Not a great experience

Item: Norwegian Dawn
Rating: 3
Author: JulieS8

Norwegian Dawn Cruise Review to Bermuda

JulieS8

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 11

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Bahamas & Bermuda (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 30, 2007

Ship: Norwegian Dawn

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 14 years ago

Review summary

This was our second cruise as a family and probably our last. NCL free style cruising in theory sounds good, but it wasn't all that it was marketed to be. The difficulty in getting reservations along with additional charges to use, made the dining experience hectic when it shouldn't be. Departing from New York had its advantages, but being at sea for the majority of the 7 days along with the large crowds didn't feel like a vacation. Getting off this ship in ports of call was difficult due to NCL photo staff holding everyone up trying to take photos even if you didn't want them. It bordered on absurd!

Ports of call

Nassau, Bahamas

1 out of 5

We arrived 5 hours late and everything was closing. We did stroll around the town, but to be honest even if the stores were open later, it wouldn't be high on our list of things to do. We managed to go to the Straw Market which was highly recommended. We observed several rats strolling around the market which the natives laughed at and claimed were their pets. NCL staff played up the Atlantis resort, but quite honestly if I wanted to go to Atlantis, I wouldn't have paid NCL to take me there.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Getting back on the ship

King's Wharf, Bermuda

5 out of 5

WOW....this was a very clean and upscale place to visit. Shopping was expensive but relaxing given the size of the island.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Royal Dockyard Pub

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

1 out of 5

Get there on the first boat out or you'll miss being able to get a good seat or rent some of the more popular items. By noon, the place was packed and not much fun. Definetly not quiet and relaxing.

Thumbs Up 0

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

1 out of 5

Get there on the first boat out or you'll miss being able to get a good seat or rent some of the more popular items. By noon, the place was packed and not much fun. Definetly not quiet and relaxing.

Thumbs Up 0

Nassau, Bahamas

1 out of 5

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Getting back on the ship

King's Wharf, Bermuda

5 out of 5

WOW....this was a very clean and upscale place to visit. Shopping was expensive but relaxing given the size of the island.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Royal Dockyard Pub

Pros: Free style concept in theory is great.

Cons: NCL staff pushing their photo and lottery offerings