Norwegian
Dawn
Norwegian Cruise Line
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?
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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
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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
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Cagney's Steak House—Aged prime beef, seared to
perfection, just the way you like it
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Le Bistro—Boasting an exquisite collection of
Impressionist paintings, NCL's signature upscale French
Mediterranean restaurant features gourmet French cuisine
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Bamboo—Gourmet Asian dining featuring
Japanese-Thai-Chinese cuisine and a sushi and sashimi bar
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Impressions—Reminiscent of Paris in the 1900's, this
art-inspired restaurant serves traditional and modern fare
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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
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La Trattoria—A traditional Italian restaurant where pasta
and crispy salads are specialties and authentic Italian desserts
are squisito
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Garden Café/Kid's Café—Buffet style indoor/outdoor eatery open
around the clock with special kid-sized serving buffet and
tables
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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.]
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Venetian Restaurant ~
My choice for most elegant meal setting
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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
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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)
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Norwegian Dawn Photos
Staterooms & Public Areas
