Norwegian
Dawn
December 16-18, 2002
Christening 'Sneak Preview' Cruise
by Linda Coffman
The "Berth" of a New
Dawn—NORWEGIAN
DAWN
Broadway stars weren't
the only ones shining on a crisp New York night. All eyes were on Norwegian Cruise Line's
glittering new ship as Norwegian Dawn made her heralded debut
performance in the first of her two new homeports.
Norwegian Dawn pays
homage to her dual homeports, depicting her innovative itineraries
with evocative artwork on her hull. The starboard side sports playful
dolphins reflecting the ship's Caribbean itinerary from Miami and the
port side features New York City's leading lady, the Statue of
Liberty, signifying the ship's Bahamas and Florida itinerary from The
Big Apple.
The ship's hull also
features reproduced signatures of 20th Century masters Renoir, Matisse,
Van Gogh, Monet and Pop icon Andy Warhol. Norwegian Dawn has a
stunning collection of original oil paintings by the Impressionist
artists in its signature Le Bistro restaurant. Elsewhere on the ship
passengers find a collection of Pop Art featuring original signed
works by Warhol.
Purpose-built for NCL's Freestyle Cruising concept,
Norwegian Dawn has more of everything passengers could possibly desire. More dining options, a
variety of entertainment selections, an enormous spa, and expanded facilities for children and
teens. All of this on a ship dedicated to the freedom of choice. Finally,
passengers can tailor a cruise vacation to fit their personal tastes, not someone
else's.
Dining
Norwegian Dawn's array of traditional and exotic eateries tempts even the
least adventurous palate to sample the cornucopia
of international cuisines. Ten eateries and only seven nights to try
them them all—it's
a floating food festival! What's your
pleasure?
-
Venetian—One
of two main restaurants with an opulent Venetian-inspired decor and
six-course menus created by master chefs, members of the international
gourmet society, Chaîne des Rôisseurs
-
Aqua—The
second main restaurant serving contemporary cuisine in an equally
contemporary atmosphere, featuring menu choices that range from the popular
President's Menu to light, healthy dishes
-
Cagney's
Steak House—Aged
prime beef, seared to perfection, just the way you like it
-
Le
Bistro—Boasting
an exquisite collection of Impressionist paintings, NCL's
signature upscale French Mediterranean restaurant features gourmet French
cuisine
-
Bamboo—Gourmet
Asian dining featuring Japanese-Thai-Chinese cuisine and a sushi and sashimi
bar
-
Impressions—Reminiscent
of Paris in the 1900's, this art-inspired restaurant serves traditional and
modern fare
-
Salsa—Overlooking
the Grand Atrium, an authentic tapas bar offering a taste of Spain, the
Middle East and Mexico with live entertainment and a menu of hot and cold
tapas that changes daily
-
La
Trattoria—A traditional Italian
restaurant where pasta and crispy salads are
specialties and authentic Italian desserts are squisito
-
Garden
Café/Kid's Café—Buffet
style indoor/outdoor eatery open around the clock with special kid-sized
serving buffet and tables
-
Blue
Lagoon—Diner-style eatery offering snacks and fast-food around the clock
For
attacks of the munchies, head for Bimini Bar and Grill, the lively Key
West-style beach bar overlooking the Oasis Pool for
snacks or satisfy your sweet tooth with
ice
cream, sherbets, and sundaes at
Sprinkles
Ice Cream Bar. Of course, room service never closes and
dining on one's private balcony is a sublime treat.
While
there is a charge for the upscale restaurants, no one is pressured to
dine in them. Colin Veitch, President & CEO of NCL, explains the dining fees
are levied for capacity control, not exclusivity. On my short cruise,
the specialty restaurants were booked solid. I sampled Ginza, as well
as the Versailles and Aqua restaurants, Market Café, Java Café, and
room service. I haven't been able to look at my scale without guilt—I
think it was the caviar and goose liver pâté canapés that did in my
diet, though.]
 |
|
~
Venetian Restaurant ~
My choice for most elegant meal setting |
This is Freestyle Cruising
and passengers can choose resort casual attire every night or dress up
for a special dinner. Formal attire
during one evening is optional with one or more restaurants set aside for those
who don't want to forgo this shipboard tradition. The only "dress
code" caveat is that no jeans, t-shirts, shorts, cut-offs,
tank tops are allowed in any of the restaurants at dinner. Most of my
fellow passengers selected an array of "country club casual"
outfits, ranging from pant-and-top ensembles to cocktail dresses.
Except for a handful of gentlemen in tuxedos, I spotted very few ties but
numerous sport coats. Pack light and think mix 'n match with various
accessories. Without assigned dinner partners, it's unlikely that
anyone will notice a "repeated" garment.
Freestyle
Cruising offers the flexibility of dining when you wish and with whom you
choose. What a concept... eating when you're actually hungry! However, cruise
traditionalists who prefer the same table and waiter every night at a
certain time can simply inform the Maitre d' and those arrangements will
be made. For parents who want to share a romantic dinner for two, the Kid's Crew
program and group babysitting solves the problem of child care.
Staterooms
So many categories, how can you pick one? Although there are over two dozen
fare categories listed in the brochures, Norwegian Dawn's
accommodations range from Standard Inside and Oceanview Staterooms to
Oceanview staterooms with Balconies, Mini-Suites, Penthouses, Romance
Suites, Owner's suites, and the fantastic Garden Villas. More than 70%
of all staterooms are outside. (Follow
links to Photo Pages for stateroom
pictures.)
All staterooms
have gleaming light cherry wood cabinetry and paneling accents, a small refrigerator and
personal safe for valuables, as well as in-cabin coffee service to heat water for
tea or instant coffee. A
professional style hairdryer with real power is mounted over each
dressing table. Bathroom amenities include shampoo and soap
dispensers and hold your hats... most bathrooms are split into sections! Yes,
the toilet is separated from the sink area by a wall and sliding glass
door. The shower is roomy and also has a sliding glass door. No more
clinging shower curtain!
At 172 square feet, the
standard Oceanview Staterooms are generous. Even Inside Staterooms are cheery and the clever use of primary colors and
strategically placed mirrors achieves an open feeling.
One
of the most desirable of all stateroom amenities is a balcony and a whopping 70%
of Norwegian Star's outside staterooms have them. Book yours fast—Oceanview Staterooms with Balconies
are a hot seller. Mini-Suites
with a balcony are even more desirable with additional square footage, generous
storage, and bathtubs.
Stepping
up in posh and space, Penthouses and Owner's Suites are some of the
chicest digs at sea. To
tempt newlyweds and couples celebrating a second honeymoon, the choice of elegant
Romance Suites with their soft billowy fabrics afford a luxurious hideaway for two.
Penthouses, named for gems and artists, come in a variety of decor
styles and a knowledgeable travel agent is a necessity when selecting
one.
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|
~
Garden Villa ~
Private Garden & Patio |
The
pièce de résistance are the two Garden Villas. High atop the
Norwegian Star, they are the ultimate in opulence. With living room,
dining room, three bedrooms with luxury baths, and more toys than I
could count, they are a floating fantasy. Occupants need only step
outside to enjoy a relaxing soak in their hot tub or al fresco dining
in their private garden. Have the butler serve cocktails while I slip
into my specially-designed robe (a silky fabric lined in terrycloth).
Okay... I'm through daydreaming, but it is a lovely castle in the air.
Mr. Veitch confided they are not at a loss for occupants, even at
rates that make my gold card tremble.
For
large families, interconnecting standard staterooms and suites can
create a two to five bedroom area and passengers with disabilities
haven't been overlooked—twenty cabins of various types have been
designed for their special needs.
Continued --> Norwegian
Dawn Preview (Part 2)
More --> Norwegian
Dawn Photos
Staterooms & Public Areas
