My family and I have just finished a ten day cruise on the norwegian dawn. We are seasoned cruise veterans and have enjoyed Ncl in the past. We were excited to be cruising on the newly renovated ship. Unfortunately the refurbishment was designed to increase the additional money that a cruiser would spend but not in the areas that don't generate extra income. The gym is large but unfortunately the equipment was old and in poor mechanical shape. Of the six elliptical trainers four were broken( no pads on hand grip, the media on the ellipticals were in very bad shape no sound, wouldn't turn on, would change channel). This was unfortunately not isolated it was prevelant on bikes and treadmills. There was a very limited amount of weight machines and they were cybex first generation also in poor mechanical shape. If working out is important find another ship.

Our penthouse was nice new flat panel televisions, comfortable bedding but curtains were falling down only two screws of eight were holding it up.

The food in garden cafe was not up to the quality of a school cafeteria. Limited selection and very limited hours. After 9 the only food in the cafeteria was comfort food hotdogs, hamburgers and cold cuts. The chocolate Buffett was held between 7:30-10:00 during the main dining hours. The Japanese restaurant was fantastic, the Brazilian restaurant was ok(still a work in progress). Read more