Norwegian Dawn Review

4.0 / 5.0
3,026 reviews

Dawn to Bermuda - June 13

Review for Bermuda Cruise on Norwegian Dawn
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Petert102
First Time Cruiser • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Jun 2010
Cabin: Aft-Facing Penthouse with Large Balcony

Our third cruise on the Dawn. We are usually Celebrity Concierge Class passengers or when we travel on NCL we try to take a suite. For a ship in middle age, the Dawn has been immaculately maintained and it was gratifying to observe the improvements made over the years. We like the NCL Product and the innovations introduced to cruising by NCL, unfortunately for NCL the rest of the industry is fast playing catch-up reducing their lead. The NCL Suite Product definitely has some very rough edges that require polish if they wish to remain up there in the Suite business, very important with the emphasis on the Suite Product with the new Epic. Overall, we really enjoyed the cruise and would travel NCL again. The product remains consistent and their staff incredible with a great attitude. Having said that here are a few minor criticisms that NCL might like to consider addressing if they want to remain market leaders:

1) Suite Check-in New York - This needs rethinking, very poor with very rude probably Contract staff. Having barked at by aggressive staff to then stand in line for suite check-in is unacceptable. The pre-boarding lounge is only used after the paperwork is completed so unlike the delightful stress free experience in Miami where you are first escorted to the lounge where the paperwork is completed while you sit while having a coffee a very calming and soothing experience.

2) New Menus - a subjective observation but a disaster, heavy, heavy dishes like lamb shank while although delicious are more suited for winter not a hot weather destination cruise. No "light" cuisine in sight anywhere. In these tough economic times everyone realized that cuts must be made, but at least be imaginative with the menu planning.

Cabin Review

Aft-Facing Penthouse with Large Balcony

Cabin SF

Great Romance Suite Deck 10 Balcony, however the Spa Window washing machine which was in use at 9am on a Port Day in Bermuda and at 2am on the return night at sea, produced a hurricane of water cascading onto the balcony an unacceptable noise. No warning given on Port Day and got drenched on the balcony. Woken at 2am at night, the door to the balcony was open, with torrential deluge of water and noise. Why can NCL not warn suite guests ?

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