This was our second NCL cruise; the first one last year was on the Jewel. Traveled with another couple and had connecting rooms and balconies. We are in our late 40's to early 50's and my husband and I are both retired from the U.S. Navy.
How nice to start a seven day cruise being greeted with a glass of champagne. Check in was a breeze. We found that the Dawn was an older ship and was not lay out as conveniently as the Jewel but very clean and well maintained.
The Food: Missed the Great Outdoors and thought the Garden Cafe was a bit difficult to maneuver as it is more of your traditional cafeteria style lines vise the numerous open islands as on the Dawn. There was always a good variety of food and it was all very good. During our cruise we were fascinated watching the staff (especially the officers) that would go out of their way during peak times to help those carry extra cups/plates to the tables (parents with children, elderly).