Very enjoyable
Norwegian Dawn Cruise Review to Bermuda
Sail Date: August 26, 2011
Ship: Norwegian Dawn
Cabin Type: Suite
Traveled As: Couple
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review Summary
We stayed in one of the Owner's suites, and the size and layout was very nice (truly the best way to travel). Our butler, Jose, was pleasant, had a great sense of humor, and did most everything just right. Our room steward, Ronald, was also exceptional and very friendly, while our Concierge, Virginia, was able to get us reservations when and where we wanted. The Dawn is a beautiful ship, although we personally preferred the smaller Spirit. The ship's layout was a bit odd, and the fact that they were still completing deck 12 construction didn't help. Staff were all very friendly, polite and helpful. We ate at the Specialty restaurants every night and all were very good with the exception of La Cucina italian restaurant which was so disappointingly mediocre to awful - perhaps we should have just ordered pizza!Ship Experiences
Food and Dining
All specialty restaurants were good with the exception of the Italian restaurant. Cannot comment on the Aqua or Venetian restaurants as we never frequented them. The Blue Lagoon was fairly good. Le Bistro was by far the best restaurant. The Moderno Brazlian Steakhouse is an experience to at least try once - wonderful setting and a truly unique dining experience. Some of the meats were so-so, some exceptional. Cagney's for breakfast and lunch was a suite perk and generally very, very good. The Roast Beef au jus sandwich is not typical - smothered in too many carmelized onions with a sauce that is not au jus at all but thick and too heavy. Cagney's for dinner was very very good, if a little over seasoned. We're huge fans of sashimi and sushi. While the selection is a bit limited, the food was excellent, the washi nice and hot, the ginger quite good. I believe there was only one evening we had to delay our reservations by 15 minutes - no big deal. Love freestyle dining
Entertainment
We didn't frequent very many shows, but there were tons of options all the time and some very good performances. Bands by the pool were a bit too loud for us.
Service and Staff
Very friendly and accommodating; quick to help - opening doors, giving directions and inquiring as to your every need.
Ship Quality
Generally very clean, beautiful decor, a bit larger than we prefer, odd layout. Missed having a dedicated Art Gallery - using the Aqua dining room for art auctions and the chocolate buffet detracted so much as to be a disservice to the events.
Cabin / Stateroom
The Owner's suite would have received our highest rating save one small complaint. The bed and pillows were overly worn out and should really be replaced. The seal on the binoculars was worn and therefore of no use. I felt the closet was a bit small but liked the dressing table. We had more amenities on the Spirit (lip balm, qtips) that were lacking this time, as well as no more pillow menu and only one extra pillow. The pillows could have used fluffing, and the bed had deep dents from too much use, but we slept well. Rough seas kept us from using the front balcony much but the side balcony was great, if a bit too sheltered from getting much sun.
Ports of Call
Bone Fish is a favorite restaurant, and their fish & chips are not to be missed. Shops are okay but Hamilton is of course the best place to shop - tho it's a pity to spend much time doing that when there are more unique things to do in Bermuda. Loved the Maritime museum and watching the dolphins. Sea Glass beach was a bit dirtier than expected, but if you like sea glass, worth a visit. Just a warning about the trashy/dump side.
Don't Miss: dolphins at maritime museum
Don't Miss: dolphins at maritime museum
0
Pros: Service, food, entertainment
Cons: Ship layout, worn beds, italian specialty restaurant
Recommends Norwegian Dawn? Yes!
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