Mini Dawn Review

[Andoria]

Introduction: This is my 4th cruise but the first time on NCL. I (41) shared a balcony room with my parents who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. My sister and niece also joined us and they shared an inside cabin on the same deck(10).

 

Room: Room 10122 couldn't have been in a more perfect location. An easy run up two flights of stairs and you were near the Garden Cafe or the pool. (Speaking of stairs, get in good shape because the elevators are slow and generally packed). I slept on the pull out couch and I'm not sure if my back will ever be the same. It was very uncomfortable and I would have mentioned it to the stewardess but she didn't introduce herself to us until the 3rd day and by then I was used to it.

 

Staff: Mixed bag. I was surprised on the first day how unhelpful everyone seemed to be. It took us awhile to get on the ship and once we were on we didn't know where to go. The staff was the worst in the Blue Lagoon especially if you ordered dessert. A few of the staff members were fabulous and I really wish I was better at remembering names.

 

Food: I give it an A-. I can't tell you how much I'm going to miss the wings from Blue Lagoon or the crepes from the Garden Cafe.

 

Gym: It was *hot and nothing special. I forced myself to go there three times and didn't have to wait for an elliptical machine but I'm guessing that was due to the times I went.

 

Entertainment: I didn't see much of it (not my thing) but the times I did hear singing, I really enjoyed it. The male piano singer was amazing and I wish I planned ahead to see him.

 

Casino: Smoky and loud. I couldn't win anything on the last few days.

 

Pool: Crowded but bigger than I thought it was going to be.

 

Bermuda: Beautiful in the pouring rain:)

 

Final thoughts: I'm not sure NCL is worth the extra money.

[SissasMomE]

Final thoughts: I'm not sure NCL is worth the extra money.

 

Extra money compared to what?! NCL is not an expensive cruise line, so I am wondering what you meant. Glad you enjoyed your cruise!

[Andoria]

Extra money compared to what?! NCL is not an expensive cruise line, so I am wondering what you meant. Glad you enjoyed your cruise!

 

 

Sorry, I should have been more clear. CCL.

[SissasMomE]

Sorry, I should have been more clear. CCL.

 

Gotcha. My friends love CCL, but even they have been thinking of switching because of all of the cutbacks. I think all cruise lines are cutting back now. I'd like to give RCCL another shot and see if they have made improvements in the "service" department. I think NCL has the best crew at sea so far.

[hladygirl]

I just got off the dawn on July 26th. Too many kids in the middle of the summer but that is my own fault for choosing the summer. As usual I loved the dawn. The crew is amazing. One poolside bar waiter even remembered my name and favorite drink from two years ago. The only two issues I had this trip is there was no table and chairs on the promenade anymore to sit and relax in the shade and they are now serving drinks in disposable plastic cups that kept flying overboard constantly. I hope they fix these two issues before my 2 week dawn cruise on nov 1st.

[martyandjanice]

I am on the deck 10 on my cruise an am glad to hear you considered your room in a good location. And I love the crepes too! YUM!:D

[mosiegirl]

Sorry, I should have been more clear. CCL.

 

agreed.. CCL much cheaper.. we have sailed 4 times with CCL and this will be our first NCL Aug 23 on the Dawn.. but at a much higher price

[Andoria]

agreed.. CCL much cheaper.. we have sailed 4 times with CCL and this will be our first NCL Aug 23 on the Dawn.. but at a much higher price

 

 

I'm pretty sure we'll go with CCL for our next cruise.

[willise]

I just got off the dawn on July 26th. Too many kids in the middle of the summer but that is my own fault for choosing the summer. As usual I loved the dawn. The crew is amazing. One poolside bar waiter even remembered my name and favorite drink from two years ago. The only two issues I had this trip is there was no table and chairs on the promenade anymore to sit and relax in the shade and they are now serving drinks in disposable plastic cups that kept flying overboard constantly. I hope they fix these two issues before my 2 week dawn cruise on nov 1st.

 

No chairs at all on the promenade deck? I used to spend a lot of time sitting out there watching my kids play shuffleboard. It was probably my most favourite place to sit and read as well.

 

I really hope that is not the case! Why would they even think of doing that, I wonder?:confused:

[RIvacationgirl]

I just got off the dawn on July 26th. Too many kids in the middle of the summer but that is my own fault for choosing the summer. As usual I loved the dawn. The crew is amazing. One poolside bar waiter even remembered my name and favorite drink from two years ago. The only two issues I had this trip is there was no table and chairs on the promenade anymore to sit and relax in the shade and they are now serving drinks in disposable plastic cups that kept flying overboard constantly. I hope they fix these two issues before my 2 week dawn cruise on nov 1st.

 

It is funny that you mentioned the amount of kids. We were surprised as to the small amount of children on our cruise! We thought it would be filled with kids.