Arrived at NYC terminal around 10:30, checked everyone in, husband, and 3 teens, 18, 16, and 14 and myself. Received out ticket for boarding, sat in terminal have coffee meeting a few new friends from CC. Onboard by 1:00, enjoyed a very nice lunch in Grand Pacific. After lunch we searched for our cabin, kids were midship/inside deck 9, and we had an obstructed view midship deck 8. Obstructed view was pretty good, lots of room for two, however the cabin the kids had seemed so much smaller than the Dawn. They could of cared less they were just really happy to be on vaca.

We did tex-mex first night, which we loved, cover was $10pp but TA gave us 2 coupon books (1 for each cabin booked) and first coup was BOGO so we used it there. The next few days kids ate in free restaurants we went to Cagney's which we thought was a little over-rated. With wine and cover bill was like $80 and hubby was hungry by 10pm. Nothing to worry about food avail 24/7. So we joined the kids rest of the cruise and ate at the freebies. We planned to dine together at the La Cucina on last night. That was really worth every penny of the cover charge. Chito our waiter was great, antipasto selection was great as was the food, the ambience was really nice!! There was always something for everyone in the food department, from breakfast to dinner and late night snacks. Food food everywhere. P.S. I am a Starbucks drinker and figured I wouldn't get a decent cup until we arrived in Florida, but to my surprise the coffee was pretty good.

Entertainment was really good. Different shows each night, the Magician was fun, and very friendly as he roamed around the ship during the day talked with most passengers. Pool Area - I like the 2 pool thing and I know the kids love the slide but it took to much space away from the deck area and there is really not enough room for everyone. People were scrambling on sea days to get chairs. We got out early so we had no problem. Also had a blast on rough sea days, because pools were like wave pools! P.S. Not real crazy about the saltwater in the pools. It's so NOT like the real ocean. Read more