services and tours done by the concierge. And she was very attentive. Next to the room, my favourite part of having a suite.

The MDRs. The new menu is amazing. We never had a bad meal in the MDRs. Service was good, though a bit slow on the first night. Did only two specialty nights, because I was so impressed with the MDRs. We had friends join us on the cruise, and they are Celebrity and Cunard cruisers. They were impressed and felt it was the best food they had at sea.

Modernos. Having been on the Dawn only 18 months before, I was so impressed at how much improved the food and service was. My favourite specialty restaurant.

The staff. I am always impressed how much the staff attend to the guests. Friendly, happy and personable.

Excellent

The entertainment. We didn't see all the shows, but the ones we did, I enjoyed, as always. The ship band and performers were excellent, and having seen Band on the Run for the first time, I appreciated how difficult some of those seventies songs were to sing.

The spa. Second time using this space and I found it just as enjoyable. Great thermal suite, relaxing loungers overlooking the back of the ship, and a great alternative to the pool area.

Cagneys for breakfast. What a fantastic way to start the day. I didn't appreciate how much I would love this perk, but it had the hot menu, and a quiet buffet. I like a light breakfast, so the buffet was perfect, but I did try steak and eggs for the first time. Heavenly.

Good

The buffet area. The layout for this area just feels strange. It ends at an elevator lobby, so if you walk to one end, you go through the elevator lobby to go up the other side. The food was good, delicious at times, but I am not a big buffet lover. And why are the fountain drinks so far away from the eating area? When you ask for a soda, you are guaranteed a minimum 10 minute wait. I feel bad for the servers and sometimes thought they might knock back my diet coke to rehydrate during their hike.

Room for improvement

Spinnakers lounge. What a huge mistake to have moved it down into the ship. The ceiling is too low, the room has far too many chairs to allow easy movement and the sight lines are poor. And it's the only place for people to dance. It feels like a visit to a seventies rumpus room, rather than the primary lounge on a ship. Every time I go in there, I feel sad that someone in leadership signed off on this disaster for a few extra suites. I felt more options for evening entertainment on the Spirit, a smaller ship, but great Spinnaker and dance bar.

Laundry bags. Ok, I am clearly happy with my experience if this is what I focus on, but, those bags just don't hold together. I have a new mantra when packing, which is, laundry is cheap. There are the bag deals, but we just send laundry as soon as we have some. In this case, we sent some on the first day. Those bags always rip at the top, and stewards on not terribly free with their distribution.

Loungers in shaded areas. Not all of us can handle the sun. 10 minutes, and I take on a hue much like the Pink Panther. Yet covered loungers were not easy to get. I would have enjoyed having more on the promenade deck. There were a few, but those were taken rather quickly.

Overall, best cruise ever! I have never felt so pampered. I would do it again in a heartbeat, and now, I am hooked on suites. Looks like someone will need a second job.

I answered in your post below.

Hi! I was wondering if anyone can answer some of my questions about this type of room...

 

1. Can 2 people fit in those jetted tubs?

 

It's tight, as the tub is very narrow. But the view is incredible.

2. Can people on the balcony see you in the tub?

 

There is a window that overlooks the balcony, but the shade can be drawn, and you have private. It is your balcony that can see in. Even with that shade drawn, you still have the main window overlooking the ocean.

 

My Husband, our 1.5 yr old baby (when we cruise) and my mother will be going. Is this room worth it for us or should we just get 2 balconies? I am so torn!

It was the best room, hotel or otherwise, I have had. Living area is wonderful to just put your feet up and relax.