We sailed January 28th...I guess we were lucky in reading some of the other reviews...We had a great time!! It was my husband and I and we had inside cabin deck 10..The only issue that I would mention is that we heard some water noise from the pool. I can not compare the bigger ship because we have not sailed on one yet. The one thing that we were looking for was to do the most ports possible and the never ships are more sea based and people on the ship...Food was good, I think the specialty restaurants are taking the food extravangaza away from the main dinning rooms. We did the spa package ($129/person) and we enjoyed it, it was a way to get away from the crowds...This cruise was mainly for the beaches and relaxing, both were accomplished. 5 ports was alot of energy but fun!! We did the Captain's dinner, it is pricey but really good and fun...a once in a lifetime experience. Since we saved on the room cost, we splurge on other things. cagney's steakhouse & Bistro was awesome...Yes, we saw buckets in the women's spa changing room...The Dawn does need some TLC. The weather was great, we only booked 1 excursion with NCL and it was the Samana beach break,just easier because it was tendered...all the others, we had researched and talked to CC members. The drinks are pricey and that is a down side but we often took advantage of the ports to have a few...Employees were awesome with us, always helpful and polite. I am sure with inflation and everything, cruise companies have to be innovative..I would just suggest that you need to figure that you will be easily spending at least another $500.00/person once on the ship...

Hope this helps some people..It was our 2nd sailing on the Dawn and we really enjoyed it but it does need some TLC..