Norweigian Dawn 11/28/04

[CRUISEBEN]

Hi
This will be me and my partners first cruise.
Any other family going??

Ben

[Mrmacman]

Going to miss you by a month. Partner and I are on the Dawn for 12/30/04.
One thing I have learned by reading this board. EVERYONE has an opinion on everything. I have heard raves about the Dawn, from some very picky people I know. I have also heard negative things, mostly from cruisecritic boards. I am going with an open mind and intend to have a great time. Most cruises are what you make of it.

I am sure there are better cruise lines and better ships, etc, etc. But living in the metro NYC area, and wanting to travel in late December, options are limited. Have a great time, and let us know how your trip was.

[kwokpot]

I have made some posts elsewhere, but let me give a few helpful hints on this thread. My partner & I sailed the Dawn early Dec 03, and had a great time. So here are some hints:

Believe it or not, there is actually a pool deck sailaway party - with barbeque!!!
My advice, enjoy the music and the INCREDIBLE views of the Manhattan skyline and sailing by the Statue of Liberty (They play 'Proud to be An American'), then when you get too cold, go to the Dazzles lounge and enjoy the rest of the views. DO NOT stay out on deck and eat the barbeque!!
I thought it was rather silly to see all these people in parkas, scarfs, and gloves eating cold steak on a plate while shivering cold - stupid!

Instead, the first night would be perfect for trying out LeBistro Restaurant, which we did. We went to make a reservation as soon as we were able to when we got on the ship. The restaurant was empty the 1st night!

The main theater has EXCELLENT sightlines and beautifully designed. We found that the best seats were in the row where the main aisle is - the reason being is that you have unlimited leg room.

The ship has a great library.

The Blue Lagoon Restaurant has some good food ( Fried Rice,fish & chips) but there's limited seating, and the way it's set-up, you're not sure if it's self service or not - it's actually a little of both. There is waitress service to order your food, but you can get your own salads, drinks and dessert (The sweets selection is not very good, though, and although it SEEMS like soda is available for free there, it's not)

Gym is open 24/7.

Spa is open till 11. There is a steam room & dry sauna, cold and warm plunge tubs, and indivividual and open showers in the men's locker rm. There is a jacuzzi, lap pool, and lounge chairs in the co-ed portion of the spa.

The casino is alot of fun - they serve some hot hor'dorves around midnight.

Weatherwise, please note that your 1st sea day WILL NOT be warm enough to do anything outside; it is an indoor day. The 2nd day, at least for us,only became warm enough to sun in a bathing suit in the middle of the afternoon. In the morning, you still needed to wear a tshirt and shorts.

There is a outdoor grill restaurant that serves very good hamburgers, hotdogs, and steak . It is above the stadium style sunning area.

Let me know if you have any questions!