Standard cabins are on the small side, with insides measuring 142 square feet and outsides measuring 158 square feet. These categories have the usual twin-to-queen bed configurations. At 166 square feet, balcony cabins are not much larger than standard outsides, but they feature small sitting areas with couches that open up to make twin-sized beds. The main difference between these and the mini-suites, which are a bit larger (229 square feet), is that the latter's couch doubles as a queen-sized bed. For those sleeping on the pullout, it's important to note that it's rock-hard. If you prefer a softer surface to snooze on, ask your steward for an extra comforter or even a mattress pad. Balconies are outfitted with blue mesh adjustable chairs and small tables.
Bathrooms are laid out in a convenient three-part design. The showers (bathtubs for mini-suites and beyond) have sliding glass doors (no clingy plastic curtains to fight with), as does the toilet compartment. The doors separate each from the central sink area. When both doors are shut, each mini-room becomes semiprivate. All in-cabin toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, lotion and body wash), including those in the in-shower pumps, are by Elemis.
Norwegian Dawn also offers a variety of suite configurations, including the newly added family suites, which each feature a queen-sized bed that converts to two lower beds, a sofa bed and additional bedding for a maximum occupancy of six. Of the 24 family suites, measuring 495 square feet, 10 have balconies. The ship's romance suites, penthouse suites and owner's suites are outfitted similarly, but additional amenities are added as the price-point rises. For instance, penthouse suites each have a separate living room with dining table; owner's suites feature the same, but also have a powder room and whirlpool tub. These suites range in size from the 288-square-foot romance suites to the apartment-sized owner's suites at 750 square feet.
The crown jewels of the Norwegian Dawn accommodations are the ship's two Garden Villas. These 6,694-square-foot cabins are, in a word, fabulous. Each comes complete with panoramic ocean views, a grand piano and full kitchen. The villas have their own private outdoor garden areas with whirlpool and lounge chairs, private top-of-ship sunbathing decks and even steam rooms. These rooms accommodate eight passengers apiece and can be booked together for a total of more than 10,000 square feet and an occupancy of 16.
The ship's original cabins in all categories are decorated in a whimsical primary color scheme with faux cherry wood walls, while the newer cabins feature more modern (and subtle) decor in a palate of rich earth tones. Linens are soft, and pillows are fluffy and plentiful.
Most of the ship's cabins feature 16-inch flat-screen televisions that show programming from a variety of channels, including CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network and ESPN, and a selection of not-yet-on-DVD movies. One oddity (for those bringing along laptops and other gadgets) is that, for Americans, the only 220-volt outlet is by the vanity, not by the table. You can ask reception for an adapter to use on the single European outlet or bring one from home. There's also a mini-bar stocked with a selection of for-fee beer, spirits and sodas. (Don't be afraid to move these to make room for any snacks and drinks you might want to bring back to your cabin -- you won't be charged for touching.) Storage space in all cabins is adequate but not generous; the garden villas and owner's suites go above and beyond with walk-in closets.
Norwegian Dawn has 26 wheelchair-accessible cabins, with an option in every category.
Good location, adequate size, the shower stall roomy, but the toilet enclosure was very tight with a sliding door and its jagged edge aluminum frame and jamb. We brought our own soap and shampoo (only a dispenser was available for both). The bed was firm, but we got used...continue
Three women, lots of luggage, and we made it work! When the three beds are out, not much space, but as long as you work in an assembly line, ie one showers, one does hair and makeup, and the other dresses, it works well!
We brought the only chair out on the balcony, so we...continue
This 2 bedroom family suite is great. The bedroom is a secluded oasis. The master bathroom is large, with an awesome ocean view shower and jetted tub.
There is a 2nd small bathroom, which is so handy. The 2nd bedroom is small, but would be good for small children....continue
