Live from the Dawn-Owners Suite 10506

[Baitman19]

Day 7

Set the alarm for 6:00am. Wouldn’t you know it, the bow thrusters went off at 5:50am. We’re docking in San Juan now. Now we’re waiting to be called to Immigration. We have first shot at Immigration since we have a shore excursion thru NCL. We left the room at 7:05am and thank god we did. The line was long and nobody had been called to go there. The first call came out at 7:30am, when we were coming back from the Stardust. They scan your cabin card and then an Immigration Officer looks at your passport, then you get a pass to get off the ship. We had breakfast in the buffet. Our Bacardi tour meets at 8:30am. We finally left the pier at 9:00am. I don’t know about taste testing at 9:30am. When you get to the Bacardi Plant, they give you a colored ticket and 2 free drink coupons. Okay, it wasn’t 9:30 am, but 9:50am when we had an Apple Sour and a Mojito. Now it’s wait, wait & wait some more. Next on tap were a Bacardi O and sprite and a Passion Fruit & rum. They gave us another free drink coupon because of the wait. Oh, I forgot, we had a Fire Drill while waiting. Time for another drink, Bacardi Vanilla & diet coke and another Mojito. We finally started the tour at 11:15am. Not much of a tour. Then it’s off to the gift shop. Need to buy a gift and a pin. Guess what another free drink coupon. Four drinks and the tour was a still a waste. Then again 4 X $5.75 = $23.00. The tour was $29.00. Maybe it was worth it.

My wife is watching “The March of the Penguins” and I’m typing this. That’s what booze will do to you now. We left San Juan a little late, like 3:35pm. Must have been some stragglers on a sponsored excursion. 800 miles to go until we get to GSC.

Once we left the harbor, the wind has kicked up and it’s too windy for the front balcony.

Carmen just came with our afternoon snack. We ordered dinner from Salsa (my wife’s favorite) for 7:30pm in our cabin. Will be able to make the 9:30pm show and then the Star Bar after. Could be the night we stay up late. Nothing to do tomorrow morning.

Carmen brought our dinner at 7:30pm. We weren’t really hungry. We both wonder how everyone can eat so much and so often. She came back with our cappuccino and we got to talk to her. Lani, another butler has resigned from NCL, Denny is handling the Garden Villa on this cruise. He must have his hands full.

Carmen told us a funny story about our last cruise. When she spoke to Alex, he told her to be very careful with the guests in 10506 (that’s was us) because they are from Cruise Critic. After hearing that from Alex, she was even afraid to come to our cabin to meet us. She had no idea of what Cruise Critic is and what to expect from us. My wife is giving her the URL for it so she can see and I’m going to show here some of my post today.

After dinner we walked around the very windy deck #12. At 8:30pm, there was 1 person in pool and about 5 others in the hot tubs. It was deserted. My wife and I played around the world at the basketball court. The wind kept blowing the ball each time. She almost beat me. Came back to the cabin at 9:30pm. I guess it’s not a late night, my DW said, “ We don’t have to go out tonight, right”? She was sound asleep by 10:00pm. I woke up at 5:15am. That’s what happens when you have an internal alarm clock.

I’m going to check the thread for questions and will try to post the answers tomorrow. If you have any questions, please post them today. I’ll check back tonight for any new ones.

See you tomorrow,

Diane & Monty

[angeljt]

Day 7

Lani, another butler has resigned from NCL, Denny is handling the Garden Villa on this cruise. He must have his hands full.

Hi Monty,

We had Denny in October and he was telling us that he had the two OS's and Penthouses forward on the 9th floor and also the Penthouses Aft. I sure hope he doesn't have all of those along with the GV's. He was wonderful, as was John on our previous trip.

We also wanted to get in a late night, but never made it past midnight.

Enjoy your time and send Bennie a big hello!!!

Jackie:cool:

[Maryfrei]

Hey Monty,

If I beat my DH at basketball, he would probably blame the wind too:D:D.

Mary

[gregandamy]

Monty-

Big snowstorm coming tonight for NY and the entire Northeast. I don't recall if you left your car at the pier, but the snow will be waiting. You picked a good week to be away, it's been freezing.

 

Enjoying the daily posts. Can you get some details on Lani's resignation?

[swoosh2005]

Monty-

Can you get some details on Lani's resignation?

Lani was a wonderful butler-I'll miss her. She was our butler on our last 2 cruises

[beau4]

Lani was a wonderful butler-I'll miss her. She was our butler on our last 2 cruises

 

So sorry to hear she has left - we really enjoyed her.

[Leafpeeper]

We sailed on the Dawn one year ago (Dec. 9) and still miss that ship. We've taken two RCCL cruises since then, but still miss the Dawn. I love just reading all these posts--brings back great memories. We will be cruising again on Dawn in another year.

 

Does the Star Bar still have buy 1 get 1 free drinks after 11pm? Last year, we would buy a bucket of beers and get one free. Our fridge was always full.

 

When you bought the bottles of booze in the Galleria, did they let you take it to your room or do you have to wait until the last night of the cruise?

 

I enjoy all the cocktail conversation. It is giving me ideas. I am usually a wine drinker, but tried my first and only martini in November (Apple). We are sailing Carnival Triumph in February and hope to try some other martinis. The banana colada sounds yummy too. Do you use pina colada mix and add a banana? The peach colada also sounds interesting. I think I will try the Diet Coke (Vanilla)& Rum cocktail next.

 

Hope you have quiet seas and sunshine coming home. I loved cruising out of NY.

 

Mary

Plymouth, MA

[NJGRANNY]

Thank you for the informative and interesting posts. We were just on the Dawn in November, and you're bringing back good memories.

[angeljt]

We sailed on the Dawn one year ago (Dec. 9) and still miss that ship. We've taken two RCCL cruises since then, but still miss the Dawn. I love just reading all these posts--brings back great memories. We will be cruising again on Dawn in another year.

 

Does the Star Bar still have buy 1 get 1 free drinks after 11pm? Last year, we would buy a bucket of beers and get one free. Our fridge was always full.

When you bought the bottles of booze in the Galleria, did they let you take it to your room or do you have to wait until the last night of the cruise?

I enjoy all the cocktail conversation. It is giving me ideas. I am usually a wine drinker, but tried my first and only martini in November (Apple). We are sailing Carnival Triumph in February and hope to try some other martinis. The banana colada sounds yummy too. Do you use pina colada mix and add a banana? The peach colada also sounds interesting. I think I will try the Diet Coke (Vanilla)& Rum cocktail next.

Hope you have quiet seas and sunshine coming home. I loved cruising out of NY.

Mary

Plymouth, MA

Hi Mary,

They had 2 for 1 martinis and manhattans in the Star bar from 5PM until closing every day when we were there in October. Also 2 for 1 in all the bars after 11PM. Don't know if it's changed or not though.

DH loved the Apple martinis and I loved the Just Peach ones.

They wouldn't let us take the bottles back from the Galleria, but I heard they are changing vendors so I don't know what will happen there, but I doubt you will be able to bring it back like on some of the other lines.

Jackie:cool:

[BarbCT605]

We will be cruising again on Dawn in another year.

 

I enjoy all the cocktail conversation. It is giving me ideas. I am usually a wine drinker, but tried my first and only martini in November (Apple).

Mary

Plymouth, MA

May I suggest your next "Dawn" martini?

 

Please visit the Star Bar and order a 'Cosmopolitan' for yourself.

 

You won't be sorry -- I Promise !!!:D

[Baitman19]

Day 8,

Woke up at 5:15am. I guess that’s sleeping late. Today is a sea day, my favorite day. No standing in lines WAITING! Breakfast is ordered for 9:00am. It’s not even a balcony kind a day, moderate seas and a stiff sea breeze. My wife is going to the Spa for an Eye Care Seminar this morning and we’re going to the Improve Your (her) Memory Seminar at 2:45pm. I’m bad with names and she’s bad with everything.

It’s 7:30am, and it’s time for my DW’s whirlpool bath. I ran her bath and made us ‘eye-opener’ spicy bloody marys. This is what cruising in a suite is all about. I took my shower and the day is ours!!! Saw CNN this morning and it’s says it’s gonna snow again in NY. Boy, wish I was there. The sun is half out and it’s still warm, but not like the last few days.

Breakfast is done and it’s on to the Casino. Have to win some money!!!! Okay I donated for the first hour & my wife won some. Then we played side by side for a long time until she had to go the eye seminar. She came back from the seminar & I was still on the same machine. She helped my play and total time on the machine was 2:15 minutes on a $50.00 investment. It’s back to the room for a drink to bring to the “behind the scenes digital photo tour of the Dawn. Back to the room for the “In Cabin Drink of the Day”. Today, I’m serving Pear, Banana, and Yogurt Coladas. Only one pear left so they’re going fast. We got to lie out on the front balcony for an hour. The sun was shining and the wind was coming from the south.

We’re skipping lunch today, it’s sushi night.

It’s off to the Memory Seminar. I can’t remember why we went there!

We took a walk to the Galleria. There’s really nothing left. We picked up 10 Dawn bottle openers for $4.00. You always need some things to give people when you come back.

Got some sun on the balcony this afternoon and relaxed. Went to sushi at 5:30pm. It was again good and we didn’t really fill up. We went for a soak in the forward hot tub at 7:30pm. It was a great night outside. Came back and went to the Star Bar to see Benny. Asked him for a Benny/Jackie Martini. He laughed, but remembered the drink and you (angeljt). You were there a lot!!!!! The bar really got packed around 8:45am and my DW gave me the sign that it was time to leave. We took a walk around the ship and then called it a night. She has an 8:00am appointment in the Spa for a facial.

We might even make it to GSC tomorrow.

Answers to questions:

Dawncruise05 & TrinaLC; from what I gathered, Lance had a problem in a bottle (not one with a ship in it) and is no longer with NCL.

Waldospepper, CrusingfromMN & shoreguy; I didn’t see Claudio today, will try to ask him tomorrow.

See you tomorrow. Will just have enough Internet time to post 2 more times.

[greenie]

Baitman, I'm loving your "installments". Thinking maybe that is how I will (or will try to) handle my next review. Thanks so much!

 

I have 2 questions ...

1) I too am very interested in learning the secrets to making those yummy-sounding pina coladas. I'm thinking it may be worth it to bring my blender too. Do I need to get pina colada mix?? If so, is there a type (dry vs liquid) and/or brand that you recommend?

2) I'm wondering about the disappointing Virgin Gorda Baths excursion, as I am signed up for that one. Was it the weather, do you think? The time of year? Do you know if what happened to you was typical, common, rare? Just wondering. I will lower my expectations so as not to be badly disappointed, should it not be ideal.

 

Thanks for any info on the above! Enjoy the rest of your cruise ... hey, did the memory clinic help your DW? I'm thinking I should go to that, but I'll probably forget they have it! :)

[TrinaLC]

Thanks for the further update!

 

Alex was a great concierge - and he was indeed a little intimidated by the CC'ers! His mother reads it looking for mentions of him. (Hi Alex's mom!)

[angeljt]

Came back and went to the Star Bar to see Benny. Asked him for a Benny/Jackie Martini. He laughed, but remembered the drink and you (angeljt). You were there a lot!!!!!

We might even make it to GSC tomorrow.

Hope you make it to GSC today. I enjoy it almost as much as a sea day. We missed it in October due to high seas.

I'm happy to hear that Benny remembered the BennyJackie Martini and me. (that is my avatar) Yes, it was our second home. Benny, Sylvia and Cheche were the best and we enjoyed seeing them and talking to them. Sylvia went home right after our cruise for her vacation. Glad to hear you are enjoying the Star Bar and your rooms. Enjoy!!!

Jackie :cool:

[Leafpeeper]

I will definetely try a Cosmopolitan next cruise. I imagine one is enough. I also plan on attending a martini clinic just to see what I like.

 

Starting the morning with a Bloody Mary sounds interesting--especially on my balcony. I usually start with a cup of decaf java. I don't know if my tummy could handle all the various cocktails. I think I may have to bring a blender too. DH loves being bartender.

 

Wish I was on the Dawn on Friday. I left for work in slushy snow. By 10am, it turned to rain in southeastern Massachusetts. At 3pm, the sun came out for 3 minutes. Suddenly hurricane winds started blowing and sheets of sleet began--followed by snow blowing sideways in white out conditions. As usual, we lost power. Of course, we could buy a geneator--but choice between cruise or generator always seems to go to cruise.

 

Oh well, at least we only have 52 days until we head to Florida for 4 weeks of sun and fun and cruising.

 

Mary

Plymouth, MA

[Baitman19]

Day 9,

My bow thruster alarm clock went off at 5:50am, as we turned around at GSC. The water is calm, but the air is not as warm as yesterday. Diane has a Spa appointment for 8:00am and I guess I’ll go and use the pool and Japanese hot tub in the spa as she has her facial. We were given two 20% off cards from Mariske & Claudio. We used one for our Couples Massage last week. NCL gave my wife a $50.00 gift certificate to the Spa also and we have no idea why. We ordered breakfast for 9:15am, after she gets back from her facial. It’s a breakfast on the balcony day, probably the last, BOO! My DW just got back from the spa. She informed me that they wouldn’t honor the $50.00 gift certificate for buying any product, but she did say the bill came to $358.00. What happened to the $99.00 minus 20% for a facial? The manager from the Spa told her to have her husband see her tomorrow and they would treat me good and give me $50.00 off I had my DW book me for a Hot Stones Heaven Massage. I need to relieve the stress of the $358.00 bill. I guess we’ll be on Deck 4 next time with 5 to an inside room. I just got my preliminary bill for this cruise. I found only one mistake, they billed me for pressing for the Formal Night (should be free for Owner’s Suites). They even sent my clothes back late that night. We’re going to do a little packing today because the Martini Clinic is at 3:00pm tomorrow.

For all you Alex (Concierge) fans, he’s on the Spirit now. He came over to the Dawn the other day and saw Benny. We finally met up with a friend from our last cruise. Glenn from Salsa, he’s now floating around the bars each day. He’s on the Dawn until January and then he’s done cruising. Augustine the bartender from Salsa and Pearly Kings is now on the Jewel and Carla our waitress from Salsa is back in Chile looking for a boyfriend. Not many left from our previous cruises.

We spent an hour on deck sunning since our balcony is in the shade this morning. Hopefully, it’s sunny for the ride this afternoon. Got to get the last rays in before we loose the warm weather. The sun never made it to our front balcony.

Spent some quality time in the casino. In fact, we stayed a long time. We found two machines, Saturday Night Live & Spin & Win, side by side and played on $20.00 each for 1 ½ half. Then we went to a $1.00 machine and hit for $300.00. Cashed out and went to see Benny. Rowina was there and Benny was napping. He had to work on the island today. Rowina is the cocktail waitress in the Star Bar and was manning the bar. She has a nine-month-old daughter, Patricia Gabrielle back in the Philippines and misses her dearly. Her mother is watching her. It’s formal night and we are dining in our cabin.

Best dinner yet! Oysters Rockefeller, cold & hot soup, tuna, filet mignon & duck ala orange with bananas foster and cappuccino.

After dinner it was back to the casino. We played the two games again, but it cost us $40.00 for an hour this time. Headed back to the cabin at 9:00pm, my DW is sleepy again. She’s also homesick. We never made it back the Star Bar!

Time for a little packing. Have to cram a lot in tomorrow; it’s our last day, BOO!

See you tomorrow,

Diane & Monty

Last Live Post Tomorrow!

Leafpeeper: There are NO more 2 for 1 promos except on some late night Casino nights. All booze purchased on the ship is kept until the last night. All booze purchased ashore is also kept for you until the last night. There are specials of the day for today. Today we have the Caribbean Freeze $8.00, Smoothie of the day, Papaya $9.00, Spinnaker Special Drink, Slippery Nipple $5.50, Coffee Special, Nutty Monk $5.50 & Non-alcoholic Shirley Temple $7.00 (Souvenir Glass).

[angeljt]

I will definetely try a Cosmopolitan next cruise. I imagine one is enough. I also plan on attending a martini clinic just to see what I like.

 

Starting the morning with a Bloody Mary sounds interesting--especially on my balcony. I usually start with a cup of decaf java. I don't know if my tummy could handle all the various cocktails. I think I may have to bring a blender too. DH loves being bartender.

 

Wish I was on the Dawn on Friday. I left for work in slushy snow. By 10am, it turned to rain in southeastern Massachusetts. At 3pm, the sun came out for 3 minutes. Suddenly hurricane winds started blowing and sheets of sleet began--followed by snow blowing sideways in white out conditions. As usual, we lost power. Of course, we could buy a geneator--but choice between cruise or generator always seems to go to cruise.

 

Oh well, at least we only have 52 days until we head to Florida for 4 weeks of sun and fun and cruising.

 

Mary

Plymouth, MA

Mary,

We live in Fairhaven and it was the same here. We had 6-7 foot swells out back and the water ended coming just up to our back door. Our yard is full of seaweed and debris. I thought we were golden when I saw the sun come out until I saw the black front coming in. It was pretty scary.

Lucky you to be going away for 4 weeks.

I'm enjoying Monty's review... Makes me almost feel like I'm there again.

Jackie:cool:

[EileenN]

I am starting to feel the loss and remorse as your ship heads for home. Each day I looked forward to your entries and cocktail ideas. I would not surprise me to wake up here with a hangover. It has been wonderful. Thank you so much for the day by day. Enjoy the holidays.

Whoever is going on the next cruise...PLEASE...follow up with the tradition. It is working well against the winter blues...did I say winter...fall blues. Eileen

[WaldosPepper]

Checking out the Bridge Cam it appears that the Dawn is experiencing Fabulous sailing weather! Blue skies, calm seas, Nice!

 

Thanks for the day by day updates, Monty! I've thoroughly enjoyed them! ;)

[TrinaLC]

Thanks for the Alex update - he's great!

[szdiver]

Leafpeeper: Are you the same Mary from Plymouth that was on the Jewel of the Seas in October with us?

[Leafpeeper]

Sandy, yes I am the same Mary from Plymouth. I changed my posting name (mrg0433) because my initials and employee number just weren't very creative. I missed you on the Jewel because we changed to the Oct 2nd cruise. I understand everyone loved your suite. I enjoyed our Jewel cruise, but have a problem with smoke on RCCL ships. I don't understand why they make you walk thru smoke filled areas to get to Chops and Portofinos and the Safari Lounge. Such a gorgeous ship shouldn't have any complaints. It was really great sailing from Boston.

 

We are planning to sail the Dawn a year from now. We love the freestyle dining with so many restaurants to choose from. I also enjoyed the movie theater on sea days on the Dawn. Most of all, I loved the pool area on the Dawn--the palm tree lights. I especially enjoyed the Bimini Bar as we were departing ports because we had a panoramic view of everything. My daughter got a goregous photo of the Queen Mary 2 from the Bimini Bar as we were departing Barbados.

 

It is so much fun reading these boards since we were on the Dawn one year ago this week.

[flyingpirate]

Hi Diane & Monty -

 

I've enjoyed the journal so much, I hope the staff doesn't change too much between now and March. And I have to find a Magic Bullet. :D

 

We had a great cruise, didn't we...

[shoreguy]

Hi Diane & Monty -

 

I've enjoyed the journal so much, I hope the staff doesn't change too much between now and March. And I have to find a Magic Bullet. :D

 

We had a great cruise, didn't we...

 

Magic Bullet :D

[Baitman19]

Day 10,

I’m so dam depressed. I only have 25 hours left. Leaving the Dawn is depressing. We LOVE the Dawn and it’s crew. Woke up at 5:15am and felt great. We had breakfast in the buffet. Walked around the deck and it was a little chilly, but nice. Went to the casino at 9:15am and played for a while. I won enough to give my wife a voucher to keep her busy while I was at the Spa getting a Hot Stone Massage. If you ever get a chance to sail the Dawn, get the massage. It’s HEAVEN!!!!! I don’t care how much this cruise costs now! The masseuse told me that Captain Hoydal is going home to Sweden for vacation and Captain Peterstam is back on Sunday. TOO bad for the crew and the passengers. It seems the cruises are ROUGHER when he’s on board!!!! Remember the Rogue Wave!

We went to see the Iron Chef Cook-off. Met up with Glenn again. I asked him how I could beat the “card swipe” system and stay on for another cruise. It’s nice to see crew from cruises before.

It’s now off to the Blue Lagoon for a quick lunch, we need to eat before the Martini Clinic.

We left for the clinic at 2:50pm. We met up with Ann & Bob and Marty & Gwen (Terrabull). We had four martinis and stayed around until 7:15pm. We asked Bob & Ann to have dinner in our cabin. We also asked Marty & Gwen & two other couples by for drinks. Guess what, EVERYONE showed up. Ann had way too many and left with the couple from Hoboken and Bob had to catch up with her. So, it was Marty, Gwen, Diane and I for dinner. It worked out really well. Here’s to you Marty & Gwen!!!! You’re the best!!! You can have dinner in our cabin anytime. Just leave MY Carmen alone, Marty!!!! She’s mine, I found her first! Gwen is a mailman in Buffalo. We don’t have any mailmen that look like her in Freeport. We had great last night.

Edguardo stopped by to say goodbye, he’s going on vacation tomorrow and will be back in April.

We went back to the Star Bar at 11:00pm to say goodbye to Benny. Claudio stopped by the Star Bar to make sure we knew where to meet to get off tomorrow.

We finished packing, put it out and it’s off to bed.

LAST MORNING, BOO

It’s 7:00am and we are at the entrance to the harbor.

Breakfast is being delivered at 8:00am. Time to say goodbye to Carmen.

Time to make one more trip around the ship. This time with a coat on and no shorts.

For you future cruisers: Claudio will be on vacation from 2/2/06 –4/6/06. Alex will be back while Claudio is away. Claudio will be the permanent Concierge on the Dawn from now on.

We’ll make one last post when we get home,

Happy Sailing,

Diane & Monty