Really Nice Ship: A Little Small

Norwegian Dawn Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 5
Helpful Votes: 122

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Norwegian Dawn

7 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 28, 2014

Ship: Norwegian Dawn

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

This is a really nice ship that has a lot of really good benefits. Because it is a medium sized ship, the crew really gets to know you, and there are not always big lines for most things. However, on the flip side, there is little onboard that makes this ship stand out. Unlike NCL's new ships, there is no water slide, ropes course, etc. Regardless, the ship is really nice, and the highlights of it were the large balcony and the atrium. The low points would include the show Elements, that the cruise line so highly promotes, because it just seemed really underwhelming. Additionally, the buffet is a little strange in the layout of it. Even with these downfalls of the ship itself, we had an amazing cruise because the crew was fantastic, the ports of call were amazing, and an overall really nice ship! For more information on the ship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG19F6XOQz0

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
One of the highlights for us on this cruise were the game-show events that were put on in the evenings every night after the main show in the theater. These events were really relaxing and fun in the lounge!

Entertainment

5 out of 5
The shows most nights were really good. The only one that was a little underwhelming was Elements. Additionally, the magic show was not a huge draw either.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5
It was very clean, but the ship is getting to be on the older side, so some of the layout aspects are just becoming weird.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
The balcony was really big and nice, and the room was an OK side. The bathroom has an odd layout though, as the toilet, sink and shower were each broken into little stalls that made it feel smaller and more crowded.

Ship tip

We never had an issue with getting pool chairs, which is an issue you have on larger ships. Note though, that because it is not a larger ship, you have fewer dining (both free and paid) options.

Ports of call

New Orleans, Louisiana

5 out of 5
It was cool cruising the Mississippi River on the first night and passing the entire city on the way out! Also, we took a tour of the city on the day we came back for a few hours. Here were the highlights!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBbAVqfv3cI

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5
We went to a beach resort for the day. It was a great experience even though the food was pretty bad. They did have nice water slides, pools, beaches and a lot of great activities available for us to use on the water (such as kayaking and mini-sailboats.

Belize City, Belize

5 out of 5
While the port here is a little bland (although you can walk around it for a little while), you are probably going to want to see more of the city. If so, take the train tour because it really gives you a quick and good idea of what Belize is about. Also, they give you some plantain chips to eat! Take a look!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8XZPP9MzYM

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

3 out of 5
We did a snorkeling trip that was alright, but probably not worth doing again. The port itself is really small though and there is not a whole lot to do.

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

5 out of 5
We had an amazing day here. The port itself is really nice if you want to go and just walk around. However, we went on a trip to Mayan Ruins that was really fantastic! Take a look at the details! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9iQX5H9PmA

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