value for the money

Norwegian Dawn Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 35

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Dawn

7 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 01, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Dawn

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9132

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

My sister and I booked a discounted NCL cruise out of NOLA to Mexico, Belize and Honduras for 7 days on the Dawn.  It was an excellent value for the price paid.  The food was excellent and the service of the staff was excellent.  However the room and ship appeared a bit shabby.  We were told that the ship was going into drydock within the month for renovations that were needed.  The shops on the ship were grossly overpriced and some of the personnel in them seemed like carnival hawkers, far different than the staff who were worth every penny of the predetermined service fee..  I would greatly suggest the formal dining room, The Venetian, for all meals as they were superb and the service was great.  Entertainment varied with those "partying hardy" and more quiet venues. Jose and Patti were an excellent musical duo that should be enjoyed by most.  I had not cruised for years and was very surprised by the good service.provided. Also we booked two excursions thru NCL; a dolphin encounter in Cozumel and a Belize River Trip.  Boith were very good. Also to me a balcony is now a must have. Was not happy about no internet without paying a fortune.  Should be available for free  in this day and age.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
Outdated but kept clean. A bit shabby. Balcony needed to be repainted and outside glass cleaned. Internet fees are ridiculously expensive and the shops

Ship tip

As many meals as possible in the Venetian Dining Room. Excellent food and service for the price. Shops are crazy overpriced.

Ports of call

New Orleans, Louisiana

5 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

3 out of 5

Belize City, Belize

5 out of 5

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

3 out of 5
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6 Comments

Gwbigdog    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise.

bking51    8 years ago

Just looked at all the work being done in Dry Dock and will be new for us in Jan. Just went Ocean Pearl in Alaska and drydocked last year. Looks like new!

bbeever    8 years ago

If the Dawn is anything like the Jade then you will love the aft suite. We were on the Jade in March & had an aft suite & loved it!!! We enjoyed being spoiled. Enjoyed it so much, in fact, that we booked the aft suite on the Dawn for April 2017. The suites are worth the extra cost because of the perks you get!!

snowstorm    8 years ago

We are sailing out of NOLA in December and looking forward to an updated ship as we treated ourselves to an aft penthouse suite. It is going to be our first and probably last fancy upgrade.

jans15    8 years ago

I was on it May 1. Excellent...it is ready for s makeover

gailwhodat    8 years ago

Took the same cruise this past Xmas. It was amazing. Not sure if it was because it came out of nola or just the ship. Best cruise ever

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