New Orleans to Mexico/Belize/Honduras 3/8-3/15, 2015

Norwegian Dawn Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 47

Overall rating:

3 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Dawn

7 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 08, 2015

Ship: Norwegian Dawn

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8032

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

I really wanted to rate the cruise Very Good, since NCL staff does a very nice job of running the cruise.   The servers and the stewards, the entertainment, and all others work very hard and it shows.  

But there were a few surrounding things that made the trip unpleasant, but didn't ruin it, just made it un-fun at times.  

Such as, the booking.   NCL plays games with providing promotional items to get you to book the cruise, then doesn't offer the same promotions to people that probably paid more for an earlier booking.   I had booked 6 months prior to the cruise and wasn't offered any further promotional opportunities, yet as late as the week before the cruise other people were getting on board with free drink or meal promotions.  Terrible unfair practice.

And the end of the cruise financial administration is very unorganized and disappointing.    I saked up front if I could split the final bill on two credit cards, they said no problem.   And untimately that did happen.   But not without large holds being placed on both cards, rendering them useless for a week following the cruise.   Heres an example.    They charged $560 to one credit card, yet they also held an additional $560 on the same card for one more week.   Tying up $1120 on that card.   Which caused me undo problems. 

These things caused a nice vacation to be a little sour. 

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Amazing chefs. Quality of food is always good.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
Lots of options.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Interesting shows with a good variety.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5
No opinion

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Overall all the staff seem happy and it shows in their work.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
NCL ships are always immaculate.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
The stewards are very kind and helpful and always making sure I am comfortable.

Ship tip

Balcony rooms offer a nice extra space to provide some roominess. This cruise had a lot of spring breakers onbaord, which caused the pool area to be crowded. There is a pool in the spa to use (for a fee) that is much more convenient. Also another hot tub on 13 that is away from the crowds.

Ports of call

New Orleans, Louisiana

5 out of 5
Wonderful port. Interesting trip through the river to the ocean. Loved it!

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5
Shopping was terrific here!

Belize City, Belize

5 out of 5
Lovely destination, but the tenders take up some of the time touring around.

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

5 out of 5
Add a tip. What was your favorite thing to do here?

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

5 out of 5
Nice quick stop for a few last minute shops, but the beach and/or bar area make for a good place to relax off ship.
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