No Longer Live From the Dawn 2/10 – A Review part1

[shoreguy]

Instead of starting from scratch I though I would update the comments I posted live to complete a review in one place. I have had time since we returned to think about the ten days. I still believe I have never been on a ship that was run better.

 

Klaus Lugmaier is the best Hotel Director I have encountered in 25 + cruises. He has put a great team in place and they all are customer facing. Colin Kerr as the Cruise Director was outstanding. I am not a big CD fan but any man that can make me laugh on a video explaining how to use the toilet deserves recognition.

 

How good was this cruise? Good enough for me to take the time to write a note to Colin Veitch and thank by name 8 or 10 members of the crew for going the extra mile to make this an exceptional experience. Was everything perfect? No! When it wasn’t did someone fix it and show genuine concern? Yes!

 

Klaus the HD and a number of the key staff member will be leaving the Dawn soon to bring the Jewel online. I think they are moving there best people from around the fleet to make sure there are no bumps when the ship goes into service. I was so impressed with this team I booked the 10 Day Transatlantic two weeks after returning.

 

A little background. This was my first cruise solo but not alone. We had about 80 CC members on the roll call. Many I had cruised with before and it made the trip even better. Other then those on the Classic Gaming Cruise and the Brown family we were a formidable force.

 

I was by luck and a lot of work booked into an AF Mini deck 11.

 

Embarkation - as expected a nightmare – Ship was 3 hours late – did not leave for the pier until 1:30 arriving at 2:30. I stepped onto the ship at 5:30. The good news once they started at 4 pm it went quickly. Those that got there early had seats. I got to stand in line for 3 hours.

 

Bar Setup – no problem it was waiting in my cabin (Heck they had all day to get it there) and it was a welcome site after spending all that quality time on the pier.

 

CC sail away in the Star Bar did not happen – the Bar was booked for a private party – Classic Gaming. ...

 

They had two for one in the specialty restaurants the first night

 

I had dinner the first night in Impressions with friends. We must have hit the good cow. The prime rib was like butter. Some of the best I have had anywhere. But it could have been the wine and the company.

 

First Sea Day - Rocking and Rolling – 190 miles off the NC coast.

 

Seas got better every hour. 12-18 ft. in the afternoon. We had some waves 25 to 30 earlier. Winds (38 knots) and seas are from the NW pushing us south at 22 knots

 

We had a very brief CC meeting this morning at 10:30 attended by about 35 members and about 8 officers from the ship including Klaus and Colin. It was very brief since they had moved the lifeboat drill to 11 am today. NCL did a great job with a full continental breakfast.

 

The afternoon included the Martini Clinic hosted by Gede who now has his own thread on CC. This was the biggest group ever for the clinic. The Star Bar was packed but still a great time and a great value for $10

 

Despite the rough seas and a bit of a roll to the ship most seem to be having a great time and no effects from the bumpy ride.

 

Wine buy 5 get one free – not available on 10 day anymore as a standard offer. I did receive today a book of Master Card coupons since I used my NCL card that included a coupon for buy 5 get one free.

 

Hit the casino – 3 card poker very good to me. First two hands straight flushes – 2 hours paid for more then the 10 day onboard charges

[shoreguy]

Day Two at Sea

 

Latitudes party – one today one tomorrow – lots of repeat cruisers – better then past trips. They continued to past shrimp and snacks for almost the whole hour. I missed the free bottle of bubbly by one cruise. I did win a free entry to the blackjack tournament

 

We got word on our new itinerary in the afternoon: No Barbados

San Juan - Sun – 3-10 PM

St Thomas – Mon. – 7 am – 5 pm

Antigua – Tues. – 7am – 5 pm

St Martin- Wed – 7 am – 5 pm (dock not tender)

Tortola – Thus – 7am – 1 pm

 

Seas remained a bit rough 12’ + but the sun is out, pool area is full, bbq in full swing

 

That night I did get a chance to see the Second City Show and I thought it was very good – a refreshing change from the steady diet of GAR. If you like the old SNL bits you will enjoy the show. There are a number of non English speaking groups onboard and the show was a total loss for them.

 

Closed Spinnakers – 70s night

 

San Juan

 

I was happy we stopped in here. Went to Old San Juan with a couple of CC members. As we walked to town we passed a park where on member of the group saw the horse drawn carriages and commented that would be fun. More to follow. We headed off to the Butterfly People Store . It had moved but I was able to find it. There was a sign in the door Open Sunday 2/13 – it was closed.

 

We heard lots of sirens and traffic was a mess. We turned the corner and what to we see but on of those horse drawn carriages upside down in the street with passengers being loaded into an ambulance on back boards. It seems a giant SUV and horses don’t mix on the narrow streets. Put a damper on the day. Back to the ship after a stop at Senior Frogs.

 

I had a grand meal at the Bistro solo. I had intended to eat in Impressions. They offer me a table right away. As soon as we started toward the table the baby screaming at the next table was not in my plans. I said no thank you and walked across to the bistro. I was seated immediately, order a fine Cabernet, and had a meal to die for.

 

Closed Spinnakers again

 

St Thomas.

 

It was late start for me. Have no idea why. We did not dock at Havensight but rather the other pier east of Charlotte Amalie. Did my shopping and returned to the ship to relax by the pool.

 

QM2 in in St Thomas – I have seen the tenders but not the ship. They are anchored on the far side of an island in the middle of the harbor and you can not see the ship from town

 

We did the murder mystery dinner tonight – If it is something you want to do book early – 250 seats and they opened registration from 10-12 on Sunday but it was fully booked by 10:30. Mike the Assist. CD had given me his wireless number and I was able to book some of our group even after it was sold out.

 

The mystery dinner was a lot of fun. It also reminded me why I now prefer freestyle. 250+ guests meet in the Stardust. Are put into groups of 8 and we all march off together to rollplay over dinner. You are back to traditional dining with assigned table mates. If I had to eat for ten days with some of that group I would jump off the ship. Buy the way there is now at least one murderer among the members of CC.

 

We had a small group of wasted teens onboard – I passed them sleeping on the stairs after we closed Spinnakers.

 

 

Antigua

I did spot a bin of runny eggs this morning – they were just putting them out. They looked a lot better the old dry ones they replaced.

 

I had booked the ATV Tour but it was cancelled with the change in dates. Took a cab to the beach and spent a few hours catching up on my sleep. Getting to old to run all night but it is still fun.

 

I continue to bump into Klaus all over the ship. Without a doubt the most visible HD I have meet. He always stops to ask how we are enjoying the ship. I told him each time it could not be better. Returned from port this afternoon and had a nice note and complementary bottle of wine from him

 

Dinner Impressions was an adventure. I ate with 4 other CC members. We enjoyed the free bottle that Klaus had provided. I mentioned my mushrooms were cold and the salad was warm. All heck broke out. The chief came out of the kitchen to better understand my concern. We were afraid they waiter was going to put off the ship. You all know it rolls downhill. Explained I was just trying to help, the rest of the meal was outstanding, and the service from our waiter excellent.

 

In the end everyone just wanted to make sure we were happy.

 

Tonight is the big deck party. .

 

Did not make it to closing at Spinnakers.

[shoreguy]

St Maartin.

 

Colin gives a shout out to the Cruise Critic Members

 

This morning’s little TV production outlining the day included a big thank you to all the Cruise Critics. I decided Colin is funny before he says a thing. He said he went online and his name was there. He was so excited. I am not a big CD fan but I have enjoyed this staff more then any on recent cruises.

 

I booked the Rhino Riders for 1 pm. When we showed up the bus was full and they offered 50% off if we went at 2 PM. It was a blast and great shore excursion. Getting through town at 5 pm to return to the ship was special. I think I got back to my cabin 5 minutes before we sailed at 6 pm. Glad we had booked with the ship. I head the guy at the gangway radio when we boarded that al tours were now back.

 

Too much to do so I grabbed dinner in the Garden Café. A first for me. I was surprised. Linen on all the tables. Veal Marcela, Leg of Lamb, Tapia, really very good.

 

 

Closed Spinnakers

 

Tortola – what can I say – got up late – tendered in today – got the tee shirt - tendered back. A Perfect day for more last minute sunburn.

 

Ran into the other half of the CC members onboard all report best treatment ever onboard. The crew has bent over backwards to make sure all the members onboard have an excellent adventure.

 

Stuck my head into the liars club – all new words and the Second City folks along with Colin make up the panel.

 

Back to Le Bistro - $10 cover and an outstanding meal and service. Turned in my 5 receipts and got my free bottle of wine from MasterCard/NCL. No restrictions on the free bottle. They give you a credit equal to the average price of the wines you purchased. With a free bottle in hand I also ordered a bottle of Dom. The 5 of use were in the Bistro zone and believe it or not the damn pirate showed up to interrupt a wonderful meal. We had words and he retreated. Never have I seen the pirate photo op in the Bistro.

 

The show last night was Michael Ziegfeld - Comedian / Ventriloquist followed by the Crew talent show. Both were great.. He turns members of the audience into human puppets.

 

 

Off to Karaoke and then as most nights closed Spinnakers

 

Day at Sea - I needed it.

 

Today has been a veg out in the sun day. I missed the chocolate buffet.

 

Went to Bingo for the fist time. They now have a progressive fleet wide game. If you make the full cover in 49 numbers the jackpot is yours. It starts at $10,000 and was over $15,000 this day. No winner.

 

Last Sea Day - My bags are packed

 

Headed back to NYC – 310 Miles out doing 20 Knots. 12-18 foot seas. 40 F

 

Did my usual people watching and listened today. I expect there will be some negative reviews with the standard complaints. Missed a port (Barbados was important to many) No soft serve ice cream except in sprinkles, smokers onboard, teens hanging out (heard the kids talking there was a fight in Blue lagoon over a girl) Heard second hand that those involved and families were put off the ship in Tortola – expensive lesson

 

None of the above can steal my enjoyment of this cruise. Lazy day – late breakfast – lunch in Bamboo – Blackjack tournament

 

Passenger talent show and farewell show as always a must see – Still enjoy the Norwegian Way!

 

NYC

 

VIP embarkation was to meet at 9:30. That has been move to 11 AM since we did not dock until after 9 AM. We were first off the ship around 11:30+. Worked out great my driver was late had to run down to the Holland Tunnel when he hit 1.5 hour back up at the Lincoln

[shoreguy]

A last thought for CC Members.

 

One thing I told some folks I would post and still think I need to. Many of the CC members onboard were given the VIP treatment. Special deserts, access to restaurants and events that were full, snacks delivered to their cabins. We were made to fell like special guests in Klaus’ home. Some folks abused that welcome sitting by the pool bar ordering with a soda card and pouring their own booze from soda bottles. I understand the need to keep cost down but at least go back to your cabin. It is that bar revenue that paid for the special treatment. It is that revenue that out host’s success is measured against. I told one member it felt to me like stealing from a friend’s home.

 

I am not saying that I did not bring a little Grey Goose to enjoy in my cabin. Just in case the Bar Setup ran out (and it did). It was the in your face abuse that really got under my skin. These are people I like and I did not want to be upset but I was. If we expect as members to be offered free meeting space with refreshments, to have the key managers show up, and from time to time given special treatment we should be the last people to abuse the hospitality. If you are on CC. You know the rules. I would hate to see the actions of a few ruin it for the larger membership.

[tigerlilycruiser12]

Jim

 

Great review, wonderful time, great crew. We couldn't have been treated any better. Had lots of laughs and a great time. Your trip on the jewel will be terrific. How can it not be, sailing with a great crew.

 

Marie :)

[SummerRenee]

Shoreguy,

 

I am not a frequent NCL cruiser, hence this question:

 

Does NCL organize CC gatherings on each sailing, or is it something that an individual must organize?

[shoreguy]

Shoreguy,

 

I am not a frequent NCL cruiser, hence this question:

 

Does NCL organize CC gatherings on each sailing, or is it something that an individual must organize?

 

Unlike RCI and Cel. there is no formal relationship with CC. It is up to the members of thr rollcall to put it together. Depending on the ship and the staff the extent that NCl contributes is varied.

[DivaG]

Thanks so much for the review shoreguy. I will be on the Dawn this September (2nd cruise and 2nd time on the Dawn - hmmm, the beginnings of a pattern I think. :cool: )

 

Regarding your thoughts on CC members (or anyone for that matter) abusing or taking advantage of hospitality - please know that I agree wholeheartedly. It's unfortunate that some will always ruin things for the masses. I'm glad you mentioned it to those you felt were abusing, but it may not change anything. Some folks are "takers" - that's what they do best and that's what they will continue to do. I'm sure Klaus and the majority of the staff are well aware that the few abusers do NOT in any way represent the integrity of the majority of CC members.

 

The hope is that some folks will stop "taking" and learn to give and appreciate what's given to them.

 

It sounds like you had a wonderful cruise in spite of the weather. If you think of any more tips, suggestions or comments, please share them. This board was instrumental to our having a wonderful cruise last year and I'm still learning and excitingly anticipating our September cruise on the Dawn.

 

G

[Suesan Jean]

:) GREAT REVIEW!!! So, do you know if Klaus Lugmaier, Colin Kerr and Colin Veitch are going to be transferred to the new Jewel? It sounds as if NCL wants to put their "TOP" people in position on the Jewel, so that things go smoothly, efficiently and very well. If these gentlemen are being transferred, WHO will be on the Dawn??

I am just wondering about my Dawn cruise next month and February 2006.... I have enjoyed reading about how great these men are onboard the Dawn, I have been looking forward to meeting/seeing them up close and personal, in action!!

Thank's Shoreguy!!

 

Suesan:):):)

[seahorse]

:) GREAT REVIEW!!! So, do you know if Klaus Lugmaier, Colin Kerr and Colin Veitch are going to be transferred to the new Jewel? It sounds as if NCL wants to put their "TOP" people in position on the Jewel, so that things go smoothly, efficiently and very well. If these gentlemen are being transferred, WHO will be on the Dawn??

I am just wondering about my Dawn cruise next month and February 2006.... I have enjoyed reading about how great these men are onboard the Dawn, I have been looking forward to meeting/seeing them up close and personal, in action!!

Thank's Shoreguy!!

 

 

Can`t resist this.....Colin Veitch:D ......Oh nevermind:D Just having a little fun, it could be humbling:rolleyes:

[greenie]

Shoreguy, WONDERFUL review. Thanks so much for sharing all your impressions and for sharing your cruise as you did! Like many others, I eagerly read everything written about the Dawn as I will be experiencing her for the first time this May.

 

I am glad you mentioned the abuse of hospitality. It should be mentioned.

 

Thanks again--

[shoreguy]

:) GREAT REVIEW!!! So, do you know if Klaus Lugmaier, Colin Kerr and Colin Veitch are going to be transferred to the new Jewel? It sounds as if NCL wants to put their "TOP" people in position on the Jewel, so that things go smoothly, efficiently and very well. If these gentlemen are being transferred, WHO will be on the Dawn??

I am just wondering about my Dawn cruise next month and February 2006.... I have enjoyed reading about how great these men are onboard the Dawn, I have been looking forward to meeting/seeing them up close and personal, in action!!

Thank's Shoreguy!!

 

Suesan:):):)

 

 

I don't think they are going to ask the Chairman to work on the Jewel so I figure Colin Veitch will stay in Miami :) My understanding is Colin Kerr will return to the Dawn after a couple of months off. Klaus weill be off for a short period of time and go to Germany in April to bring the ship out. Last I heard he will be onboard until Novenber. I believe Mike Schakowsky The Assit. Cruise Director will go to the Jewel.

[Suesan Jean]

:D I guess I made a "wee" goof in including Colin Veitch in with Klaus and Colin, guess I got mixed up with all the Colin's.......:rolleyes:

 

Suesan:):):)

[shoreguy]

I just wanted to add a funny story. I always pack duct tape. Why? I don't know but everyone says you should have it. I shared with others onboard I had it and they wonder why as well.

 

I did get to use it this trip and I am sure there are many folks happy I did and don't know it.

 

I was heading out to dinner and came across our cabin steward and his manager. The hose on the vacum had seperated and they were fixing it for the third time with masking tape.

 

I return to my cabin got the Duct Tape and explained it fixes everything. Four days later when I was leaving the ship that duct tape was still doing its job and everyone's cabin was clean. :D

 

Someday I will find a use for the bungee cord I have in my bag :confused:

[seahorse]

If I remember correctly, WAAaaaaaaaaaaay back last year on the Dawn that bungee was to keep a certain someone from falling off her balcony and her bar stool:D

 

My Duck Tape has been all around the world, it is old and tattered now, never had to use it. BUT it I don`t take it I will, then I`ll have to buy some:eek:

[LDeBord]

Shoreguy......great review!! I really enjoyed this cruise and my in-laws keeping saying that this was the best cruise ever. I just finished my Dawn review with my 2006 cruising friends....we have one couple sailing on the Dawn the end of the month and she wanted to hear all about it. I wouldn't hesitate to sail on the Dawn again. Thanks for keeping us informed and hope to see you again on future cruises.

[Snorkelfan]

Thanx Shoreguy for your great review! I am soooo glad you are on these boards cos I have learned soooo much from you. June will be my first trip on the DAwn and I feel like I know everything about her because of you. thanx for taking the time to help the rest of us out!!!

[tigerlilycruiser12]

I hope Klaus is back in the Dawn for Feb. to as he was very attentive to all. I saw him all over the ship and is very approchable.

[jade1]

hey there mr.Shoreguy,

[jade1]

thanks for the review. Looking forward to sailing on the dawn. Just a quick notion about the CC who you say abused the alchol policy. I have been on other ships during my years, and alot of folks do the same as these people. I really don't think that it was proper to post about it. I to have brought something with me, and have taken it to the pool area to cut down costs, but still manage to have a bar bill at the end that was about $500, for a 12 day cruise. Yes, it my not be proper to bring it there, but in some way you are doing the same. You probably just went back to your room, and filled up again, so its kinda the same idea. So these people may have gotten some special treatment, thats good for the business, for it will probably make them cruise again. NCL make out all around. The man you named Klaus, probably thought that they needed special treatment, and gave it to them. We don't know all the facts, and shouldn't be putting these folks down for having a good time. If these people, the CC's know who they are , more power to them. I think that people should mind there own business, for alot of people get special treatments of some kind, or maybe you didn't. Don't know and don't care. I would love to cruise NCL, and have been looking to take the Dawn, but I don't need sherlock holmes following me around. I have been watching the posting, and the ship sounds lovely, and so does the crew, but some of the people, I am not sure about. I know that this board, everyone gives their options on the ships, reviews, but why add things like that. Especially when you said that you liked these people???:confused:

[shoreguy]

hey there mr.Shoreguy,

 

I will reply to a few of your comments. First I am not putting these folks down. They are great people. I would cruise with them again in a minute. I was just sharing how I felt. I can say that I did not carry one drink from my cabin to a public area. I could have I suppose since I had purchased a bottle from NCL as a bar setup.

 

No sherlock holmes involved the fact was proudly shared with me. I was treated as were other CC members like kings and Queens. That is way I felt is was not the best way to repay our host. It is only my feelings and opinion. As I stated I understand the economics and I have done the same in the past.

 

You may feel that it should not be an issue that is your opinion. Others feel it is not an issue that's thier opinion. And some felt it was not the right thing to do, our opinion.

 

I will continue to share honestly my opions on cruising and to protect the value that this board can provide to future cruisers.

[jrose529]

Thanks for giving us so much info. I'm new to these boards and will be taking my first NCL cruise on the Dawn on 8-14-05. :cool: Reading your posts really help since I know so little about NCL. I've cruised Disney, Celebrity, RCCL & Carnival. I like to do as much research as possible before a cruise and since I just booked yesterday, I have much work ahead of me! :D

 

We will also be on deck 11 - cabin 11076. How did you like your accomodations? We have never been in a Mini Suite before. In fact, we have never had a balcony and I am so looking forward to that! Will there be enough room for my family of 4? (DS is 21 & DD is 16) I was going to book 2 cabins, but my TA couldn't guarantee that they'd be in the same area. I also didn't want to pass up that balcony! ;)

[Jett456]

I don't see anything wrong with Shoreguy's opinion. I agree with him and even if I am guilty of bringing a drink out of my cabin once or twice, its not the same as sitting by the pool and doing it so that everyone can see. That is like bringing your own flask into a nice restaurant and pouring it into your soda glass. Tacky.

[shoreguy]

:rolleyes:

Thanks for giving us so much info. I'm new to these boards and will be taking my first NCL cruise on the Dawn on 8-14-05. :cool: Reading your posts really help since I know so little about NCL. I've cruised Disney, Celebrity, RCCL & Carnival. I like to do as much research as possible before a cruise and since I just booked yesterday, I have much work ahead of me! :D

 

We will also be on deck 11 - cabin 11076. How did you like your accomodations? We have never been in a Mini Suite before. In fact, we have never had a balcony and I am so looking forward to that! Will there be enough room for my family of 4? (DS is 21 & DD is 16) I was going to book 2 cabins, but my TA couldn't guarantee that they'd be in the same area. I also didn't want to pass up that balcony!

 

You are more then welcome. You should love the Mini. 4 people will be a lot more comfortable in the AF then a quad inside with wall to wall beds. There is a curtain the seperates the main sleeping area from the sofa bed. The Sofa is plenty big for two kids or you may want it so you can close the curtain leave the balcony door open and enjoy the smell and sound of the sea.

 

Having a bathtub just made it harder to take a shower for me :rolleyes: Your cabin is in a great location easy access to forward and Mid stairways.

 

This could be a long term expensive trip. You know what they say. Once you have had a balcony you never go back :D

 

Enjoy

[jrose529]

The cabin sounds great! Is the bathroom any larger than those on other lines? On Disney, we had a split bathroom. The tub/shower and a sink was in one room and the toilet & another sink was separate. Both rooms were rather small, but it was nice to have 2 sinks. On the other cruises we took, the bathroom was miniscule. I hope the one in the mini is larger. :D