Norwegian Dawn was the first ship in NCL's fleet to feature the hull distinctive graphics that has become synonymous with the brand, and ever since has been one of the fleet's favourite ships, offering fantastic itineraries from New York to Bermuda during the summer months, Canada and New England in the autumn and Miami to the Caribbean during the winter cruise season. With countless dining options, bars and lounges, a revitalising spand pools, Norwegian dawn is the epitome of freestyle cruising.
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The ship in numbers
- Launched 2002
- Tonnage 92,250
- Wheelchair accessible cabins 26
- Decks 14
- Lifts 8
- Pools 3
- Restaurants 15
- Kids clubs Yes
- Maximum capacity 2340
- Crew 1,032
- Refurbished 2024
What's onboard
Dining
The Norwegian Dawn offers superb dining options to choose from as part of the freestyle cruising ethos. With 14 dining options in total there is a fantastic array of choice for your cruise. Paying a small cover charge gives you the choice of restaurants like the Japanese Teppanyaki, Le Bistro French restaurant and the upmarket Cagney's Steakhouse.
- Venetian Main Restaurant
- Garden Café
- La Cucina
- Los Lobos Cantina
- Bamboo
- Aqua Main Restaurant
- Cagney’s Steak House
- Le Bistro French Restaurant
Entertainment
The entertainment on the NCL Dawn is fantastic. There are 11 bars and lounges to enjoy the perfect drink, the Stardust Theatre for Broadway-style entertainment, and the onboard cinema to keep up to date with the latest and greatest films.
- Stardust Theatre
- Atrium Cafe & Bar
- Bliss Ultra Lounge
- Topsiders Bar
- Wine Cellar
- Havana Club
- Gatsby’s Champagne Bar
- Dawn Club Casino
- Sugarcane Mojito Bar
- The Pearly Kings Pub
Family
No matter how young the guests are onboard the ship, there is fun to be had for everyone. Little children can enjoy interactive games, films and creative activities at the Splash Academy, while teens can escape their parents for a little while at the Entourage Teen Club.
All the family can make memories splashing about in the pool and the specially designed T-Rex Kid’s Pool features slides and a paddling pool so that nobody has to miss out on cooling off in the water.
Things to do
There’s no better way to burn off all that indulgent food you’ve been enjoying than having a go at one of the sports available onboard Norwegian Dawn. With basketball and volleyball courts, a running track and swimming pools, you’ll be able to try something new or show off your skills in a bit of friendly competition. If you prefer to do your workout in a gym, then Pulse Fitness Centre has a mix of machines and free weights, as well as exercise classes, ready to help you get that blood pumping.
However, Norwegian know that staying active isn’t everyone’s idea of a perfect holiday. For those looking to enjoy some relaxing downtime, the Mandara Spa and Salon offers a huge range of beauty treatments to make you feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. There are also several Jacuzzis and a Thermal Suite to optimise your levels of relaxation.
Norwegian Dawn Image gallery
Iglu Cruise customer reviews for Norwegian Dawn
The cruise on Norwegian Dawn was lovely and relaxing. The staff were great. The food was really good in the main free restaurants. We had two specialty meals at Cagney and The Bistro which were included in our Free at Sea but don’t actually think they are worth the extra money and we actually cancelled La Cucina on the last night. The cafeteria was very spread out with lots of different sections. Tables were hard to come by but we always managed to get one. They did not have any decaffeinated English breakfast tea which we found very disappointing and luckily we had brought our own. We got charged an extra 10% vat on all drinks we ordered which I found very odd considering we had a drink package but it was because we were in Spanish waters. Thank goodness we weren’t in Italian waters as it was an extra 20%. Our sail away balcony cabin was a bit dated but the bed was very comfortable and was kept very clean. There was no noise from the propellers and didn’t even know when we had docked. Plenty of sunbed and places to go to in the shade which was a bonus.
We were travelling with another couple and were allocated cabins at different ends of the ship despite me booking both cabins. Our cabin was on deck 8 above the dance/music area so very noisy until 1 in the morning. Food was repetitive, no variation. We also had a late flight home, but was kicked off the ship by 8.30 in the morning so spent 14 hours in the airport (flight was delayed by 2 hours). Other cruise lines allow you to stay on the ship.
The ship is fine but the rooms very dark and dated. The day at sea was very busy and not enough sun beds were put out to accommodate this. The staff were all very helpful and friendly. The one brilliant thing was the singing cleaning and restaurant (washy washy) staff in the buffet restaurant at breakfast time. Wasn't impressed with the theatre entertainment.
Very slow service in dinning room , having to send wrong meals back , also at breakfast second course delivered whilst still eating first ! Entertainment very poor !
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabins
What are the main types of cabins on Norwegian Dawn?
Options include Inside, Oceanview, and Balcony staterooms, plus the exclusive The Haven luxury suite complex.
Families and Kids
Is Norwegian Dawn family-friendly?
Yes, it is exceptionally family-friendly. The ship features dedicated kids' clubs, youth staff, and family-focused entertainment.
Does Norwegian Dawn have waterslides?
No, Norwegian Dawn doesn't have waterslides. The ship does feature a dedicated children's splash pool area.
Food and drink
What are the main dining options on Norwegian Dawn?
Enjoy Freestyle Cruising with no set dining times in the complimentary Main Dining Rooms, casual buffet, and 24-hour eateries.
What speciality dining is there on Norwegian Dawn?
Popular venues include Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (French), and Teppanyaki. Cover charges apply.
Itineraries
Which ports does Norwegian Dawn usually sail out of?
This ship sails from various global ports depending on the season. Please check specific itineraries for exact departure locations.
Ship Features
What are the top highlights onboard Norwegian Dawn?
Freestyle Cruising with no set dining times, relaxed dress codes, and the outdoor waterfront promenade.
