Norwegian Dawn Review

4.0 / 5.0
3,027 reviews

Good, Bad and Ugly

Review for Canada & New England Cruise on Norwegian Dawn
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Mike in Whittier
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Sep 2015

Overall, the cruise, ship and accommodations were good, but not great. There were a number of little irritations that detracted from overall cruise experience.

Freestyle dining sounded attractive in concept but failed in execution. Aqua and Venetian dining rooms always seemed to have 30 - 45 minute waits. To make amends, we were offered "complimentary" champagne which was an insult and meaningless to those who purchased the Ultimate Beverage Package as champagne was always "free." They should at least offer an alternative to those who purchased the UBP (i.e complimentary special coffee/beverage) but none was offered when requested. Also, other than the cocktail server, you had a hit-and-miss relationship with the dining room wait staff; some good, some not so good. I can understand why Norwegian asks guests to pre-pay for gratuities as most of the wait staff did not deserve the 18% assessed by the cruise line.

Food quality was also hit-and-miss. Food in the Aqua and Venetian main dining rooms was generally good but occasionaly was served cold, poorly prepared and lacking flavor. About 2/3 of the dinners were great, but the other 1/3 were marginal. Deserts were generally disappointing. Garden Cafe buffet was great for breakfast but a waste for lunch and dinner. Quantity, not quality, seemed to be the mantra for the buffet after breakfast. The Blue Lagoon was a joke and not worth the effort at any time. Did not try "specialty" restaurants with additional service charges.

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