First Curise

Norwegian Dawn Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 39

Overall rating:

5 out of 5
Norwegian Dawn

7 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 17, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Dawn

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10600

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

As this was my first cruise I read many reviews and was starting to rethink NCL. Don't believe all the critics out there. From our first moments on the ship we were treated great (please and thank you's go along way with staff) our housekeeper (Beverly) took excellent care of our cabin all the staff we met tried hard to please. Some people just can't be happy. We smoke and contrary to other complaints we could only smoke in designated areas deck 7 the casino the cigar bar and one side of deck 12. I heard many complaints of walking thru deck 12 of the smoking from non smokers, IDEA use the other exits or entrances. The food was great dining can be a little cramped but it was still excellent. I wish some parents had kept a better eye on their teens, we ran into some very foul mouthed teens while walking the deck who directed rude comments at us. I love the curfew makes parents accountable. We had such an excellent time we are already planing our next cruise. Disembarkation was disorganized but that was passenger fault not crew. The captain and crew kept us informed of what was happening every step of the way. We arrived late because of river traffic but the crew did it's best to keep disembarkation  flowing smoothly passengers became aggravated and impatient trying to leave before we were cleared from the port inspection.  Like any vacation you make it what it is and we loved it if you expect perfection then you'll never have a relaxing vacation because every vacation has it's up's and down's.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
We ate at all but 3 restaurants and enjoyed all the food, the meal package was well worth it

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5
we only watched one show but it was good

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
The staff was amazing some were very friendly while others were quiet but did their jobs efficiently my only complaint was watching workers get berated in front of passengers for minor problems, NCL should handle that away from the public

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
beautiful ship and well maintained by staff

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Beverly was amazing I can't say enough good things about her. Very clean

Ship tip

The Dawn is a smaller ship which was perfect only tendered in to Belize we were able to dock at all the other ports making it easy to get on and off the ship.

Ports of call

New Orleans, Louisiana

5 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

5 out of 5
don't complain its a poor country but so beautiful

Belize City, Belize

5 out of 5

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

1 out of 5
keep to the port here it is a dirty city but beautiful port

Traveler Photos

Cabin
Was this review helpful? 39

10 Comments

txcardinalmom    8 years ago

Johngold    8 years ago

Booked on the Dawn for 2017 to Bermuda--again. Looking forward to it.

lbdomcik    8 years ago

Couldn't have said it better myself. So tired of people complaining about every little thing. Booked for 4th cruise in September with Norwegian.

colleen777    8 years ago

We cruised on our first NCL in August to Alaska on the Jewel.....had the most amazing time when we got home 5 days later booked this cruise on the Dawn....we can't wait! Two more weeks.

ews954210    8 years ago

We have been on 7 cruises and are booked in September to Canada. This is our second cruise with NCL and our first was wth the Jewel. We had a great time to the western Carribiean. We have cruised Carnival, Celebrity, Princess and NCL. They all have their own pros and cons. I agree with ABJH, your vacation is what you make of it. If you are rude, people will be rude back.

bloomfield    8 years ago

Been on 6 cruises only way to travel for me

jeffry    8 years ago

We went on our 1st cruise ever on NCL Dawn from New Orleans last Dec. Great time!!.., great meals, great staff and balcony room. I would have been content to not leave the ship. Booked another NCL cruise on the Spirit out of Port Canaveral in April. we're hooked!

Nadaboo    8 years ago

Thank u!!!! I needed to hear this!!! 7 days until i sail away on my 1st cruise

babygrljaz    8 years ago

LoL on the smoking complaints. I'm not a smoker & yes too many complaints. even on top deck the smoke doesn't get to "non smoking" areas just walk around lazy peeps

budhakitty    8 years ago

We love NCL! We have two NCL cruises booked for 2016!

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