Norwegian Dawn Review

Giant Suites: Norwegian Dawn's three-bedroom Garden Villa suites are — at a whopping 6,694 square feet — among the largest accommodations at sea. They come with a private garden, outdoor dining area, and a hot tub. Not a big spender? There are comfortable, if not huge, cabins for the rest of us.

Indoor and Outdoor Pools: Indoor pools are rare on ships, and Norwegian Dawn's indoor lap pool is the longest at sea. The outdoor Oasis Pool, with its four hot tubs, is also larger than ones you'll find on many vessels. The separate dinosaur-themed kids pool — with its slides, splash pool, and two whirlpools — is a draw for families with children of all ages.

Casino Action: Norwegian's casinos are highly rated by players, and this ship's over-the-top Dawn Casino has everything from table games to slot machines, mini-baccarat, and Let It Ride. There's even a VIP room for high rollers.

Choices, Choices: You'll find more than enough dining options to fill your entire cruise, including six complimentary options and specialty dining (at an added cost), such as hibachi at Teppanyaki, steak at Cagney's, and Mexican fare at Los Lobos. There's no shortage of bars or lounges either, with options including Gatsby’s Champagne bar, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, The Cellars wine bar, and 24-hour O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill.

The Casual Crowd: You don't have to dress up in the evening — ever — because there aren't any formal nights.

Globetrotters: Through at least late 2025, Norwegian Dawn will be offering itineraries around the globe, including a number of 15-to-21-night Extraordinary Journeys to places like Africa and the Gulf of Arabia and destinations throughout Europe. That means the ship is likely to attract couples looking for a cultural adventure.

Don't Improvise Dinner: The idea of Freestyle Cruising is that you can choose where you want to eat, when, and with whom...but that doesn't mean you don’t need a reservation. Show up without one, and you may have to wait for a table.

Plan to Spend Extra on Dining: The better restaurants, such as the Japanese-style Teppanyaki grill and French Le Bistro, have set fees or à la carte pricing. Any room service beyond continental breakfast also carries a fee.