This was a 1st annual girls only cruise and hopefully, one of many. Karen flew from Pittsburgh and I from Norfolk, VA on Feb 5 (Friday) and we overnighted in Miami at the Embassy Suites. We highly recommend the Embassy - you get your moneys worth by staying there. Saturday - Left the hotel about 10:45 and the taxi from the hotel to the pier was $25 total. We reached the pier and embarking was a breeze. We were on the ship before noon with a glass of champagne in hand. It was a bit cool but we enjoyed sitting on deck 12 until 1:30 then headed for our cabin 5609. This was a inside, nothing special just somewhere to shower and sleep. The best part was there is a shower door instead of a curtain! Sometimes the little things make the biggest impression. Lifeboat drill was fast and not drawn out like other cruise lines. Had dinner at Teppanyaki and it was well worth every penny (IMHO). Received our latitude pins and invitation to their party.

Sunday - Still cool outside and the seas were a bit rough. Had our CC M&G and thanks to Doug and Vicki it was quite a success. Great turn out and it was nice to meet some of the crew. Monday - We were to go on a tour but it was cancelled due to the rough seas. Stayed on board instead of going to Samana. From what I have heard, we didn't miss anything. Went to the Singles M&G - turn out wasn't too good. Tuesday - St. Thomas - did some shopping and then headed for Morningstar Beach. Once we were all settled on our chairs, the rain came - then stopped and started again. We decided to head back to the ship. Had dinner with Wellington our singles host and several other singles. Wednesday - Upon arrival in Tortola we walked to Speedy's ferry dock where we purchased our tickets for the Baths on Virgin Gorda. For $38 you had ferry service over to/from Virgin Gorda and round trip taxi service. Then there is a $3 charge for the Baths but no one asked for our tickets. Word of advise - be very careful walking because the rocks are slick with sand. I twisted my knee about 20ft into the walk down. Absolutely beautiful once you reach the beach! I didn't go through the Baths and doing it on your own can be a challenge. Took the 12:30 ferry back to Tortola had plenty of time to get back to the ship. Didn't find shopping to be anything to brag on. There is a market set up by the dock though. Thursday - Sea day; laid around the pool - White Hot Party was tonight and Karen & I were the only people who went all out in the White theme. We had the White Hats, Opera Gloves, Boas and all white clothes. The crew was impressed by our attire and really made a big deal over us. It was a fun party. Friday - Great Stirrup Cay - we were in the 1st 100 tender tickets but these tenders hold a few hundred people at a time. The private island was nice; beautiful beach and water - lots of chairs. Complaints-the buffet closed at 2pm and we were on the island until 5:30. So if you didn't eat before 2 there was nothing to eat until you got back on the ship. The market did accept MC & VISA but I found alot of the items to had been made in other countries (India, China, etc). It seemed that the chairs were on top of one another - they needed to be spread out more. Saturday - Disembarking was just as quick as embarking. We chose to disembark at 10am. Overall - I liked the Dawn but like the Pearl better. Aqua was where we received the poorest service for dinner so we only dined their once. The food was ok - I definitely didn't starve. The pictures were very expensive (IMHO) and I wish they sold the video from the week. Met alot of nice people and crew members and I can't wait to cruise again!