Dawn Disappointment

[Momofpuppy]

What was your cabin number? Do you know what other cabins had plumbing/toilet issues?

[CruisinHarvey]

It certainly more than upgraded beef. I agree, that I am paying more for ambience and attentive service as well. But I ageee, the upcharges are far to high nowadays.

 

Cagney's uses only certified Angus Beef. It's in their brochures, and has been in place since 2013.

[phoenix1181]

What was your cabin number? Do you know what other cabins had plumbing/toilet issues?

 

We were in 8618 on a recommendation & will never stay in anything less than a balcony again. In addition to the plumbing problem, the cabin is just too small & there's no place to sit!

 

I know there was also a problem on deck 10 but I don't know any cabin numbers. We heard there was a pipe that burst on 9 but the information wasn't first hand so I'm not sure it's accurate.

[punkincc]

Cagney's uses only certified Angus Beef. It's in their brochures, and has been in place since 2013.

 

 

Yes, but what does that really mean? So the meat is from an Angus cow as opposed to another breed. Does NCL actually tell us what the USDA Grade of the meat they order from "Angus" is? The "Angus" people tell us they only accept USDA Prime and Choice for their label. But, less than 2% of all US beef is certified Prime, and most of that goes to the top steakhouses like Ruth's Chris and costs a pretty penny.

 

In the past, I have had a few steaks that I thought were good enough to have actually been Prime in Cagneys. You could cut them with a fork. But the last two cruises, it was like they barely made the cut for the Choice label, tasting more like the "Select" cuts you find at the grocery store.

 

I am sure they are not buying the same grade of steak that the top steakhouses are buying. I have no doubt that there has been a downgrade in the cuts of meat purchased in order to maximize profit, especially when they are giving away SDP packages with bookings. Don't fall for the hype.

[CruisinHarvey]

Yes, but what does that really mean? So the meat is from an Angus cow as opposed to another breed. Does NCL actually tell us what the USDA Grade of the meat they order from "Angus" is? The "Angus" people tell us they only accept USDA Prime and Choice for their label. But, less than 2% of all US beef is certified Prime, and most of that goes to the top steakhouses like Ruth's Chris and costs a pretty penny.

 

In the past, I have had a few steaks that I thought were good enough to have actually been Prime in Cagneys. You could cut them with a fork. But the last two cruises, it was like they barely made the cut for the Choice label, tasting more like the "Select" cuts you find at the grocery store.

 

I am sure they are not buying the same grade of steak that the top steakhouses are buying. I have no doubt that there has been a downgrade in the cuts of meat purchased in order to maximize profit, especially when they are giving away SDP packages with bookings. Don't fall for the hype.

 

Angus is actually a made up tier of Choice, by the folks who branded it. It's at the top of the choice grade.So they claim it's better than choice, but they can't say it's prime. To my knowledge it is not a USDA grade of beef. Being an ex meat cutter, I can tell you it's pretty darn good. It's sold, under that brand name, at various grocers in the US. BTW NCL is only mainstream cruise line ensure a specific quality of beef, that I'm aware of. If anyone has more information, I'd be glad hear it.

[dem1958]

The only two specialty restaurants with flat cover fees these days are Moderno, the Brazillian Steak House, and Teppanyaki. The others are a la carte unless you have a dining package. How long ago did you buy the dining package? You need to find out whether you have the newer version, the SDP, which can be purchased for 3 to 7 nights, or the old one, the UDP. The UDP covers 7 days and is unlimited in the number of visits. Otherwise they work the same. Only the Epic and newer ships have any sort of upcharges at some of the restaurants. Regardless of which you have, it should cost you nothing extra unless you order a second main entree and it does not matter whether it is a cover charge place or an a la carte.

 

Since the cost of the package averages out to about $23 a night, depending on the number of nights purchased, it is well worth buying a package to cover the number of nights you think you'll dine in specialties, as phoenix discovered.

We booked it in March of 2015....We have the Ultimate Dining Package

which was the deal that was given to us when we booked it.

[Nola26]

Were the TVs upgraded in the staterooms? Are they flat screen or HD?

 

I will have movies on my tablet and may want to view on the room monitor, will I be able to connect to do that? I have a simple inside suite.

[sparks1093]

Were the TVs upgraded in the staterooms? Are they flat screen or HD?

 

I will have movies on my tablet and may want to view on the room monitor, will I be able to connect to do that? I have a simple inside suite.

 

I don't know about the connection issue but the CC story on the upgrades said that all cabins received flat screen TVs.

[Rhea98]

Were the TVs upgraded in the staterooms? Are they flat screen or HD?

 

I will have movies on my tablet and may want to view on the room monitor, will I be able to connect to do that? I have a simple inside suite.

A cruiser on one of my roll calls stated she could connect her laptop via hdmi while using the remote (as is, no remote codes) to change input. This was on the Sun. I can't believe it will be any different on the Dawn.

 

Sent from my Nexus 9 using Tapatalk

[mking8288]

A cruiser on one of my roll calls stated she could connect her laptop via hdmi while using the remote (as is, no remote codes) to change input. This was on the Sun ...

Never assumed with NCL's upgrade - see this live update post by megansdad1 now @ BDA on the Dawn. Said to be HD - 17" monitor, still not clear whether it's using HDMI (used on the *Away class ships & locked to HDMI1 only, input change firmware disabled, even Harmony remotes are useless) http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=50327068&postcount=35

 

I think it was Dexddd who sailed in March on the POA after drydock, reporting that the new HDTV were using locking rings/connector with RG-59 and not HDMI.

 

Back with the Breakaway, I did swap out the HDMI1 connection in the balcony stateroom (as there was room behind the wall mounting to do it) with my HDMI cable (10') to Sony Viao notebook (Chromecast not used) on a direct output. However, it was NOT possible with Inside stateroom due to physical mounting position of the HDTV on the wall - even if I could've pull it out, getting it reconnected would be very challenging.

 

Perhaps, you want to post a request for a closeup picture of the HDTV setup to be uploaded for you to look at.

Edited June 27, 2016 by mking8288

[Rhea98]

Well, now we know. And, yes, it does depend on the ship's intranet system. I asked her if she used the "unhook" method, and she replied she hadn't-just used the remote. She was asking if she could do the same on Epic which had flat screens before her fall drydock. Three times on Epic, even after a 14 day voyage (11 of it TA), I never found time to even try it out!

On the positive side (for those who care) someone (megansdad1?) reported faster internet.

 

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Edited June 27, 2016 by Rhea98

[beardsbh]

 

Here are some pics from #10726

 

All in all we were pretty disappointed in our trip. We became on first name basis with the electrician, a safety officer, computer network specialist and the switchboard operator

 

The most annoying thing which we reported on the first day was that you couldn't shut the cabin lights off! They initially seemed like they couldn't be bothered with it, but I can't sleep with the lights on. Took until the evening of day 3 to have it repaired along with a cheese and bread tray from Allan. At the same time that the waves were picking up the closet doors on both sides wouldn't shat shut. A couple of zip ties and cramming the beach towels worked temporarily but had to cut them off anytime we needed to get into the closet

 

Frustrating that the navigation channel didn't work to be able to know our location. TV didn't work for a couple of days, and yes we didn't NEED it, but was nice to have some background noise or check the major news stories

 

Balcony door wouldn't stay locked and on the rough sea days would just fly open

 

Getting on the ship was a nightmare we were told we had priority boarding and tossed in no more than 3 lines. 2 hours later we check and and told they couldn't give us our cards and brought us to a VIP waiting area where Hanno was brining 5-7 guests at a time on board. After waiting a total of 3 1/2 hrs to board we took our keys and tried to get on board. No luck. The photo they took at check in didn't upload and they wouldn't let me board and wanted me to go get back in line. Sorry but that wasn't happening. Someone made a phone call and got me on board. Was all good until I tried to use my card - since photo wasn't uploaded they wouldn't accept it. Hanno finally came to the room 2 days later to take a photo

 

Food was good, not great. Venetian and Cucino were our favorites we had to cancel Cagneys.

 

Getting off the boat was a breeze. Breakfast at moderno at 730 on the elevator around 810 and were on the expressway at 830 (we carried our own luggage)

 

Internet service was fine, didn't seem slow. Beware ATT "passport" package doesn't work on the Dawn - trying to get a refund of those charges. One thing i did notice. If you download the i concierge app you connect to dawn Internet - we were able to iMessage using just that and not "log in" to our internet package

 

At check out we notice a credit on our account, Hanno told us when we were leaving that it was for the room issues - quite happy about that rather than a credit on a future cruise.

[Freespir8]

I am so sorry you had such a poor experience. We were on the Star, the first cruise after dry dock and we said never again. Things just weren't ready for passengers just yet and it was very noticiable. Hopefully your next cruise will be better. Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective as well. I hope your next cruise is better!

[newmexicoNita]

We disembarked this morning and although we enjoyed our trip, we were disappointed in the post dry dock Dawn. She’s all shiny & new looking but, IMHO, a lot of the changes didn’t improve anything & things that needed fixing, still need to be fixed!! My thoughts………..

 

Pearly Kings (sp?) is now a wine bar. It looks really nice but they took a busy bar & it’s not so busy anymore.

 

Replacing Blue Lagoon & Moderno with O’Sheehan’s was a good idea. The wood floors and hard furnishings make it much too loud for me when it’s busy.

 

A Mojito bar replaced Star Bar which was apparently being underutilized. Now there’s no place to have drinks before dinner at Cagneys unless you can grab one of the few seats at the bar! The tables are all set for use by Moderno for dinner.

 

LeBistro & LaCucina swapped places. No big changes there.

Photo area is great! Looking at photos on the monitors is nice & easy and being able to locate the hard copies in a folder instead of searching the walls is so much better.

 

The Buffet didn’t seem to change much. The kids section is gone & it’s much brighter but that’s pretty much it. No Mexican restaurant yet.

 

Changes in the casino were minimal. Slots were a major problem for several days. There were probably 2/3’s of the machines not working when we left Boston. They got most (not all) of them working by the time we left Bermuda but there were a lot complaints. Especially from CAS players who were trying to maintain a certain level of play.

 

The iConcierge app works well & I imagine will be worth the $9.95 cost for families & large groups. Not all the daily activities were on it & the information was only for the current day but that may be why it was free. Maybe they were still working on it? It was easy to check our account which was great because although I was told it was available on our TV, I couldn’t find it!

 

Everything else is pretty much the same. Less gaudy, fresh paint & upholstery but it was all cosmetic. Things that were broken last July are still broken. They seem to be grossly understaffed everywhere! Wait time at the bars & included restaurants was excessive. Staff was trying but they just couldn’t provide the level of service we received previously.

 

gee, we have only sailed the Dawn once, a few years ago and it needed a face lift really bad; it sounds to me like it is greatly improved but let's face it, everyone has his/her own idea and no one can be pleased all the time. The only negative I can see was the poor service. It seems there has been a cut back in servers and with the unlimited bev package the bars do get crowded. I may add, we have been on two ships, the week out of dry dock; the service seems to suffer, just like when a new ships hits the water the first month or so.

Edited June 27, 2016 by newmexicoNita

[newmexicoNita]

I don't think being the first cruise out of drydock had much to do with the issues. It could be the reason for the staffing problems but it certainly isn't the reason for the maintenance issues.

 

The a la carte pricing in the pay restaurants is just awful! Four of us ate in Cagney's and our check was $169!! We each had an appetizer, main course and dessert. Nothing excessive and no wine or alcohol because we all had the UBP. The pricing is comparable to many of the nicer restaurants north of Boston and that surprised me. I expected to pay but for some reason thought the prices would be a little lower than they were.

 

We also ate in LeBistro but it was part of the Anniversary package so there was no check involved.

 

We enjoyed both but for the price, I rather spend the money locally.

 

As I mentioned a minute ago: the first few sailings out of dry dock does seem to make a difference, a huge one

[leekel619]

Tuesday at 2 isn't right. We were invited to two, one was at 2:00 & the other at 6:00. They weren't on the same day. We only went to the one @ 2:00 & I'm sure it wasn't on Tuesday because that's the day we went to Swizzle Inn for lunch. We took a taxi & arranged for the driver to pick us up @ 2:30 for the return to the ship.

 

 

 

I think it was Monday @ 2:00 and the other was Tuesday @ 6:00

 

 

 

You are correct!! I just tore everything apart and found the invite. (They didn't collect it for the Shhhh Exclusive Gathering) Tuesday at 6.

 

The other one was on the way down. Saturday. I remember it was shortly after Meet and Greet/Slot Pull and we saw the officers again! That one was 2pm. Thanks!

 

[Bermuda Bound!]

gee, we have only sailed the Dawn once, a few years ago and it needed a face lift really bad; it sounds to me like it is greatly improved but let's face it, everyone has his/her own idea and no one can be pleased all the time. The only negative I can see was the poor service. It seems there has been a cut back in servers and with the unlimited bev package the bars do get crowded. I may add, we have been on two ships, the week out of dry dock; the service seems to suffer, just like when a new ships hits the water the first month or so.

 

Hopefully by the time September comes around, all the quirks will be worked out and everyone will be happy! Everyone has their pro's and con's, and it is to be expected. I don't expect anything but great weather and relaxation! Just to get away to sunny and warm Bermuda is all I ask for! I hope everyone has a wonderful cruise, and it is all that you want it to be!!!

[lanceholt]

We sailed the Dawn from Boston to Tampa several years ago. We had a fantastic time and look forward to our repo from Boston to New Orleans in Oct. We are a couple who can't figure out how you can have a bad time on a cruise. On any new or refurbished hotel, ship, whatever, there is a break in period, to be expected. Suggest everyone concentrate on just having a good time and rolling with the punches. Glass is more than half full every day you are on the seas!

[phoenix1181]

As I mentioned a minute ago: the first few sailings out of dry dock does seem to make a difference, a huge one

 

I'm not sure how being right out of drydock has anything to do with the fact that the same maintenance problems still exist?

 

Staffing, yes, unfinished areas, yes (although it appears only the Mexican restaurant wasn't finished) same toilets broken that were broken 11 months ago? That's NOT a drydock issue!

[Buford T Justiice]

Tuesday at 2 isn't right. We were invited to two, one was at 2:00 & the other at 6:00. They weren't on the same day. We only went to the one @ 2:00 & I'm sure it wasn't on Tuesday because that's the day we went to Swizzle Inn for lunch. We took a taxi & arranged for the driver to pick us up @ 2:30 for the return to the ship.

 

I think it was Monday @ 2:00 and the other was Tuesday @ 6:00

 

Thank you. Yes I seem to recall the platinum latitude party shortly after leaving Bermuda.

 

take care,

 

Paul

[cruisediva0621]

Can anyone advise if the 2 MDR - Venetian and Aqua, have the same menus each evening? Do you recommend one over the other? Thanks in advance :)

[soxfan2013]

 

Internet service was fine, didn't seem slow. Beware ATT "passport" package doesn't work on the Dawn - trying to get a refund of those charges. One thing i did notice. If you download the i concierge app you connect to dawn Internet - we were able to iMessage using just that and not "log in" to our internet package

 

Bummer...AT&T only shows these cruise partners:

 

Stay in touch on your cruise

Save on talk, text, and data usage over pay-per-use rates while at sea and on land in Canada, Mexico and these Caribbean islands. Cruise packages automatically expire after 30 days so you never have to worry about stopping service after your cruise.

 

• Azamara Club Cruises®
  
• Celebrity Cruises®
  
• Crystal ® Cruises
  
• Disney Cruise Line
  
• Oceania Cruises®
  
• Pullmantur Cruceros
  
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises®
  
• Royal Caribbean International®
  
• Select Silversea® ships
  
• SkySea Cruise Line
  
• 
  

[phoenix1181]

Can anyone advise if the 2 MDR - Venetian and Aqua, have the same menus each evening? Do you recommend one over the other? Thanks in advance :)

 

I think they're pretty much the same. We never actually compared item for item. We prefer Aqua because of the noise level. Both can be loud but when the Venetian is busy, the noise level is just too much for us.

[julie3fan]

Not necessarily a recommendation, but I think the Aqua has a more relaxed dress code than the Venetian, if I remember correctly from cruising on the Dawn 3 years ago. I would imagine that hasn't changed.

 

A question - Is the Mojito Bar open just in the evenings, and is it available for the UBP drinkers?

[phoenix1181]

Not necessarily a recommendation, but I think the Aqua has a more relaxed dress code than the Venetian, if I remember correctly from cruising on the Dawn 3 years ago. I would imagine that hasn't changed.

 

A question - Is the Mojito Bar open just in the evenings, and is it available for the UBP drinkers?

 

Yes, the Mojito bar was only open in the evening which was disappointing. We would have loved it if it was larger, open more, & in a more convenient location. (like Pearly Kings) The UBP was fine there & every place else on the ship.

 

You're right about the Aqua being less formal. At one time, (a few years ago) I believe Venetian required long pants for men in the evenings but I'm pretty sure that's changed. This year I heard long pants for men were only required in LeBistro. My husband wouldn't dream of going to dinner in anything but long pants so I really can't say for sure because we never needed to know.