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Norwegian Cruise Line

MS Norwegian Dawn

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Tom B.
# previous cruises: 10 to 20
Date of Trip: May 3, 2003
Itinerary: Western Caribbean

This was a 14 day repositioning cruise from Miami to NYC; Miami - sea day - Montego Bay - sea day - Aruba - Curacao - Grenada - Dominica - Tortola - sea day - sea day - Newport R.I. - Martha's Vineyard - NYC

We are a couple in our 40's; live in Long Beach, CA - usually like longer cruises; favorite line Celebrity; enjoy diverse itineraries but don't mind sea days at all.

This was our second time on NCL; the first time was an unimpressive experience on a 12 day cruise to New England and Canada right after 9/11. On that cruise, we had some problems with flight scheduling change fees due to incorrect information from NCL and after much correspondence they issued a $200 credit to be used on a future sailing within a year. Well, we thought we would never use it. However, when we saw the itinerary, price point and the timing of this cruise (we both are tax accountants and need to decompress after April 15) we decided to give NCL another try.

Additionally, after booking I called the NCL customer service department and to their credit they extended the $200 credit so we could use it on board. This came in handy as we used it for on board expenses. It even made us think we could splurge a little - massages, spa treatments, nicer wine, alternative restaurants etc.

Getting there - flight scheduling was kind of inconvenient since we had an open jaw flight and wanted to save on airfare. JetBlue out of Long Beach was our choice of carrier. However, although they now fly non-stop LGB to FLL, we flew the red eye LGB to JFK and then changed planes to go to FLL. After the cruise and a stay in NYC we returned non-stop JFK to LGB. This arrangement saved about $250 per person over the airfare offered by NCL.

After getting to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) we rented a car (one way to Miami) so we could run a few errands and then drive to the pier. We dropped the luggage, We found a great porter who actually looked up our cabin number (we had booked a guarantee) and made sure that the cabin number was on the luggage before it got to the ship. We then dropped the car at the nearby Sheraton and took a cab to get back to the dock to check in.

Check in - was very disorganized to say the least. SARS forms to fill out; they told us to get in the wrong line (that was very long) - I then asked about priority check-in since we were Latitudes members and were directed to a much shorter line - then they told us to bypass the shorter line to go to another area where the employees literally outnumbered the guests - the employees were more busy talking amongst themselves and finally I had to say "excuse me" to get the process started. Well she was new and had trouble logging in to her computer but eventually everything got taken care of and we were off to the ship. All in all about 45 minutes from getting out of the cab to getting on the ship.

I did not expect to be escorted to our cabin but was surprised when someone actually showed us where it was. This was nice. We dropped our carry on's's in the cabin and began to explore the ship....

This is the most beautiful ship I have ever been on.

The lounges are many and attractive. Our favorite became the Pearly Kings Pub for their happy hours specials. All restaurants were very attractive. Stardust Showroom has great sight lines but no where (table or cup holders) to put your drink. Note there is an air conditioning vent behind each seat; my wife would bring a wrap to put over her legs during shows.

Pool area is terrific, especially since its is tiered like a stadium. Everyone could then see the pool from their lounge chair (no pads).

In the non-surcharge restaurants, food was adequate but service slow especially in Aqua and Impressions - the Venetian was a little better. However, the service was fairly unrefined.

Of the surcharge restaurants we found that both the service and food were excellent at Bamboo and Salsa but only fair good at Le Bistro. However, the original artwork (Van Gogh, Mattisse, Monet etc.) at LeBistro is not to be missed.

Buffet was adequate and they did have a nice BBQ at very convenient times around the pool for both lunch and early dinner.

Cabin steward was the best we have ever had. Additionally, our refrigerator went out during the trip - it was replaced within 3 hours. That is pretty good!

Front desk good.

Outside cabin on deck 5, conveniently near elevator with no noise. Also was convenient when getting off the ship.

Cabin well laid out, plenty of storage, safe, refrigerator, coffee maker.

No interactive TV for room service or shore excursion bookings.

Best bathroom of any ship I have ever been on; no friendly shower curtain there is an actual sliding door. Separate water closet area too.

Ladies, hair dryer is in the room and not the bathroom; much more convenient.

Entertainment in the showroom was excellent - production shows very good but a bit repetitive regarding dance and acrobatics. Headliners good - included a variety of acts, singers, comedians, jugglers, magicians, alternative acts.

Lounge entertainment was poor - lot's of electronics with a single musician.

Show band - Larry Lockwood was excellent.

Salsa band and top 40 band were very average to poor.

Spa treatments were great - however there is a big product push at the end. However, when I went for the second massage no product push at all. I guess they figure if they did not but the first time...

Gym was very nice - golf cage and basketball court available.

Ports od Call-
Montego Bay - booked independent horseback ride and party cruise - it was an adventure.

Aruba - took a cab to Eagle Beach; in the evening went on the KooKoo Kunuku Party Bus, we booked direct and saved about $20 per person

Curacao - walked around old section of town - very nice Grenada - walked around town and up the hill to see churches on our own; very agressive vendors here. Bought spices and nice painting.

Dominica - ship shore excursion - 4 wheel drive Wacky Rollers tour - very fun and guide / driver knowledgeable - went to Ti Tou Gorge, unique experience.

Tortola - ship shore excursion - all day sailing to Baths on St. John, very nice day.

St. Thomas - shopping and credit card assault :)!

Newport R.I. - took public bus and did Cliff Walk on our own; walked back via Bellvue Avenue past mansions; Tennis hall of fame is there too.

Martha's Vineyard - rough tender experience - did bus tour purchased onshore $18-20/person - best thing to do since weather was not great.

NYC - stayed for 3 days post cruise at the Waldorf Astoria - it is a great city! Did the open top bus, went to the theatre and walked around Central Park.

Just a note: embarkation was a disaster; many people missed their flights; not enough cabs for people at terminal; if you can walk down to the street and get a cab to pick up the rest of your party.

Everyone goes - saw all age groups and they were friendly. FreeStyle provided flexibility but not dining with the same people prevents a deeper connection with other guests. It makes for multiple "first night" dining experiences.