Norwegian Dawn Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Background: We are a young family with mom in between jobs which gave us this specific time in late August to travel. We had been on the Norwegian Majesty once before and were totally unimpressed which made me swear off NCL. Well, then we wanted to take our 11 month old with us somewhere and figured the anytime dining and more casual atmosphere of NCL might be worth another shot. Overall, our experience with NCL was definitely better this time, but there was just enough wrong with it that I will stick to our other two favorite cruise lines from now on.
Hotel info: Boston hotels are pricey! We stayed in the Bulfinch hotel for 2 nights prior to our cruise in the north part of downtown which was conveniently within walking distance of most major tourist destinations while being in a reasonably quiet area. We stayed in a king "suite" which was about $220 a night (including taxes). Au Bon Pain was literally a block away providing a good, cheap breakfast. They provided a pack and play for the infant.
Travel to Port of Embarkation: On check out day, we were offered use of their transport van to take us to the pier for $25 for the family and luggage. Given the amount of luggage we had and the car seat, we happily obliged. We had a great, friendly driver and were glad we chose that option.
Cabin Review
Mid-Ship Mini-Suite with Balcony
We were in 11650 (mid ship mini suite) was certainly a very nice cabin and perfect for a family of 3. With the pack and play, we moved one of the dining table chairs and the small coffee table onto the balcony (very generously sized balcony) which left plenty of room for the pack and play though it did block part of the couch. The bathroom and full size bathtub were great. We were underneath the Garden Cafe (the buffet) which was quite noisy at times. The noise was that of people and carts rolling and wasn't bothersome while we were awake, but I am a very light sleeper, and it did bother me early in the morning. Unfortunately, most of the mini-suites are underneath noisy areas which is really annoying. Mattresses were a bit hard and uncomfortable but not terrible. There was lots of storage space but only two very small drawers. Of note, the closet has a light in the back you can turn on to see your stuff better.