This is our 2nd time on the Dawn (last time was March 2013). We have fallen in love with Suite 10506!! The minute we stepped inside, I knew we'd be back! Its the Owners Suite with 2 balconies, on deck 10, directly under the bridge. Its quiet, big, comfortable, and stylish. Our trio of mother, daughter (me) and aunt, cruise the Caribbean each March. We like NCL and Royal Caribbean, but are Platinum on NCL. We love the perks!

My mom and I went down to New Orleans 2 days in advance and we stayed at the Hilton Riverside. This is a great hotel - in more ways than one! Its your typical hotel, however it is connected to the Riverwalk Mall - which ends at the Port of New Orleans. We WALKED to the port. It is .5 mile from the hotel!!! I typically have 2 large bags, so I took 2 bags, walked them down to the port, left them in Emile's trusted hands, then went back, and our trio walked to the port. Its ALL inside, and its EASY. All in all this was one of the easiest embarkations ever. We all had to stand in line to go thru security, and then went to check in. Other than trying to herd us into general boarding - one of the perks of a suite is a line just for suite guests, it went very smooth, and very quick! We met our concierge, Karabi (aka Robbie). She is the best concierge we've ever had !!!! She took care of everything for us! She got us into Le Bistro on the last sea day (I know they were booked), took care of everything for us! She is also pleasant and very personable. We were escorted to our suite, where we dumped our bags and headed to Cagney's for lunch. The food on the Dawn this year is one the best experiences we've ever had. It was consistently delicious every time. We ate at Cagney's, Le Bistro, Moderno, and in the MDR (Main Dining Room). The service was impeccable, and the food outstanding. It could not have been better.

My mom and aunt went to the show "Band on the Run" and said it was EXCELLENT (I am sorry I missed it !) The other shows, not so much. The magic guy was just weird, they reported. So don't miss Band on the Run!!! I am a casino girl, so that's where I spend my evenings. I didn't do well this trip, and I have to say that the smoke was BAD. I'm not a smoker, and usually the casinos try to do a good job of smoke removal. I don't know if we were just on a ship with a lot of smokers this time or what. What REALLY irritated me was the barflies who were not playing the video poker machines, but wouldn't let me play them, either ! One lady (I told her she could stay right where she was, and that I would stand) told me, no, she was playing that machine. She wasn't. SIGH. I just moved on, but either they need a bar without machines, or the barflies need to learn some manners. Its one of the only places on the ship you CAN smoke, so smokers flock there, even if they aren't gambling. Pet peeve of the real gamblers who are there for the intended reason. (Rant over, thanks). Anyway - I've won on cruises before, it just wasn't happening this trip. The casino staff is wonderful, tho - and they always make it fun!!! Read more