While the overall rating averages to 3.3, I would have rated it overall as a 2-3. My least favorite cruise to date.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
We signed up for 12noon embarkation. The doors were not open. The line formed and went down the street. We were outside for more than an hour before making it into the building which was warm, not air conditioned. They added large fans, but they were insufficient.
This is the second Norwegian cruise where we stood in line outside. The previous was out of Miami and we were in 80-90 degree weather with no shade in a black pavement parking lot for several hours. There was no access to water or shade.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We generally went to the buffet and it was good. Not spectacular, but not poor.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Most Cruise Staff activities started later than scheduled.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Nothing overly special comes to mind. Except "Juicy J" in the buffet dining room. She was the bright spot in each day!
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Clean ship and the public restrooms were mostly clean. The casino was nasty - nothing done to offset the smoking. Other cruises have "non-smoking" night. This cruise did not. There is only one pool and along one side, is a designated smoking area. This is also right outside the buffet. Again, nasty - smokers converged here, understandably. It was always pretty well populated.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Nothing special about it. We've previously traveled on Royal, Holland, Princess ... all have much nicer staterooms and better television and movie choices. Norwegian charges for everything - movies in the room are $10 each. Ridiculous!
Vendors are all over the guests trying to sell their goods. We did not take an excursion due to the violence prevalent in Mexico. This port was especially bad with the vendors.
I have been on the Dawn 3 times and I can't complain (I am not a smoker). The buffet is inside but people do chose to eat outside near the pool where smoking is allowed in certain areas. Cruise this ship out of Boston to Bermuda and never had any issues getting on or off. It is one of their older ships, 2001 I believe. I like that it's smaller and easier to get around. I have been on the Getaway and that was great too. Going on the Escape this year. The Dawn in my opinion is a great smaller ship.
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