Long Time RCI Cruiser tries NCL--Cruise Thoughts/Review—Dawn, 10/31/10 – 11/5/10

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

Little background….

I am 29, from the Cleveland, Ohio area and sailed with my parents—55 and 65. We are Diamond Plus with Royal Caribbean (over 35 with them) and since the recent (few years…and very noticeable) decline in many “little” things we enjoyed as well as the bigger things onboard their ships (food, service and organizational issues being forefront), we finally decided to venture out and try another cruise line. After some research, we decided on NCL mainly due to price, their “freestyle” concept as well as the large number of positive reviews I read.

 

My favorite spot in the Caribbean is Grand Cayman, so we chose the 5 night from Miami aboard the Dawn. We’ve done this trip several times before, but again this was our first time with NCL. We actually found the two lines to be more similar than not, and are definitely NCL fans. Going in I thought I would be a little disappointed b/c I do love RCI’s ships and crew, but I wasn’t disappointed at all…more pleasantly surprised. I will outline the highlights of the trip, details, etc. Also I will include pro’s & con’s when necessary, and I’m sure some comparison between the two lines will pop up no matter how hard I try not to, ha! I tend to provide too many details, so if you get bored with long, wordy reviews and details, I’d recommend you skip this one.

 

Short disclaimer: These are my observations and opinions only, no need to argue or flame, though I do welcome others’ points of view, if presented fairly.

 

Pre-Cruise: Ft. Lauderdale Beach, FL:

 

We flew into Ft. Lauderdale Int’l Airport two days prior to our cruise, on Friday, 10/29. Flew direct from CLE to FLL, early morning. Easy, uneventful flight and we arrived in sunny Ft. Lauderdale early, grabbed our luggage, a taxi and headed over to the Courtyard Ft. Lauderdale Beach—440 Seabreeze Blvd. Unfortunately for us, the short trip turned into a long, expensive one due to the Boat Show going on in (or directly across the street from) our hotel. The traffic was horrendous and people were everywhere. My parents had stayed at this hotel when it was the Doubletree and loved it, so we really wanted to stay at this location (did not want to rent a car) due to close proximity to the beach, shopping, restaurants, etc. We didn’t know the boat show was going on until long after we’d booked the hotel, so we just stayed since we got a decent rate. Anyway, after finally arriving at the property, we breezed through check-in and were in our room by around 12:30 p.m.). 12 floor (highest floor at the hotel) corner-ish room with the view of the Intracoastal Waterway and all the yachts present for the big boat show (they said the largest in the world!!?!). We freshened up and headed (walked) over to the Quarterdeck for lunch. One or two blocks north of the hotel (from the front door of the hotel). It was sunny and hot (high 80’s) and we chose a table outside (covered) to have lunch. Honestly, I wasn’t really pleased with the lunch, but I realize it’s your typical neighborhood bar/restaurant so I wasn’t expecting too much. I ordered the buffalo shrimp, fries and conch fritters and none of it was very good. My parents had burgers and liked them just fine. The rest of the day was spent wandering the area, the hotel grounds, etc. I love this hotel and would definitely stay here again. The pool area is nice (pool smaller, though warm) and the sundeck area is great..lots of lounge chairs, a bar/grille overlooking the beach, etc. Great view. A couple steps down from the sundeck area and you’re on A1A with the Beach just across the street. Shops and restaurants line the street there. That evening there was a guy playing Reggae/Steel Drum Music (our favorite) so we spent more time by the pool listening to him and having a few drinks. We then made a quick decision (though not a good one) to eat at Bubba Gump’s b/c it was directly below our hotel and my parents were hungry. I had wanted to visit Aruba Beach Café, but we never got there, unfortunately. We’re not really foodies and though I do enjoy a little more than my parents do, we’re not really picky or spend much time trying to find the best restaurants, etc. We have eaten at Bubba Gump’s before in Miami, so we knew what we were getting. I would have skipped it, though…looking back. Had shrimp that was cold and not very good, but not awful. I have to admit our meals in the FLL area were nothing to write home about, but that is mostly our own fault. We opted for close instead of going to the better restaurants that had been recommended.

 

The following day (Saturday, 10/30) was spent again by the pool and roaming the area along the beach. We ended up at Beach Place--Lulu’s Bait Shack for lunch, a few blocks north of our hotel. This was actually a very good meal and we enjoyed it (and the view overlooking the ocean!). I had the shrimp Caesar salad with French fries which was excellent. Dad had fish ‘n chips, and Mom had a NY Strip steak sandwich. Everyone was pleased with the meal, we shopped around Beach Place a little, visited the CVS there (AWESOME, by the way..they had everything!) and went back to the hotel. They had another, different Steel Drum player at the hotel this evening, so we listened for awhile and then grabbed a taxi north to Primanti Brother’s on the beach for an early dinner. Small place but good food…I’d recommend this for lunch if you’re in the area. Great sandwiches (with French fries and coleslaw ON the sandwich!) and pizza. Taxi back, walked around some more, one final stop at the 7-Eleven across from the hotel for some water, pop, etc., and CVS @ Beach Place again, and then back to the hotel.

 

Sunday, 10/31/10

 

The next morning was finally Embarkation Day. We had booked a Town Car with Holland Limo in FLL to take us from the hotel to the ship in Miami. Cost was $85 including taxes and gratuity. Our driver arrived on-time (10:00) and promptly got us to the NCL Pier by 10:45 a.m. We walked right through Security, then to another area to check-in, got our Cards, up the escalator and into a larger waiting-area. We waited here until around 11:30 when they began the boarding process. We were onboard by 11:45 and exploring the beautiful Norwegian Dawn.

 

The staterooms weren’t going to be ready until 1:30, so we had a really nice lunch in the Venetian (Main Dining Room) on Deck 7. There was hardly anyone in there, as many people here on CC have said, so we thought it was great. Most were up at the Garden Café instead. I was really impressed with the lunch menu here as well. Service was pretty good as well, though I do miss traditional dining a little bit, and getting to know your wait staff. I did take some pictures of the menus that I will try to upload sometime soon. I had Calamari, the Veggie Burger (I am a vegetarian, but I do eat seafood), and milk chocolate mousse for dessert. Dad had the Roasted Corn and Potato Chowder, Angus Bacon Burger, then blueberry cheesecake for dessert, and Mom had the Chicken Noodle Soup, NY Strip steak and apple pie/tart for dessert. All was excellent and we really enjoyed our lunch. Already we were thinking that NCL offered better quality food than RCI. By this time it was off to explore our cabin!

 

We had booked an AFT Balcony Stateroom, #9238. AFT/Starboard. It was a long walk, but worth it. Loved the AFT Balcony. I think the rooms on the Dawn are a bit smaller than RCI, but not by much. The bathroom, on the other hand, was a much better setup than on Royal. Very large shower with a sliding glass door that blew Royal’s “shower curtain sticking to you” out of the water. Also a separate small area for the toilet. Thought the bathroom was great! Balcony was a nice size with two regular chairs and a small table. One thing Royal does better than NCL’s Dawn (or maybe all their ships?)would be storage. There was really not a lot of storage at all. I think 3 drawers by the mirror area, and that was it. The closet was normal size and had some shelves inside, but again not a lot of places to store your things. We managed fine though…even after testing the 50 lb weight limit Continental has in place! We always take way too much….but my theory is: better to have too much, than not enough.

 

We met our Cabin Steward—Miguel, from Guatemala, and let him know the couple things we needed right away. Foam piece for my bed, extra towels, some ice, and that’s it! We’re pretty low-maintenance and after we get the initial setup, we’re good to go for the cruise. Miguel was great—super nice, professional, and did his job well. His assistant was Vik from India—also very nice. We received our luggage rather quickly and after taking some pictures of the NCL Pearl docked directly behind us, we unpacked, got settled and went to explore the ship.

 

SHIP:

 

The Dawn is a beautiful ship. Very colorful and easy to navigate. It seemed like a big ship to me, as most of my cruises have been on the smaller RCI ships: Majesty, Grandeur, Enchantment, and Radiance. But I quickly fell in love with the Dawn and by the final day, was finally getting used to it, finding my way around, etc. It seems to work that way….as soon as you’re getting comfortable with the layout, it’s time to get off!

 

There were some signs of wear and tear, which is expected of course, with a ship that was built in 2001 (or any ship, for that matter!). But the ship is very clean and maintained well by her crew. The balcony railings were pretty bad and you could easily get pricked or get splinters from them….they need re-varnished badly! Also, the pool deck….I think needs a little work, but again just IMO. I believe she’s going into Dry Dock in May of 2011 to repair an engine, so maybe they’ll spruce up some other areas as well. The wood surrounding the pool needed varnished again—looked like they were going for the “destroyed” look, ha! The pool area really was the only area to me that felt like it needed some work to shine it up a bit. I am a big fan of RCI’s pool decks and spend most of my time there, so this one was a tad disappointing to me….not as spacious and shiny. Very crowded on Sea Days, as you can imagine, even with the stadium seating. And just the one main pool.

 

I’d have to say those were my only two “complaints” so you know what that means---I’m grasping at straws here! The ship was great. Lots of bars, lounges, and restaurants. Great crew, very friendly and accommodating. The kid’s pool area at the back of the ship was cool, 2 or 3 small pools, one with a slide, and smaller lounge chairs for them. Looked really neat, as did the Arcade/Teen Disco area on Deck….13, I think? Unfortunately there still were a good number of kids in the adult pools and hot tubs, splashing around. For the most part though, we had a good group and everyone seemed to have a great time and behaved accordingly. Bad manners are a pet peeve of mine, and I have to say I really didn’t experience much of anything negative to report.

 

The Dawn also has a sports court for Volleyball/basketball that I didn’t have time to try this time, and a movie theater as well. There are tons of chairs all around the outside decks and also a “Quiet Zone” Sundeck forward on Deck 13 which also houses a hot-tub. The Promenade Deck is on 7 which I believe goes around the entire ship.

 

Shops/Casino are all on Deck 6 or 7 (sorry…not 100% sure), not much to report there…just your basic cruise ship shopping and gambling. Casino was too smoky for me to enter.

 

FOOD:

 

Obviously, food is so subjective so take my opinion for what it’s worth. If anyone has any specific questions, I will be more than happy to answer to the best of my ability.

We did NOT dine in any of the Specialty Restaurants onboard. We found most all the food to be very good to excellent in the Main Dining Rooms (Venetian and Aqua)and Garden Café (buffet style) so we stuck with those since it was only a 5 nighter. Now, if we were on the ship for 7 nights, I definitely would have tried one or two of the specialties—probably Cagney’s and Salsa or Impressions. I went in wanting to try Impressions, the Italian restaurant, but changed my mind after I saw the menu. Nothing special, really.

 

The Specialty Restaurants available onboard are as follows:

 

Cagney’s Steakhouse --$25 pp (an additional $10 pp for Lobster/Crab Legs)

LeBistro (French)--$15 pp

Salsa(Tex Mex)—$10 pp

Bamboo (Asian)--$15 pp

Teppanyaki (Hibachi)--$25 pp

Impressions (Italian)--$10 pp

 

 

We ate 3 nights in the Venetian, 1 nt in Aqua (Main Dining, Deck 6) and the final evening in the Garden Café. We had 2 lunches in the Venetian and the remaining 3 in the Garden Café.

 

The Garden Café on Deck 12 beat RCI’s Windjammer, IMO. They had so many different options that changed daily, as well as a NY Deli, an Italian section with a make-your-own pasta station (meaning you have lots of options presented and you ask the chef stationed there to throw yours together for you!)and a pizza station, a nice salad/soup bar, and desserts and ice cream as well. All for lunch! We always found something we enjoyed, and it was always fresh and hot. The one downfall to this is that it was very busy during peak hours and sometimes difficult to find a table. They did have a small section for kids here, with smaller tables and a low buffet for them to choose from…very cute. I saw French fries, hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, and macaroni and cheese when I glanced at it. Saw lots of families in the section eating with their kids. Also, the pizza here is really good, try it! Thin crust style.

 

Also, the infamous PRETZEL ROLLS were there and in full effect—awesome! Definitely have to try those and I only saw them in the Garden Café for both lunch and dinner.

 

One very minor complaint…in the Garden Café—if you wanted, say, a slice of pizza, there weren’t any plates nearby. You had to walk allll the way to the beginning of the buffet (MILES! Ha, exaggerating just a little) to get a plate. This sometimes annoyed me when it was crowded. I liked Royal’s stations better, so you could stop and grab what you wanted with plates readily available, instead of having to walk so far for one.

 

Back to the Main Dining Rooms—The Venetian is nicer, larger and has better service than the Aqua, IMO. They have set menus that stay the same each day, though one side of the menu does change and offered different choices each day…maybe 2 or 3 additional, “new” options for dinner. Things like Garden Broccoli soup, French Onion Soup, Caesar Salad, NY Strip Steak, Tilapia, a chicken dish, key lime pie, sherbet, etc. were on the fixed menu each night. The steak was extremely thin, but well prepared. The Baked Shrimp appetizer in the V. one night was very good, as was the Caesar Salad. Shrimp Summer Rolls app.—not so good. The evening we dined in Aqua was “Lobster Night” and it was pretty good…came with a small piece of grouper and mashed potatoes. Small lobster, of course. Cheese tortellini was an entrée option that evening as well. I thought the service in Aqua was pretty bad, not friendly at all and took a very long time to be served. Had a hard time getting water refills, or even a smile from the waiter, which I was not used to.

 

We did try Blue Lagoon, the 24 hour Diner on Deck 7, Starboard, Included in the Cruise Ticket. It was pretty good, typical fast-food fare, though the service was not good at all in here. Stopped by a few times to get something to go and had to go up to someone twice to get someone to take our order. And we even tried sitting down first…took over 20 minutes to even get noticed. But good fish ‘n chips, burgers, cheesecake, etc.

 

Tried Room Service once for pizza, even though someone here on CC warned me not to. I am a pizza lover and like pretty much all pizza. This one was not edible….it was downright disgusting. DO NOT order it….you will be sorry, I promise. Very small “personal pan” style and very thick…all bread, no flavor whatsoever. Skip it.

 

Desserts:

 

I was looking forward to trying NCL’s desserts b/c Royal has cut back so much on theirs…..nothing like they used to be. I found NCL to be about the same, maybe a little worse on their dessert selections. The chocolate mousse was excellent, as was the Key Lime Pie. Cheesecake was pretty good as well, but that was about it. Everything else seemed to be of cheap quality and not a lot of options at all. I understand and realize that you have to cut corners somewhere—but I have a hard time understanding why you’d cut back on food and desserts as a cruise line. Makes no sense to me. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the food on the Dawn a great deal and would have to say it’s a tad better than RCI.

 

BREAKFAST:

 

I am not a breakfast eater so you won’t hear much on the topic from me, but my family ate all breakfasts in the Garden Café. It was decent, your regular cruise ship fare with an omelet station (too busy for me to stop), a waffle station, etc. Royal may have the edge here with their Windjammer Café Br’fast, but again, only my personal feelings. All was good, nothing to complain about at all. I have to say that the fruit all week was very fresh and good—way better than Royal’s, again. Also the Coffee---it was very good!

 

POOLSIDE FOOD:

 

Thought I should mention this b/c I had never before in my life seen so much food poolside on a ship before. There was a Barbecue on Embarkation Day, and then on each Sea Day as well. Burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, barbecued chicken, fruit salad, etc. And that was just at first glance…sure there were other things offered as well.

 

BIMINI GRILL:

 

Above the Oasis Pool area and the stadium seating. Free of charge and they had burgers, hot dogs and fries here as well along with a full-service bar.

 

SPRINKLES ICE CREAM BAR:

 

Again, poolside, right in with/next to, Topsiders Bar. Never tried so I cannot comment too much, but my Mom said she had some great banana ice cream here.

 

ENTERTAINMENT/Thoughts:

 

Head and shoulders above RCI. They had a different singer/performer in most all of the major bars/lounges and they were all pretty good. I personally didn’t attend most of the shows, only bits and pieces here and there (just not a show-type person) but my parents did and they said they were all really good. Lots of entertainment/singers/shows done in the Grand Atrium as well, which I thought was nice. Fire and Ice was also very good.

 

The Poolside Calypso Band, Caribbean Wave was just okay. We are big Reggae/Caribbean music fans so we enjoy and listen to the band whenever they are playing. Just okay here..average. Still enjoyed their performances though! Nothing like being by the pool in the Caribbean listening to the Steel Drum band and sipping a frozen cocktail.

 

Matt Baker was the Cruise Director—seemed like a nice guy, did his job well with lots of energy and his announcements were amusing.

 

Srecko Ban-Captain. Personally he didn’t say much or make many announcements…kind of disappointing. I like a vocal captain though, just personal preference.

 

I missed the Salsa Band that RCI always has playing in Boleros. Like listening to Salsa/Merengue a lot!

 

PORTS:

 

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

Grand Cayman, B.V.I.

 

The tendering process in Grand Cayman was the easiest I’ve ever experienced, and I’ve been there a lot w/ Royal. IMO NCL has the tendering process pegged and is so well organized. As soon as the ship cleared, around 8:30, we walked down to Deck 4 and walked right onto the tender. We did sit there for quite awhile waiting for it to fill, but that’s not unusual. We spent the day at Grand Cayman Beach Suites as we normally do, and the weather was beautiful—mid 80’s and sun. Last tender is @ 3:30 unfortunately (not enough time!!) so we shopped around Georgetown a bit before waiting in the line to get back on one of the last tenders. Great day on Grand Cayman, once again.

 

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010

Cozumel, Mexico

 

We arrived around 10:30, shipped cleared quickly and we walked right off around 11:30 or so. We arrived at the Punta Lagosta Pier which was the first for me. Different, of course, from the International Pier that we are accustomed to. This one forced you through a shopping mall sort of complex. Not too great of shopping there, though I don’t find much excitement in Mexican Shopping anyway, I must say. Looks all the same to me.

We walked all the way through and down to the taxi stations where we grabbed one to take us to Nachi Cocom. $5 pp. I am sure that many of you are familiar with this Beach Club on COZ. We had been here before so were thoroughly looking forward to another relaxing day in the sun (or shade!). Unfortunately for us we were the last ship in that day (we were accompanied by the Grandeur of the Seas, a Carnival Ship-Valor, possibly? And docked next to the Disney Magic. There was also another ship nearby that I could not make out. So, it was very busy @ Nachi and we were lucky enough to have Manuel as our server again—as we did last time! We really like Manuel and were happy to see him. He took us alllll the way to the end of the beach and set us up with our palapas (little shaded huts) and chairs. For those of you not familiar, Nachi is $49 pp All-inclusive, which means your lunch (apps, salad/soup, entrée and dessert) and all alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic drinks are included. Great deal, if you ask me. They have a large pool complete w/ swim-up bar and hot-tub as well. Pretty nice beach (though it does NOT beat Seven Mile beach in Cayman) and food is very good as well. I ordered Nachos, Garlic shrimp and French fries, and then their infamous Coconut Ice Cream later on for dessert. Manuel was again very attentive (even though it was very busy that day, over 80 people!) and made several of those long trips to bring us our drinks and food. We tipped Manuel $30 for the three of us upon leaving, where he also called a taxi for us to take us back to the ship. He also scheduled my beachside massage for me (excellent) and was very willing to set me up with water sports if I so desired (which I didn’t this time). I saw jet-skis, parasailing, snorkeling, and banana boat rides going on. And lots of kids from the Disney Magic splashing around and having lots of fun amongst themselves. Also, I purchased a floating beach mat for the day @ $7. Last time I was here, they had mats on the hard plastic chairs to make them more comfortable, and this time they did not offer those. We all purchased the mats b/c the chairs were just too hard to lay/sit on all day. So their tactic is working, unfortunately.

 

Our final day aboard the Dawn was AT SEA and was a cooler day (70’s) with no sun at all. We spent the day napping, reading, eating, and shopping a little. The last day is always a little depressing, and I’m sure most of you will agree with me. I NEVER want to get off the ship, ha! We went down to the Purser’s Desk on 7 and grabbed the Light Blue luggage tags which were the first/earliest color allowed after the quick walk-off guests, latitudes members, etc. We were slated to get off the ship at 9:20 a.m.

 

DEBARKATION DAY:

 

The next, final morning of our cruise, we got up early, had breakfast in the Garden Café one final time (Bananas Foster Belgian Waffles to help with my already severe depression) and waited in our cabin until they called our color tags. I have no idea if this was proper procedure, but it’s what we did. Thinking back, I probably should have asked Miguel where we should go, but I didn’t. They did call us around 9:20 and we got off quickly, again a very painless process. By 9:24 I was calling SAS Transportation for our pickup. Steve @ SAS answered right away, guided me on where to go, etc. and picked us up within 5 minutes. We stopped at the Carnival Pier for another pickup and to fill our large van, and off we went to the Ft. Lauderdale Airport. We did wave and get a good look at the Majesty of the Seas who was also in port with us—she is our favorite ship and we have sailed on her many times, so it was nice to see her again in person. I would definitely use SAS Transportation again and highly recommend them---I was a little leery due to negative reviews, but was very glad we used them. Easy, quick and painless and only $15 per person, $13 if you have a group of 5 or more. Steve is great and provided great communication, which is comforting when you’re traveling and worried about all the details.

The final point I’d like to make for anyone who would like to feel sorry for me, is that we arrived back home to 39 Degree weather and a miserable rain/snow mix. Then awoke the next morning to an inch and a half of the dreaded white stuff, and I am now backa t work. How’s that for reality?!

 

Closing Thoughts:

 

After being a little hesitant to change and trying a new cruise line, we were both pleased and impressed with Norwegian , and the Dawn, and would be happy to sail with them again. We felt that overall, the organization of the ship by the crew, etc. won us over and we can’t remember the last time we had such a smooth, unproblematic cruise. We literally did not have one single problem (or annoyances, really!) the entire week. The food was good, the crew was good, the drinks were good, the entertainment was good. Lots of choices and a casual, relaxed atmosphere prevailed, but also a happy vibe was felt all over the ship. Not sure if this would be a reflection of NCL specifically or the Dawn (or both!) but we truly had a great cruise and can’t wait to sail the Dawn again. There was also no mention of the Dawn sailing with one less engine, but I’m sure our cruise being a 5 nighter had a lot to do with that. She moved just fine! If anyone has any specific questions or comments about anything I may have missed, please feel free to let me know and I will do my best to answer. If anyone has the pleasure of sailing the Dawn in the near future, you are in for a treat!

 

Thanks for reading,

Stacy

[CanadianTwosome]

Thank you for the great review! I'm very glad that you had a great cruise and have found a new line to enjoy and experience. Welcome to NCL! I look forward to one day writing the same kind of review from the other direction (NCL -> RCCL). :)

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

Aw, thanks! We did have a great cruise...I miss the ship so much already. Thanks again for the nice response!

[Dajbman22]

As someone who originally knew only RCI, then moved to NCL, I pretty much agree with your entire sentiment/review. The one thing I really liked better on RCI was the layout that included a Royal Promenade, but if NCL were to incorporate that on a future ship, it just wouldn't feel natural, since it is kind of RCI's signature thing.

[eyzwdeshut]

Great review! We love NCL as well... so glad you had a wonderful time!

[patseacruiser]

Thanks for the review. I was on the Jewel in September and was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed NCL. Can't wait to go again in July.

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

As someone who originally knew only RCI, then moved to NCL, I pretty much agree with your entire sentiment/review. The one thing I really liked better on RCI was the layout that included a Royal Promenade, but if NCL were to incorporate that on a future ship, it just wouldn't feel natural, since it is kind of RCI's signature thing.

 

Thanks! I like Royal's layouts as well and was concerned about the "vibe" as we all get used to a cruise line or ship and get attached, or that I'd feel too "closed in" or whatever, but I liked the Dawn and the Grand Atrium, which I wasn't expecting. Not sure if all their ships are like that or not, but it was nice.

[mr&mrscruiselover]

Stacy,

 

Thanks for the fair, objective review. My DH and I tried NCL for the first time this last May and we enjoyed our "NCL Experience" too. We plan on doing the Panama Canal next and will go on NCL.

 

Glad you enjoyed your vacation.

 

Sherri and Clay

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

Stacy,

 

Thanks for the fair, objective review. My DH and I tried NCL for the first time this last May and we enjoyed our "NCL Experience" too. We plan on doing the Panama Canal next and will go on NCL.

 

Glad you enjoyed your vacation.

 

Sherri and Clay

 

Thanks Sherri and Clay, for the nice comments. I try to be fair in life and not too far over to "one side" as I enjoy reading the same types of reviews/comments. Enjoy your Panama Canal cruise, I've always wanted to do that one!

[alphakitty]

Nice review, thanks for taking the time. We took our first NCL cruise this past September on the Spirit and felt much the same way you did. We really had no complaints either. I look forward to cruising on the Dawn next summer when she comes to spend her summer on the Boston to Bermuda run. :)

[Dajbman22]

Now this obviously is no make-or-break thing, but one layout feature on NCL I really prefer is the lounge on the top deck forward (Spinnaker, Galaxy of the Stars, etc), where RCI tends to place their Viking Crown lounges midship towards the aft (and tend to be less central for entertainment). IMO forward windows tends to provide better views (especially since some viking crowns have no aft views despite being closer to that end). The GoS was where GF and I spent the most time on the Spirit between the entertainment (most of the game shows, quest, white hot party) and the amazing views. Also, I found the free fast food at blue lagoon to be much less greasy and tastier than the pay extra fast food joints on RCI (Johnny Rockets or Seaside). But as OP stated already, even though the lines have their similarities and differences (more of the former than latter), they are very equal in quality.

[xdsmx]

awesome write up! does the ship offer 24hr buffet service like RC or carnival? trying NCL for the first time next week...

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

awesome write up! does the ship offer 24hr buffet service like RC or carnival? trying NCL for the first time next week...

 

Hi, no 24 Hour Buffet....but the Blue Lagoon on Deck 7 is open 24 hours..you can order off a menu there. Salads, burgers, hot dogs, chicken, wings, etc.

[hateswaterloves2cruise]

Glad you enjoyed the Dawn. It is our favorite (so far) of the NCL ships - out of 6 cruises, 3 of them have been on the Dawn. We are trying the Jewel and Spirit this winter. Never been on RCI but it is loved by our daughter's family. Maybe someday!!;)

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

Glad you enjoyed the Dawn. It is our favorite (so far) of the NCL ships - out of 6 cruises, 3 of them have been on the Dawn. We are trying the Jewel and Spirit this winter. Never been on RCI but it is loved by our daughter's family. Maybe someday!!;)

 

I really did enjoy the Dawn. You should try RCI sometime if you ever get the opportunity. I really like their ships and crew. Thanks for reading!

[wildr1der]

I sailed on the same itinerary last January and after experiencing Liberty of the Seas with RCI, on my honeymoon no less, the Dawn just didn't compare. Granted it was my honeymoon so I think in my eyes nothing will ever top LOS for that reason. lol Fun cruise nonetheless.

 

The actual reason I'm replying is about Fort Lauderdale. If you ever stay on the beach front again, I recommend eating at Spazios. It's right across from the beach about half way between the Courtyard and Beach Place. My wife and I eat there every trip whether it's pre cruise or just a vacation to Fort Lauderdale. Great food and music in the evening.

 

Loved the review! Nice and detailed, great!

 

Pete

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

I sailed on the same itinerary last January and after experiencing Liberty of the Seas with RCI, on my honeymoon no less, the Dawn just didn't compare. Granted it was my honeymoon so I think in my eyes nothing will ever top LOS for that reason. lol Fun cruise nonetheless.

 

The actual reason I'm replying is about Fort Lauderdale. If you ever stay on the beach front again, I recommend eating at Spazios. It's right across from the beach about half way between the Courtyard and Beach Place. My wife and I eat there every trip whether it's pre cruise or just a vacation to Fort Lauderdale. Great food and music in the evening.

 

Loved the review! Nice and detailed, great!

 

Pete

 

Pete, thanks! What type of cuisine is it? I do remember passing it, for sure.

[klingoncruiser]

Wow, nice review. Thanks for taking the time.

[Planer's Edge]

Very thoughtful review. Glad you enjoyed the Dawn and her crew.

 

PE

[NorCalifs]

Thanks for your review. We cruised RCI's Serenade of the Seas last summer to Alaska with family and most recently DH and I cruised Crown Princess to Western Caribbean. Enjoyed both ships and cruise lines. We want to take the family on a Thanksgiving cruise next year and are seriously considering NCL because of their prices. Your review helps with our decision (NCL is almost $400 cheaper for a balcony cabin!).

[Medtech2]

Bubba Gump's, being a chain, is not going to be that good. Next time you are in the area make a side trip to Dania Beach and visit Grampa's Bakery, which was featured in Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. OMG was it good!!!!

So glad you enjoyed your cruise. I too have fallen in love with the friendliness of NCL, although my interest is being piqued by Allure of the Seas!

[coka]

Hi Stacy,

I am glad you enjoyed your cruise on the Dawn. I know the feeling coming back to cold and snow and it is never fun. Reading the reviews is the next best thing to being there. Thank you for taking time to write about your trip for us.

 

coka

[silkhair1]

I am happy you enjoyed your cruise! I love RCI, but found NCL Freestyle works better now that we cruise with our kids!

[party-of-5-ny]

Thanks for the great review. We sailed on the Dawn, (first NCL cruise) in November, and we also were very impressed.

We also did Nachi Cocom, and while it was beautiful, and had great service, 3 of us ended up getting quite ill afterwards! Of course, can't be sure where that came from, but I'm pretty sure it was from either the food or the ice that we consumed there.

Anyway, we really liked NCL, and freestyle cruising! That being said though, I'm setting my sites back on RCI for the next one. It is a great alternative, and I'd recommend it, I just loved the FOS so much, and would love to try Oasis!

[Natanni]

I appreciate the time you took to write your review! We are RCCL lovers trying NCL for the 1st time in April on the Spirit! I can't imagine feeling to much different than you. Basically I love cruising because I love being on the ocean :)