We booked a cruise with three other couples on the Dawn. Departure was scheduled for 4PM on June 24th. Coming from Philadelphia we scheduled a van with Dave's Limo Service and only the eight of us and the luggage was in the van. The traffic was very congested at the port. The Dawn came in late and the Spirit was also loading. We spent almost an hour in traffic trying to get in and unload.

We were directed to the adjacent Pier #92. Here we were sent to lines in order to register. There was juice and some cakes offered on the side, but the line for them was longer than the check in lines. Direction inside the terminal was minimal and the company that handles this for NCL needs to be better organized. We were given a card with a number on it and this was the group of people you boarded with. Ours was number 13.

Our group was called and then led over to the terminal next to the Dawn. We were given our cards and boarding after that was painless. We could go to our room, luggage was not there yet, or we could go to one of the buffets for something to eat. Drinks were with your card and they offered an unlimited soda pass for $44.00. Read more