We went on the Norwegian Dawn with 10 people 2 of them were children. ages 3 and 9. The embarkation has to be improved in New York, very little organization. I have a back problem so I requested a wheelchair, because I can't stand for long periods of time. My request was granted and we did breeze through the lines. Although my husband was the one pushing, which I didn't find on other ships I used. We went to our room which was on deck 11, very spacious mini-suite with a couch which could use some filling 'cause it was very hard, but with large closets, a great room steward, very very clean. After checking our room out we went to lunch, food was pretty good for the 1st meal.
We travelled through the ship which we knew pretty well 'cause this was our fourth cruise on this particular ship. Stopped by one of the bars to have a drink and then return to our room for boat drill to get our life jackets, all went smoothly. We were stationed in the big lounge for the drill which I was glad 'cause we could sit through the drill. Returned to our room and put our luggage away, plenty of room even for your suitcases. Then travelled to the top deck for the bon voyage party, which was always done so nicely especially when passing the Statue of Liberty. They play all American songs, and everyone joined in with singing and taking pictures.
I love the freestyle dining, 'cause u have a choice of which restaurant u would like to eat in. My favorite restaurant on board the Dawn is Impressions, it's intimate, not as noisy as the Venetian on the same floor but the opposite end of the ship. The service was impeccable, in fact we had the same waiter throughout the cruise. He catered to my grandson, who is a picky eater.