Norwegian Dawn Review

4.0 / 5.0
3,027 reviews

Good First Time Experience

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Dawn
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dumpster0915
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Jan 2016
Cabin: Oceanview Picture Window
Venetian Cafe
Stardust Theater
Cabin view of Cozumel

This was my first cruise and I had a good time mostly. There were a few quirky details but mostly i had fun and I am looking into doing my next NCL cruise.

I left out of New Orleans and stayed at a Marriott 2 blocks from the port. So i went down the night before to scope it out. Still got lost the next day because there aren't many signs pointing out where to go. When I found the right area I passed 2 guys in NCL shirts sitting on an empty loading dock that said theyd check my luggage. But I didnt trust 2 guys on the street so I kept them. Further up at the official bag check there is also no sign. So I took the bags inside with me and got in line. 3 security scanners for 200 people in line. So when someone came in to tell us about bag check I got out of line to go where they pointed to check the bags. That guy wrote out 2 bag tags but wouldnt put them on until I left. Naturally everyone but me got their bags. I eventually found 1 bag down the hall in front of someone elses room, altho it had my room number on it. The other bag never got a tag so I found it later that night at Customer Service. Next time I will either print the tags ahead of time online or just carry my own bags. I carried them off the ship at the end anyway.

Pleasantly surprised with the room. Since I paid the cheapest fare, I thought I'd have a porthole. Got a nice big window. Room would be small for 4 people but I have had smaller hotel rooms so it was fine for me. Had to pay double but only single port charges. But if I had paid full price on the company website, or less since some of their cruises have lower single traveler rates, I could've gotten free stuff that I wasn't eligible for. I am looking at doing that the next time, Went to the CC meet/greet and went on the tour of other peoples cabins. That was informative. My room was in the very back, beneath the Venetian Dining Room and next to a crew area. I was worried about noise but it was actually very quiet. The room attendant was very nice. Got him to empty out the minibar and put a bag of ice in there every day. It would be nice if they checked the soap dispensers and put in new glasses every day rather than just wash the ones there and put the lids back on.

Cabin Review

Oceanview Picture Window

Cabin OA

lots of storage. Used the bed as a king but different bed heights made that uncomfortable. Each bed seemed to have bars across them. Neither was really comfortable. Could've use plugs next to the bed. But since I took a International Adapter with me I had plenty of outlets. Lighting was confusing with hidden switches all over the place. Location was close to some stairs that were sadly crew only. Kind of confusing. But a pretty quiet location. Room staff should pay more attention to refilling soap/shampoo and changing out glasses. Big window was great. I stayed in my cabin more than most people, reading. I liked it a lot and would stay in it again.

Port Reviews

New Orleans

Walked 11 miles. Very scenic. Very safe. Lots to see/do off main street.

Cozumel

Also walked 11 miles, even outside of town. Very safe. Saw lots of other travelers even in remote spots. Never felt unsafe. Prices cheaper off the main street. Would go back again.

Roatan

Beautiful port, beautiful island. Would gladly go back again. Not safe alone except in port city or at staffed beaches. Didn't feel unsafe but was wary and careful around natives.

Belize City

went to port but didn't feel safe wandering around city by myself. Went to a bar and couldnt get waited on. Might be a pretty place on an excursion.

Costa Maya

Great port area. Dolphins. lots of shops. Walked 2 miles inland but it started to rain so i had to turn around. Felt pretty safe but kept my guard up. Turned into a really nasty windy rainy day. Would like to see it on a warm clear day.

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