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Princess Cruise Line

MS Dawn Princess

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Salo Korn
# previous cruises:1
Date of Trip: February 23, 2002
Itinerary: Caribbean - Southern

This was our first cruise and by at least our standards it was terrific. The ship (at least the public areas) was immaculate, well organized, and every crew member was as polite as could be. Our steward Cristina and waiter George were very attentive. The excursions were interesting and also well organized. Embarkation was extremely easy.

It was amazing how uncrowded the ship seemed considering the cruise was full with 1900 guests and about 900 crew. The pools seemed small but I primarily used one of the several hot tubs. Three miles around the deck is supposed to be a mile. Of course I planned to use this to my benefit and of course I didn't. Every area was tastefully appointed. The library was particularly beautiful but who wants to spend there time in the library.

The food was wonderful. We had our breakfasts and lunches at the buffet. The food was very good, with a wide variety with something for everyone. (One must remember that this was a buffet and not dinner at the White House) We had our dinners at the second seating in the Venetian Dining Room. The food was excellent, In fact we al marveled at how consistently good everything was considering they were cooking for almost 2000 people. The wait staff was excellent with one waiter and one assistant for three tables (about 20 people). On several occasions when we suggested that we could not decide among two of the entrees, he brought both.

The cabin (we went low budget)was tiny but well laid out. There was enough room for clothes. All we did was change clothes and sleep in it, so who cared about the size. The bathroom was very small but adequate.

I was not interested in the shows. I was more content to sit on the deck and listen to the sound of the water rushing past the ship, but my wife and friends thought they were very good.

The Itineraries were fine. (Compared to Detroit in February, who cared.) I like to take pictures and had no problem using up many rolls of film. I'm a sailor and the highlight of the trip for me was the ability to sail on (and helm)Dennis Connors ex-12 Metre "Stars and Stripes" on St Maarten. This was truly the thrill of a lifetime.

We are in our mid-50's and I would say that more than half of the passengers were older than us. However we had not trouble talking to others both older and younger. We went with friends. The third couple at our dinner table was also our age and from England. They were delightful and dinners were lots of fun.