I love NCL's older ships. The Dawn, Star, and Sky are my some of my favorites. They feel like the old school cruise ships when my parents took us back in the 90's. These ships never felt crowded.
I always love to watch your videos. I enjoy just how honest you are with everything and how excited you are to take cruises. I know it inspires me and i'm sure it inspires others
I always enjoy your comments. I chuckled whenbyou said that you found it interesting how you will see places on the ship on day one that you never see again. That is so true
I loved having the Dawn Homeported in Boston. We did many cruises on her to Bermuda, a repositioning cruise between Boston and Tampa, and a two week round trip from Boston to the Southern Caribbean. She was called Boston's ship.
8:03 😂 i’m one of those people, I don’t know about working out every day, especially if you’re doing excursions that are physical. But if they have yoga, I’m there!!! And I try to use the stairs in real life wherever I go. But I’ve also lost 200 pounds over the course of my lifetime, so I try to get physical activity and whenever I can. Especially with good Cruz food OMG because I love to eat 🧘♀️ ❤️ 🚢
HAHA I agree with you, Shelby! Light exercise everyday is perfect as you’ll do a lot of walking in port and around the ship and of course eating a lot! A LOT 😂
Hi, Ben! This is the first time I've seen one of your videos. I love your enthusiasm and energy! I also love that you didn't research the ship, so that everything you saw would be a surprise. Great concept, and you were nice enough to take us along. I'll watch a lot more of your videos, to be sure!
Awesome stuff, the Dawn looks like a beautiful ship! One request: please slow down. One can barely get details because of the fast panning and movement. Cheers!
I love the older ships - smaller, no bells/whistles like roller coasters, rock walls etc. My only complaint is the smoking in the casino on NCL ships. I always avoid the casino area - but that smoke travels even to other floors that have public areas open to the casino. Celebrity doesn't have smoking in the casino and I really appreciate that.
They do have rock climbing walls on ships dating back 20 years. The Voyager class from Royal Caribbean introduced them. And those ships wee 136,000 tons which in 1999 was equivalent to the 240,000 tons the Icon is now. They weren't small for the time. The real difference in ships now vs. when the Dawn came out is they've brought back classes, with the whole Haven thing on the newest ship, there are far more specialty dining areas and the deck spaces are far more crowded. There also seem to be fewer lounges than there once were. But the Dawn is a modern ship. I think you have to go back to ships from the 1970s or earlier 1980s to feel a big difference in style of cruise ships.
Ben, I can’t believe people think that you’re an American - your accent is no way from the US. Maybe Canadian, but def the UK. Please more food shots! One of the main reasons I watch is the vicarious pleasure of dining alongside you. I love these little ships, can’t stand the giant floating Vegas-type hotels with so little connection with the ocean.
Yaaay! Cruise time! The ship looks lovely- it doesn’t look small but just the right size. I don’t really like the mega monsters. The food looks yummy, as always.
I agree, Lim! This is a good size ship, the mega ships are a completely different experience! Maybe one day I’ll check them out 😊 of course delicious food everyday! 😁
I love NCL. I've been on the Dawn 3 times. It's not my favorite of their ships, but I enjoy cruising always with NCL. Keep of the good work. Enjoyed your video.
Love your videos and I love NCL cruises. Next month I’m on the Encore for a 28 day back to back Alaska to Miami. Looking forward to watching all your videos on your Dawn cruise.
I will be watching your journey with anticipation... I am sailing on the Dawn in November 2024 on a 21-day cruise down the Western Coast of Africa! I will be watching your reviews of the entertainment, food, and parties! Have so much fun!
Thanks for the great video. I go on my first NCL ship in 3 weeks on The Sky and I am looking forward to an older, smaller ship. I am sailing out of Quebec City for a 10 day cruise through Northeastern Canada, Maine, Boston, and end in Baltimore. I am a solo cruiser and I am looking forward to NCL. This will be my 3rd solo cruise. Southampton is the best port to sail out because you can walk from your hotel to the port.
Your comment on Southampton/London.... I am also always amazed at Rome/Civitavecchia (72 km), and Le Havre/Paris (200km!!!). Every time you point out to the black nothingness off the side of the ship at night, I remember when I was living in Riga Latvia and a bunch of of us were "borrowed" from our work places, for our knowledge of English, to help Interpol with potential body identification of passengers of the MS Estonia - a ferry that sank Nov 28,1994/ We were given Latvian family descriptions of clothes worn by their loved ones when they left home for the ferry in Tallin. We had a very black sense of humor as we worked, which was necessary when dealing with descriptions often of young children, and as we discussed terms of fashion which I didn't know in Latvian, and others might not have know English . I was on a sister ferry to the MS Estonia about 2 months latter . Looking off deck at night can be eerie and scary.
@@anda1anda2 I agree with you, Anda! Le Havre is the worst one! Extremely far away from Paris. I hate Civitavecchia too 😂 I hope everyone does their research when they visit these ports! Wow, that’s a scary experience working with Interpol 😮
Ben as I said before you really are addictive in a nice way! So greatful of us to subscribe to your channel! How do I gift you something? anyway keep it up your just so amazing in what you do! The sort of guy I would buy a beer if makes sense ? Love you do solo travelling! Thanks again for doing this on our behalf! Onwards and upwards Ben!!❤
@@GillianWickens thanks so much, Gillian! Your comment made me very happy 😁 you don’t need to gift me anything, just enjoy the videos! I’m so glad that you do! 🌹
Love your videos Ben, my hubby and I love your attitude to life. Well done sir🎉. I go off to the Azores on Fred Olsen Borealis in 19 days. Woo hoo. Luv from Auntie boss x
This is the first of your vlogs we’ve seen, we did enjoy it - like Fraser at Sea, you’ve a great cheery attitude. I did like it when you made us stare into the abyss, yep, it can be scary… did you see that mad BBC drama the other year, Wreck, about a serial killing duck on a cruise ship? These things happen, I suppose. We’ve been on the Dawn twice and the only thing we didn’t like, bar the nigh inevitable casino smoke, is that there’s no Great Outdoors eating area at the back of the Garden Cafe, its place being taken by the kiddies’ spot which is, as you say, unused. They should get rid and give us the GO, my favourite destination on any NCL ship this side of Spinnaker’s. And O’Sheehans. If I may be nosey, what’s the wee hint of exoticism in your accent? Have you spent a lot of time in Europe, or do you have a parent originally from outside the UK. It’s so charming. My other half, Steve, thought there’s maybe a bit of South Africa. Incidentally, he has the same lumberjack shirt or shackles or whatever! Very smart.
@@Krypto64 thanks for watching, Martin! Serial killing duck on a cruise ship sounds made up 😂 I agree about no outside space, Prima has a lot of that. No one has ever called my accent exotic before 😂 people think I’m South African, American, Canadian, everything but British. Pretty funny to be honest!
@@TravelWithBen121 I was lucky because I had a balcony cabin at the aft. Back then it was so clean and new looking. Btw I watched your isle of wight vlog last night. I live on the island, such a shame you had a bad experience. Hope it's not put you off returning!
Why do people watch the videos without clicking the "like" button? I click it before I start watching or even if I don't watch it but subscribed to the channel just to respect the work of the owner. It's so natural and authomatic like flushing the toilet or locking the door after I leave home. Do you "forget" to do these too?
Hi I live just across the water from the cruise terminal in Hythe,I was wondering if you are the same Ben I was speaking to in Southampton NCL office, love your videos plenty of information.Cheers Gary.
Can you tell more about getting from London to Southampton? Is train the only way? If you flew into Heathrow - then what? What's the typical cost? Would you stay in London and then train to Southampton the day of the cruise? Is it worth staying in Southampton - what's there besides the port? Inquiring minds want to know - there's lots of repo cruises to and from Southampton.
London to Southampton can be done by train or bus. 1.5-2 hours and around £15-£20. I don’t recommend staying in Southampton, there’s nothing exciting there 😂 stay in London and take the bus or train to Southampton the morning of the cruise!
Love your videos!! However, I think I would pass on the ship that allows smoking in the casino 🙄 the smell stays on your clothes and the smokers would be eating beside you and no! No! I am a former smoker and it is just revolting to me now 🤷♀️. Not what I want to smell on my vacation 🤣. That’s why I love your information.
@@shirleyjones270 I usually spend time in the casino every evening Shirley, but on the Dawn I just couldn’t do it! The smoke was unbearable and after 5 minutes I was ready to leave 😂
London to Southampton cruise port is like Orlando to port Canaveral it's very misleading. what do you think is the best way to get to the Southampton port from London? Could be a Kool video on how to get around the UK.
On NCL I always like the main dining room for lunch on embarkation day ... the buffet is usually too hectic and I don't like the "potluck" style with everybody touching things.... I also try not to eat too many desserts, but the buffet desserts are almost universally disappointing for me. I don't need a balcony to have a good time on a cruise either ... and you sleep SO well in an inside cabin!!!
@@SherryAnnOfTheWest if you’re worried about people touching things then I don’t think a cruise is for you, Sherry Ann 😁 I’ve never been disappointed by desserts in the buffet! No complaints from me 😊
Excited for another cruise! I still have never been on a real cruise. What do you think is the ideal length for a first time cruise? Any tips for finding quiet spots on a cruise ship outside of your room? I know that may be a laughable concept, but I worry a little about being on a ship with a few thousand others and wonder if I should invest in a higher class of cabin so I have a nice place to get some solitude when I need it.
Thank you, Jason! For a first cruise, I definitely recommend a shorter one because you might be 2 days into a 10 days cruise and realise you don’t like it! There are many 3/4/5 day cruises, I think that’s a good way to start. Many people get a balcony cabin and spend a lot of time in their cabin but I like to be out of the cabin as much as possible. You can definitely find quiet spots around the ship, usually with other people that also want quiet 😊 thank you for watching and thank you for becoming a member!
We will be on this ship in January on a 14 days cruise from Mauritius to Qatar and it looks nice. It's an old boat but I actually like when it's not so packed. I assume the average age on that cruise will be rather old too (we are in our 30s). Thanks for the video!
That itinerary sounds amazing, Patric! The ship is great, very authentic. You’re right, definitely an older crowd but still fun! Thank you for watching 😊
So, do you officially have a Solo cabin or just an inside cabin that you had to pay a supplement for. I looked for solo cabins on ships that have them & couldn't find any. Do you have to book more than a year ahead to get one??
Patty, I had a regular inside cabin and I did not pay a supplement. There are no solo cabins on this ship. You don’t need to book far in advanced to get a solo cabin but they sell fast because there’s not many of them so you need luck too!
The Gem class is great, however NCL is going down the tubes. They are the #1 cruise line for missing ports and changing itinerary the day after final payment
@@TravelWithBen121 You are lucky, our last 6 NCL cruises had itinerary changes. Last one was the Gem out of Boston to Bermuda and Bar Harbor in June. Bar Harbor was change to Portland 48 hours after final payment. Funny thing is the Bar Harbor Harbor Master did not have the Gem docking there on July 4th, the date we were supposed to be there. NCL lied to people for months
We made final payment and sure enough 2 ports cancelled. Complete bait and switch. Have t been yet but have VERY low expectations. Cruise number 42 for us but do not have high hopes.
@@TravelWithBen121 For that cruise or another one. I have seen already a vlog, where you had been in a single cabin. but this time you had been in a double cabin. Which video is it, where you mention the price for the double cabin - single occupied? Or do you remember how much it was?
Ben, I think I have whiplash from watching your video! Please slow down your panning and stop so we can focus on items (for example, anything written, like menus, and also food items). I didn't feel like I was on vacation, rather I felt like I was late for work. Q: Does the ship have specific solo cabins? Did you have to pay a single supplement for your cabin?
I would have said RUSSIA is the country that is the world's largest consumer of potatoes (with the vodka and all...), but I guess it's China, with Russia #2 .... for that trivia question...
Thank you for sharing, Ben: I'm not trying to be sarcastic here, but what country could someone be from that doesn't understand that England is a widely spread country and London is the capital. Including, the fact that South Hampton is located about 80 miles south of London England.
@@TravelWithBen121 still, I disagree.... I would still call it a mid sized ship. And trust me, the midsized ships are not tiny compared 2 any other cruise-ships ;-)
@@TravelWithBen121 The Dawn was considered at least a very large ship when it was built. The term megaship is constantly changing to bigger and bigger vessels. There are still 40,000 ton ships out there (like the Silversea Silver Muse) so if the Dawn is "tiny" then what is a 40,000 ton ship? Minuscule? Megaship keeps shifting in terms of size. The Grand Princess was considered a megaship in 1999. Then the Voyager Class. Then Freedom,. Then bigger and bigger. To me, big is big. I'd classify ships as large at 90,000 tons then very large, enormous, gigantic, massive, etc. They're all big to me except for the lux brands like Silversea or Oceania or Azamara.
Nice job - so personable.You keep saying this ship is tiny; for me, much larger than I'm comfortable with...3000's a lot...and to think of megaships makes me ill.... sorry!
I love NCL's older ships. The Dawn, Star, and Sky are my some of my favorites. They feel like the old school cruise ships when my parents took us back in the 90's. These ships never felt crowded.
I agree, Tony! There’s nothing wrong with the older ships, you can still have an amazing experience 😊
Thanks!
@@taurian101_official wow! Thank you so much, Taurian! 🤩
I always love to watch your videos. I enjoy just how honest you are with everything and how excited you are to take cruises. I know it inspires me and i'm sure it inspires others
Thank you, Brenda! It makes me very happy to know that I inspire people to live their lives and be happy 😁
Awesome video! That half hour went by faster than expected. Man, a cruise sounds fun.
@@MitchParker2012 cheers, Mitch! Cruising is the best!
I always enjoy your comments. I chuckled whenbyou said that you found it interesting how you will see places on the ship on day one that you never see again. That is so true
HAHAHA everyone does the day 1 walk around the ship and don’t go back to some areas the rest of the time! 😂
Thanks again for letting us tag along with you. Your videos are always enjoyable.
Thank you, Pamela! I’m glad you enjoy tagging alone 😊
I loved having the Dawn Homeported in Boston. We did many cruises on her to Bermuda, a repositioning cruise between Boston and Tampa, and a two week round trip from Boston to the Southern Caribbean. She was called Boston's ship.
@@barbnahoumi65 it’s a beautiful small ship, Barb! You’ve done some great cruises out of Boston!
It looks lije so much fun. Thanks Ben
@@annoneill4169 thank you, Ann! So fun. 😁
8:03 😂 i’m one of those people, I don’t know about working out every day, especially if you’re doing excursions that are physical. But if they have yoga, I’m there!!! And I try to use the stairs in real life wherever I go. But I’ve also lost 200 pounds over the course of my lifetime, so I try to get physical activity and whenever I can. Especially with good Cruz food OMG because I love to eat 🧘♀️ ❤️ 🚢
HAHA I agree with you, Shelby! Light exercise everyday is perfect as you’ll do a lot of walking in port and around the ship and of course eating a lot! A LOT 😂
Hi, Ben! This is the first time I've seen one of your videos. I love your enthusiasm and energy! I also love that you didn't research the ship, so that everything you saw would be a surprise. Great concept, and you were nice enough to take us along. I'll watch a lot more of your videos, to be sure!
@@sandybrown4764 thank you, Sandy! And I’m glad you found my videos 😁 I like surprises!
Awesome stuff, the Dawn looks like a beautiful ship! One request: please slow down. One can barely get details because of the fast panning and movement. Cheers!
Of course 😁 thanks!
Good morning! Welcome back. We can agree that your followers really like you and we know why. Travel the world on a budget, why not ❤
Thank you, Maureen 😊
I was on the Dawn this past May from Barcelona to Southampton. I really enjoyed it. I think the Gem class is still my favorite. 😊
Great, Barbara! The Dawn is a great ship, good size! 😊
I’m watching this live from Ireland on my television. Love your content 😊
@@ciaraduffy805 I loved the ports in Ireland 😁 thank you for watching, Ciara!
Oh did I say I'm so excited.
Yeah 🎉 I was waiting for this video! I truly enjoy traveling perspective 🛳🛳🛳
Thank you! Hope that you enjoyed traveling with me 😁
I love the older ships - smaller, no bells/whistles like roller coasters, rock walls etc. My only complaint is the smoking in the casino on NCL ships. I always avoid the casino area - but that smoke travels even to other floors that have public areas open to the casino. Celebrity doesn't have smoking in the casino and I really appreciate that.
I totally agree!!! One of my negative points about the Dawn is the Smokey casino! 🤢
They do have rock climbing walls on ships dating back 20 years. The Voyager class from Royal Caribbean introduced them. And those ships wee 136,000 tons which in 1999 was equivalent to the 240,000 tons the Icon is now. They weren't small for the time.
The real difference in ships now vs. when the Dawn came out is they've brought back classes, with the whole Haven thing on the newest ship, there are far more specialty dining areas and the deck spaces are far more crowded. There also seem to be fewer lounges than there once were. But the Dawn is a modern ship. I think you have to go back to ships from the 1970s or earlier 1980s to feel a big difference in style of cruise ships.
It's such a pleasure watching you enjoy yourself alone.
Cheers, Alan!
Ben, I can’t believe people think that you’re an American - your accent is no way from the US. Maybe Canadian, but def the UK.
Please more food shots! One of the main reasons I watch is the vicarious pleasure of dining alongside you.
I love these little ships, can’t stand the giant floating Vegas-type hotels with so little connection with the ocean.
HAHA I get everything apart from British, Annie! Of course, more food coming 😊 small ships offer a lot too!
Woohoo!
Have a fabulous time.
Thank you, Akemi! 😁
The best size ships.
@@ljacobs357 a bit too small for me 👍
Thank you for sharing the cruise with us! Enjoy every moment 🎉
Thank you, Estelle! 😊
I was on the NCL Dawn last year. Loved the ship.
@@sam-co2zm me too, Sam 😁 beautiful!
Love sleep, ice cream. Sleep. My kind of solo cruising.
Me too, Linda! 😊
Love that you do it solo. I'm a solo cruiser and I like videos from solo cruisers
Great! Thank you for watching 😊
Looking forward to seeing this trip.
Coming soon!
Yaaay! Cruise time! The ship looks lovely- it doesn’t look small but just the right size. I don’t really like the mega monsters. The food looks yummy, as always.
I agree, Lim! This is a good size ship, the mega ships are a completely different experience! Maybe one day I’ll check them out 😊 of course delicious food everyday! 😁
Thanks for another fun adventure!
Thanks for joining, Fredwina! 😊
I love NCL. I've been on the Dawn 3 times. It's not my favorite of their ships, but I enjoy cruising always with NCL. Keep of the good work. Enjoyed your video.
@@MariaVieira-ku8jz I agree Maria, not my favorite but I like it 😁 thank you for watching!
Love your videos and I love NCL cruises. Next month I’m on the Encore for a 28 day back to back Alaska to Miami. Looking forward to watching all your videos on your Dawn cruise.
28 days sounds amazing, John! Enjoy and thank you for watching day 1!
Love that you like the solo cruisers!!! ❤😉🎉🧳🚢🛳️
Some of them! Not the old ladies 😁
@@TravelWithBen121-?yes… I remember how you were born the year I went to Florida for spring break!! 😂🛳️🎸🎤
@@terisaheiman7023 the good old days 😁
Sioux Falls, do you have Instagram? Follow me so I can send you something 😊 instagram.com/bencoleman121
I followed you today :)@@TravelWithBen121
I have never been on one of the large large ships but I do enjoy the smaller ones. I'm so glad you are getting to cruise i know you really enjoy it.
Thank you, Carol! I can’t imagine being on one of the mega ships, this ship was a good size! But I’d love to cruise on one of the big ones some day! 😊
Thanks for sharing Ben.
Travel safe.🚢🙏
Thank you, Susana! 😊
How exciting a new cruise. 😁 I just got back from NCL Pride of America Hawaii!
That’s amazing, Terri! That’s on my bucket list some day 😊
Good morning Ben, see you again tomorrow🥰
Thank you, JoAnn! See you soon 😁
Great video, I look forward to other videos from this trip. And you look so relaxed! My next cruise is in December and I can’t wait!
How can you not be relaxed on a cruise, Mark?! Thank you for watching and enjoy your next cruise! 😊
I will be watching your journey with anticipation... I am sailing on the Dawn in November 2024 on a 21-day cruise down the Western Coast of Africa! I will be watching your reviews of the entertainment, food, and parties! Have so much fun!
21 days sounds amazing, Jeanetta! Wow that’s a great itinerary! Stay tuned for more videos from the Dawn 😁 thank you for watching!
If you are going to Durban the aquarium there is awesome
Did this cruise from Lisbon last year. You’ll love it. Look out for the Whales around Namibia. Enjoy.
Love your videos. Can’t wait to see the rest of your cruise.
Thank you, Niki! Coming soon 😊
Thanks for the great video. I go on my first NCL ship in 3 weeks on The Sky and I am looking forward to an older, smaller ship. I am sailing out of Quebec City for a 10 day cruise through Northeastern Canada, Maine, Boston, and end in Baltimore. I am a solo cruiser and I am looking forward to NCL. This will be my 3rd solo cruise. Southampton is the best port to sail out because you can walk from your hotel to the port.
@@michaelalbert368 thank you, Michael! Wow, that’s a great itinerary, enjoy your cruise! Southampton is very convenient for me 😁
New viewer. I like your enthusiasm and the pace of your videos.
@@RenéeinVirginia thank you, Renee! 😁
You are just darling. My first time watching one of your videos, but it won't be my last. I've been on 15 NCL cruises and had very good experiences.
Thank you, Linda! This is my third NCL cruise and won’t be my last 😁 thank you for watching!
Ben, I am looking forward to another great Cruise Vacation!
Thank you, Mitchell 😊
Your comment on Southampton/London.... I am also always amazed at Rome/Civitavecchia (72 km), and Le Havre/Paris (200km!!!). Every time you point out to the black nothingness off the side of the ship at night, I remember when I was living in Riga Latvia and a bunch of of us were "borrowed" from our work places, for our knowledge of English, to help Interpol with potential body identification of passengers of the MS Estonia - a ferry that sank Nov 28,1994/ We were given Latvian family descriptions of clothes worn by their loved ones when they left home for the ferry in Tallin. We had a very black sense of humor as we worked, which was necessary when dealing with descriptions often of young children, and as we discussed terms of fashion which I didn't know in Latvian, and others might not have know English . I was on a sister ferry to the MS Estonia about 2 months latter . Looking off deck at night can be eerie and scary.
@@anda1anda2 I agree with you, Anda! Le Havre is the worst one! Extremely far away from Paris. I hate Civitavecchia too 😂 I hope everyone does their research when they visit these ports! Wow, that’s a scary experience working with Interpol 😮
Thank you Ben , great tour of Dawn. Just one thing , go easy swinging that camera about. I felt i was in the middle of the Atlantic 😉
Cheers, Paul!
Nice tour. Now I know where the “chocolate milk” is on the ship. Haha. 😊
Not many people know that, Kendall 😊
Ben as I said before you really are addictive in a nice way! So greatful of us to subscribe to your channel! How do I gift you something? anyway keep it up your just so amazing in what you do! The sort of guy I would buy a beer if makes sense ? Love you do solo travelling! Thanks again for doing this on our behalf! Onwards and upwards Ben!!❤
@@GillianWickens thanks so much, Gillian! Your comment made me very happy 😁 you don’t need to gift me anything, just enjoy the videos! I’m so glad that you do! 🌹
I really enjoyed your video🛳️
Cheers, Mike!
Love your videos Ben, my hubby and I love your attitude to life. Well done sir🎉. I go off to the Azores on Fred Olsen Borealis in 19 days. Woo hoo. Luv from Auntie boss x
Thank you, Shelley and hubby! Azores sounds great! I enjoyed stopping there, enjoy your cruise and thank you for watching! 😁
It appears that my family was also on this same 10-day cruise…
@@mavicdelacerna3386 great!
I went on a Solo cruise on the sister ship Norwegian Star in May, met a lady there. Now we are booked together on Norwegian Dawn in October! 😀
Sounds great! Enjoy your cruise 😊
This is the first of your vlogs we’ve seen, we did enjoy it - like Fraser at Sea, you’ve a great cheery attitude. I did like it when you made us stare into the abyss, yep, it can be scary… did you see that mad BBC drama the other year, Wreck, about a serial killing duck on a cruise ship? These things happen, I suppose.
We’ve been on the Dawn twice and the only thing we didn’t like, bar the nigh inevitable casino smoke, is that there’s no Great Outdoors eating area at the back of the Garden Cafe, its place being taken by the kiddies’ spot which is, as you say, unused. They should get rid and give us the GO, my favourite destination on any NCL ship this side of Spinnaker’s. And O’Sheehans.
If I may be nosey, what’s the wee hint of exoticism in your accent? Have you spent a lot of time in Europe, or do you have a parent originally from outside the UK. It’s so charming. My other half, Steve, thought there’s maybe a bit of South Africa. Incidentally, he has the same lumberjack shirt or shackles or whatever! Very smart.
@@Krypto64 thanks for watching, Martin! Serial killing duck on a cruise ship sounds made up 😂 I agree about no outside space, Prima has a lot of that.
No one has ever called my accent exotic before 😂 people think I’m South African, American, Canadian, everything but British. Pretty funny to be honest!
I was on Norwegian Dawn when it first launched. So now it’s probably an older ship. I thought it was a beautiful ship.
That’s great, Jonathan! I wonder how it looked back then 😁
@@TravelWithBen121 I was lucky because I had a balcony cabin at the aft. Back then it was so clean and new looking. Btw I watched your isle of wight vlog last night. I live on the island, such a shame you had a bad experience. Hope it's not put you off returning!
@@jonathanpage7710 very interesting, Jonathan! HAHA I’ll return to the island one day, not anytime soon 😂
Why do people watch the videos without clicking the "like" button? I click it before I start watching or even if I don't watch it but subscribed to the channel just to respect the work of the owner. It's so natural and authomatic like flushing the toilet or locking the door after I leave home. Do you "forget" to do these too?
Good morning, Ben !
Hello David!
@@TravelWithBen121 We have hot day in the middle west USA. Around 90's !
Top, greets from Torrevieja )
Hello!
Hi I live just across the water from the cruise terminal in Hythe,I was wondering if you are the same Ben I was speaking to in Southampton NCL office, love your videos plenty of information.Cheers Gary.
@@garyball5914 cheers, Gary! Wasn’t me 😁
Thanks for your reply enjoy your travels 👍
Can you tell more about getting from London to Southampton? Is train the only way? If you flew into Heathrow - then what? What's the typical cost? Would you stay in London and then train to Southampton the day of the cruise? Is it worth staying in Southampton - what's there besides the port? Inquiring minds want to know - there's lots of repo cruises to and from Southampton.
London to Southampton can be done by train or bus. 1.5-2 hours and around £15-£20. I don’t recommend staying in Southampton, there’s nothing exciting there 😂 stay in London and take the bus or train to Southampton the morning of the cruise!
@@TravelWithBen121 this is very good to know! I really appreciate your insight. I'd love to live this close to a port.
Love your videos!! However, I think I would pass on the ship that allows smoking in the casino 🙄 the smell stays on your clothes and the smokers would be eating beside you and no! No! I am a former smoker and it is just revolting to me now 🤷♀️. Not what I want to smell on my vacation 🤣. That’s why I love your information.
@@shirleyjones270 I usually spend time in the casino every evening Shirley, but on the Dawn I just couldn’t do it! The smoke was unbearable and after 5 minutes I was ready to leave 😂
London to Southampton cruise port is like Orlando to port Canaveral it's very misleading. what do you think is the best way to get to the Southampton port from London? Could be a Kool video on how to get around the UK.
Train or bus, cheap and easy 😊 about 1.5-2 hours.
On NCL I always like the main dining room for lunch on embarkation day ... the buffet is usually too hectic and I don't like the "potluck" style with everybody touching things....
I also try not to eat too many desserts, but the buffet desserts are almost universally disappointing for me.
I don't need a balcony to have a good time on a cruise either ... and you sleep SO well in an inside cabin!!!
@@SherryAnnOfTheWest if you’re worried about people touching things then I don’t think a cruise is for you, Sherry Ann 😁 I’ve never been disappointed by desserts in the buffet! No complaints from me 😊
When did you cruise? I'm on this 10day cruise mid to late August 2025 and I'm trying to guess the weather so I can pack correctly.
@@kristaclark8980 this cruise was August 26 to September 5 👍
@@TravelWithBen121 Thank you!
Nice ship. I just don't really enjoy big ships after being spoiled by the Star Clipper....
@@dr.ikeavina3761 positives and negatives to big and small ships 😁
Gee Ben, the ship doesn't look very crowded.
@@Ilovemesomemj1 apparently it was full but it never seemed like it, Melanie!
I was on the same cruise as you lmao in room 5537
@@sixarett great!
Excited for another cruise! I still have never been on a real cruise. What do you think is the ideal length for a first time cruise? Any tips for finding quiet spots on a cruise ship outside of your room? I know that may be a laughable concept, but I worry a little about being on a ship with a few thousand others and wonder if I should invest in a higher class of cabin so I have a nice place to get some solitude when I need it.
Thank you, Jason! For a first cruise, I definitely recommend a shorter one because you might be 2 days into a 10 days cruise and realise you don’t like it! There are many 3/4/5 day cruises, I think that’s a good way to start. Many people get a balcony cabin and spend a lot of time in their cabin but I like to be out of the cabin as much as possible. You can definitely find quiet spots around the ship, usually with other people that also want quiet 😊 thank you for watching and thank you for becoming a member!
Hi Ben, Do you have to get special cruise insurance for all the cruises you do? If you do, which company do you use?
@@brian_wanderlust no special cruise insurance, Brain! Just my own travel insurance.
We will be on this ship in January on a 14 days cruise from Mauritius to Qatar and it looks nice. It's an old boat but I actually like when it's not so packed. I assume the average age on that cruise will be rather old too (we are in our 30s). Thanks for the video!
That itinerary sounds amazing, Patric! The ship is great, very authentic. You’re right, definitely an older crowd but still fun! Thank you for watching 😊
No way
Il be on it to 🇮🇪👍🏻
Where you coming from
Never have thought of taking a cruise. It always seemed like too many people so close to you all the time.
So stay home, JoAnn 😁
So, do you officially have a Solo cabin or just an inside cabin that you had to pay a supplement for. I looked for solo cabins on ships that have them & couldn't find any. Do you have to book more than a year ahead to get one??
Patty, I had a regular inside cabin and I did not pay a supplement. There are no solo cabins on this ship. You don’t need to book far in advanced to get a solo cabin but they sell fast because there’s not many of them so you need luck too!
The Gem class is great, however NCL is going down the tubes. They are the #1 cruise line for missing ports and changing itinerary the day after final payment
@@LaszloBagi not in my experience, Laszlo 👍
@@TravelWithBen121 You are lucky, our last 6 NCL cruises had itinerary changes. Last one was the Gem out of Boston to Bermuda and Bar Harbor in June. Bar Harbor was change to Portland 48 hours after final payment. Funny thing is the Bar Harbor Harbor Master did not have the Gem docking there on July 4th, the date we were supposed to be there. NCL lied to people for months
@@LaszloBagi feel free to never sail with NCL ever again 👍
@@TravelWithBen121 Don't plan to Lol
We made final payment and sure enough 2 ports cancelled. Complete bait and switch. Have t been yet but have VERY low expectations. Cruise number 42 for us but do not have high hopes.
Hello, how much was this 10 day cruise for you as a solo traveller in a double cabin?
@@globomanni8407 I talk about the price in another video 👍
@@TravelWithBen121 For that cruise or another one. I have seen already a vlog, where you had been in a single cabin. but this time you had been in a double cabin. Which video is it, where you mention the price for the double cabin - single occupied? Or do you remember how much it was?
@ ua-cam.com/video/SfHclJub95g/v-deo.htmlsi=q5peZkX_tby4Zm3K
😊👍
😊
Ben, I think I have whiplash from watching your video! Please slow down your panning and stop so we can focus on items (for example, anything written, like menus, and also food items). I didn't feel like I was on vacation, rather I felt like I was late for work.
Q: Does the ship have specific solo cabins? Did you have to pay a single supplement for your cabin?
@@edwardulrich1515 don’t be late, Edward 😁 no solo cabins on the Dawn, I did not pay a single supplement 👍
@@TravelWithBen121 Amazing, mostly I have found that double occupancy rooms force you too pay for two even though you're only one occupant.
@@edwardulrich1515 you’re right. The only reason I didn’t pay a single supplement was because I booked very very last minute.
@@TravelWithBen121 Thank you for the clarification.
I kinda like a smaller ship.
@@RenéeinVirginia advantages and disadvantages to both 😁
I would have said RUSSIA is the country that is the world's largest consumer of potatoes (with the vodka and all...), but I guess it's China, with Russia #2 .... for that trivia question...
@@SherryAnnOfTheWest it was China 😂
Thank you for sharing, Ben: I'm not trying to be sarcastic here, but what country could someone be from that doesn't understand that England is a widely spread country and London is the capital. Including, the fact that South Hampton is located about 80 miles south of London England.
I’m from Malaysia and have not heard of your South Hampton.
You’d be surprised, Linda 😁
@@TravelWithBen121 I believe you.😀
Hello Ben maybe we can run into each other I'll be on ncl escape from Miami June 15th 2025 solo
Sounds great, Debbie! Maybe one day 😊
It is not tiny, it is a midship size ;-)
@@ThaKinOfDk I said ‘tiny compared to the mega ships’ 😁
@@TravelWithBen121 still, I disagree.... I would still call it a mid sized ship. And trust me, the midsized ships are not tiny compared 2 any other cruise-ships ;-)
@@ThaKinOfDk you can call it whatever you want 😂 so can I. Have a great day 👍
@@TravelWithBen121 The Dawn was considered at least a very large ship when it was built. The term megaship is constantly changing to bigger and bigger vessels. There are still 40,000 ton ships out there (like the Silversea Silver Muse) so if the Dawn is "tiny" then what is a 40,000 ton ship? Minuscule?
Megaship keeps shifting in terms of size. The Grand Princess was considered a megaship in 1999. Then the Voyager Class. Then Freedom,. Then bigger and bigger. To me, big is big. I'd classify ships as large at 90,000 tons then very large, enormous, gigantic, massive, etc. They're all big to me except for the lux brands like Silversea or Oceania or Azamara.
Never buy a watch on a ship.
@@hankspangle3867 why is that, Hank?
I guess they think you are American before they hear you speak 😅😅😅
HAHA Sheri, 99% of passengers are Americans so I guess why not!
You don't think terrorists are not planning to hit a cruise someday? Good idea to stay off the biggest ones.
You stay home, Thomas 😊 more space for me.
Nice job - so personable.You keep saying this ship is tiny; for me, much larger than I'm comfortable with...3000's a lot...and to think of megaships makes me ill.... sorry!
Mega ships can get up to 7000-8000 people, Dave! So when I say tiny, I’m comparing to those 😊 thank you for watching!