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Thank goodness NCL does not use the same GPS system we had in the SUV guiding us to the New York City Cruise Ship Terminal. That said, we arrived at 11:00 am for our Norwegian Dawn 7 day cruise to Bermuda. Check-in was a breeze and soon we were escorted by butler Huda to our Garden Villa. Wow!! The last minute up-grade looked to be worth every penny. Luxurious accommodations and wonderful amenities not to mention views that blew our socks off. This was our third cruise aboard NCL Dawn and was certain to be our most memorable. My wife, two adult children and I prepared ourselves for the 4:00 pm sail away. Manhattan and the Jersey Shore looked great in the late afternoon sun.
We were familiar with the restaurants and dining rooms on NCL ships and had established our meal “plan of attack” in advance. When on land, I do not eat at the same restaurant every day for 7 or more days straight nor do I do so on a cruise. NCL has a surcharge for the premium restaurants and I factor that into the cost of the cruise when choosing the cruise line. Good eateries on land cost a little more. A $10 to $25 surcharge for a meal costing $85 or more in most towns is a small price to pay. When the appetizers looked too tempting to choose between, we just asked for both and ate them with relish (sic) The same with desserts and cheese plates. And coffee. And another appetizer. We thoroughly enjoyed meals in Impressions (Italian), Cagney’s Steakhouse, Teppanyaki, Bamboo (Asian) and the Bistro (French cuisine) Wine with the meals was reasonable although the 18 percent auto-gratuity is a bit much considering the mark-up on what is most likely duty-free plonk.
The food in the Venetian and the Aqua dining rooms was great. Like any place serving the quantity of meals they do, there may sometimes be an item that is not up to par. Anytime I politely pointed this out to the staff, the situation was resolved post haste and always to my satisfaction. Why wait until after the cruise to complain??
I must criticize the critics that complain about food on the buffet. Hey Folks!! It’s a buffet. I have found the buffet to be up to the standards I expect. Just don’t expect me to eat at the buffet every day. We found the sushi, the chicken wings and pizza to be just fine…for a buffet. For those that complain about the buffet eggs, go to the main dining room. You will be served as many eggs as you want cooked any way you want. With whatever sides you want……while seated, with linen napkins, coffee continually refilled, in elegant surroundings and without the jostling of the buffet line.
The Norwegian Dawn has undergone a cosmetic overhaul since we last were aboard in 2007. New carpeting. New furnishings. New look to the casino. But we miss the pattern on the deck hallway carpets. Previously the pattern had fishes that always were swimming towards the front of the ship, a valuable aid to navigation for the disoriented cruiser. Now I must actually read the “You are here” signs.
NCL entertainment is great. The first time and the second time and maybe the third time. But really, how many times must we see the Jean Anne Ryan troupe perform the same tired routines? I agree with other cruise critics in this matter If subjected to “South Beach Rave” and “Band on The Run” one more time, I will be on the run. Even the dancers themselves attending the “White Hot Party” only stayed for one dance. Are we bored yet?? Let us hope that NCL will breath some new life into all the shows on board. The Second City comedy routine was new and refreshing for a change. Comedian Dave Heenan was also very enjoyable.
NCL’s loyalty program, Latitudes, has undergone some changes. These changes may save NCL a few dollars in the short run but may prove costly to them over the long term. Previously there were benefits afforded returning cruisers. NCL has eliminated many of these. Gone is the welcoming bottle of wine and even the tiny ship’s pin. Other than a quick gathering in the lounge with drinks and nibblies, the perks for Latitudes members are almost non-existent. Loyalty is a 2 way street and NCL should be very careful with their cuts.
On this cruise and on other NCL cruises (Dawn, Pearl and Jewel) we have always found the staff to be exceptional. The ship’s officers are constantly moving about the ship talking to and more importantly listening to the passengers. We chat with the waiters and waitresses and they respond with attentive and caring service. The room stewards do a wonderful job. We found the folks in the gallery shops to be knowledgeable and friendly. There was however one blackjack dealer that seemed to keep all the good cards for himself. I hope he transfers to another cruise line!!
We have already begun the plans for our NCL Alaskan Cruise for the summer of 2010
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