The Cruise That Almost Wasn't

Norwegian Dawn Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Georgekanab

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 8

Helpful Votes: 111

Overall rating:

4.7 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 03, 2022

Ship: Norwegian Dawn

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 11060

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

Here's why it was almost the cruise that wasn't. NCL did our flights (Never Again). When we got into Houston our flight was canceled. When we called NCL for help we were told we were on our own and we might ask United to fly us into the first port, which was a third of the way through the cruise, even though it was about 24 hours before the sailing. NCL provided no help. We rented a car and drove 1,000 miles over night to make the cruise. After we got to Tampa and got on the ship it was awesome. Super staff and great shore excursions; made for a great time. Now back to the flight department. As we were returning to Tampa, I went to check our party in for the flights. Even though NCL said we all had flights, in fact they hadn't booked flights for one of our people. I called our Concierge about the issue, and he said he'd get it fixed. Which he did as best he could. We all three were at least on the same flight but we didn't set together. Never again will we allow NCL to handle our travel.

Embarkation

2 out of 5

We were in the Haven so super-fast boarding. The people on shore except for the Haven staff acted like they didn't know what they were doing. One person would tell you one thing and someone else that wasn't involved would start yelling from a ways a way. After you had to explain to them what you were told to do, they would tell you do what you were already doing. the port people need to be retrained.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Everyone we met was Awesome

Sugarcane Mojito Bar

5 out of 5

Not a big fan of Mojito's but I tried one of their Mojito's the first day and I was hooked. Really awesome drinks!!!

Teppanyaki

2 out of 5

First time we ate at Teppanyaki's was on our very first cruise 14 years ago. Not what we remembered from back then. Our cook wasn't that good at the show part. Some food was cooked ok and other was way over cooked. Noise level was crazy. None of the tables were doing anything at the same time. Because of this it was impossible to hear what the cook was saying. We're going on our next tour in 20 days and canceled our reservations for Teppanyaki's then.

O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill

5 out of 5

Food and staff were excellent. We ate most of our meals here or from here. Our butler got food from here for use when we spent all day on shore.

Los Lobos

5 out of 5

This place was so much fun. Very good Mexican food. Servers seemed a little over their head on waiting on people even though not many people were there. I figure they were new staff

Cagney's Steakhouse

5 out of 5

Food and service is the best that we've seen in a long time. Really a great meal.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Lots of different things to do.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Cast did their best but not up to normal standards that I've seen before. Even got to see a fight in the main theater that started in the row in front of us.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Everyone was great including our butler. He was the best we've ever had. He had lots of ideas and surprises.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Great 2 bedroom. Lots of room.