The NCL Dawn left from New Orleans, and we arrived a day early to take some advantage of Mardi Gras. Since this was our first time leaving from that port, we were favorably impressed - both with the port operation and leaving on the Mississippi River. We boarded earlier than usual to avoid some MG parades, and our balcony cabin was ready by 12:00! The ship takes approximately 6-7 hours to reach the Gulf. And for whatever reason, this was our smoothest cruise ever! We've taken approximately 12 cruises prior, and if you didn't know it, you would have thought the ship was tied to a dock it was so smooth!

The first and last full days were "at sea," and there were four ports - Cozumel, Belize City, Roatan, and Costa Maya. Belize City used tenders, and we took 3 non-ship tours in the last three ports. In Cozumel, we simply walked the town; there were at least 5 other ships in port at Cozumel. I recommended the tours we took in the cities we visited (Trip Advisor).

We were familiar with Freestyle cruising from a previous Jade cruise, but the Caribbean seems to carry that a little further. For example, casual attire is the order of the day and throughout most dining facilities. There are no formal nights, though one night was devoted to dinner with the Captain. Pictures were available most nights. Our cabin steward, dining room hostess/matre de and servers/assistants were top-notch, though we do seek different locations to find the right ones in the dining room. Most nights, our request for "tables by the window" were accommodated and with a server we requested. If you arrive at a MDR and tables are not ready, they provided champagne or sodas at a nearby lounge until your table is ready. We also took advantage of Freestyle disembarkation, and walked off the ship with our luggage as the first group to leave (due to plane reservations), but I would consider this easier than locating luggage on the dock for a shorter cruises such as this. Read more