Adventures from the Sea

Item: Norwegian Dawn
Rating: 4.3
Author: Sirena86

Norwegian Dawn Cruise Review to Europe - Northern Europe

Sirena86

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 3

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

Verified Review

10 Night Europe: France Germany Belgium & Sweden (Oslo To Southampton)

Sail date: June 16, 2024

Ship: Norwegian Dawn

Cabin number: 4092

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 days ago

Review summary

I really enjoyed visiting this part of Europe and appreciated not having to worry about what I was going to eat or where I was going to stay. It's a great way to get a taste of different countries and having the comfort of yummy food on the ship and also wonderful shows after your trip into town. I love traveling with NCL and look forward to going on future cruises with them!

Embarkation

4 out of 5

It mostly went well except the cards were not working when we tried to use them and get on the boat after registration. There was an issue with their system but they resolved it within 20 minutes.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

There was a great variety of food. We are vegetarian and had plenty of choices. They had some non dairy milk but you had to ask for it. I will say they use a ton of oil whenever they make omelettes for you or cook up pasta, so I imagine their cooking practice they add a lot of it. Their Indian food was delicious!! That was mostly what I ate. As someone trying to eat healthy there weren't a ton of options for breakfast (mostly pastries, sausage, biscuits, normal breakfastfoods) but I was on vacation so I let myself have a bit of treats! As for drinks they had a great martinini (more like cocktails in martini glass) class and mojito class. Very tasty!

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

I enjoy karaoke and some of their themed nights were nice but I didn't go to them as much. Their 80s dance night while I was there a lot of the music was more rock and not so much dancy so I left. I also enjoy hot tubs and several of the days there their hot tubs were lukewarm (which was tough especially when in Norther Europe as winds were cold). I enjoyed their martini and mojito class. I will say it looks like a lot of their activities are mostly to just try to get you to spend more money or sell you something. I went to a posture seminar to find it I was the only one that attended and it was just to sell me some shoe thing not actually teach me about how to improve my posture on my own or a class about it.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

I LOVED listening to their Tropical Beats band. I love Latin music (I am also Venezuelan so it is dear to my heart) and they played great classics. I had lots of fun dancing. Their musicians were wonderful and talented. Their shows at night were also really well done- especially the acrobats and the magicians were fun to watch. Glen McNamara also had a beautiful voice. The Elements show was fantastically done! It was reminisicent of a Cirque du Soleil show. As a performer and dancer I appreciated the way it was all put together as well. I enjoy karaoke and some of their themed nights were nice but I didn't go to them as much. Their 80s dance night while I was there a lot of the music was more rock and not so much dancy so I left. I also enjoy hot tubs and several of the days there their hot tubs were lukewarm (which was tough especially when in Norther Europe as winds were cold). All in all I enjoyed the activities and LOVED having a show each night!!

Children's Programs

I do not have children

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Everyone was so friendly, they greeted you, they talked to you and were personable. I am so appreciative of all of the staff there. I also love that at the end of the cruise and the beginning all of the staff and service are recognized. It's like a little family and really adds to the experience.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Everything was well maintained and clean. I am glad they have their washy washy person to tell you to wash your hands when you eat! (I washed mine twice, before and after going through the buffet to be safe)

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

LOVED it! We got a great deal on a balcony cabin which was a huge step up from our tiny one last year (but even that one we liked). It was amazing seeing the sunset from there. Bed was comfy too!

Ship tip

If you are okay with exploring cities on your own I would do that. We did not do any of their excursions and had a great time walking around, going at our own pace, and saved money. Just do research beforehand. Also, if you need wifi check with your phone provider. It's super expensive on the ship. Also also, don't be deceived by "Paris" and look at the Port instead of "close" city. I really wanted to see Paris but found out it would almost be 6 hours traveling and just like 4 hours in Paris... we decided to stay in Le Havre which was okay and I learned some history.

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