Norwegian Dawn Review
NCL Dawn TPA-Bos Caribbean Spring Re-positioning 2013
Rating by category
Additional details
Our future cruise goals are a trans-Atlantic and Med and we chose this NCL 13 day spring re-positioning for the combination of itinerary (diff than usual 7 day Caribbean circuits, greater no. of sea days), price (2 wks for same $ as 1 wk) and cruise line reputation so we could learn how to cruise. So this review is written from the perspective of a first time cruiser and details some things I experienced & learned to be able to apply for the future.
Prep in advance: This was our virgin cruise experience so we did our homework to find the right mix to get the experience we wanted. Before booking online I checked by phone with an Air Canada Vacations agent and they told me they use same process as online customers so I could do it myself just as easily. Online price in February (90 days out was $100 off and $50 on-board credit) was the same as on the NCL site. Booking the airfare through the ACV site in conjunction with the cruise saved $400 (also imp because of ability to book the multi-city dep/return). We booked as a balcony guarantee on the Dawn so knew we would be on deck 8 fwd (or higher). We planned all of our port days in advance. We also pre-paid the 2 NCL excursions and the 3-specialty restaurant pkg ($59 & free btl of wine with first night reservation) on NCL website.
Pre-cruise hotel in Tampa: We did a separate on-line booking with Embassy Suites Westshore (inc hotel shuttle pick-up at airport). Hotel was good for one night, shopping mall across the street and Walgreens nearby to pick up a case of soda and last minute needs. Embassy Suites offers a manager's happy hour every evening where there are some assorted snacks and free drinks in the lounge. We were able to unwind and start our vacation right away. Buffet breakfast with wide selection on offer and made to order omelets available in the morning was a great start to the day.
Cabin Review
Balcony
Lucky us at 45 days pre-sailing our BX got confirmed as a BB on deck 10 fwd starboard (10032).Our room looked exactly like the BB balcony photos online. The bed is extra firm, pillows soft. The bathroom was to the left entering cabin and closet to the right. The BRM is divided into three; toilet with glass separator door to the left, sink center and walk in shower to right, room enough to lift elbows or bend over without touching the walls, 2 adults can even squeeze in together. We had the usual min-fridge, hairdryer, safe and small coffee pot with supplies in the closet area. We over packed and had 4 suitcases but they all fit under the bed and ample room to hang our clothes or place in drawers. The balcony was much appreciated to get some fresh air in the room and gorgeous when we were in the right direction for supper at sunset in Jamaica. Be warned a chemical smell gets in the room from the bathroom if the balcony door is open and AC is on while ship is in motion; as well the balcony entrance and room door cannot be open at the same time while sailing, it creates a wind tunnel that is both noisy and moves light objects! We were concerned about being in the area next to the forward elevators but rarely heard the elevators because there is a separator wall between the stateroom hallway and the bank of elevators/stairwell; the usual level of hallway traffic noise through the door was comparable to hotels. Having a balcony for this length of cruise was good as we had access to outside space without going on deck; it was also good to keep orientated to time of day as there is no clock in the cabins. Best of all, sunsets and moonlight over the water were always enjoyed. Harold, our cabin steward, met with us twice a day to plan when he would do our room for morning make up and evening turn down. We had towel animals every second evening. Our room was always cleaned and made up well, towels changed more than once a day if necessary. Thank you Harold.