Norwegian Dawn Review
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Additional details
We chose Norwegian Dawn because of the length of the cruise (just 7 days), the ports visited, and the departure date was convenient. Our previous cruises were with Holland America (Oosterdam and Zuiderdam), so as similar size ships of the same vintage it gave us a basis for comparison, The Norwegian Dawn has been recently renovated, so everything looked spic and span. We were nervous about our choice of ship, because of several poor / moderate reviews, but overall we were very happy - hence 5 stars. The main differences from Holland America were in dining, public rooms, and cabin space: all covered below. However, if the Norwegian Dawn is the best choice in itinerary and value for money , then just GO FOR IT!
Dining
We had most meals in Aqua or Venetian (main free dining rooms). There was never any wait. We were always seated at a table for two. With HA we were often asked whether we would mind joining a table for 4 or 6, which we appreciated as it gave us a chance to mingle with other cruisers. The food was always very well prepared, with a good choice. We had a package which gave us 3 free meals in the specialty restaurants, but we only used two of these because we left it too late to book. BOOK SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS AS SOON AS YOU GET ON THE SHIP, EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT GOING FOR A WEEK AHEAD! We had meals in the Teppanyaki restaurant - highly recommended - and in La Cucina Italian restaurant, also very good. Breakfasts and lunches were in the Garden Cafe (average). Some breakfasts we had delivered to our room (continental breakfasts are delivered free).
Cabin Review
Mini-Suite with Balcony
We swapped a cabin aft on deck 11 for one further forward to avoid being directly under the Garden Cafe. (Reviewers had commented on the noise from chairs scraping across the cafe floor, if the cabin was below the Garden Cafe). The mini-suite was longer and narrower than the equivalent on Holland America, however, that meant there was room available for a sofa next to the door to the balcony. A comfortable king-size bed. The bathroom was not as nicely finished as Holland America, but there was a full-size bath. Our cabin was quiet.
Port Reviews
Quebec City
Quebec City (both the upper town and the lower town) are best covered by walking. In addition we took the ferry across the river to Levis - really worthwhile for views of the city; and the local bus to Montmorency Falls. The Dawn was berthed at Pier 30, which is longer walk into the city center, however quite handy if you want to catch the bus to the Falls. It leaves near the railway station. Buy tickets the convenience store in the staion.
Sydney (Nova Scotia)
Sydney Nova Scotia is a bland small city. You need to get out of town to experience Cape Breton Island. We booked a car in advance from Discount Car Rentals. As we had not asked for it tot be delivered to the wharf we walked to their depot (maybe 20 minutes), seeing a bit of Sydney on the way. We then drove to Louisbourg - only about 40 minutes - and had a coffee from our hot flask on a rocky beach before touring the rebuilt French fortress. Highly recommended! Our day out cost only $55 Canadian for the car - a Dodge Grand Caravan!
Halifax
Halifax is very walkable. Went along the waterfront, up to the Citadel and public gardens, and then back downtown via the Public Library - brilliant new building with a nice cafe / coffee bar on the top floor with a view over the city and port. In the afternoon went to the Maritime Museum - very good exhibits on the giant explosion of 1917, and the Titanic sinking. Disappointed we ran out of time to go to the Immigration Museum. Halifax has a really interesting history.
Saint John (New Brunswick)
Saint John has one claim to fame - the Reversing Falls. We walked there (about 50 minutes I think) and were there at the right time to see the whirlpools and rapids, which are tide dependent. Spent the afternoon around the city centre, shops, and markets.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor was the highlight of our cruise. The tendering from Norwegian Dawn worked very efficiently, so we were soon ashore. The town of Bar Harbor is very picturesque (there is a coastal walk starting from the pier). However the real gem is Acadia National Park. We took the free park bus, and made two stops - at Sand Beach and at Jordan Pond. At each stop we did extensive walking, not quite right around Jordan Pond because of time constraints. The coastal scenery from Sand Beach to Otter Cliff is stunning, and walk around Jordan Pond is beautiful when the trees are at their fall foliage best. It helped that the sky was cloudless. MAKE SURE THAT BAR HARBOR IS ONE OF YOUR PORTS OF CALL!