Cruise Ship Review
Norwegian Dream - Ship Review provided by Cruise Critic
Norwegian Dream, which was stretched in 1998 with the insertion of a 130-foot midsection, and also refurbished, is one of a handful of ships that will leave the NCL fleet by 2010 -- to make way for more contemporary vessels. In the meantime, however, you'll find it a good value option. Service level is more than adequate, and the alternative restaurant Le Bistro, along with oother Freestyle eateries -- offers superb fare.
Cabins aren't the largest in cruising's mid-price category but layout is excellent as most come with a small sitting area and picture windows. Don't expect elegance, but take this ship if the price and itinerary are right and the roster of activities seem to fit the bill. If you like an upbeat atmosphere with plenty of onboard activities, along with a wide range of shore excursions and quality entertainment, this ship is a good bet; however, if you prefer a subdued, refined ambiance and fine dining is a priority, another ship may be a better choice.
Dining
The food is fine, service is good, but the views are the best: the lobster tail and the strip steak come with a side of sea and sky in the three main restaurants all of which boast panoramic vistas. Tables for two, four, six and eight are featured. Freestyle Cruising is in full swing onboard and dining rooms are open from 5:30pm until midnight but you must be seated by 10pm. The Sun Terraces Trattoria (234 diners) is arguably the nicest restaurant (most intimate) followed by The Terraces (308 seats). Both have terraced seating and floor-to-ceiling windows opening up to the ship's tiered aft decks.The Four Seasons (452 seats) has great tables next to glass walls on each side. Port side tables are best; some may find the starboard side tables (where a walkway crosses the restaurant) distracting. Le Bistro, a reservations-only, 78-seat alternative restaurant, serves Italian fare for an additional fee. There is no official Lido restaurant: the Four Seasons offers buffet breakfast at sea, and the Sports Bar features buffet breakfast, lunch, teatime snacks and fresh popcorn, but it is a very modest space for this number of passengers (with only 85 seats inside -- 20 of which are for smokers).
There is a poolside snack bar/pizzeria, ice cream bar and a small coffee lounge. The lavish Chocoholic buffet -a sumptuous spread of everyone's favorite treat-is the most popular of the midnight snacks. Room service is available 24 hours -- a mid-afternoon order took only 13 minutes to arrive.
Cabins
There are 15 categories with staterooms attractively furnished in soft tones and featuring two lower beds that convert to queen, small bathroom with shower, hairdryer, cabin-controlled thermostat, duvet, TV, and radio. Inside cabins measure a claustrophobic 140 sq. ft. and standard outside cabins aren't much bigger at 152 sq. ft. "Superior deluxe" suites are 176 sq. ft. (about the size of a basic cabin on most newer ships).Owner's Suites afford such added conveniences as living room, separate bedroom, picture windows, refrigerator, stereo with CD library and tub and shower -- those on Sun Deck have balconies. Penthouse suites have sitting area, refrigerator and balconies. All suite guests enjoy concierge service. Staterooms on Promenade Deck open to the jogging track. Some people may wish to steer clear of forward cabins on Star Deck and International Deck as guests need to traverse a dining room (International Deck) or the show lounge (Star Deck) to get to other public areas or use other decks to walk across. There are 41 Category G cabins on Norway Deck with fully obstructed views and 41 Category F staterooms on Norway and Promenade Decks with partially obstructed views. Some Superior Deluxe Penthouses on Norway Deck have partially obstructed views.
Entertainment
NCL excels in nighttime entertainment; this ship is no exception, with Smokey Joe's Cafe, a production featuring such 50s and 60s hits as "Hound Dog" and "On Broadway." A good number of passengers stay up (particularly in the Caribbean) for options that include dancing the night away at Dazzles Disco; watching live broadcasts of major sports events in the Sports Bar & Grill; and gaming in the Monte Carlo Casino with six blackjack tables, one roulette, one dice, one Caribbean Stud Poker, one Let it Ride table and 158 slots.Fitness & Recreation
The Norwegian Dream has a mediocre fitness center divided into two small square rooms - one room contains aerobics exercise machines and the other has an assortment of weight machines and stationery weights. Both the size of the fitness center and the number of exercise machines are far fewer compared to fitness centers on similar-sized ships. There are only four treadmills, four Stairmasters and five stationery bikes. As a result, the room is often filled to capacity and passengers who want to work out have to wait in line to use the machines.Another disadvantage is the location of the fitness center directly beneath the basketball court, so when you're working out during a basketball game there is the constant loud banging of crashing feet right above your head. Other onboard recreational facilities include a golf driving net plus shuffleboard courts and ping pong tables.
The spa and salon are operated by Mandara (part of Steiner Leisure) and beyond the usual treatments (massage, haircuts, maincures) there's a daily schedule of fitness classes. Some require an extra charge.
Located midship on deck 11 is the main swimming pool with a terraced deck, while located aft on deck 9 is a smaller pool for those seeking more seclusion. There are also two Jacuzzis.
Family
The "Kid's Crew" children's program is featured year-round for Junior Sailors (3-5), First Mates (6-8), Navigators (9-12) and Teens (13-17). Group baby-sitting is available for a fee in the play areas from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. and by appointment in staterooms. Expectant Mothers are not allowed to sail past 24 weeks without a doctor's certificate.Fellow Passengers
Aside from winters sailing the Caribbean from Houston -- which draws a diverse crowd of passengers -- Norwegian Dream typically sails longer than a week itineraries in more exotic locals and, as such, mainly appeals to older, more experienced travelers looking for a value-priced cruise.Dress Code
With Freestyle Cruising in place the ship is now "Resort Casual." For ladies, "Resort casual" attire means sundresses, blouses, sweaters, slacks and skirts. For men "Resort casual" attire means shirts with collars, such as polo shirts, and khakis or trousers. Jeans, shorts, T-shirts, swimsuits and beachwear are not permitted in the restaurants after 5:30 p.m.. Dressing up is always an option for everyone. The tradition of mandatory "formal nights" on NCL ships has been changed to optional formal nights.Gratuities
The following are the Dream's tipping guidelines: $3.50 per day for the room steward, $3.50 per day for the waiter, $2.00 per day for the bus boy and $1.50 per day for maitre'd. That's a total of $10.50 per person, per day.Cruise Critic
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