Dawn to Bermuda Review 7/29 - 8/5

[Coastalbreezes]

This was my 26th cruise on NCL and just as great as the first 25. I live in south Florida but really wanted to go to Bermuda so I flew to Boston (6:30 a.m. flight, ugh) on the day of sailing. Arrived in Boston at 9:00 a.m.

Beware of cabbie scam: I approached the line of cabs outside the terminal and probably should have asked what the cab fare to the cruise terminal would be. I had done my research and saw it should have been around $20.00 (plus tip). I also assumed (incorrectly!) that the taxis in the official line would be legit. Perhaps I should have specifically said "take me to the Black Falcon Terminal" but instead said I was going to the NCL Dawn.

 

When we arrived, the fare on the counter said $21.20 so I handed the driver $26.00. He said "what is this?" and I said that's with your tip. He then hit the counter thingy a few times and said it was "broken" and it jumped to $31.20. He refused to take my luggage out of the trunk until I paid him which I did reluctantly. I was so shell-shocked that I failed to get his cab number/name. Lesson learned so beware. After the cruise, I got a return taxi to Logan and the fare was only $18.00!

 

Embarkation: Since I was at the terminal so early, check in was smooth and easy. I was in a suite and was brought to the suite waiting area which was pretty dismal compared to other cruise terminals. Limited seating and eventually very crowded. But our concierge Roel and all of the butlers were also there and we were able to make dinner reservations right there. Around 11:30 we were escorted on board according to our cabin placement.

 

Cabin: I was in aft SF penthouse suite 8670 which was not ready upon our arrival so I said a quick hello to my steward George and went out to explore the newly refurbished ship. While my cabin was nice enough, it felt on the small side but the balcony was a good size and semi-wrapped around the side. The one major drawback to this cabin is that it is situated directly over the Bliss nightclub and I could hear the thumping of the bass well into the wee hours of the night.

 

Breakfast and lunch for suite passengers was in Moderno. Very good with great service. Many days I had breakfast in the Garden Cafe only because it was closer to my cabin. Food there was excellent.

 

The ship: Post-drydock refurbishments were just beautiful and I met with so many officers and crew who were clearly proud and happy to be on the Dawn.

 

Teppanyaki now has four tables and they seat all four at the same time so it did get a bit noisy but fun and delicious nevertheless. One small detail I noticed (after eating in Teppanyaki more than 30 times) is that the chefs no longer cook the chopped garlic first. They just used garlic butter in the rice and on the vegs. Not sure if this was a Dawn thing or is fleetwide.

 

Le Bistro: stunning new decor. Ate there twice (veal medallions one night and lamb the second) and the service and food was perfect.

 

Best kept secret: the new Los Lobos restaurant. Ate there three times and it was never crowded. This is a small venue with a beautiful bar with very high end tequilas as well as a great drink menu. Don't miss the tableside guacamole, chicken enchiladas with an authentic mole sauce, quesadillas and elotes (corn on the cob with lime and cheese, yummy!).

 

O'Sheehans was also very good (and popular!).

 

Spa: had one appointment for a pedicure. I arrived 15 minutes prior and after waiting 45 minutes, they asked if I could reschedule as they were crazy busy. Not that big of a deal but they weren't very apologetic and when I did go to my appointment the next day, I got a mediocre at best pedicure with a huge sales pitch for foot oil! On the sheet they give you to fill out before your service, I usually write "do not try and sell me anything" but forgot this time.

 

Casino: only one jackpot all week (around $2,000) and the casino was only really busy later in the evenings (casino opens in Bermuda at 9:00 p.m.)

 

Bermuda of course was just as lovely as ever. Weather was very, very hot and humid. We were able on our last day to enjoy a special (and apparently rare) parade dockside honoring the outgoing governor. He was going to sail to Boston with us and there was a marching band, bagpiper and marching regiments, speeches etc. Very fun and historic to be able to watch (although I was later told that he wasn't the most popular governor in Bermuda history).

 

With the America's Cup races being held in Bermuda next June, the excitement is already happening. Many shops selling AC-related items (although $82 for a sweatshirt was a bit ridiculous!).

 

Disembarking:We docked at 7:00 a.m. and were told we'd be disembarking around 8:30. I would venture to guess at least 60-70% of passengers did the walk-off with huge lines wrapping around the decks. Being in a suite, we had a meeting point and walked off around 8:15 which was great as I had an 11:00 a.m. flight (pretty sure if I wasn't in a suite I never would have made that flight). We did immigration right on the deck before actually leaving the ship which was convenient.

 

Living in south Florida, I'm very fortunate to live only one hour from Miami and it beats having to fly to a cruise. But I would sail the Dawn again in a heartbeat even if it means flying to Boston. The ship and crew were fantastic and having sailed only the Escape and Getaway recently, made me realize how much I miss the smaller class of ships.

 

I kept the dailies if anyone has specific questions.

 

Tracy

[Barb Nahoumi]

I'm happy to read that you enjoyed my favorite ship, and Bermuda. We live in Massachusetts, and did many cruises to Bermuda.

[Barb Nahoumi]

I also meant to say that I wish that all cruise lines would sound proof cabins, so that noise from venues would not disturb sleep.

[Bermuda Bound!]

Thank you SO much for the great review! We are cruising September 2nd on the Dawn, and I can't wait to not only visit Bermuda again, but to see what she looks like after the dry dock! It was great to read a positive review, and am so glad you had a great time-less the little "bumps" in the road. I had read in a previous post about the 8th floor aft cabins with the same problems with the club below you....we are on the 10th floor aft, and hopefully won't have that problem-doubt that we will though. 25 days to go and counting! Thanks again for your great review!

[Lovemygreekgeek]

Thanks so much for the review! I'm also headed out in 25 days and can't wait! Sorry to hear about the cabbie scam. We do have ways to report them, but without identifying information is unlikely they'll be able to do anything. When I first moved to Boston similar scams also happened to me. One day I got sick of it and started pushing back... These days I just use Uber (though they don't pick up at the airport right now I think).

[DaisyGoldberg]

Cabbie scams are the worst. I had one guy pull the "the machine's not working" thing on me once and I said "that's okay -- I took a cab here yesterday, I'll just pay you what I paid then!"

[nclblh]

Thanks great review from someone who has sailed often. Very happy to hear you had a great time. I 've read several reviews lately that are positive. It seems that a lot the problems after the refurbishment have been straightened out. Thanks again..

[peg013]

Thank you for taking the time to write this review Tracy. We will be on the Dawn in 2 months so I'm glad to hear She is still as great as ever. It will be our 28th cruise overall and our 6th time on the Dawn. I can't wait. :cool:

 

Also thank you for the heads up on the taxi and the concierge lounge. :eek:

[Clarea]

Thanks for the very well written review.:)

[MyTimetoShine]

Thank you for the review! As a first time cruiser, I appreciate the details. Just curious, do you remember the cost of the pedicure? I tried looking up prices for spa services, but I can't find any prices.

 

Thank you!

[Coastalbreezes]

Thank you for the review! As a first time cruiser, I appreciate the details. Just curious, do you remember the cost of the pedicure? I tried looking up prices for spa services, but I can't find any prices.

 

Thank you!

 

 

Thanks all for the nice comments. It really was a great cruise on a great ship!

 

Just looked at my bill and the Fire & Ice Pedicure (with 18% gratuity) was $82.60 :eek:

 

Usually I get a pedicure before sailing but I had a spa credit from the casino and used it so it cost me nothing out of pocket. As I mentioned, it was mediocre; I've had better on Getaway and Escape. The nail person didn't seem that into it (beyond trying to sell me products).

 

Tracy

[MyTimetoShine]

Thank you for the information! Think I will get one before I go on the cruise lol. I've never been on a cruise, or had a pedicure, as a single mom, I never had time or money for me. Now that my kids are 18 and 20, it's time for me- hense my user name lol. Thanks again!

Edited August 9, 2016 by MyTimetoShine

[cybrary55]

Thank you for the information. We will be sailing on the Sept. 2 cruise to Bermuda as well. Traveling with my sister and friend. This will be my friend's first cruise. We live near the port and are thrilled to skip the flying part of a cruise trip. Sorry you were scammed by a cabbie.

[mombrit]

Thank you for your positive review of your cruise. Our first cruise is on the Dawn Oct 14. I've read a lot on the Cruise Critic and have garnered a lot of tips. Not much about the entertainment tho I haven't figured out do i have to book ahead or can we just walk in. I don't see any specifics. Thanks again

[Coastalbreezes]

Thank you for your positive review of your cruise. Our first cruise is on the Dawn Oct 14. I've read a lot on the Cruise Critic and have garnered a lot of tips. Not much about the entertainment tho I haven't figured out do i have to book ahead or can we just walk in. I don't see any specifics. Thanks again

 

Just looked through my dailies and most of the shows were in the theater. Nothing about making a reservation (like you have to do on the larger ships these days).

 

There is a reserved section in the balcony for Villa and Owner's Suite passengers.

 

Tracy

[bdette4]

Taxi cabs in Boston are expensive especially if you are stuck in traffic. Coming from Logan there is a charge for Logan around $3 and if you go through the Harbor Tunnel to get to the pier add another $5 - 6 to the cost on top of the regular fare. I say for your next cruise out of Boston definitely take the public transportation or I believe there is a water taxi that will take you over to that area too.

[easyboy]

This was my 26th cruise on NCL and just as great as the first 25.

Thanks for sharing, and the cab scam info

[cricket200]

Thank you for your positive review of your cruise. Our first cruise is on the Dawn Oct 14. I've read a lot on the Cruise Critic and have garnered a lot of tips. Not much about the entertainment tho I haven't figured out do i have to book ahead or can we just walk in. I don't see any specifics. Thanks again

 

No booking ahead - just walk in and find a seat! There are normally two shows a night - the times will be in the dailies :) Enjoy!

[cricket200]

Great review..thanks:)

[metrygal]

This was my 26th cruise on NCL and just as great as the first 25. I live in south Florida but really wanted to go to Bermuda so I flew to Boston (6:30 a.m. flight, ugh) on the day of sailing. Arrived in Boston at 9:00 a.m.

Beware of cabbie scam: I approached the line of cabs outside the terminal and probably should have asked what the cab fare to the cruise terminal would be. I had done my research and saw it should have been around $20.00 (plus tip). I also assumed (incorrectly!) that the taxis in the official line would be legit. Perhaps I should have specifically said "take me to the Black Falcon Terminal" but instead said I was going to the NCL Dawn.

 

When we arrived, the fare on the counter said $21.20 so I handed the driver $26.00. He said "what is this?" and I said that's with your tip. He then hit the counter thingy a few times and said it was "broken" and it jumped to $31.20. He refused to take my luggage out of the trunk until I paid him which I did reluctantly. I was so shell-shocked that I failed to get his cab number/name. Lesson learned so beware. After the cruise, I got a return taxi to Logan and the fare was only $18.00!

 

Embarkation: Since I was at the terminal so early, check in was smooth and easy. I was in a suite and was brought to the suite waiting area which was pretty dismal compared to other cruise terminals. Limited seating and eventually very crowded. But our concierge Roel and all of the butlers were also there and we were able to make dinner reservations right there. Around 11:30 we were escorted on board according to our cabin placement.

 

Cabin: I was in aft SF penthouse suite 8670 which was not ready upon our arrival so I said a quick hello to my steward George and went out to explore the newly refurbished ship. While my cabin was nice enough, it felt on the small side but the balcony was a good size and semi-wrapped around the side. The one major drawback to this cabin is that it is situated directly over the Bliss nightclub and I could hear the thumping of the bass well into the wee hours of the night.

 

Breakfast and lunch for suite passengers was in Moderno. Very good with great service. Many days I had breakfast in the Garden Cafe only because it was closer to my cabin. Food there was excellent.

 

The ship: Post-drydock refurbishments were just beautiful and I met with so many officers and crew who were clearly proud and happy to be on the Dawn.

 

Teppanyaki now has four tables and they seat all four at the same time so it did get a bit noisy but fun and delicious nevertheless. One small detail I noticed (after eating in Teppanyaki more than 30 times) is that the chefs no longer cook the chopped garlic first. They just used garlic butter in the rice and on the vegs. Not sure if this was a Dawn thing or is fleetwide.

 

Le Bistro: stunning new decor. Ate there twice (veal medallions one night and lamb the second) and the service and food was perfect.

 

Best kept secret: the new Los Lobos restaurant. Ate there three times and it was never crowded. This is a small venue with a beautiful bar with very high end tequilas as well as a great drink menu. Don't miss the tableside guacamole, chicken enchiladas with an authentic mole sauce, quesadillas and elotes (corn on the cob with lime and cheese, yummy!).

 

O'Sheehans was also very good (and popular!).

 

Spa: had one appointment for a pedicure. I arrived 15 minutes prior and after waiting 45 minutes, they asked if I could reschedule as they were crazy busy. Not that big of a deal but they weren't very apologetic and when I did go to my appointment the next day, I got a mediocre at best pedicure with a huge sales pitch for foot oil! On the sheet they give you to fill out before your service, I usually write "do not try and sell me anything" but forgot this time.

 

Casino: only one jackpot all week (around $2,000) and the casino was only really busy later in the evenings (casino opens in Bermuda at 9:00 p.m.)

 

Bermuda of course was just as lovely as ever. Weather was very, very hot and humid. We were able on our last day to enjoy a special (and apparently rare) parade dockside honoring the outgoing governor. He was going to sail to Boston with us and there was a marching band, bagpiper and marching regiments, speeches etc. Very fun and historic to be able to watch (although I was later told that he wasn't the most popular governor in Bermuda history).

 

With the America's Cup races being held in Bermuda next June, the excitement is already happening. Many shops selling AC-related items (although $82 for a sweatshirt was a bit ridiculous!).

 

Disembarking:We docked at 7:00 a.m. and were told we'd be disembarking around 8:30. I would venture to guess at least 60-70% of passengers did the walk-off with huge lines wrapping around the decks. Being in a suite, we had a meeting point and walked off around 8:15 which was great as I had an 11:00 a.m. flight (pretty sure if I wasn't in a suite I never would have made that flight). We did immigration right on the deck before actually leaving the ship which was convenient.

 

Living in south Florida, I'm very fortunate to live only one hour from Miami and it beats having to fly to a cruise. But I would sail the Dawn again in a heartbeat even if it means flying to Boston. The ship and crew were fantastic and having sailed only the Escape and Getaway recently, made me realize how much I miss the smaller class of ships.

 

I kept the dailies if anyone has specific questions.

 

Tracy

 

Thanks for the great review, Tracy-I really enjoyed it. We're booked on the 12 night NOLA-Boston Dawn cruise next April and I just upgraded us form a mini-suite to SF Aft Penthouses today-on deck 10 so hopefully there's no noise issues! May I ask you a few questions?

Is there a Lavazza coffee machine in the SF suites like the SE?

Did the butler bring an assortment of treats each afternoon (in SE there were things like finger Sandwiches, cookies, chocolate covered berries, etc. it varied daily)?

Is the bed Queen or King sized?

Is the room service fee waived for SF as in higher category suites?

If there is a butler, could you please give me a guideline as to what to tip him/her since I understand they are not covered in the other pre-paid gratuities, and also the concierge?

Thank you so very much,

Nancy

[Kopy]

Thank you for keeping the dailies and offering to answer questions. We would like to know if they have live bands in the ultra Bliss lounge? We really enjoyed Spinnakers but it has been replaced by Bliss, Please see if you can find what they are using the Bliss lounge for. Dancing, Game Shows, Bingo or anything else.

thanks again

[leekel619]

Thank you SO much for the great review! We are cruising September 2nd on the Dawn, and I can't wait to not only visit Bermuda again, but to see what she looks like after the dry dock! It was great to read a positive review, and am so glad you had a great time-less the little "bumps" in the road. I had read in a previous post about the 8th floor aft cabins with the same problems with the club below you....we are on the 10th floor aft, and hopefully won't have that problem-doubt that we will though. 25 days to go and counting! Thanks again for your great review!

 

 

 

We were in an 8th deck aft-facing in June. 11pm-3am the sound level of the music and bass was atrocious.

 

We always book aft-facing on deck 10. You'll be fine. Only noise will be the Pirate boat at night. If your balcony door is open. If you normally sail in summer chances are it won't be open [emoji10]. Too hot. We like May best.

 

We only had deck 8 because of the re-furb and our original booking was cancelled to extend dry-dock. When we were subtly warned by our TA that it was above Bliss we said who cares. We want aft-facing! Like I've said before this is how I slept: [emoji15]

 

Can't wait to go 5/5/17. We'll be in 10230

again! Balcony is larger also and we have a lounger!

 

Deck 8 balcony was tiny and filthy out there. Rusty.

 

We were first cruise after dry-dock so they weren't finished. The connecting doors on the entire deck were open. You could see all the way on each side. And they banged all night in the rough waves. It was stormy. They had to come a couple times but they were very nice. Finally used a screw gun on one of them because the lock was broken. [emoji10]

A lot of contractors were still onboard our week. We would see them often. Many stayed in cabins near us.

 

We had so much fun. It goes by way too fast!

[newistcruiseaddict]

Los lobos is ala carte pricing, correct? Do you know if it is covered under the dining package? TIA

[terry55]

Great review Tracy, thank you. A couple questions...... What were the show times? On previous cruises there was also a section in balcony for all suites, and a special area for garden villa and owners suites. Has this changed? We will have an aft suite, deck 9. Anxious to sail on the Dawn again!

[nancydow]

Los Lobos is covered under the SDP and is ala carte otherwise - very good, totally worth checking out!

 

Show times are usually at 7 and 9, except the first night (only one show) and the Elements show is at 6:30 and 9, I think. Can't speak to the reserved section as I didn't attend the shows.

 

 

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