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Norwegian Cruise Line

MS Norwegian Dawn

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Denny Zollweg
# previous cruises: 1
Date of Trip: December 21, 2002
Itinerary: Western Caribbean

This was the inaugural cruise of the Dawn and things went very well--better than we expected--the crew was great and friendly--the ship is spectacular to see and explore--the food was "fine dining" quality--the only minor "hitches" were a lengthy and somewhat disorganized embarkation at start of cruise and slight serving problems at the Bamboo and Salsa restaurants (all of these problems were due to staff inexperience because of the inaugural cruise).

The overall public areas are excellent--I felt like I was surrounded by luxury that only a King would know--there are decorating and design touches everywhere that will astound you--the walk-around promenade has wall paintings along its entire way with signs to tell you what part of the ship is behind each door--pool area has a stadium tiered area with lounge chairs--nice touch--there are 4 hot tubs in pool area and an indoor pool and hot tub.

As far as I know, there is no other restaurant in the WORLD where you can eat surrounded by $20 million dollars worth of art from 4 master painters--the Dawn has this in Le Bistro restaurant ($12.50 upcharge)--the food is great and the ambiance in the "normal" restaurants is world-class--some restaurants take reservations and some do not--you will love the "free style" cruising because you can eat whenever you want and do not have to share a table with anyone--there was a buffet line at the Garden Cafe which was very good and also a daily pool side buffet.

Excellent cabins--German design and engineering throughout--4 people (if necessary) can get ready at once-one in toilet, one in shower, one at sink, and one using hair dryer and mirror in cabin, and all the people in the bathroom are closed off from each other by sliding glass doors--shower was very large--closets and drawers were very adequate--safe in room--a movable sign outside the room to display "do not disturb", etc

The entertainment was better than excellent--especially the Jean Ann Ryan performers--this group puts on 3 different Broadway caliber shows that are NOT TO BE MISSED--their singing and dancing abilities are exactly what I have experienced at more than a dozen Broadway plays--seeing this group perform is worth booking a cruise on the Dawn.

There is babysitting, teen activities, large workout room, massage spa, 3 pools and lots of off the boat excursions--they were all above average.

The passengers were mixed--lots of families because it was a Christmas cruise--but also many young couples and older people as well--it was a good blend of many age groups and for the most part they were people "who knew how to behave".