NCL Dawn or RCCL Explorer of the Seas

[bluewater63]

We are planning a cruise to Bermuda in August. Our only choices seem to be the Dawn, the Explorer, or the Grandeur. Please, please help me decide. The reviews are all a mixed bag. Many, many thanks!!!

[leaveitallbehind]

Have sailed Grandeur years ago, but not to Bermuda (maiden voyage and enjoyed it). Have sailed Explorer to Bermuda and loved it. Never sailed on Dawn - and don't plan to. When we go back it will either be on Grandeur or Explorer and that decision will be based on 5 day v 7 day and which we want to do at the time.

[Yorkvillain]

I've done the Dawn and the Explorer. I'm going back on the Explorer again next month. Between those two ships it's a no-brainer, go Explorer. There's more to do, main dining room food is much better on Explorer (I know, subjective) and the Royal Promenade is the icing on the cake.

[cruisin07family]

Sorry but I disagree with the recommendations so far. If you're wanting to visit Bermuda, a 7-day trip is better than a 5-day trip. The Dawn was our first cruise so I'm sure that weighs in my thoughts as well as it was awesome. Are you not considering the NCL Breakaway due to cost? Understandable as I think it is sky high but it will definitely have all the bells and whistles and still be sparkling new to boot. We thoroughly have enjoyed our NCL cruises because we are not fond of the set dining times (one is too early and one is too late for us) and dressing up on vacation. That may not factor into your thinking at all however.

[leaveitallbehind]

Sorry but I disagree with the recommendations so far. If you're wanting to visit Bermuda, a 7-day trip is better than a 5-day trip. The Dawn was our first cruise so I'm sure that weighs in my thoughts as well as it was awesome. Are you not considering the NCL Breakaway due to cost? Understandable as I think it is sky high but it will definitely have all the bells and whistles and still be sparkling new to boot. We thoroughly have enjoyed our NCL cruises because we are not fond of the set dining times (one is too early and one is too late for us) and dressing up on vacation. That may not factor into your thinking at all however.

 

Just to be clear Grandeur is a 7 day cruise out of Baltimore, and along with the early and late dinner seating, RCI offers My Time Dining which at your own times. Most dress in the dining venues is casual with one or two formal nights as "suggested attire" (depending on cruise length) but the dress code is not typically enforced on formal nights and casual is acceptable any night.

[Slickviper]

We went on the Dawn over Thanksgiving a year ago for 12 days. It was our first cruise and it was so much fun. We never got bored and all of the food was amazing!!

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

Been on the Dawn and Explorer's sister, Navigator. Also Grandeur. I would choose Grandeur or Explorer any day over NCL...royal is just better, more polished, prettier ships, etc. Just my opinion.

[luvfamvaca]

We chose Explorer because of a wonderful trip we took on Adventure a few years ago (they are almost identical ships), I would've loved to go for 7 nights but we had only enough time off for 5 this trip...

Our friend went on Gem with her family last summer to Bermuda for 7 nights out of NY and said it was nice, but not what she expected and said if they did it again it would be on RCL.

[phoenix1181]

We've done both, enjoyed both, & are doing the Dawn in May & Explorer in April 2014 (9 day). Which ship really depends on what you're looking for.

 

We found the Dawn more casual & loved Freestyle dining which we thought was MUCH better than Royal's My Time Dining. No complaints with the food although we didn't enjoy the buffet as much as we do the Windjammer. Wait staff wasn't as friendly but the service was good & we don't cruise to make friends with the employees.

 

The pools are better on the Explorer & it seems easier to navigate although that could be because we've cruised Voyager class ships so many times.

 

We don't do the shows so I can't give you any comparisons there.

 

We spend a lot of time in the casino & think the staff on NCL is better. They're happier, friendlier, & genuinely appreciative of any tips they receive.

 

Both ships dock at Kings Wharf. Dawn is docked for 2 nights with Explorer it depends on which cruise you take. I know we stayed overnight on Explorer but I can't remember if it was one or two nights.

 

Photographers are much less intrusive on the Dawn.

 

Bartenders, servers, & cabin stewards are comparable.

 

It's a tough decision but whichever you choose, I'm sure you'll have a great cruise..................