Norwegian Dawn Review

4.0 / 5.0
3,018 reviews

A relaxing break in sunny Bermuda

Review for Bermuda Cruise on Norwegian Dawn
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Autumn72
6-10 Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: May 2013
Cabin: Balcony

This was our third trip on the Boston - Bermuda run with NCL. We had a good time overall, with the weather cooperating for a change.The first night out was a bit rocky and the Dawn creaked and groaned all night as if it were an old wooden ship. Several others we met commented on this as well. We have never been kept awake at night by the sounds of a ship. They cruise at full speed on the way down to Bermuda and half speed on the way back. Full speed on rocky seas contributed to the noise. Fortunately the seas calmed and the speed dropped and the ship quieted down so we could sleep after the first night.The cabin was small but adequate and clean. The steward, Mario, was attentive and very friendly with a great sense of humor. The location was the last cabin starboard aft and they stored the window washing trolley on the outside next to it. This made noise too on occasion as the ship moved about. It also backs up to a crew's stairwell which gets active beginning at 5 a.m. so be advised if you are not an early riser.The food was adequate. While the quantity is certainly there, the variety of choices has lessened in the main dining rooms with a menu of 4 or so of the same entrees every night and a today's special of another 4. The steaks in the main dining room were not very good - tough and chewy. A special of veal scallopini had no taste at all - it could have been eggplant, tofu or fish. We prefer to avoid the buffet for most meals and had breakfast in the dining room every morning. The Blue Lagoon was a pleasant choice for lunch. The burgers were very moist and better that the MDR. The chicken wings are meaty and tasty as well. Desserts were the same old, same old with it being very tough to get just a cookie or a small brownie after lunch. An exception for the avoiding the buffet was to get a pretzel roll (not served in MDR) and an evening dessert crepe made to order.We ate at LeBistro which was good, Cagney's also good and LaCucina which was so so. The chocolate buffet was held in the buffet with a focus on all heavy dark chocolate. A few lighter milk chocolate choices would have been welcome. It was earlier than on other cruises which was nice for those who retire by 11.The entertainment was OK, with an amusing comedian and several variety type shows. Some of the singers in the public areas were a bit harsh on the ears but others were OK.We docked in Bermuda at King's Wharf on Sunday for some unknown reason then moved to Heritage Wharf early Monday morning. Not a big issue. It might have had something to do with the construction although no one was working on Sunday so nothing actually changed. Not much is open on Sunday in Bermuda so we took the ferry into Hamilton and explored Fort Hamilton for the day. Monday was spent taking the ferry to St. Georges and spending the day there. Tuesday we spent at the Dockyard and tried the new Fun Golf which was nice. The best part of Bermuda is there is no need for expensive shore excursions - get a bus / ferry pass and a map and you are set.This is a convenient cruise for us being able to drive to the ship easily and a relaxing one. NCL may not wow with its food and entertainment, but it is consistent, clean and has good service. Bermuda is safe, clean and very friendly. We will do this cruise again as a nice, easy break.

Cabin Review

Balcony

Cabin BB

The cabin was small but adequate and clean. The steward, Mario, was attentive and very friendly with a great sense of humor. The location was the last cabin starboard aft and they stored the window washing trolley on the outside next to it. This made noise on occasion as the ship moved about. It also backs up to a crew's stairwell which gets active beginning at 5 a.m. so be advised if you are not an early riser. The balcony is small with two chairs and a tiny table - 8" square.

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