The Dawn was a very nice ship. I often feel that NCL doesn't get all the attention the other major lines get on these boards and that shouldn't be the case. The departure from New York was a all right once we got moving. The ship was in a bit late and passengers coming and going were all trying to fit in the same spaces. We were early. After 12:30pm would be a good arrival time to show at the terminal. Being Latitude members helped some.
The ship was beautiful and I liked the greater number of small public rooms which were better utilized when compared to some other large ships. The library was the most used on any ship I have been on. Most likely due to the full, cool days at sea when leaving out of NY in the winter. The cold didn't hinder a pool deck BBQ. And when the ship departed most everyone seemed to enjoy the trip out of the harbor - even if coats were the dress of the day. My favorite bar was the Pearly Kings PUB. Beer drinkers be advised. You can go to any other bar and buy a bottle of beer for about $5.00 but at the PUB they offer a "Draft/Tap" Liter for the same amount. That is one tall frosted mug! In the evening there is popcorn and fish&chips at the ready. Generally good food throughout the ship. NCL is the only line I can see doing the automatic tipping fees as there are so many restaurants. I stand by my thoughts that the loss of personal tipping on most lines has been the biggest factor in declining service. NCL really does have to do it! We only ate in the same dining room on two occasions.
For those going on the cold departure days and really have the need to hit a pool or hot tub the first full day out, try the spa pool and its hot tubs. I found the cooler seas days good for trying out the steam room and sauna also. The ship had great shows. Only more of them could have made it better! Theater was busy but it seemed to always have room. It is more like a theater and less like a supper club so the lack of tables make for more room.