Balcony

Norwegian Cruise Line

Family Cruises

Gay & Lesbian Cruises

Romantic Cruises

Singles Cruises

Cruises for the Disabled

Senior Cruises

Fitness Cruises

Gourmet Food Cruises

Southampton

Copenhagen

New York (Manhattan)

Stockholm

Amsterdam

Barcelona

Boston

Miami

Tampa

Rome (Civitavecchia)

Caribbean - All

Mexico - All

Caribbean - Western

U.S.A.

Belize

Caribbean - Eastern

Caribbean - Southern

USVI

Jamaica

Netherlands

Panama Canal & Central America

South America

Costa Rica

Panama

Bahamas

Transatlantic

Cruise to Nowhere

Europe - All

Europe - Western Mediterranean

Mexican Riviera

Mediterranean

Egypt

Mississippi River

US River

Nile River

Very Good

Norwegian Jade

Norwegian Star

Norwegian Dawn

Melbourne

Just returned from a good to great week on the Dawn. We were a little apprehensive as we previously sailed on the much-newer Epic but the Dawn has a lot to offer.

Getting on was a breeze, getting off was delayed for some unknown reason.  We carried off our bags and headed out to line up at 7:30am. Go figure, a long line had already formed and we all stood around grumbling about the delay - by 8:30 the ship was cleared through customs and we were on our way. Shame on us for booking a 9:45am flight but we made it after all.

Balcony room was nice though small, much better layout than the Epic. Towels could definitely use updating, we noticed all other cruise ships had much nicer beach towels in port - seriously, does anyone attempt to steal these ratty things, I think not.

Casino has lots of games to offer but our week was super tight. In fact, we never witnessed a single jackpot getting paid out and we gambled a lot. DAWN Management - if you read this message, please do something about the smoke in the casino. The low ceilings do not help, there has to be a way to better ventilate the area!Food quality was excellent in the paid venues, not the case in the main dining room or buffet. Do not waste your money on the Blossom but all others are definitely worth the upcharge - Le Bistro and Cagney's were great, La Cucina and Teppanyaki very good. The buffet manager needs to check out the Epic's set up... dining stations with different fare opposed to the same offerings day after day. One can only be expected to eat so many hotdogs and hamburgers in a week! The main dining room's food was okay but way too many people for our taste. The paid venues offer excellent service and an intimate setting.

Entertainment was good, we attended almost every show - not exactly the Epic but good. Lots of talent on the ship... 

Overall the service was good and the staff helpful - no real standouts but everyone we encountered was pleasant and hardworking.    

Ports:  We loved this itinerary and booked all of our own excursions except golf. Golfed in Roatan, Cavetubing.com in Belize, Tropicante in Costa Maya (our favorite stop) and Mr. Sanchos in Cozumel. Had a great time in each port and had just enough time to do what we needed to do without rushing.

We'll definitely cruise again, particularly if the cruise is 'free' through Casinos at Sea. I'd recommend NCL and the Dawn - so much can go wrong with thousands of passengers and seven days at sea... NCL gets most of it right - no small task, I'm sure.

Good to Great Week on the Dawn

Filters

1-1 of 1