Public Areas & Facilities

Launched in 1992, Norwegian Dream was stretched in 1998, when a 130-foot midsection was added to increase her size. While additional staterooms and a lovely new reception area were added, unfortunately the sizes of most public rooms were not increased enough, and these areas can feel cramped when the ship is fully booked. An odd result of the lengthening is a passageway that forces passengers to walk through the Four Seasons Restaurant in order to reach the forward staircase and show lounge.

The best lounges on board are the clubby Lucky's Bar and the Observatory Lounge with expansive sea views. Soaring window walls that offer a 270-degree view of the sea make the multitier Terraces restaurant the most popular dining venue. Other public rooms, particularly those lined up along International deck, feel more like places to just pass through and offer little atmosphere.

Restaurants

Norwegian Dream offers Continental and specialty dining in two main dining rooms, an Italian-theme Sun Terraces Trattoria, and NCL's signature Le Bistro. Both Le Bistro and the Trattoria require reservations, but only Le Bistro carries a cover charge. Casual daytime choices are the Sports Bar & Grill, a poolside café, a pizzeria, and ice-cream bar.

What Works & What Doesn't

The ship has one of the brightest and most cheerful sports bars at sea. During big games it has the feel of a fun neighborhood bar. Unfortunately, the tiny buffet tucked into the sports bar is inadequate, and the café and pizzeria adjacent to the pool bar can't honestly be called a Lido buffet. Although the spa is fairly generous for a ship this size, the space set aside for working out feels skimpy at best. NCL has always been known for elaborate and entertaining production shows, and the performers on Norwegian Dream are certainly talented, but the smallish stage and low ceiling hamper their efforts.

Accommodations

Layout: Although there are numerous categories from which to choose, staterooms are basically configured in five layouts with fares determined by size and location. For additional space, book early to secure one of the limited numbers of ocean-view staterooms with a balcony. Just remember that these cabins were made for dressing and sleeping only, and that's reflected in the generally small size.

Amenities: Honey-tone wood cabinetry adds warmth to what are pretty basic furnishings in all superior and standard ocean-view and inside cabins. Most cabins contain a desk-vanity and chair and hair dryers. Only the top four categories have even a small refrigerator. Bathroom amenities include shampoo, lotion, soap, and bathrobes for use during the cruise.

Suites: Owners Suites have a CD/DVD player, personal safe, hair dryer, small refrigerator, walk-in closet, separate bedroom, balcony, bathrooms with separate tub and shower, and are capable of sleeping five with a Pullman bed.

Good to Know: Connecting cabins can be booked in a number of different outside categories, although they are scarce inside. Six staterooms are designed for wheelchair accessibility; staterooms equipped for the hearing impaired are also available.

Category	Size (square feet)
Owners Suite	336
Penthouse Suite	284
Superior Ocean View	176
Standard Ocean View	152
Inside	136

Favorites

Best Added Value: There's no charge for dining in Sun Terrace Trattoria.

Best Dessert: Everything displayed on the Chocoholic Buffet is made of chocolate, chocolate-covered, or chocolate-dipped. It's a chocolate lover's dream.

Best Place for a Nightcap: Lucky's Bar, with dim lighting and a little light piano music, is an ideal place to wind down from the day.

Best Place to Stay Cool: The Wet Bar with stools and benches for seating in the splash pool is a cool treat.

Best Outdoor Features: Norwegian Dream is distinctive for its encircling promenade deck and a forward-facing outdoor viewing area on the three decks above it. There's a lot of room at the rails to watch the ship approach ports of call, as well as unobstructed jogging and walking paths.