 |
 |
|
Note -this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: Anne Bullard
Email: anne@wilmington.net
Age: 49
Occupation: self employed
NumberOfCruises: 8
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Dawn
SailingDate: 2/3/2001
Itinerary: Southern Caribbean
Cabin: C711
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 88
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 50
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 85
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 85
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 100
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall: 75
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities:
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 06 Feb 2001
Time: 01:37:27
Remote Name: wil-max3-241.coastalnet.com
Remote User:
Comments
This was our second time sailing on the Dawn. As far as the ship it looked as great as when we sailed in 1999.
The Dawn Princess is most enjoyable. She is well maintained and spotless...A+.
We flew out of Wilmington NC and had flights that we arranged. All flights were on time. Upon arrival we
decided to claim our bags. We did not tag them only because our flight had 3 legs and if we were missing any
luggage I wanted to know before we left the airport. They were all there and we took a cab to the pier. The
cost of the cab was $16...we added a tip. I highly suggest that you do not buy the transfers from Princess. It is
easier and cheaper if you get a cab. If you tag your bags you do not have to claim them. Once at the pier if
you elect to take your bags there are plenty of people to handle the bags. Check in was so fast. No waiting or
lines. Fill out your paper work prior to arrival to make it very easy.
Now there is a store at the pier for liquor and sodas...this was not there when we sailed in Jan 1999. They no
longer offer free shuttles to Old San Juan. The cab is $12 round trip. We took a cab to the Condado area and
then walked back to the pier...it was a nice walk. You felt save and the view of the water is lovely.
Day 1 Sea Day...nice to just relax. Can't say as we did much except eat...we did not go to this formal
night...ate upstairs.
Day 2 Trinidad...not my idea of a cruise ship port for pleasure. It is one of the most nasty cities I have ever
encountered. Dead rats along the curb, trash, crowded streets...not paradise. This port needs to be skipped.
We took a cab tour. The driver was Jason and he was extremely good. The cost was $70 for 2 with tip. Not
much to see. Others have explained the highlights so I won't repeat. The US dollar is equal to $6.17 TT
dollars. We bought some T shirts that were nice quality for a very good price.
Day 3 Barbados...we rented a car from the cruise ship pier. It was $75. Even though driving is on the left the
streets are flat making it easy to drive. We took the west shore road to the Flowering Animal Caves. They
were closed due to high seas. We enjoyed the ride...saw monkeys...stopped in a small fishing village where
fishermen sell their daily catch. We then stopped at a local beach front restaurant where lunch entrees were
$40 a hamburger $17.50. We were told that here you could snorkel with the turtles if you ate but the sea was
rough and lunch sky high so we passed and drove to Folkstone to snorkel. It was also rough here and no
visibility today...however on our last cruise this was a very nice place to snorkel...but not today. There are
changing areas and restrooms also food stands.
Day 4 Antigua...rented a car from Dollar. One of the best deals at $52. Driving again on the left but not hard
until we got to Fig Tree Drive. Drove to Long Bay to snorkel but all the tourist have trashed the coral so we
decided to look for another location. Drove on the Nelson's Dockyard...Palm Beach of the caribbean...headed
back to the pier along beautiful beaches, Turner, Cades Bay and Darkwood...absolutely gorgeous! Once in
town we tried to use the phone...nothing worked unless you bought a phone card from Cable and Wireless or
used a credit card...ha! we used the credit card and a 3 minute call showed up on our bill for $15.80...this
also happened in Tortola. All other ports were ok for an AT&T prepaid or MCI calling card. I think there should
be better phone service at all cruise terminal areas...this also goes for Frontier Pier in San Juan...not enough
phones because all the crew need to call. We have to call home and this becomes a big problem. I envy those
that can cruise and never call home. I wish I could afford the luxury of calling from the ship. Antigua is a lovely
island. The people were very friendly. I'd consider flying here for a land vacation.
Day 5 Tortola...we had reserved a car on the internet with Avis...when we arrived at the office in Roadtown
after a long walk, there was a hassle over the car I had reserved. It finally worked out but I sure started off this
day quite mad. The roads in Tortola are worse than horrible for the most part. We drove to Brewer's Bay and
Cane Garden Bay. Both offered the best from the beach snorkeling I've probably ever done. The coral is
amazing because it has not been damaged from people or weather...I saw 5 tarpon,a turtle and tons of fish.
The beach was very nice as well...water here is so clear. Prime snorkeling and swimming or just sun and fun.
We stopped at Smuggler's cove and then went into West End before returning to Roadtown.
Day 6 St Thomas...we were the first off the ship at 7:15 to catch the ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay. We
rented a jeep $65. Snorkeled Hawksnest, Trunk and area just before Big Maho...great day. Ferry from Red
Hook to Cruz Bay is $3 per person and then $7 to return to Charlotte Amalie. Town to Havensight is $3 each.
Once is Cruz Bay it is easy for one to catch an open air taxi to Trunk Bay $3 and the charge at Trunk is now
$4. They have snorkel gear to rent nice showers and snack bar. Beach is lovely. Easy snorkeling for all or
great place to enjoy a beautiful beach day.
I use to shop but after numerous cruises and land vacations in the caribbean the novelty has worn off. It all
looks the same and truly the prices are not special. There was a time that shopping was really a deal but in
my opinion that is past. If you know your prices you may find a bargain.
Food...I was very disappointed because the menus were the same as Jan 1999. This is where I saw cut
backs...I sure was surprised to see a packaged Zesta cracker on the Dawn Princess. I love sweets, pastries,
etc and there were none that stood out. Don't get me wrong I ate plenty but it was all just ok. Food was always
available which is nice when you return late from port. I eat fish and it is frozen and dried out...tough texture
but of course it is hard to prepare for 2,000 people.
Cabin...being past passengers we booked an inside guarantee. We did not get an upgrade. Our cabin was
fine...we are never in it for long...I always like the refrigerator and safe. There was plenty of storage but lots of
time I'd shower in the spa area because it was big and roomy. The bed and pillows were very
comfortable...there is no clock. I thought it would be nice to know what time it is without having to turn on the
light.
Entertainment...a little better than our last cruise on the Dawn. Yet, one of performers was the same person
from 2 years ago. Greg Bonham, but in my opinion he is great. Jeff Peterson's magic was good and the
comedy act was good.
I like the fitness areas being open 24 hrs. along with fresh water pools and whirlpools open. I enjoyed the
sauna and steamroom after busy days at port for no charge.
We were at a table for 8. Tablemates were good company. One couple from England were lucky at
Bingo...$300! Beginner's luck because they had never played. Lots of English on for 2 weeks because of the
different back to back itenirary. Almost no children. I'd guess the average age to be 55 plus. Lots of repeat
Princess cruisers and very well traveled passengers.
Disembarkation was swift. I met American at 6:15a for luggage tags...we were off the ship at 8:15a. Princess
has the dining room and buffet open. Dining room till 9:30 and buffet till 10:30...no real rush to hurry off the
ship unless you wanted to leave. We took a cab to Old San Juan for $6 and used the Crown and Anchor
facility. Real nice to leave the luggage and easy to get a cab when heading to the airport. Good location in
Old San Juan. Nice touch for Royal Caribbean to have this facility. Cab was $16 plus tip and about a 15
minute ride.
Princess is an above average to excellent line in a mass market. It is hard to find any real fault. They now
allow you to charge your tips to your ship account. I liked this...more FF miles.
All and all this was a good vacation. You may have gathered that we like to get away from the herded feel and
venture out on our own. We cruise to find our next vacation spot. After this trip Aruba still stands as number
one. We stopped there on our cruise in 2000 and flew back 3 times...we are heading back in April. Needless
to say we like it. We'll cruise again next Jan on a western because we have some friends that have never
been to those ports. Overall a cruise is value...you think. Once you return home you begin to realize it's quite
pricey even though the cruise was a good value...and Princess is a good value for a very nice vacation. Try
it...you'll see for yourself!
Anne
Name: Billy Wood
Email: billy.wood@gracega.org
Age: 31
Occupation: Pastor
NumberOfCruises: 8
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Dawn
SailingDate: 04/01/2001 through 04/08/2001
Itinerary: Southern Caribbean
Cabin: Dolphin 407
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 75
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon: 99
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 99
WheelchairAccess: 99
ExerciseFacilities: 99
EntertShowLounge: 100
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 10 Apr 2001
Time: 12:47:59
Remote Name: user-38ld7eu.dialup.mindspring.com
Remote User:
Comments
I have entered a commentary on every ship I have been on through this site. This was our 8th cruise.
We have been on the Premier-SS Atlantic, Norwegian Norway and Leeward,Celebrity Zenith,Royal
Caribbean Grandeur of the Sea, Carnival Imagination, Holland America Ryndam, and now the Princess
Dawn Princess. Lord willing we will do a cruise every year, so we are trying different companies to find
where to place our loyalties to in the future. Holland America stills ranks highest, but Princess now runs
a close second. The only place they did not measure up was the food. The breakfast was horrible
(mostly). Much in quantity- but much less on quality. However- all other food- lunch and dinner were
great.
The Ship- Unbelievable. It is advertised to be that Princess makes a huge ship feel small. They do
indeed fulfill their promise. A large ship- 77,000 tons, designed and layed out as good as I have ever
seen. They make wonderful use of the Atrium area- at which is truly the "gathering place" for all. It (the
ship) is beautiful and is so clean that it looks as if it just set sail last week. Having 4 pools, and 5 hot
tubs- their is never a time when you cannot find a pefect seat for anyting to do on a 'sea day'. Again, the
layout was most impressive and this was the nost stable while cruising shop we have ever been on. If
you get Seasick easy- this is your ship.
The Embarkation/Disembarkation- The best ever. It was unbelievable how quick from the time we got off
the plane that we made it on the Ship. We were on at 12 or a little before. No long lines, and no
harrassing dock people. Unbelievably pleasant.
The Entertainment- The Best we have ever had at sea. All clean, and much variety. Yes, you can
choose from 1 of 2 shows every night- which lets you fit your own fancy for the evening. Whatever you
did not go to one night would typically be available the next. 3 comedians, a jugglur, singers, and the
best dance "broadway" performances I have seen. Kudos to Princess and the Cruise Director for
assembling fantastic entertainment.
The Itinerary- St. Thomas- Had been there 2 other times but this time took a trip to Koki Beach. Having
snorkeled all over the world and thinking that the best yet was in Cozumel at the "State Park"- I was
wrong. The best snorkeling I have ever seen is at this beach. Don't book it through the ship- get off and
get a taxi to bring you- you will save BUNCHES of monies. As far as that goes- having been on 8
cruises- I advise everyone to book your land tour when you get off the ship. The ships prices are
grossly overpriced and we passed all the 'ship folk' on every tour we did, with the exception of the
places we were brought that noone else got to go to. Koki Beach was hit!
St. Kitts- Take the land tour with a resident taxi tour. there are 2 tours one to each side of the island. If
you have to choose 1- pick going to see and feed the wild monkeys at Turtle Bay- the dirve there
contains the -prettiest scenery I have EVER seen. truly picturesque. However, the other side of the
Island has much to offer with the beautiful gardens. If you speak nicely to your taxi guide- he will give
you both for a 'deal'. Not expecting much- St. Kitts is my favorite port I have ever visited.
Martinique- Dirty- but taking a taxi land tour becoming beautiful. Much shopping available if you went
snorkeling instead of shop in St. Thomas- but I hear the prices are steep. Not near as pretty as it is built
up to be- but filled with history that makes the land tour (again booked off the ship- the ship will make
you feel like it will be extra expensive if you don't use theirs- hogwash- we went for $30 cheaper, a
piece, by meeting the guy on the street to take us).
Isla Marguerita- did not book land tour- should have- the beach they tell you is right beside you dock is
smelly, nasty, and full of jelly fish. Those who did the tour came back saying this was their favorite port
of call. Unbelievable. Best 'Island Shopping' on the whole cruise. Here are the DEALS!
Curacao- Beautiful. Modernized. Much shopping and a decent land tour. For the busy shopper- will
probably be your favorite port of call. I thought the people here were the least firendliest however.
Service- Not as good as Celebrity and Holland America- but not bad either. Only problem we had was
we were stuck wiothout toilet paper 3 times from our room steward. That is unheard of for a cruise.
Otherwise- the people were kind, most helpful, and probably the friendliest cruise staff we have sailed
with.
Intangibles- You can tip on your shipboard credit card which is nice and allows you to get those
frequesnt flyer miles. They do not promote a lot of the activities via the speakers on the ship at all
(Bingo, poolside games, etc). This is a positive for some- while others hate it. If you want to stay
informed- you must keep up with your 'Princess Patter' daily guide, or the tremendous Whats up Tv
station in your room. Speaking of Tv. You dont have many channels, and although they show movies on
the ship in the ship theatres they show B movies in the room. So that wa a downside if you like to stay
up late flipping the channels. Lastly, they dont puch anything on you. You do what you want- or don't.
there was never any hard sell or pressure put on.
You should love this cruise staff, this ship, and if given the opportunity- these ports. We sailed out of
San Juan. Airporrt chaos- but with these ports it was worth it.
If you have any questions I can help with on any ship I have sailed with, as always I am happy to help.
Email me at billy.wood@gracega.org
Name: Carol Anagnos
Email: escape9@adelphia.net
Age: 62
Occupation: retired
NumberOfCruises: 8
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Dawn
SailingDate: April 7, 2001
Itinerary: Southern caribbean
Cabin: C538 balcony
FoodDiningRoom: 86
CruiseDirector:
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 82
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 85
CabinQuietness: 80
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 87
DeckService: 82
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff: 79
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 75
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 88
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 80
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 80
AirSeaProgram: 87
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace:
Stabilization: 87
ShopsOnBoard: 70
SpaceRatio: 88
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 16 Apr 2001
Time: 14:58:31
Remote Name: proxy2.bur.adelphia.net
Remote User:
Comments
This was an excellent cruise. We have very few negative comments and minor ones at that. The decaf
coffee in the Horizon cafe, where we ate breakfast and lunch tasted like sanka rather than brewed
coffee. Very disappointing. But in the dining room the coffee was good. We were also disappointed that
the ship docked away from downtown San Juan, which we had always done previously. Since the ship
doesn’t leave port until 11 p.m. and we were on board at 1 p.m. we would have walked a little downtown
but it wasn’t worth it to have to take a taxi. Embarkation was the quickest ever. We sailed all day
Sunday, the ship full to capacity and there was no problem finding a comfortable place to sit. All of their
lounge chairs have padded cushions. Trinidad was our first stop and we only got off the ship for one
hour (that was enough) not your typical tropical island. This is a big, dirty city, but we knew that before
we left home so we were prepared. Don’t know why they don’t stop in Tobago instead. There was a
technical problem when we got near Barbados and we were three hours late in docking. The staff went
out of the way to set up activities and reschedule planned tours. The port facility was new since our last
visit to Barbados and was good for shopping. Antigua is one of our favorites. We went to Dickinson
Beach, where the Sandals resort is located. Beautiful beach, good facilities. On Tortola we took the ship
tour to the baths at Virgin Gorda and it was great. Some of our shipmates came to the baths by
catamaran and it took them 2 1/2 hours, we were there in 45 minutes. We actually had more time at the
baths for 1/2 the cost. It was a trip well worth taking. Very nice restaurant and pool at the top where the
bus drops you off. Beautiful views from the top as well. On St. Thomas we chose the private sail for 6
people. We went to Buck island for snorkeling and it was perfect. We have snorkeled at Trunk bay and
thought that was beautiful but this was outstanding for snorkeling. Trunk bay is better if you are looking
for a beach but snorkeling at Buck island was spectacular. We all felt the food was very good, excellent
quality and somewhat larger portions than the other ships we have taken. We especially liked the fact
that the shipboard activities were not ‘in your face’. Everything you could want was available but you had
to look for it. The horseracing, art auction etc. were done rather quietly and away from the pool area.
Even the casino was tucked away. We actually had to search for the photo gallery. This was a new
experience for us because on each of our previous 7 cruises you couldn’t avoid these money making,
noisy activities. Disembarking was FAST, and easy. All in all a great trip. Our first on Princess and
certainly not our last.
Want to book your cruise at a great rate?
Click here.
Questions or comments? Mail to webmaster@cruiseopinion.com.
Copyright ©1996-2001 CruiseOpinion.com. Last modified: April 17, 2001.