So here we go. Our family (the 4 of us; 2 adults 2 kids 10 and 3; my inlaws, aunt and uncle, and their daughter and companion) a total of 10 traveled on the Dawn to Bermuda on 8/10/08. We have all cruised extensively and chose the Dawn because of the freestyle dining and it was the only ship that did a 7 night Bermuda from NYC.
Embarkation - what a breeze. We thought we were off to a GREAT start! Arrived at 1030 and boarded by 1130! When we boarded we were told to go the buffet at the Garden Cafe. The crew was adamant that the Venetian was CLOSED. NOT TRUE! It opens at 1230! They will insist and insist and insist that it is not open! ARRGGHHHH.
For its' size, the Dawn feels very crowded. The public areas and especially the pool are not well thought out at all. There is only one pool you can swim in on the entire ship (unless you want to pay $$ to use the indoor pool). They consider their tiny 4 foot pool as another one but, really. Don't get me wrong we had some good times in the pool especially on Saturday when the seas were rough and it was one giant, fun wave pool! They do have the T-Rex kids pool on the aft of the ship and it is difficult to get to. You must walk down very steep stairs or walk through the gym which children are not allowed. No one supervises it and small children were getting squashed by the bigger (and in my opinion much too old to be there 12-18) ones coming down the slides.