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Norwegian Cruise Line

MS Norwegian Dawn

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Gary J. Hubbel
# previous cruises: 4
Date of Trip: August 15, 2004
Itinerary: Bahamas

Free style cruising is by far the greatest way to cruise! Second to that, is the size and newness of the ship. We really love large and newer ships. The Dawn fits well in both categories. Leaving from New York was by far, the easiest way to board ship. The extra time at sea allowed a family of four plenty of time to relax and enjoy the many things that were offered by the cruise staff.

Public areas, many! I especially loved the casino! I just love to game. Playing several table games for the majority of the time, and slots some of the time. I really love the hype when the cruise staff would run different contests. Several times I wished I hadn't been so shy and would have gotten involved in a slot play off. The Spinnaker Lounge was fun too. Bingo during the days, and entertainment at night. Dave Heenan is the funniest guy!!

FOOD, many choices! I especially loved the dining rooms. Every dining room on board, (10, I believe)?, all offer great scenery or view of the outside. The interior ambiance is portrayed and quite quaint. From within, dining at "Cagney's," Steak House, or "LeBistro," the French cuisine, or "Tappanaki," Japanese restaurant... All so great! I can't say a bad thing about any of them. Not necessary to book reservations in the special restaurants. You might find "Impressions," or "The Venetian," a nice substitute to paying an extra service charge? The other restaurants were fantastic too. The service was always professional, and always willing to cater to your needs. My overall choice for food and restaurant, was "Tappanaki"!

The cabin we were to reside at for seven days was quite nice. For a family of four with teenage children.... (Everyone feels they need an extra foot you know?)... Give an inch, take a foot... Give a foot, well you know the story? I thought the room was good. Some previous cruises, the rooms were much smaller. We were on the 11th floor, and felt that we wouldn't like anything smaller for this size family. The bathroom was quite roomy.. Again verses previous cruises. The balcony is a must! Guaranteed to relax you by watching approaching shores the morning of's..

I saw the comedian, Dave Heenan twice, and my wife and kids saw the show, "Bollywood." Also, at the start of the cruise we saw the cruise staff show. All shows seen, were very good, and very funny. It would be fun to go on board again, just to see the shows we missed!

Tour packages.. Great thing! Many to choose from. Many to plan for in advance.. Just a little Internet know how, and you'll be ready to book your itinerary in advance? We did. There is so much to load into your Internet favorite column, that I swear, you'll be busy reading comments for the next 6 months before boarding your cruise ship Dawn? The tours that this family saw, include Universal movie studio, Air boating in the Everglades, Snorkeling at Great Stirrup Cay, and at tour at the Atlantis Hotel in the Bahamas. (Can you say, "FUN")

Fellow passengers? hmmmmmm. Would I invite them to dinner - interesting question? Absolutely! Except the guy next door to our cabin! hahahaha Ohhh, alright, he can come to. I personally met some really nice people. One guy caught me in the elevator, who saw me in the casino.. "Are you winning"? he asked.. In front of my kids too,...Jeees! But everyone was so nice, and friendly.. Forget the fact that most of us had jobs to attend the very next day after this great cruise. We were able to shut those feelings out, and enjoy our vacations.. Yea!! (see ya next year NCL!)