‘New’ Norwegian Dawn Sails To Boston
Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) Norwegian Dawn has sailed to its seasonal homeport of Boston as an essentially new vessel, following a month-long dry dock where it received enhancements to every part of the onboard experience, from two brand new restaurants and three new bars and lounges, updated design and décor in all public spaces, to a refurbishment of all staterooms including a complete makeover of the ship’s signature Garden Villas.
Norwegian Dawn’s extensive renovation is a part of The Norwegian Edge program, a US$400 million investment.
“As with each of the ship refurbishments in the Norwegian Edge program, this was not your average dry dock,” said NCL president Andy Stuart. “Norwegian Dawn was brought down to the steel in many spaces and rebuilt to evoke the look and feel of the newest Norwegian ships, allowing guests sailing on her to enjoy all of the freedom and flexibility that only Norwegian offers, along with a more premium experience from bow to stern.”
Dawn’s new restaurants include Los Lobos Cantina, an upscale Mexican restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional favourites like guacamole prepared tableside, al pastor tacos, enchiladas de mole and hand crafted margaritas, all available à la carte. Los Lobos Cantina will open on July 1.
A guest favourite, O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill has made its debut on Norwegian Dawn and features signature sports bar décor while offering pub fare and beers on tap. Wine lovers now have a chance to sip and savour their favorite vintages at The Cellars, a Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar as the former Pearly King Pub has been completely transformed into a modern, upscale wine bar offering tastings and engaging educational events. Sugarcane Mojito Bar will serve up more than 15 varieties of mojitos in a modern lounge area on Deck 13 adjacent to the new location for Moderno Churrascaria.
Finally, Spinnaker Lounge was transformed into the Bliss Lounge, offering a larger space for guests to relax and enjoy a cocktail, with refinished bar fronts, new contemporary accents, furniture and carpeting.
The dining experience onboard Norwegian Dawn has been further enhanced with extensive renovations to all of the existing complimentary dining venues. Specialty restaurants also have a new upscale look and feel throughout the ship.
The ship’s existing bars and lounges also offer a fresh experience, with Gatsby’s Champagne Bar debuting with new furniture, flooring, decorative lighting, artwork, window treatments and an art deco-inspired chandelier. The Cigar Bar features new tile flooring, draperies, furniture, plus an enhanced new humidor.
Every stateroom on the ship was enhanced during this renovation, receiving new carpets, bedding, drapery, artwork, flat screen TVs and furniture. The dry dock also allowed for a complete makeover of the ship’s two Garden Villas, now featuring a more clean and modern look with brand new flooring and furniture inside and out, new ceilings, lighting, bedding, décor and 42-inch flat screen TVs.
As with the recent enhancements to several other Norwegian ships, Norwegian Dawn’s public spaces, elevators and restrooms were refreshed from top to bottom to receive an updated look with new contemporary design, as well as new lighting, flooring, wall coverings and wall sconces to give the full ship that “new ship” look and feel.
The ship’s Atrium features a new modern and clean look with plush carpet and new lighting, chic furniture and a new lounge seating area, as well as enhancements to the Guest Services reception desks.
The ship’s pool deck was completely refurbished to create a brighter and livelier atmosphere for sun-seekers with new decking and new white awnings to give the open deck a sleek, yacht-like feel.
Additionally, the main pool deck received new exterior showers, upgraded pool loungers, and a fresh look to all exterior corridors.
Entertainment venues such as the Dawn Casino and Stardust Theater were also enhanced by this extensive renovation. And, the Mandara Spa and Pulse Fitness Center was completely redesigned.
Norwegian Dawn sails from Boston to Bermuda each week through October, spending three nights in port, and from New Orleans to the Western Caribbean – including a call at Harvest Caye, Belize – during the winter season, beginning in November.