Norwegian Dawn - Great Crusing

Norwegian Dawn Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

ILovToCruise

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 31

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

Verified Review

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Sail date: February 17, 2013

Ship: Norwegian Dawn

Cabin type: Oceanview

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 11 years ago

Review summary

This was our 16th cruise, so we have taken a few. In comparison, the employees, without exception, provided the best service with the best attitude of any cruises. And, we have cruised on all the major lines. They went out of their way to say hello, assist you and be friendly. The ship is now 11 years old, but refurbished about 2 years ago. It is showing its age in a few places, but still in very good shape and very comfortable. The dining rooms were very clean, comfortable and food was generally very good. They have several specially dining rooms which provide more up scale fare and also very good. For those who like the buffet, they have that also with a very good assortment of different types of food. At the pool, burgers and hot dogs etc. were provided. Most people would find the food very good. Rooms were very nice and quickly made up in the mornings and evenings. Perhaps not as fast as some other lines, but certainly within reason. Again, personnel were very friendly and efficient. Entertainment was good to very good. It was a cross section that should please most people. The theater was very nice, however, for tall or large people, greater legroom would be desirable. The main aisle with more legroom always was the first to fill and generally by 25 minutes before the shows. All other areas were very nice and believe pleasing to most people. Activities throughout the ship were well attended and something seemed to be going on at all times. Typically, they had many tours at each port. And I heard of no complaints and those I spoke with enjoyed the tours. Pretty much typical tours you will find on all ships. Upon our return to Tampa, the ship encountered heavy fog just before entering Tampa Bay. The Port Authority refused access which delayed our getting off the ship from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and finally to 4 p.m. The ship's staff promptly announced the problem, kept everyone up to date on the progress during the entire delay. Furthermore, they called arranging for flights and even overnight accommodations and picked up any additional costs. In addition, they opened the stores, casino and provided a very nice lunch and rum punches. When we did leave the ship, we were off and out of Customs by 4:30. Again, the staff was excellent and I heard or observed no one that was upset by the ship's actions. Yes, people were concerned about missing connections, but none was directed towards the ship. They get an "A" for their actions. Overall, we enjoyed the cruise. In fact, we just booked our next cruise yesterday on NCL. This was our first cruise with NCL and look forward to many more. And, no we are not in any way affiliated with NCL.