Our 20th anniversary trip was amazing. We very much enjoyed the thermal spa package and VIP treatment. We will definitely be sailing with NCL again. Our only problem is always before we sail. The NCL agent we had was terrible. Thankfully a supervisor stepped in and fixed EVERYTHING! For this reason, I will not reveal our NCL agents name but we will book differently next time.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
The roads leading to the terminal is not adequate for drop off. The police officers are not there to help. we actually had an altercation with one but my husband being former police fixed his issue. It was better organized for pick up after the cruise. The terminal is rather difficult for the amount of senior citizens with disabilities that were on this boarding. The check in was process was fine the security was a mess because the elder passengers were not prepared to go through. Which NCL or security should prepare them for better.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We did specialty restaurants all 11 nights and all the venues were great. Standing out where Cagney's, Le Bistro , La Cucina the wait staff were very experienced, professional, friendly and courteous.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The Oasis pool area never seemed over crowded like on other cruise lines we have cruised and we always found chairs. We had the Spa package which we LOVED because we enjoy the exclusivity. The fitness center was very nice and well maintained. There were many activities for different ages and levels of fun. The atrium is a nice place to be when the entertainment isn't too loud.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
The Elements show is A MUST SEE! Amazing! 5 stars
While the Asian couple were exceptional even on Beatles night. The guitar guy was not for us. Piano man was sometimes too loud for Gatsby's small area. Juggler was eh we did not see the magic show but we did see the magician during the Element show. He was very good.
Children's Programs
no children
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
We interact with staff A LOT!!! Maybe because I work for a charter company. That said I can't say a bad thing about The Dawn staff that I interacted with and I have so much appreciation for them making our time on this ship Excellent! From Rosa our room Steward to Omar our concierge (who I didn't get to thank until we were leaving). General Manager Tony Winkler welcomed us with some delicious chocolate covered strawberries and champagne. Many Thanks Tony you rocked our 20th anniversary! We really did feel like a VIP. The Captain was very nice to meet, I missed getting a pic. Emilio in the restaurants was very courteous. I believe he supervised the wait staff.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
This ship was so clean EVERYDAY all we saw were crew keeping up the rails and paint, cleaning and replacing things that didn't look good anymore. Lay out: I understand that the lay out is not perfect for some people but we were fine with it. If you have mobility issues some floors may NOT be good for you to stay on. Consult an agent. Example the 8th floor is very zig zagged.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
We need a dark room to sleep and this was great for us but if motion is an issue consider mid ship. Love the shower in this room it was largest we have had in 9 different ships we have been on for an inside room. I loved the layout of this room. Plenty of hangers and storage.
Ship tip
Nothing in life is perfect. Be kind to the staff, they are working hard and long hours for you. Weather, port changes motion sickness happen that is just what it is. Make those lemons lemonade.
We really enjoyed St. Thomas . We paid $7 per person/each/each way to get to Emerald Beach. We have our own snorkeling gear and enjoyed a few hours of splashing around.
Very nice we went walking around but did not do excursion. Note: some of the excursions ( was told by passengers) were said to be level 3 and it was too much for some.
This was my favorite port because I have never been to Puerto Rico as a tourist and I finally went to the forts. We walked to the forts entry was $10 each for both forts. Walking to El Moro took about 25 minutes and it is up-hill.
Nice to hear your review as we are going on the Dawn in July!
We are also going to San Juan in March, also our first time...
Hoping it's ok after all the horrible earthquakes
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