I will start by saying that I have been on many cruises with many different lines. This cruise was choosen for the port stops with only 2 days at sea. This part of the trip was brillant, with great port stops and lots to see and do once off the ship!

Now, the experience on the Dawn was much different than I had experienced on other cruise ships in general. For starters, we were never given any emails prior to sailing that 3 of our port stops had major time changes, and/or shorter port stops. Next, we found it very difficult to use the NCL website to reserve for speciality restaurant, shore excursions, etc. Sometimes the website just would not process the on-line orders, and we would have to start all over and try again. When we called NCL with this problem, we were told that they are in the process of upgrading their website (really, for the last 6 months?)

Once on board, you must pay $ 15-$20 corkage fee per bottle of wine (depends on size) for ANY wine you bring onboard. Every other cruise line I have been on will let you board with 2 bottles for your stateroom for "free", but NCL doesn't care where your going to drink it, it still equals a fee for them. There is also a $ 7.95 service charge for room service, unless you want a bread/muffin and coffee (no fruit, just juice) then it is free. The bar, speciality restaurants, spa etc. is a automatic 18% service fee, and daily gradtitutes of $ 13.50 pp on top of that. Read more