My group consisted of 10 people - ages 62-42 - some experienced cruisers, some new to cruising. We all had a fantastic time on the Dawn Princess. A cruise is what you make of it. If you do your research you will know that this ship is smaller and older than many of the other ships out there. However, we were not disappointed. She was clean, well maintained, and very easy to navigate. I was nervous about the size of the ship having only cruised on the Grand Class ships, but I actually enjoyed the smaller size. By day two we knew other people, and had no problems getting around. We never waited in line (other than to tender in Cabo), and we always got seats at the shows even when we got there at the last minute.

Embarkation and Disembarkation were both easy. We had to wait less than one hour each way. Side note: They do search carry-on bags in San Diego for liquor. Wine, water, and Champagne are OK to carry on, but anything else will be confiscated and held until the last night of the cruise. Put liquor in your checked luggage and you should be fine.

Sea Days - we had a lot of fun relaxing on sea days. We were a pretty low maintenance group...we enjoyed the pools, playing trivia, eating, walking around the ship, and visiting the casino and most of the bars (Wheelhouse was our meeting place). I found the Cruise Director, Gavin Chandler, not to be around much. Maybe I just did not do any of the events he sponsored. However, his staff was great. Natalie, Sammy, Lee, and Freddy were very active, energetic, and a lot of fun. Read more