This is maybe my 15th or 16th cruise; but it was the first for 5 of my family/friends to celebrate my 55th birthday; all adults. I was completely disappointed, so this is my first cruise review. Know before you go!! Especially, if you plan on being on sailing on the NCL Dawn.

1) The ship setup is choppy at best. Everything is separated by great distances and inconvenient to get to. There will ALWAYS be extensive walking or need for taking the stairs. Not good for folks with any type of physical disability or ailment.

2) Dinner reservations are needed for ALL complimentary and pay-as-you-go dining rooms, except the Garden Café which is pool side. Good luck with making reservations for a reasonable hour if you have to make reservations while on the ship. Our options were 5:30 (1730) or 8:45 (2045), that's just for a few, there were later times available for others. The Aqua and O'Sheenan's was ok, but great if you want you food hot. The food in the Garden Café, general dining area, is less than flavorful, bland and is always lukewarm. The Garden Café is the go-to, if you don't have reservations. Unfortunately, the only foods that didn't taste like school lunch were their Asian cuisines. Nachos are offered for late night snack, but your cheese is slide American. Burgers were frozen patties and never above warm; ie. don't add your own cheese, if won't melt! If you're a late riser, FORGET about eating bacon or an omelet; when they run out that's it and there won't be any coming no matter what they say!! The dinner reservation desk has bankers hours. Read more