Norwegian Dawn Review

Motel on the sea

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Dawn
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COSweetTea1
2-5 Cruises • Age 40s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
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Fitness & Recreation
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Additional details

Sail Date: Dec 2015
Cabin: Family Oceanview Picture Window
NCL Dawn
Le Bistro
Le Bistro
New Orleans

If budget motels got into the cruise biz...I imagine a ship and service like the Dawn. If you're used to staying at tattered dated motels hotels, the Dawn will be just fine. If not don't book. I've only cruised twice...on Celebrity, and the Dawn made me feel like I'd gone from the Ritz to the La Quinta or Holiday Inn! This ship is old and run down. Most of the public restrooms were out of order, tiles cracked, and carpet stained and tattered. The plumbing system is horrible. Twice we couldn't flush because we were told there was a backup in another cabin that had to be fixed. The pool...just one pool...is old, rusty, and crowded. There's a kids area, but they took over the main pool and hot tubs. Including kids in diapers! The beach and pool towels were stained and old. The bars were slow and inconsistent. The unlimited beverage plan, I believe, is the cause. I say inconsistent because some bartenders and servers were awesome, others were rude. Sometimes they'd ask for just one card for two drinks and other times they'd make you feel like a criminal when ordering two drinks with one card. Btw...everyone in our party had the Unlimited drink package. The complimentary dining options were just okay. I never finished a meal. Food is very bland and deserts horrible! Food was great at Cagney's, Le Bistro, and Tepenyaki...all specialty restaurants that have a surcharge. We stayed on the 5th floor in a family picture window room. Please note, although the website says the family rooms offer more space...THEY DONT! If you get sea sick this is also not the ship for you. We had very rocky seas on our two sea days and you could feel the motion on every level and every part of the ship. As far as the people on this cruise, I would describe them as the crowd you expect to vacation in places like Panama City Beach. The ports were just okay. We didn't purchase excursions. Belize was blah...no beaches...and Costa Maya was horrible! No real beach and the water was dirty. Cozumel was awesome. We did the all inclusive at Mr. Sanchos and Roatan beaches were great. Here's my advice...don't book this ship until it goes into dry dock and gets refurbished. Also don't book unless you can get at least a couple of free perks like the bev package or dining pkg. honestly, NCL needs to make this ship a 3or4 day ship. By day 7 I was so happy to be off it.

Cabin Review

Family Oceanview Picture Window

Although the website says this cabin offers more space...it doesn't. Way to small for more than 2 people. 5th floor was very loud and it was a very rocky ride.

Port Reviews

Costa Maya

No real beaches. Don't believe the pics. The "beach" is rocky and dirty!

Belize City

Do an excursion otherwise the town is just a tourist trap.

Roatan

Great beaches. Went to West Bay for a perfect day!

Cozumel

Mr. Sanchez is perfect for those who just want to relax in the beach. $50 all you can drink and eat.

New Orleans

Love Nola

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