Impressions on returning to cruising on NCL

Item: Norwegian Dawn
Rating: 2.4
Author: Traveller1970

Norwegian Dawn Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

Traveller1970

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 48

Overall rating:

2.4 out of 5

Verified Review

11 Night Southern Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 09, 2022

Ship: Norwegian Dawn

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9602

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

For first cruise after the pandemic we found it disappointing. NCL asks we book dining prior to cruise. We did and booked 7:30pm so we could catch the 9:30 show. Due to COVID they are only doing 1 show each night at 8pm. Had the NCL website informed us there would only be one show and the time, we'd have chosen a different time. They knew so they should inform their passengers in advanced. We spent time rearranging all the dinner reservations which took time. The entertainment was disappointing as we loved to listen to music and have drinks before dinner and after the evening main show. The piano player, Robert, was horrible. Mostly improvised rather than playing familiar songs for the age group nor was he willing to take requests. I requested "New York, New York", Oh What a Beautiful Morning" or "PianoMan". He knew none of them. He was the worst but the others not much better. We spoke with some of the waiters in the bars and they said sales...and tips....were down since the music was so bad. The WiFi worked so much better than prior cruises so that was a positive. Overall, not the vacation we were hoping for but we've got a Viking Ocean cruise in April and are anticipating a better experience.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Covid testing and getting on ship well organized.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Main dining rooms still great but main dining rooms and buffets were a hit or miss.

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5

By far the worst musicians performing in the bars and Atrium than we've ever had on over 17 NCL cruises. A major disappointment and bar waiters aware that passengers not staying for second drink since the performers aren't engaging audience nor are they able to take requests.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Ship Quality

2 out of 5

Dated and not being as well maintained.

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5

Took over 3 hours to get toilet repaired on our first day. Linens need to be replaced as very worn and threads coming out of seams on sheets and towels.