Very relaxing

Norwegian Dawn Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 35

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Dawn

7 Night Bahamas & Bermuda (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 10, 2006

Ship: Norwegian Dawn

Cabin type: Inside

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 14 years ago

Review summary

This was my second cruise and my boyfriend's fourth. We had high expectations after sailing on one of the new Royal Carribean ships last year but we were not disappointed. The Norweigan Dawn is a beautiful ship. We especially enjoyed the Freestyle Dining program where you can eat in either of the three main dining rooms or choose from specialty restaurants that require a reservation. Two of the specialty restaurants do not have an additional fee. The one that we tried, Salsa's, was a Mexican/Meditteranean mix. The food and service were both great and we almost went back for a second night. The other free option was Italian called La Trattoria. The only other specialty restaurant we tried was the French restaurant, Le Bistro. Most notable is its collection of four Impressionist paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, Matisse and Renoir. The $15 per person fee was well worth it to dine amongst these masterpieces. The food and service was also great and I especially loved the chocolate fondue for dessert! All of our other dining experiences were wonderful. We enjoyed being able to eat at whatever time we chose. Also, 2 of the 3 main dining rooms (Impressions and Aqua) had a small restaurant feel so we did not feel like we were dining on a massive cruise ship, but rather at a cozy restaurant. The food at all of our meals was tasty and well presented. The only negative comment I had was that the selection in the main dining rooms was sometimes not varied enough, probably because you have so many other options of where to eat. Also, because you can make reservations early on in the cruise I suggest going to the main reception desk and ask for a copy of the week's menus for the main dining rooms. This way you can pick a night to eat at the specialty restaurants when you know theres nothing you'll want to miss.

Ports of call

Nassau, Bahamas

3 out of 5
The great thing about docking overnight in Nassau was that we were able to go to Atlantis and see the aquarium for free. Normally there is a $29 per person charge for a guided tour of the aquarium and the Dig at Atlantis. However at night you can wander around free of charge and only miss out on the guided tour part. A cab ride from the pier costs $4 per person one way and was definitely worth it. The next morning many people did do early morning excusrions because we had to be back on the boat by 11:30. We chose to just go shopping instead which wasn't all that exciting.
Don't Miss: Atlantis

Nassau, Bahamas

3 out of 5
The great thing about docking overnight in Nassau was that we were able to go to Atlantis and see the aquarium for free. Normally there is a $29 per person charge for a guided tour of the aquarium and the Dig at Atlantis. However at night you can wander around free of charge and only miss out on the guided tour part. A cab ride from the pier costs $4 per person one way and was definitely worth it. The next morning many people did do early morning excusrions because we had to be back on the boat by 11:30. We chose to just go shopping instead which wasn't all that exciting.
Don't Miss: Atlantis

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

5 out of 5
The private island was great because we got off the tender boat and stepped right onto a beach. Make sure to get your tender tickets early so that you can be in one of the first few boats to the island if you want chairs with an umbrella. You can rent kayaks and paddle boats or just rent floats to lounge around the calm waters. The snorkeling there was great also because you didn't have to swim far to get to the coral reefs. Lifeguards were there to watch over everything which made me full much safer. You can rent snorkels or bring your own and they provide free life vests which I think you might be required to wear when snorkeling. A buffet lunch was served and that was great also. It's a very relaxing port and lots of fun as well.
Don't Miss: Snorkeling

King's Wharf, Bermuda

5 out of 5
Bermuda was absolutely beautiful and the people there were so friendly and helpful. When we got off the boat there was in information booth right there directing us on where to go and the best way to get there. Most people who want to go to a beach head to Horseshoe Bay because of its pink sand, large beach and free entrance. As a result, they had many city buses designated to make loops back and forth between the port and the beach for $8 round trip per person. This is a great deal considering taxis are much more expensive and the route was direct. If they dont have special buses running you can always get on a regular city bus, but it will probably take a little longer. The bus driver told us exactly how to get to the beach and where to catch the bus back when we were done. Everyone was so nice and helpful that I will definitely visit Bermuda again. The only complaint I have is that we didn't have enough time here.
Don't Miss: Horseshoe Bay

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

5 out of 5
The private island was great because we got off the tender boat and stepped right onto a beach. Make sure to get your tender tickets early so that you can be in one of the first few boats to the island if you want chairs with an umbrella. You can rent kayaks and paddle boats or just rent floats to lounge around the calm waters. The snorkeling there was great also because you didn't have to swim far to get to the coral reefs. Lifeguards were there to watch over everything which made me full much safer. You can rent snorkels or bring your own and they provide free life vests which I think you might be required to wear when snorkeling. A buffet lunch was served and that was great also. It's a very relaxing port and lots of fun as well.
Don't Miss: Snorkeling

King's Wharf, Bermuda

5 out of 5
Bermuda was absolutely beautiful and the people there were so friendly and helpful. When we got off the boat there was in information booth right there directing us on where to go and the best way to get there. Most people who want to go to a beach head to Horseshoe Bay because of its pink sand, large beach and free entrance. As a result, they had many city buses designated to make loops back and forth between the port and the beach for $8 round trip per person. This is a great deal considering taxis are much more expensive and the route was direct. If they dont have special buses running you can always get on a regular city bus, but it will probably take a little longer. The bus driver told us exactly how to get to the beach and where to catch the bus back when we were done. Everyone was so nice and helpful that I will definitely visit Bermuda again. The only complaint I have is that we didn't have enough time here.
Don't Miss: Horseshoe Bay

Pros: Entertainment and Freestyle Cruising

Cons: No clock in the staterooms!

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1 Comment

Gwbigdog    1 year ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us.

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