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Norwegian Cruise Line

MS Norwegian Dawn

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Reviewed by: Pauline Laliberte
# previous cruises: 2
Date of Trip: August 18, 2003
Itinerary: Bahamas

This was our second cruise on Norwegian Cruise Lines. We were not only impressed with the sheer size of the Dawn, but the friendliness of the staff, quality (and quantity) of food, security measures taken, entertainment provided on-board, and of the stunning suite we enjoyed, made this a cruise that we will always remember. As we arrived in Nassau very early one morning (the ship seemed to be incredibly accurate in arrival times) the sunrise viewed from our balcony was breathtaking. That's what a vacation should be...we felt pampered, protected and prompted to enjoy ourselves.

I do need to add that, unlike our first cruise to Bermuda, this cruise had so much available for kids that we barely saw them! My husband is a schoolteacher, and we considered the cruise a little vacation before he went back to work. There were so many on-board activities for the wee ones that we barely saw them at all, unlike our cruise to Bermuda where we found 8-12 year old kids on every elevator, in every corner, in every pool and restaurant, unsupervised! I was so impressed with the areas provided for kids that I am planning to cruise with my grandchildren next year so they can enjoy the experience.

Once we became accustomed to the sheer size of the ship, we found ourselves drawn to the Promenade Deck (#7) to enjoy a long, leisurely walk around the entire ship. We also loved the luxurious feel of the theater, and when we weren't off the ship enjoying all the excursions available, we found ourselves sitting in the library enjoying a host of books that were available to us. We also spent a lot of time simply "vegging out" near the pool. In order to fully appreciate all the public areas, you would need to spend a lot more than seven days on board! Our next cruise is going to be much longer...oh, and my computer-geek husband never once even opened his laptop. Now that's a compliment!

The main buffet on deck #12 had the same fare each morning that was more than sufficient in fresh fruits, waffle and omelet stations, the usual breakfast fare. The coffee was more than uncomfortable to drink ... my husband and I found it to be much too strong, but the offerings also included teas (every imaginable kind), juices and milk. We especially enjoyed the luncheon fare of sandwiches (and, of course all the other usual luncheon fare available either in the buffet or in the many restaurants onboard), and for three evenings we decided to enjoy the main buffet in lieu of restaurants. Each night was a pleasure. The Venetian Restaurant was absolutely our favorite restaurant on board, however.

No matter where we chose to eat, the staff was beyond helpful. It takes a special kind of person to deal with public day in and day out, week in week out. We saw people who complained, even when there was nothing to complain about! Norwegian seems to have tapped a reservoir of excellent, patient staff members.

Our cabin was beautiful. It took awhile to understand the coffee pot, however, and we found the room lacking in electrical outlets that were compatible to laptops that are so much a part of our lives. The balcony was private and isolated. We could not hear any residual "neighbor noise" at all during the evenings, which was a relief. The only drawback was the lack of dresser drawers. .

We attended four evenings' worth of entertainment on our cruise, and we enjoyed five movies (all current and enjoyable). Of all the live shows, the most riveting and fun was the cruise staff's performance. Again, the cruise director was fetching...and entertaining.

The itinerary seemed comfortable on paper, however I don't understand why we could not stay in Nassau a bit longer to forego the overnight "wandering" before arriving at the private island for an afternoon of cramped "fun" on a tiny beach. Nassau had so much more to offer! Many of us chose to return to the ship and sit by the pools to enjoy the sun. The private island seemed to have very little play room for 2000+ of us, and of course the usual locals selling trinkets. I'd skip that part next time, unless the private beach became more private. The Caribbean waters were astounding..why would anyone want to go to a health club when they could simply soak up Mother Nature's dose of vitamin C, snorkel with her stingrays, swim with her dolphins, and let stress seep out pores while relaxing at the Blue Lagoon on one of the many hammocks????? Mother Nature had this whole "healthy living" thing down pat way before there was a monthly fee attached to exercising!

We didn't find too many passengers as personable or likeable as the staff was. I'd invite the staff to my home first! We did make a few friends, however my husband spent most of his time enjoying the peace and quiet that comes from being away from the stress of teaching a roomful of children all day, and me from dealing with divorcing spouses all day. On the Dawn, you could certainly chose to relax in an area that was not your stateroom, and still feel as if you're the only person around!