First Time Cruiser

Item: Norwegian Dawn
Rating: 5
Author: Cruiser655

Norwegian Dawn Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruiser655

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 36

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 10, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Dawn

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 4550

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

The Norwegian Dawn was amazing. I saw reviews before leaving of people saying the ship was dated but I didn't find that to be true. The process of arrival and departure were very organized and swift. We had two tender days and two dock days. The tender process was very well planned and ran smoothly, as did the dock days. Each time we came back to the ship there were cold drinks and towels awaiting us. The staff on this ship is the most accommodating crew of people I have ever experienced. They were very friendly and attentive. Most crew members even remembered your name after meeting you which amazed me since there were over 2000 passengers. We were informed that the boat is being dry docked next month for a total renovation so I am excited to see the changes that are made.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

The Dawn singers and dancers were very talented. The stamina they have is amazing.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Cruise Director Richard was born for that job. He is everywhere on the ship and I often wondered if he ever slept.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Cabin was kept impeccably clean, it was like being a kid again and having your mother pick up after you. I especially enjoyed the towel creations every evening. It was a highlight of my day to come back and see what had been made for me.

Ship tip

I liked the fact that the ship was smaller, it hold approx 2000 passengers. My favorite is the Freestyle program that Norwegian offers. You can dine anytime you want and don't have to be on a schedule. It is vacation and I don't want to be on schedules.

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Ports of call

New Orleans, Louisiana

1 out of 5

Stay out of French Quarter when sun goes down.

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Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Do all of your shopping here, Best prices by far of all the destinations.

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Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

3 out of 5

Great place to do island tour to show you how fortunate you are. Very sad the state of the people.

Thumbs Up 2

Belize City, Belize

5 out of 5

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

5 out of 5

Take a Chocchoban ruins tour, its the best.

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28 Comments

Gwbigdog 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise.

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redsoxlover95 8 years ago

Headed to bermuda from boston July 1st first cruise ,celebrating our 20 yr anniversary, can't wait

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snshine 8 years ago

Going on dawn july boston 9 time love the dawn

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disciple12 8 years ago

Ha! It's all good.

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disciple12 8 years ago

Ok Thanks. I just read it and it didn't list a refurb. date. If you click on the Dawn, it actually shows the itineraries for 2016, to include our date. You helped keep me.on my toes though 😊

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esm54687 8 years ago

Sorry for misinformation.... this has different dates... http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=521 May 18 - June 16

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esm54687 8 years ago

This is where I read it... http://www.cruisemapper.com/wiki/767-cruise-ship-refurbishment-dry-dock-schedule

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disciple12 8 years ago

I sure hope the Dawn isn't dry docked from may 8-june 3.....we're supposed to be leaving new orleans on May 8 for a 10 day cruise!

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jans15 8 years ago

Hope not either.....😀❤️

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esm54687 8 years ago

Correct.... Dry dock will be May 08 thru June 03...... Hopefully things stay completely operational and open for you and they don't start prepping on the last couple days.....

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jans15 8 years ago

I'll be on it first 8 days of May...so not docked the entire month😎

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esm54687 8 years ago

Can you include the cc link?

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NickandAshley 8 years ago

This review makes me happy! We sailed 4/10 from NOLA and had a blast!! I'm working on my review for shipmate, but my cc review was just published!

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bruiz 8 years ago

Cool!

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esm54687 8 years ago

Oh, on the last sea day.... try to be on an outside deck around dinner time. The Dawn passes through prime whale watching waters (that the Plymouth and Cape Cod boats go to)..... we had an awesome show of humpbacks feeding last year. I see you're going in July and the whales may be gone by then (June is typically the end of spring migration time) but..... worth hanging out for a bit.

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esm54687 8 years ago

Segway Tour was a blast but they take you on the public road so may be too "dangerous" for the 11 yr old. The caves were very interesting, Snorkel Park is a great local beach on the last day, there's a miniature golf place at the Dockyard that we did at sunset one night and it was fun, and we did Wildcat boat tour which was a great time. You can come and go on the ship 24/7

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bruiz 8 years ago

Did you do any excursions?

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bruiz 8 years ago

Awsome!

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esm54687 8 years ago

you're welcome..... and a tip about boarding in Boston.... when you get to Black Falcon Pier, you can drop off luggage, etc with porters and THEN go park your car!! Makes it a so much easier that you don't have to drag your luggage around except your carry on.

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bruiz 8 years ago

Ok... thanks for the info.

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esm54687 8 years ago

That's up to you... I was just distinguishing what beverage package I was answering about. I would bring BOTH water and soda on board with me (see link in previous message)...

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bruiz 8 years ago

So I should purchase the soda package for my son?

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esm54687 8 years ago

Yes, you can bring your own water as long as it is in its original sealed container. Just print out a luggage tag, slap it on the case of water, and drop it off with your luggage. https://www.ncl.com/faq#can-i-bring-my-own-water-or-soda-onboard I'm assuming UBP (you mentioned the 11 yr old and they have a soda package): order a drink up to $15 and give room key (used as a shipboard credit card).... done. Does not include water, Lavazza coffee... https://www.ncl.com/terms/ultimate-beverage-package

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bruiz 8 years ago

We got the drink package.- how does that work and can I bring my own water?

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esm54687 8 years ago

Nervous about? Anything you want to ask to ease your mind.... fire away!

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bruiz 8 years ago

My first cruise and first time going to Bermuda. Going with hubby and my 11 year old son. I am a little nervous.

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Johngold 8 years ago

I will be on the Dawn Next year going from Boston to Bermuda--again.

You are going to love Bermuda

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bruiz 8 years ago

That's good to hear since I am going on the Dawn in July. Our first cruise so I was worried about the reviews. Going to Bermuda from Boston.

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Other reviews of this sailing

Norwegian Dawn Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Good cruise overall.

Awesome Cruise!