Norwegian Dream Cruise Review

Our cruise on the Norwegian Dream was a "great" cruise for the price. NCL continues to deliver "value" to the cruiser. In addition to "value" they offer a variety of food choices with the NCL FreeStyle dining program. A great entertainment experience and a relaxing atmosphere for a smaller ship. This is not a mega-ship class ship. It is an older ship that has been well maintained. Overall rating from 1 to 5, with 5 the best, we rated the cruise a solid "4 . This was a week for vacation, rest and relaxation, and lots of fun.

Check In on the Norwegian Dream
The check in time was only 5 minutes at 2:30 PM when arriving at the terminal. Security check points went quickly. We had an hour delay after check in waiting for "wheelchair" assistance for my 82 year old father. Finally we boarded, after an aggressive check-in clerk helped us. If you need wheelchair assistance from the terminal to the ship be expected to wait for the chair. It's a long gangway from the terminal to the ship, and you best be in good shape for the walk and climb up the ramped gangway. Once greeted at the security desk and entering the ship, you are directed to your stateroom. Bags were delivered very fast to the staterooms.

Dining on the Norwegian Dream
The Dream offered a variety of restaurants, most great, one average. On this trip the "dining" experience proved a far superior dining experience than the "American way" of buffets, and quick foods. The Dream offered a daily buffet (located in the Sports Bar) that would be offered by any American buffet restaurant chain. I felt the lunch would have been a $6.49 buffet priced meal, while the dinner would be priced at $8.49 here in the USA.. The main problem at breakfast and lunches, was the Sports Bar had limited seating. The volume of passengers to small space allocated for a "buffet" was just too much to handle at times.

The "dining" experience in the Terrace, La Trattoria, Le Bistro, and Four Seasons, provided outstanding 5-star service and food selection. The thought of a cruise and eating buffet type food, hamburgers, and pizza, did excite me. The dining in these areas mentioned was excellent. The service from the staff EXCELLENT. The menu selection: EXCELLENT. The food prep and plating: EXCELLENT, the food was served hot, and timely. When wine glasses looked empty, the staff was there to fill up. Impeccable service and atmosphere was provided. The experience was totally gourmet service. Dining starts at 5:30, and expect a short ten minute wait in line to get in. After a day returning from port in the heat of Mexico, the Dream passengers were always eager to eat.

Suggest paying the $15.00 cover charge at Le Bistro. Five star service and gourmet food, intimate atmosphere. Menu stays the same every day at le Bistro. La Trattoria for Italian cuisine. Great ocean views. Four Seasons, midship, clearly the main dining room was EXCELLENT, both service, menu selection, and overall quality. Bar was service excellent, in all areas. On the formal night, be sure to make reservations, or expect a wait. That night the amount of passengers choosing to use the dining rooms increases because of the upscale service, when most passengers dress up. We once again enjoyed the Martini Clinic at Lucky's Bar. For $15.00 it was well worth the education and fun and meeting new friends.

Coffee Bar is "high priced". All restaurants were very clean. Outside eating areas get messy as the passenger seating is limited, so you may see passengers consuming breakfast or lunch sitting in the side deck of the swimming pool as it provides some seating space. Lots of food available and expect to gain weight. It's part of the cruise experience to just experience the food itself. The Chocolate Buffet held at 10:45 PM, is always spectacular. It's 400 lbs of chocolate lovers delight.

Outdoors on the Norwegian Dream
Pools are small, the pool directly on the back of the ship was a hidden gem. If you're looking for a shaded area up top, be prepared the get some sun. Not many areas for shade, except for Deck 12 under a canopy, in a designated "smoking area", overlooking the small mid ship pool. Cruise Director had some outside gatherings, with plenty of room for everyone to view. The outside areas are clean and comfortable. The ship should have greater accessibility to bathrooms. Once outside you had to reenter the inside of the ship to find a public restrooms. Plenty of lounge chairs and tables were available on Deck 12. Since the pool areas are used for serving food, (breakfast & lunch) in either the Pizzeria, or outside BBQ....the area becomes congested and at peak traffic times, seating is hard to find, and the outside bars become breakfast bars. Great views from the pool area on the back of the ship to the sea on Deck 8.

Casino on the Norwegian Dream
The casino was small, but adequate. One "roulette wheel", one for craps, blackjack, poker, three card poker. Slots...that love to suck up your tokens. Found little people on the winning side. Suggest you stick to the card or dice games. But there is always the excitement of the win. My projection is be "fully prepared" to lose on machines. The casino is located next to the Stardust Lounge. Dealers were well experienced and friendly.

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