Norwegian Dawn Overview
Norwegian cruises are known for their innovative, world-class entertainment, and Norwegian Dawn lives up to that reputation with a stacked lineup of fantastic shows and specialty acts. From a mock singing competition where passengers get to vote on the winner to the visually dazzling ELEMENTS!, which combines magic, dance, and aerial performances, Dawn’s onboard entertainment is first-rate.
Norwegian Dawn also includes plenty of activities to satisfy the active traveler, with its lap pool, full-service gym and outdoor sports courts. After a workout, cruisers can enjoy a muscle-relaxing soak in one of the ship’s six conveniently located hot tubs or enjoy a cigar and cognac at the Havana Club Cigar Bar. For passengers feeling lucky, the ship’s onboard casino lets passengers try their hand at roulette, blackjack, and a variety of exciting slot machines.
In 2016, Dawn underwent a multimillion-dollar refurbishment through the Norwegian Edge program. The renovation included the addition of Moderno Churrascaria, a Brazilian steakhouse where the meat is carved tableside, as well as enhancements to the ship's staterooms, public spaces, and a number of back-of-house areas to improve the overall passenger experience.
Norwegian Dawn sails from Barcelona, Miami, and New York, to destinations including New England, Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Europe. Specialty voyages also include sailings to the Greek Isles and the Panama Canal, along with occasional 14-night transatlantic repositioning cruises.
What to Consider Before Sailing on Norwegian Dawn
Cruisers looking for a fun-filled and destination-focused vacation without the crowds and navigational challenges of a larger ship will appreciate Norwegian Dawn’s multitude of exciting activities and somewhat more intimate atmosphere.
Dawn doesn’t have the waterslides, rope courses, or other cutting-edge onboard activities found on Norwegian’s newer ships. Families and active travelers looking for more onboard activities may prefer to sail on other Norwegian ships like Joy, Escape, or Bliss.
Ship Highlights
- Bliss Ultra Lounge
- Splash Academy kids’ club and Entourage Teen ClubDawn Club
- Casino
- Mandara Spa and Pulse Fitness Center
- Havana Club Cigar Bar
- Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian steakhouse
- The Stardust Theater
- ELEMENTS!
- The Cellars — A Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar
- Oasis pool and T-Rex kids’ pool
- Six hot tubs
- Video Zone
- Internet Café
- O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill
- Los Lobos authentic Mexican dining
using miles I had racked up for years. The whole experience was very relaxing and my wife and I enjoyed it a lot. The boat was launched in 2002, so the design is a little bit older and there are no water slides, but there is plenty of entertainment on board. We went to Cocoa Beach - swam and biked on the beach. The Great Stirrup Cay (GSC) and the underwater sculpture garden were fantastic. Since the GSC is a cruiseline private island, they serve free lunch there, which was awesome. Nassau is mostly a touristy place with lots of shopping, but you can definitely get to the beach. Overall, a great trip!
Staterooms were too small and cramped, but overall it was comfortable. Free room service for breakfast was a great option.
Get to know the layout of the ship on your first day at sea. It will help you plan your activities.
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