First time on NCL. 9 Night European on Dawn

[azjim66]

Hey all, long time Carnival cruisers going on first NCL cruise. We booked a 9 night from Le Havre To Lisbon in October 2025 on the Dawn. All adults we did all the free at sea stuff and considering upgrading to free at sea plus because it is port intensive and I like top shelf whiskey. I understand the whiskey selection can vary per ship but the extra $50 per excursion seems like a good investment based on all the ports and the extra specialty dining might make it seem like a good deal. We usually book balcony cabins but got an inside on this one because the time of year and likely colder weather. Is upgrading a good idea from folks that have done a similar itinerary. We usually are not excursion type and like to diy the ports but that usually  meant finding a beach bar and chill for port days. We have never been to Europe before and anticipate lots of sightseeing. The Dawn is an older ship that appears similar to the Spirit class on Carnival , which we liked we are a couple in our late 50’s we always enjoyed the comedy shows on Carnival and hope that NCL has some of that. I am a cigar guy so I am sure I will enjoy the cigar lounge on the Dawn. Anyway just looking for some tips from NCL loyalists on what to upgrade and expectations. We are probably looking to arrive a few days early and depart a few days lat to explore Paris/ Honfluer and Lisbon is the NCL airfare deal something we should have considered(I did not add it at booking).We are traveling with a group of similar aged folks who like to party. Thanks in advance 

[Maanio]

I was on the dawn last December in Dubai. I really liked the ship because it's small!

I liked going to the same bar every night talking to the same bartender and same guests.

I didn't visit any show so I can't talk on that.

I did FAS plus, mainly for extra dining and some nicer cocktails and Starbucks.

I felt it was worth it, as a solo traveller.

Can't speak for duo traveller because you get the extra excursion credit.

 

If you are not into big ships like me, you shall enjoy! (Why did I book ncl epic for winter 2025 lol)

[dexddd]

If you don't have any seasickness issues, I'd book an inside on 12.  They are much newer added around 2011.  Quiet area, close to pool, buffet, one deck up to bar and front deck area.

[MagnoliaBlossom]

Dittos to the above.  We have sailed the Dawn several times in Europe and have one more booked for June.  I enjoy the size of the ship.  We are Diamond on both CCL and NCL and I think you will find dining and activities very similar.

our favorite excursion was the Normandy beaches and American Cemetery.   We usually are diy people but the tour through Overlords Tours was beyond spectacular.  Probably the best excursion we have done in 90 cruises.

Edited February 17 by MagnoliaBlossom

[marrashadow]

I am booked for April 2025. I've read a lot of advice that you need to view actual port. Europe ports may be in industrial areas not right by attractions. So on your own requires more research.  I was told Naples is best done with cruise ship due to traffic to guarantee they wait.  

[cruisingnewb24]

Just got home from 10 day Dawn Baltic cruise.

In general, we had a good time.  I will answer some of your questions:

 

1. Free at Sea Plus - We opted out because we had 1 sea day and the itinerary was port extensive.  Having said that, you should be aware that a 7am to 9pm port day will not mean 14 hours of free time.  On Board time is anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour before the ship leaves.  I did not feel any need to do the Free at Sea Plus upgrade.  We did additional upgraded dining, but the alcohol selection with the regular Free at Sea was good enough.  The internet is not good and the Plus internet will not be much better.  Opt in to your cellular network provider for international wifi or get a Wifi egg.

 

2. Ports in Europe - I don't know what ports you are traveling to, but most of the ports we were at were not really the "find a bar and relax" types of ports.  They were heavily industrial ports and you really need to book shuttles or exclusion transportation to get to the cities.  We NEVER book excusrions through Royal Carribean or Carnival, but we really enjoyed the "on you own" excursions through NCL.

 

3. Cabin - we opted for a Family Suite.  It was big enough for 4 of us and had just the right amount of amenities.  A big Bath Tub was a huge selling point.  You will feel the ship move no matter where your cabin is.  Dawn is a small ship.

 

4. NCL Airfare - Booking Airfare through NCL will not allow you more than 2 days in the cities of embarkation and debarkation.  We opted out so that we could stay in Oslo 4 days and London 5 days.  It ended up being cheaper.

 

Overall, the Dawn is a small and capable ship.  The free dining was subpar, except for Osheehans.  The paid dining was excellent.  The service was great as a Suite Guest.  If you find the right bartender, you will not miss the top shelf stuff.  My fav bartender was heavy handed in pouring and often times gave me upgrades.

[azjim66]

Im curious about the weather in mid October? I assume be prepared for rain and some cold temps. Anyone done a cruise in this region in late fall?

Our stops include:

Paris (Le Havre),France
London (Tilbury),England
Amsterdam (Ijmuiden),Netherlands
Brussels / Bruges (Zeebrugge),Belgium
Bordeaux (Le Verdon),France
Bilbao,Spain
La Coruña,Spain
Oporto,Portugal
Lisbon,Portugal

[KeithJenner]

29 minutes ago, azjim66 said:

Im curious about the weather in mid October? I assume be prepared for rain and some cold temps. Anyone done a cruise in this region in late fall?

Our stops include:

Paris (Le Havre),France
London (Tilbury),England
Amsterdam (Ijmuiden),Netherlands
Brussels / Bruges (Zeebrugge),Belgium
Bordeaux (Le Verdon),France
Bilbao,Spain
La Coruña,Spain
Oporto,Portugal
Lisbon,Portugal

To start with you will most likely have cool and possibly wet weather. If you are lucky then it may be sunny but still cool. The sea can be fairly rough heading south, especially in the Bay of Biscay.

 

By the end of the cruise it is likely to be a bit warmer but you will likely still need to have layers of outside, especially in the evening.

 

Be prepared for most things.

[Jbrase0424]

We just got off the Dawn on June 26th after 10 day Baltic cruise.  I agree with a lot of what was said below.  

 

1. Most of the ports are a decent way from the city center.  Amsterdam required a 30-40 bus ride either through the ship "on your own" excursion or you can research the public transportation.  We took a bus to the train station and then a Tram into the city center.  Most public transit have apps or you can use Google Maps which will plan your route using public transit.  It worked well for us. 

2. LeHavre is a two and half hour train ride to Paris.  If you do not want to spend that much time on the train, consider Rouen which is only 30 minutes by train and offers quite a bit to see. 

3. Zeebrugge is about 30 minutes by train to Brugge and about an hour plus to Brussels.  We chose Brugge and it was great.  Old city but charming with lots of shops, horse/buggy rides and chocolate and lace.  

4. Dress in layers in Europe, regardless of the time of year.  It is easy to take a layer off if it is warmer than expected.  Rain is always a possibility for rain gear/umbrella are a must for the back pack. 

5. The Dawn is a smaller ship and certainly shows its age, especially in the outside areas.  The food was decent but agree the specialty restaurants are much better quality/service.  We were disappointed that there were no comedians- live music was good but changes every few months.  

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[cruisingnewb24]

Weather in northern europe is really weird.  70 to 80 degrees Farenheit can seem really hot, but then when you get glimpses of cloud cover, you get a sudden wind chill that makes it seem like its 55 degrees.  I have been to northern Europe in early summer and late autumn and experienced the same both times.  

 

Best suggestion is to layer.  Like I said, one minute hot and humid, next minute freezing cold. 

[Phutch9136]

Thanks for the topic. Booked for October 2025. Chose inside cabin on 11. How can I see details of ship layout regarding stairs, elevator, access to pool and outside areas?  When I booked NCL does not identify these areas on a map. I have no idea what I booked!!

My Agent knew nothing about this ship as he is a luxury small ship cruise agent. 

[dexddd]

44 minutes ago, Phutch9136 said:

Thanks for the topic. Booked for October 2025. Chose inside cabin on 11. How can I see details of ship layout regarding stairs, elevator, access to pool and outside areas?  When I booked NCL does not identify these areas on a map. I have no idea what I booked!!

My Agent knew nothing about this ship as he is a luxury small ship cruise agent. 

Go to ncl.com, explore, cruise ships and pick the ship.  Then go to deckplans.

 

Insides on 11 are mid or forward all close to stairs or elevators.  Pool is up one floor mid as is buffet but aft.