Dawn Helpful Tips

[wildwanderer]

Happy Holidays to everyone- I read a lot about the newer ships however our next cruise is on the Dawn.

 

I haven't seen a lot about this cruise from NOLA. So share your tips and not to miss for us (50,40,5,3 yr olds). We have 30 odd days until we head out. Thanks in advance.

[Disneycruisers]

We will be on the Dawn in 2 weeks so any advise would be great.

[PoolSlider]

30 odd days out suggests you will be in town for the start of the Carnival season. I'd take advantage of that if you have a chance. Outside of Bourbon St, the season is fun and family-friendly so don't be put off by the tales of amateurs.

 

The wharf area is tight and stands cheek to jowl with a number of hotels, a convention center, a shopping mall, and all of it is in the midst of downtown New Orleans. And everybody always decides to come and go at the exact same time which leads people to call it chaotic and disorganized. So take your happy pills and a shot of Aquavit and go with the flow.

 

Dawn is a relaxing ship, not a floating amusement park. I would sign the kids up for the kids program as soon as possible on boarding if you anticipate using those facilities. The kids pools at the back of the ship have smaller slides which may be a lot of fun for your kids.

 

Costa Maya has a water park; if interested in it don't buy it as a shore excursion. You can easily walk to it and they let my whole family in for the price of one adult. Barter!

 

If you tell people what you are interested in then you'll likely get more replies...

[markpark]

The two Main Dining Rooms filled up quickly. Go at 5:30pm to get seated without a wait.

[mickev99]

On our way home from our wonderful trip on the dawn. I have my review written up to the middle of day 6 but it's too dark to keep writing in the car now. Hope to finish tomorrow and post this week. I will scan freestyle dailies, kids club flyers, and most of the menus for dinner in Aqua. I think I forgot to take a photo of the menu one night. I think I took a photo of breakfast in the mdr as well. It was a great cruise overall!

[wildwanderer]

Thanks everyone we are just looking to read about what others have done and enjoyed. I look forward to your review mickev99.

[don't-use-real-name]

Did you logon to the CC NCL Roll Call for your sailing ?

Find out if there is a Meet & Greet party going on perhaps meeting a lot of

other folks with the same interests and questions.

 

The check-in and boarding will seem like a zoo - relax and take it in stride.

The traffic in front of the Cruise Terminal can be daunting.

Best if you let someone else get you to the CT.

Find out about where to check your baggage.

Then pass the security point for inspection of weapons of mass destruction aka

pocket knives tools illegal alcohol and other contraband items.

Inside the Terminal you will be directed to the check-in lines where you get

your sail and sign (room key) card; photo taken and settle up on how you are

going to pay for the miscellaneous charges etc.

After that directed to a large holding area awaiting boarding.

Suggest that you do not arrive too early and wait longer than necessary.

Boarding will start around 11 am or so and you will go up a long ramp and

then several switchbacks gangway to get onto the ship.

Your party will have to have their sail & sign cards out for scanning before

boarding. Once on the ship it will be suggested that you go the buffet or the

Aqua Main Dining room to await clearance to your cabin. After dining if the

cabin is not made up feel free to roam the ship and walk the decks finding

where things are at.

Now would be a good time to see about reserving shore excursions and dinner

times in the Specialty restaurants if you have not done so earlier.

Your checked baggage should arrive about 3-4pm at your cabin.

The first night the casual dress code is not in use. Subsequent nights the

Aft Main Dining Room and some of the specialty restaurants have a no shorts

bare legs dress code policy and no hats in either of the Dining Rooms.

 

 

Sailing away down river at night there is not much to see - the same on the

return up river. Disappointing but that is the way it is.

I took the Western Caribbean trip in mid January this year and in sailing away

it was rainy misty foggy - I don't quite know how they sailed this 950 foot ship

some 60 miles down to the mouth of river and the Gulf but they did it.

If is not raining get out on deck for a moonlight cruise but you will not stay

long the weather is decidedly chilly.

 

 

Others jump in and pick this apart with alternate ideas suggestions.

That is what these forums are all about.

 

Bon Voyage and enjoy your cruise !