Norwegian Dawn Cruise Review by Yankee123

Embarkation was a breeze – couldn’t have been easier. I think we were on the ship in 10 to 15 minutes, after we got out of the car.

We had a stern cabin, and I thought that was amazing. I agree with all the people who claim that the stern cabin balconies have the best view, they literally do. We will always try to book stern cabins from now on.

Food is very subjective. We liked some, we didn’t like some. We chose to eat at both the main dining rooms, the Impressions Italian restaurant, the Asian Fusion, Garden Café, and the Salsa Tapas Bar and the service was fast and great. We have never sailed any line but NCL so I cannot compare our experience, but I read how all these people want service from the same person every night so they can remember their preference and drink and name. I have to be honest on this cruise, not only did all our servers remember our name but went above and beyond to say hello to us the day after if we saw them at another restaurant or even any other place on the ship. They remembered our names throughout the cruise. We took our two year old son, and at every restaurant all the servers and maître de went to great lengths to entertain our son so we could eat peacefully. Kudos to all. Thank you for making our cruise very special and comfortable.

Kids Club – the girls who work there are magicians with kids. Our son had a blast.

Activities – there was just so much to do. You really have to pick and choose what you want to do from the dailies.

Chocolate Buffet – Honestly, I thought the chocolate buffet on the Pearl last year to Alaska was better, but no complaints, still chewed down chocolate.

Entertainment – this is subjective also. We are from New York; we have seen more than our fair share of Broadway shows and at least eight or nine different Cirque Du Soleil shows if not more, and then more Off Broadway Shows. Can’t even begin to tell you how many comedy clubs we have been to or even magic shows both in New York and Las Vegas. You guys get the point. We didn’t enjoy any shows at the theatre although they tried very hard. I still have a lot of respect for all the people who are on the ship entertainment business, and I still attend all the shows to show our appreciation. I know people will say, if you don’t like the quality then don’t go. I said I didn’t like it but it was still entertainment and time on the ship well spent. I would consider the shows average at best (and I am being generous) but to each their own. Some people loved it. I really enjoyed listening to Fire and Ice. I forget the name of the piano player and singer outside the Havana Bar and the Italian Impression Restaurant, but he was also very good, even though he had an accent.

Nickel and Diming – I don’t get it. People always seem to be complaining about this. I figure if you don’t want something don’t buy it. If you don’t want to pay extra to eat, don’t eat at the surcharge restaurant. If you don’t want to pay extra for pictures or spa then don’t buy them. We didn’t feel that we were being nickel and dimed.

Spa – my wife loved the spa; she bought a full hour massage and then some, but CHOSE to spend money there. She said the service was great. They did try to push their products to her, but she politely refused and they stopped pushing her for their products.

Havana Bar – met a lot of nice people here. I am glad they have those on board.

Reservations for Restaurant – there was a reservation desk right out the Italian Impressions restaurant, and the lady there knew our name after the first night and she would greet us every night we showed up by name and make her recommendation (although we didn’t take them) and was always polite and courteous.

Room Stewards – Seriously what are those people complaining about that you never met your room stewards throughout the cruise? First I would love to know why it was so important that you met them. If you wanted anything done, you could leave a sticky note on the door for them or you could just call the front desk and they would have it resolved for you in an instant. We met our room steward and his assistant the first day and they knew our names already and met every single of our requirements. We wanted them to join our beds since they were separated when we walked in. They also opened up the sofa bed half way for our two year old. They also emptied out the fridge so we would keep snacks and milk for our son. They kept our room extremely clean and always put away my son’s toys neatly and in a place where he found them immediately. We had towel animals every night which my son loved. We had ample amount of towels both in the morning and evening. I can’t praise them enough. Again, two more people who really made my son’s cruise that much more enjoyable. They would actually run down the hall / corridor with my son just to entertain him. Kudos to their efforts also.

Cruise Director – Shona (If I spelled her name correctly), well she tries hard and did a good job. I have had better CD’s before, but she did well and so did her assistant.

Thanks you to all those who made the CC M&G possible. It was absolutely great to meet so many of you. Thank you for putting it together.

Bermuda – what can I say? It was a lot of FUN. Beaches are BEAUTIFUL. I have not been to the Caribbean, but we loved Aruba beaches and now we love Bermuda beaches also. Bermuda as a city was great. Very clean and safe, and very accommodating. Everyone wanted to help and make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. The transportation system was amazing, and got us every where without a hiccup. We did not get a cab at all throughout our stay. We visited the both caves (was a great experience), the Zoo/Aquarium/Museum (only our son enjoyed as it was very small), BUEI (to us a waste of time), Unfinished Church (beautiful), St. George (nice quiet town to walk and small beautiful shops next to the ferry but expensive) Front Street, Hamilton (shopping area), Fort Hamilton (nice), Royal Naval Dockyard (small), clock tower mall (small). The best excursion was Hartley’s Helmet Dive – what an experience.

Overall a great cruise on a great ship with a great crew. You guys get the idea.