Cruising in September on the West coast brings picture perfect temperatures, 82-92 breezy degrees in the day and 72 at night. Seniors come out in force and kids, freshly in school, stay home. This easygoing 10-day cruise to Mexico will take the stress right out of you, with lots of time to relax.
The food, often criticized in other reviews, was surprisingly good later in the cruise. Don't look for super intensity or a party all the time. There's lots to do, but remember -- the seniors are out in force and the kids are in school.
Staff aboard the Dawn is a friendly helpful crew of the usual mix: Italians at the helm, British and South Africans and Australians as social hosts, Indians running security, Romanians as stewards, and Filipinos serving dinner. The mood aboard was pleasant but a bit subdued, matching the crowd perfectly.