I Adore the NCL Dawn & Crew

Norwegian Dawn Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Nolabucket

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 12

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 16, 2017

Ship: Norwegian Dawn

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8032

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

The Dawn is home to the Wine Cellars, my favorite spot on the ship! Ricardo and Diana run an excellent show in the wine bar complete with three different tastings available. I am always surprised how much I learn while attending - even though I just did this exact cruise three weeks prior. The onboard activities are so fun, complete with Canvas-By-U classes available. The crew knows you by name and because I was a solo traveler the attention I received was phenomenal. The Dawn is being replaced by the Pearl in my New Orleans port, but my heart will stay with the Dawn because of the incredible memories I created there. This is one ship that will capture your heart, book a cruise on it and regret nothing. All aboard!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

The Venetian and their staff are phenomenal. All of the specialty dining options are A+++ - Cagney's and Le Bistro are simply not to be missed, SO good.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Canvas-by-U is offered twice during the 7 day cruise as well as 3 separate wine tastings. Word search challenges and trivia are super fun as well!

Entertainment

5 out of 5

The shows are top notch.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Brian in the coffee bar is always smiling, Ricardo and Diane in the Wine Cellars will make your trip unforgettable. JoAnne in O'Sheehans Pub will always make sure your food arrives warm and Dante my steward gave me amazing service including hand written notes!

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Dante was my steward extraordinaire. Hands down, the service on NCL is amazing.

Ship tip

This ship is an excellent size if you are dipping your toes into cruising for the first time. A perfect environment at sea that will live in your memory long after you are back on dry ground. The ship will surely give you the 'cruise fever', you will be booking your next the minute you get home.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

3 out of 5

Harvest Caye, Belize

3 out of 5

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

3 out of 5

5 Comments

Nolabucket 7 years ago

The LGBT meet ups where so much fun! Met a great cruise family there. It's a shame people only use it as a hallway, I noticed that as well. I found it to be one of the most welcoming parts of the ship;)

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paf910 7 years ago

we've been on the Dawn several times since we too are local and always had a great time. I agree about Wine Cellar..always empty when we stopped by. We are booked on the Pearl Nov. 10th for 9 day cruise. Hope we like it as much as the Dawn

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Seasearcher 7 years ago

We only used it as a hallway, on our last cruise. I wish they didn't waste their money.

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Seasearcher 7 years ago

But that new wine place seemed like a bad move. Nobody was ever there and it was often used privately for LGBT folks when it was busy.

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Seasearcher 7 years ago

I wish many others felt like you do about the Wine Cellar. I, like so many others, miss Pearly King Pub! Such a cozy feeling! Small pub, great bartenders, karaoke worked out better in there and more of a sporty feel than O'Sheehan's. A big loss to us since we have gone more than once before and that was a favored hang out. My husband doesn't drink wine at all and I already know a lot about wine. That being said, we still love the Dawn....the entertainment, the food, the games, looking out on the ocean, the fantastic staff, BERMUDA, lounging in chairs in the hot sun for a tan, hot tubs, (pool can get too crowded), ice cream bar, naps, casual atmosphere, not caring about time......

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