DW and I are in our fifties and sailed with two other couples. We met in Tampa where we spent the night before our cruise at the Riverside Hilton Garden Inn. I found this motel on Cruise Critic and have no hesitation about recommending it. The staff at the motel far exceeded our expectations and went out of their way to make sure our stay was a good one. Our room was not ready when we arrived but the front desk clerk gave directions to local restaurants and a shopping mall where my wife bought the obligatory another pair of shoes since she had never bought shoes in Tamp (LOL). We were greeted by smiles throughout our stay and assistance without asking for it. The other two couples took the motel shuttle to the port and DW and I dropped off our rental car at the port and we met up again at the port terminal.

We had read of nightmare at embarkation but for our cruise embarkation was smooth and efficient. We arrived around 11:00 and were on board by 11:30. While we were waiting to board we ran into a couple from Nebraska with whom we had cruised before. What a wonderful surprise. Cabins were ready by 1:00

We found the Dawn to be clean and in good repair. It was obvious that the ship had some age but for us that just added to the charm. The staff was excellent and helpful. Our room steward, Dexter, called us by name when we met in the hall and was ever ready to help us with any request. Read more