Norwegian Dawn Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We sailed out of Tampa for 12 nights--convenient port for snowbirds; price was good. Embarkation was the worst we have ever had--stood in line for 1 hr 45 mins before we got to actual check-in. Our room was an inside stateroom on deck 10 forward (when seas were rough there was plenty of movement). Pretty standard room with excellent steward.
The organization of the buffet was confusing. Four lines at times that didn't make sense. We had been on Norwegian in November and found pretty much the same menu in the main dining room on this cruise. The first couple of nights we had to stand in line for a long time to get into the main dining room. One night they gave us free drink coupons and a buzzer before we could get into the dining room. Service was excellent 75% of the time and very slow the other 25%./
We felt the sea day activities were very limited. The night shows were the same acts we had seen on a different ship in November. They were good, just disappointing to see repeats.
Cabin Review
Port Reviews
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
Took bus ($5 person) to Calico Jacks next to public beach. Rented a couple of beach chairs right next to the water for about $20. Had a drink at Calico Jacks--pretty pricey ($12) and not that good. Ate jerk chicken from stand $10 for 1/2 chicken with fries/rice.
Aruba
Took a taxi to Marriot. Excellent beach, rented a couple of chairs. Were told later by a resident that we could probably just used the resort's chairs and nobody would have noticed. Ate lunch at little stand on beach--kinda expensive but it is Aruba. It was a little tricky to catch the bus back to port. If there is a local waiting around go ahead and ask to confirm you are waiting in the right spot. Everyone was very helpful.
Key West
We visited Butterfly House and Hemingway House. Both were very interesting. I would recommend a tour guide to make the most of Hemingway House. The atmosphere of Duval Street is always fun.
Ocho Rios
We had done the falls previously so just used this as a beach day. Walked to Margaritaville. Be prepared to walk the gauntlet of obnoxious vendors as you leave port. No vendors once you get to Margaritaville. Rented a couple of chairs, umbrella, safe, ride down water slide, and couple of drinks for $45. Not sure if going for VIP was worth it. You can just rent chairs. Ate lunch delivered to beach--good burgers. We had been here a couple of years ago and chairs were free if you ordered something.