Dawn Princess questions

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Waterdancer

Guest
Look at a cruise on Dawn Princess in February. I've sailed NCL and HAL before so I have some questions about this line. My husband and I like to dance (slow, not disco type) so are there piano bars or lounges that provide that kind of music? Also, we want to sit on deck by the pool but I was disappointed to only see one large pool on the ship. How crowded does the pool deck get? Are there other places to sit in the sun?
One of the stops in Caracus - is it safe there?
Also we've never gone out of San Juan before - is this a hassle? Any tips.
Other comments on the food and ambiance of the ship are appreciated.
Thanks for your help.
 
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BurBunny

Guest
There isn't as much dancing on this ship as others, but there is always at least one lounge in the evening for what you're seeking. There is a piano bar, but depending on who is playing there, I'd not call it dance music. But the other lounges provide dance music every evening.

There is quite a bit of "real estate" around the main pool area. The upper deck is really nice as well. While you can't just step into the pool, there are several stairways to get down, plus it's a bit quieter up there. The aft pool, while small, is also nice. If you don't need the pool, just want sun time, I'd also highly recommend the fantail deck on Aloha. Quiet, very few people, but wonderful padded loungers and you have the soothing sounds of the wake behind you.

I wouldn't count on Caracas. They haven't stopped there in almost a year, and I believe the earlier sailings this fall have been changed (they vary - some to Ocho Rios, Nassau or Isla Margarita). You might want to check directly with Princess to see if they've made a change on your itinerary yet.

I love this ship. It's intimate yet still has vibrant energy. Out of Puerto Rico, it's likely to have very lively energy as well.
 
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CruiseAholic

Guest
You'll love the Dawn Princess, have sailed on her several times.

For the kind of dancing you are interested in, they the Wheelhouse, it is a great bar with a live band most of the time.

I avoid the main pool are of most ships, my favorite spot on this class ship is the from wading pool area (over the Horizon Court). Not many people find out about it until late in the cruise. It is lots quieter there.
 
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Princess Pat

Guest
Cruiseaholic said exactly what I was going to say, the Wheelhouse Bar. We went through the bar several times a couple of weeks ago and the fun and music was really enticing--50's party one night, great band, good choice of music other nights.

The reason most people are going through the WB is because it's in the path of the starboard entrance/exit to/from the Princess Theatre.

Pat
 
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lillian854

Guest
You will love the Dawn Princess. Last year I went on the Sea Princess, the sister ship and we had a wonderful time. This ship is beautiful and the service is wonderful. I had a bad impression about the comments on Princess before, but now I say to everybody to cruise on a Princess ship. I will be on the Dawn on November 30, 2003.

lillian854
 
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Einstein

Guest
The Wheelhouse might be your best bet as mentioned and also checkout the Vista Show Lounge or the Explorers Lounge as sometimes they offer that type of music for prr-diiner times. Enjoy!!! :thumb

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mhrxman

Guest
We haven't sailed on Princess before but I wanted to let you know about our experience with San Juan!

We sailed on NCL last March and had a great experience. In fact, we're considering a cruise from San Juan this March for our 20th wedding anniversary!

We were worried about leaving from San Juan, but were pleasantly surprised. The airport is very nice - had no trouble with airport security. In fact, we found it easier to navigate and "nicer" than Miami. The ship terminal is very nice as well - it's right in the heart of Old San Juan. We flew down the same day our ship sailed - most seem to leave around 10 or 11 p.m. so there's plenty of time. I was surprised how far away San Juan is from the US Mainland – it was a 3 or 4 hour flight from Charlotte.

It also costs more to fly to San Juan but we found that the cruises are sometimes less so it worked out about the same in our situation. The destinations are MUCH better on cruises sailing from San Juan - I guess it's because you've got a head start into the Caribbean! This was our 5th cruise and by far the best.

I think you'll find San Juan beautiful. Hope you enjoy your cruise!

mhrxman
 
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paulfredo

Guest
We liked the Dawn P... It's a good ship and layout for the Caribbean. The Wheelhouse seemed to be very active with dancers when we visited, but we don't dance and so don't know the quality of the dance floor, etc.

paul
 
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