New negative reviews of the Dawn

[jonsurg]

As a future cruiser on the dawn I am worried by the run of negative reviews on the review site. The top 4 are very negative and unlike most negative reviews seem to have been written by people that really did try to have a good time.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/getreviews.cfm?action=ship&ShipID=265

 

 

What are your thoughts

 

Chris

[logcabin]

I have been on the Dawn twice and LOVE her. I have sailed CCL, RCCL and NCL. The Dawn is by far our favorite ship so far. We enjoyed it enough to go a second time. This year we are booked on the Spirit. You will love the Dawn. She is a big beautiful ship with lots to do, great crew and good food. Go with an open mind and decide for yourself.

[Hikini]

I have not read the reviews of the Dawn that you speak of. However, before our cruise on the Spirit I read several negative reviews. For the most part I took them for a grain of salt and decided that no matter what, I was going to have a great time.

 

However, as we boarded the ship, I had in the back of my mind that there were certain things I was going to be aware of. All throughout the cruise I was scratching my head, wondering if those people had really been on the same ship I was on. I didn't find any of those things a problem.

 

So much is strictly opinion. Some people have very high expectations. For example, some people think drinks should be included with meals. (Drinks like pop, and in some cases, people think alcohol should be included.) But, can you tell me how many land based restaurants that don't charge extra for drinks? Whether they are alcoholic drinks or not? Most restaurants charge extra for coffee. Your coffee is included with your meals on the ship. As are several other beverages.

 

Some people complain about the food, for whatever reason. While we've always found cruise food to be very good, we are also taking into consideration that there is no possible way to have (daily) fresh food available when the ships chef doesn't get to run to market every day to get fresh items. Also, they aren't feeding a few hundred on a Friday night, they are serving thousands on a daily basis, several meals each day.

 

I have not been on the Dawn. I have been on 3 different NCL ships, including the Star, which is a sister ship to the Dawn. They are all beautiful ships, well maintained, well staffed and sold out every week. If their food, service, shows, decor, etc. were SO bad, don't you think they'd have trouble selling out every week?

 

This is just my opinion. I would not hesitate to go on the Dawn just based on what you read in a negative review.

 

Have fun!

Hikini:D

[electricron]

Why be so negative?

 

Here's a listing of Dawn reviews for the last two months.

 

* Lauren Christiana 05/06 Cruise to Nowhere

** jillshort 04/06 Eastern Caribbean

**** 4canucks 04/06 Eastern Caribbean

*** mh24 04/06 Eastern Caribbean

***** tortola 04/06 Eastern Caribbean

***** GabKat 04/06 Eastern Caribbean

** carnival4us 03/06 Eastern Caribbean

***** pamperme 03/06 Eastern Caribbean

***** John E 03/06 Western Caribbean

***** ricruiser 03/06 Western Caribbean

 

Let's review the rankings once again:

5 ***** reviews

1 **** review

1 *** review

2 ** reviews

1 * review.

 

6 good reviews in comparison to 5 bad reviews.

Note, they're reporting on basically the same cruises.

How can some have a great time on a cruise, and others such a terrible time? The answer is attitude.

 

If you go expecting a great time, you will. If you go expecting a bad time, you will.

[Welove2cruise2]

As Hikini pointed out, you should take all the reviews you read with a grain of salt. We have cruised on the Dawn twice, and the Majesty five times (#6 coming up) and we had a wonderful time on each and every one of these cruises. Was everything perfect? I think not -- but we didn't let any minor problems ruin our vacation! In fact, on the Dawn, there is not ONE THING that I can think of to complain about!

 

Enjoy your cruise, go with an open mind and a good attitude!!

[stellasue]

One of the main purposes of these boards, I gather, is to share information and opinions. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and the sharing of information can provide valuable insights....but...you must remember that each person comes to the cruise experience with different expectations and values. Last winter we decided, in mid December, that it might be nice to just get away from winter for 10 days and booked the Dawn out of Manhattan because we were intrigued by the Freestyle concept and loved the idea of sailing without the need to fly to the port. While the 10 day cruise was relaxing, the ship clean and well appointed, and we had a good time.......I can understand why others complain about the food (we did not care for it at all), the ambiance and what I can only describe as "abuse" of the Freestyle concept. This is not to say that others should not be devoted fans of NCL. For some it can be a really great cruise experience: essentially you must read ALL the reviews and make up your own mind as to whether it's the cruiseline for you.

[bbusybee7]

Why be so negative?

 

 

6 good reviews in comparison to 5 bad reviews.

Note, they're reporting on basically the same cruises.

How can some have a great time on a cruise, and others such a terrible time? The answer is attitude.

 

If you go expecting a great time, you will. If you go expecting a bad time, you will.

 

We were on the Dawn 4/16

I personally did go expecting a great time and had a great time. It was mostly because of the group we were with and the great weather we had. I have been on Disney and RCL and thought that NCL food and service was not anywhere near these other two lines. Did I have a great time...yes. Do I think that I got what I should have ...no. Speaking of attitude ..there was a lot of attitude from the waiters in all three of the main restaurants. Not sure if it is because of the way tipping is or not. I personally would rather tip individually and I always tip well. I know that is how they make most of their money. This is not to say that all the service was bad we did have some great people, but the bad service outweighed the good. JMOA

 

By the way even my kids liked the other lines better but they met more kids on NCL so they had a great time too!!

[jeannep]

We have been on the Dawn 3 times and loved every minute of all 3 cruises. The other ships and lines were wonderful also.

 

When we are home, we sometimes go to a local dinner theater. For about $150 we get a nice dinner and show. On a ship that is all included. After the evening show on the ship, you can check out the casino, and probably see a comedy show later. It is a great vacation and for what you get I feel it is a bargain.

 

Relax and enjoy! Keep an open mind and don't sweat the small things.

 

Jeanne

[Dolphins]

We have sailed four times on the Dawn and look forward to boarding her again in January. She is our favorite ship of many we have sailed on and we will miss her when she leaves New York for Miami in October 2007. Enjoy her here in New York while you still can.

[Cosmopolitan]

We've sailed the Dawn 3-X's out of NY.

 

Enjoyed every moment.

 

My only complaint.....moving the Dawn to Miami.

 

How dare they:( :( :(

[jeannep]

Cosmopolitan,

 

I feel the same way. We are going on the Spirit this summer but really want to get on the Dawn one more time out of NYC. I am really going to miss her here.

 

Jeanne

[Catbiri2]

I am going to post my usual comment:

 

Cruising, as any other vacation, is a matter of perspective. I have a great time on cruises, but I don't expect too much out of any vacation. For me, cruises are a great adventure. I have found most of the cruises I have been on to be the same. I have never really noticed a difference in foods or activites, but then again I haven't picked them apart, as I am on vacation.

 

Personnally, I loved the Dawn, but then again, I loved the Coral Princess, I loved the Carnival Inspiration (I think that was the one I was on) and I loved the Carnival Mardi Gra. I just go and have a fun time. Was there food on the Dawn that I didn't like, yes, but I don't think I would have liked it on any ship I was on (tried the catfish didn't like the taste of it) the server did offer other choices for me to try, but just wasn't hungry enough after trying the food, and didn't want to try anything else. they did notice though that I didn't like it, and offered more. I found everyone on each cruise I was on to be helpful and nice.

(oh yeah, and before we cruised on the Mardi Gra we had person that was a "seasoned cruiser" tell us that we would hate the ship, and that she was old and outdated. Mom and I had a great time though.)

[Cosmopolitan]

Cosmopolitan,

 

I feel the same way. We are going on the Spirit this summer but really want to get on the Dawn one more time out of NYC. I am really going to miss her here.

 

Jeanne

 

I may do the Dawn, Canada/New England (Sept.) just to get on her one more time.

Just started checking it out.

 

Not sure how to break the news to DH:eek:

 

I can get out of the office...he can't!

 

A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do;)

 

I'm sure one of my sister's will jump at the chance to go.

 

Have a GREAT time on the Spirit.

All posts report she is a beautiful ship!

[mimi41385]

I am sorry that some have had a less the enjoyable time on the Dawn. My DH and I were on the 04/26 cruise and found the ship as beautiful as I remembered. The crew was always smiling and whenever we saw a crew member, no matter if it was a housekeeper , a member of the CD staff, waiter(waitress) or just someone out on the crew deck, they waved and said hello and asked if we were having a good time. Our cabin was clean, bed always freshly made and everything neat and tidy. We were nervous about the food due to recent negative comments but never found any reason for the negative comments. Servings were very good size and everything tasted excellent. I can't comment on any of the shows in the Stardust as we never made it to one. Too busy visiting with other pax, donating our money in the casino, attending the Martini clinic and having a great time.

 

I feel bad for anyone who has not enjoyed their time on the Dawn and I am extremely grateful that our experience differs so much from theirs

[jeffs55]

When we cruised Norwegian Crown 2 years ago I had read a lot of bad reviews. Had a great time.

Cruised Zenith in Feb, had read bad reviews, had a wonderful time.

Cruising Dawn in Sept and I'm pretty confident I'll have a fabulous cruise.

( I'm living a life of luxury for a week! I guess I haven't seen the down side to that!)

Jeff

[Cosmopolitan]

I am sorry that some have had a less the enjoyable time on the Dawn. My DH and I were on the 04/26 cruise and found the ship as beautiful as I remembered. The crew was always smiling and whenever we saw a crew member, no matter if it was a housekeeper , a member of the CD staff, waiter(waitress) or just someone out on the crew deck, they waved and said hello and asked if we were having a good time. Our cabin was clean, bed always freshly made and everything neat and tidy. We were nervous about the food due to recent negative comments but never found any reason for the negative comments. Servings were very good size and everything tasted excellent. I can't comment on any of the shows in the Stardust as we never made it to one. Too busy visiting with other pax, donating our money in the casino, attending the Martini clinic and having a great time.

 

I feel bad for anyone who has not enjoyed their time on the Dawn and I am extremely grateful that our experience differs so much from theirs

 

Happy to hear you enjoyed your cruise.

I knew you would...I couldn't remember when you were sailing.

Sorry it's over.

 

Hope you are planning another:)

[Harleycat]

It's funny how one of the reviewer's complaints was that they didn't know they had to make reservations in the speciality restaurants. Why is it that they can find their way here to post a bad review but made no effort to find out more about their cruise before they left?

[claimsgal]

Thanks to all those that posted in response to this topic. I was getting very nervous about our upcoming cruise on June 3rd, especially about the food. My attitude is that I am on vacation, not cooking , enjoying the sun, what could be better? I'm not a picky eater so I am sure I can find something that I like. I am taking the negative reviews with a "grain of salt" and looking forward to a great time and forming my own opinions. When I return I'll post my thoughts, opinions for what they are worth.

[Smellytoes]

Claimsgal: Please don't waste needless energy worrying about the food on the Dawn. I sailed 4/16 and was also very worried about the quality of the food. I was very concerned that it wouldn't be as good as it was in 8/04. From the reviews it seemed that the quality of the food had gone downhill. There have definately been some changes such as fewer choices and a different menu set up. But I must say I found the food to be at least as good, if not better than it was before. There was a marked improvment in the food in the buffet.

[daisydu]

I was really glad to see this post as I also read the negative comments and was getting concerned. We will be on the Dawn 5/20 - our first cruise.

 

I plan to go with an open mind and realistic expectations -- Plus, I don't have to shop for it, cook it or clean up - this is a big plus in my book.:)

[crusingsquid]

We sailed on the Dawn last June. We had a bad experience on a 4 day cruise out of Miami on a different line. We were sooo nervous about cruising again but did cruise again on the Dawn. IT WAS AN EXCELLENT CRUISE AND SHIP!!!! Not one complaint!!! Im just nervous about going on another cruise because now we will always compare it to that one and hope that we will have the same great experience!:p

[naragonl]

As a future cruiser on the dawn I am worried by the run of negative reviews on the review site. The top 4 are very negative and unlike most negative reviews seem to have been written by people that really did try to have a good time.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/getreviews.cfm?action=ship&ShipID=265

 

 

What are your thoughts

 

Chris

 

Hi CHris,

 

We cruised on the Dawn last August. We had a wonderful time. I too had second thoughts after reading some of the negative reviews. All I can say is that there will always be negative reviews. I had just discovered Cruise Critic at the time and many of the seasoned cruisers, told me to not get caught up by any few negatives. Read the positives and see if they ease your fears. If you read some negative reviews you can sometimes read between the lines and understand that some people will never be happy or pleased. Some cruisers come on the Dawn and expect 5 star dining, broadway shows, etc. You won't find that, but I'll bet you find good food and good entertainment and a great time (as long as you allow yourself to go with the flow). Not everything will be prefect, don't let the few things that at first bother you, ruin your cruise.

 

good luck either way

[claimsgal]

Thanks smellytoes- I feel better now. I am going with an open mind and hope for the best !:)

 

claimsgal

[Cosmopolitan]

Thanks smellytoes- I feel better now. I am going with an open mind and hope for the best !:)

 

claimsgal

 

You will LOVE it.

 

Relax and enjoy every moment:)

[dmm]

You will LOVE it.

 

Relax and enjoy every moment:)

 

I lack a comparison as I've only cruised once...on the Dawn...loved it...beautiful ship...friendly service...no complaints...everyone was eager to please...great expierence...enjoy your cruise...do post your review...:)