Definitely an experience

Item: Norwegian Dawn
Rating: 3.7
Author: Nopehuh

Norwegian Dawn Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Nopehuh

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 51

Overall rating:

3.7 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 12, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Dawn

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 4616

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

We liked the experience, but it was more trouble than fun or relaxing and not worth the cost. Save a few dollars and go to a resort in Orlando instead.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

The embarkation was very confusing as this was our first cruise and we didn't know we couldn't go straight to our staterooms so we each had a bully carry-on and our important documents, wandering aimlessly and confused

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Many long lines for food at the buffet which was better food than a couple of the restaurants. Food was pretty good though.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

The pool was a little small and very cold. The children's t rex pool was small.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Performers and shows were the best part!!

Children's Programs

4 out of 5

They didn't like that they had to be separated when they don't really know anyone else and they're shy.

Service and Staff

2 out of 5

There were very few exceptional staff on this cruise. OrO room steward, Michael, was the best! He was so nice and endearing! My mom was sick the second day and he checked on her and also asked me the next day how she was! I wish all of the staff would have been like he was, however, it was almost opposite for other staff members. At Sheehan's, the waitress took our order for appetizers, snatched the menus from our hands and after an hour and half, never came back to refill our waters, ask if we were ok or anything. After 45 minutes of waiting for her to come back with no success, I reported this to the bartender, who only went back to talk to the waitress. After another 30 minutes, we walked out. Also, at the bamboo restaurant, the hostest took our cabin number and told us to return in one hour, so we did. She told us there were still no available tables, yet we could see the restaurant was almost empty, but we sat and waited. The hostess then sat several other people who just walked up but did not have a reservation. We waited for almost 2 hours very patient before I went to speak to a manager, then, as timing would have it, we magically got seated. Also the staff were not as helpful as they could have been. They would point instead of showing. For first time cruisers it was very confusing and overwhelming and a lot of staff seemed annoyed by questions.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

It was surprising how clean they were able to keep the ship.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

The beds were really comfy. People always complain about the rooms being small but our room was great