The gentle lull of the sea, the promise of adventure, and the reassurance of a carefully planned itinerary. That is, until Norwegian Cruise Line looked at our perfectly chosen route and said:
“Let’s change everything.”

We booked this particular cruise for a few very specific reasons:

It was all going swimmingly… until Norwegian decided to play “Cruise Roulette” with our trip.

The original itinerary (shown in blue on the left of the image) was a well-balanced cocktail of cultures, countries, and conveniently spaced landings. Then came the updated version (highlighted in yellow), which was less cocktail and more “open bottle of sea-sickness tablets and pray for land.”

From Adventure to Adrift

Here’s how it all unfolded:

• Maputo, Mozambique? Gone.
• Fort Dauphin, Gone.
• Richard’s Bay and our overnight in Maputo? Also gone.
• A surprise triple feature of sea days? Absolutely. Welcome to “Cruise: Castaway Edition.”

We’d booked tours. We’d planned outfits. We’d researched whether we needed bug spray or bravery. Then bam, ports disappeared faster than a buffet tray of shrimp on embarkation day.

We did what any rational cruise guest would do:
We complained.

Politely.
Then firmly.
Then with increasing volume and strategic eyebrow raising.

And Norwegian responded with what appeared to be scripted emails. Not even a token fruit basket. Not even a stale croissant. Just a quiet shrug as if to say, “The ocean is unpredictable… and so are we.”

Rebooking Like Olympic Sprinters

The worst part? We’d carefully pre-booked excursions based on the original itinerary. You know, like people who trust the brochure. But after the Great Itinerary Shuffle of 2025, we had to:

• Cancel some tours
• Rebook others
• Invent new swear words for the cruise app
• And do frantic research on ports we hadn’t even heard of until the ship was en route

Because nothing screams “relaxing holiday” like Googling “What to do in Antsiranana” while eating breakfast.

More Sea Days, Less Sanity

When we first saw the original itinerary, we said, “Wow, just a few sea days — perfect!”

The revised version? A nautical odyssey of ocean, ocean, and slightly different ocean. By day four at sea, we’d named the waves and were on a first-name basis with the towel-folding elephant in our cabin.

At one point, I think we saw land — but it was just a mirage shaped like Maputo.

Compensation? Don’t Hold Your Breath.

Surely, you’d think, Norwegian would offer some form of compensation for the dramatic changes?

Think again.

We didn’t get a partial refund.
We didn’t get an upgrade.
Just a “thanks for your understanding” email that read like it was written by a mildly regretful robot.

The Silver (Sea) Lining?

Despite it all, we made the best of it. We laughed, we adapted, and we got very, very good at finding last-minute excursions and pretending we meant to be in Nosy Be all along.

So, dear future cruiser: if you book based on a carefully crafted itinerary… pack a sense of humour. And maybe a dartboard with the itinerary printed on it. It might be more accurate.

Finally two slightly travel-weary but adventure-hungry souls embarked on a sun-soaked, cocktail-fuelled, wildlife-filled journey across the Indian Ocean. From cramped airplane seats to lemurs stealing the limelight, here’s how we survived (and thoroughly enjoyed) our Mauritius to South Africa cruise aboard the Norwegian Dawn—with a few hilarious bumps, unexpected treats, and enough seafood to make Poseidon jealous.

2 nights stay in Mauritius prior to the cruise

Before embarking on our cruise, we decided to treat ourselves to a few days at Ambre Mauritius, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort nestled along the stunning east coast of the island.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and a refreshing welcome drink—setting the tone for a truly relaxing stay. Our room was spacious and modern, complete with a private balcony offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean .

The resort boasts a 700-meter stretch of pristine white sandy beach, perfect for morning strolls or simply lounging with a cocktail in hand . We took full advantage of the complimentary water sports, trying our hand at paddleboarding and snorkeling in the crystal-clear lagoon .

Dining at Ambre was a delight. With three restaurants and two bars, we indulged in a variety of cuisines, from local Mauritian dishes to international favorites . The staff went above and beyond to ensure our dining experiences were memorable—special thanks to the beach bar team for keeping our drinks topped up!

Please click on the following link for further details Mauritius

The Norwegian Dawn

On January 5th, we boarded our home for the next chunk of our journey: the Norwegian Dawn. A floating city of food, entertainment and brilliant company. The food? Plentiful. The entertainment? Surprisingly decent. We paid for the more at sea package which included 3 specialist restaurants, 150 minutes on board WI-FI and drinks package which was definitely worth it. Our cabin was cosy, the crew fabulous, and the ship itself a grand old dame.

Ship Specifications

• Gross Tonnage: 92,250 GT
• Length: 294 meters (965 feet)
• Beam (Width): 38 meters (125 feet)
• Cruising Speed: 25 knots
• Passenger Capacity: 2,340 (double occupancy); up to 2,800 maximum
• Crew Members: 1,032
• Decks: 15 total (11 passenger decks)
• Cabins: 1,170 staterooms, including 364 with balconies and 354 interior rooms

Eating Our Way Around the Norwegian Dawn: A Cruise Ship Foodie’s Paradise

Let’s be honest, one of the main reasons we cruise is the food — and Norwegian Dawn does not disappoint. Whether you’re a midnight muncher, a meat lover, or a salad saint (for a day or two), this ship caters to every craving.

Main Dining Rooms: Venetian & Aqua

If you like the idea of being handed a menu with more options than your local bistro — and none of the bill panic at the end — Venetian and Aqua are your go-to spots.

What to Expect:

• White tablecloths (you will drop something on them)
• Three-course meals that change daily
• Waiters who remember your name and your penchant for “just one more bread roll”
• Elegant dishes like seared salmon, prime rib, pasta primavera, and sinfully good chocolate lava cake

Tip: Venetian is the larger of the two, with more panoramic views. Aqua is slightly smaller and often quieter — perfect for a romantic(ish) dinner when you’ve been together long enough to eat in silence.

Garden Café: The Buffet That Could Feed a Small Country

Otherwise known as: “I’m just going to look”… five plates later…

This is the land of endless breakfast sausages, late lunch salvation, and dinner options that somehow convince you to try pizza and curry and roast beef in the same meal.

Highlights:

• Huge salad bar (for the illusion of health)
• Live cooking stations (omelettes, stir-fries, pasta cooked right in front of you)
• Theme nights (Tex-Mex Tuesdays, Asian Fridays)
• Views of the ocean to distract you from the guilt of three desserts

Warning: Buffets during peak times can resemble polite food-based warfare. Go early, be swift, and grab that seat by the window.

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O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill: 24/7 Magic

Where time stops and the comfort food never ends

If you’ve ever thought “I could murder a burger at 2am,” welcome to paradise. This Irish-American pub is open around the clock.

Menu Must-Haves:

• Loaded nachos that could double as a meal (or a pillow)
• Buffalo wings — dangerously addictive
• Shepherd’s pie that would make your nan proud
• Ice cream brownie sundaes — because calories don’t count at sea

Top Tip: Sit at the bar and you’ll make at least three friends before your Guinness arrives.

Bamboo – A Taste of Asia (Specialty)

Sushi at sea? Yes, and it’s sensational.

Bamboo serves up everything from Thai noodles to fresh sashimi. It’s intimate, aromatic, and perfect for a change of pace.

Our Picks:

• Spicy tuna roll (Mike had four)
• Pad Thai with prawns
• Miso soup and crisp spring rolls
• Tempura that’s light, not oil-logged

Note: This is included with the dining package, or you can pay à la carte — either way, it’s worth it.

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Cagney’s Steakhouse (Specialty)

Bring your appetite. And stretchy trousers.

This is Norwegian’s signature steakhouse and it lives up to the hype. A beautiful setting, sizzling steaks, and a wine list that might make you weep — with joy or sticker shock depending on your drink of choice.

Standouts:

• Prime ribeye — melt-in-your-mouth good
• Truffle fries — because you’re worth it
• Crab cakes to start (and never share)
• Cheesecake to end. Or start. Or both.

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La Cucina (Specialty – Italian)

Because carbs are life

This rustic trattoria-style restaurant offers hearty Italian dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Think garlic, olive oil, wine, repeat.

Favourites:

• Chicken parmigiana the size of your face
• Freshly baked focaccia with olive tapenade
• Lasagna layered to perfection
• Tiramisu that you will consider smuggling back to your cabin

Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian Steakhouse)

A meat-lover’s paradise, where the skewers keep coming until you beg for mercy (or switch the card to red):

Popular Dishes:

• Picanha – The star of the show: Brazilian-style top sirloin, juicy and carved right at your table. Basically the Beyoncé of the meat rotation.
• Garlic Beef – Beef with enough garlic to ward off vampires and mildly offend your fellow diners.
• Lamb Chops – Tender, flavorful, and likely to make you question why you ever eat lamb any other way.
• Chicken Wrapped in Bacon – Because wrapping anything in bacon makes it fancier.
• Brazilian Sausage (Linguiça) – Spicy, smoky, and oddly addictive.
• Massive Salad Bar – With everything from imported cheeses and charcuterie to couscous and fancy pickles. Technically a “salad bar,” but no one’s there for lettuce.

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Los Lobos (Upscale Mexican Restaurant)

Authentic Mexican with a modern twist — and margaritas that may or may not have caused spontaneous salsa dancing.

Popular Dishes:

• Guacamole Made Tableside – Because nothing says “I’m on holiday” like someone hand-smashing your avocado with flair.
• Tacos al Pastor – Pork marinated in chilies and pineapple, served with a side of “I could eat six of these.”
• Queso Fundido – Melted cheese with chorizo. It’s like a hug in a skillet.
• Carne Asada – Grilled steak, perfectly seasoned and usually followed by someone saying “this might be better than the steakhouse.”
• Lobster Tacos – Fancy tacos for people who want seafood and street food at the same time.
• Churros with Dulce de Leche – Crispy, sugary, and the official dessert of “I shouldn’t, but I will.”

While we only visited the buffet a couple of times (quick bites, not really our style), the Norwegian Dawn truly shines with its specialty dining. We indulged at Cagney’s Steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria, and Los Lobos—all exceptional, with top-tier food and service that made every meal feel special.

We also enjoyed several lovely meals in the Venetian and Aqua main dining rooms, where the service was consistently great and the food never missed the mark.

In short, we can’t fault the food on the Norwegian Dawn—it was a delicious cruise from start to finish (and yes, our jeans are still recovering).

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Wine, Cocktails and Caffeine Fixes

• The Cellars – Wine Bar: For when you want to swirl and sniff without pretending to know what you’re doing.
• Atrium Café: Great for speciality coffees and people-watching.
• Mojito Bar & Sugarcane: The best spot to test your tolerance for rum or just enjoy a pre-dinner drink with new cruise friends. 

Nightlife on the Norwegian Dawn: Where Sea Legs Learn to Dance (Alone)

After a long day of sightseeing (or strategically avoiding yet another buffet), the Bliss Ultra Lounge is where the Norwegian Dawn gets its groove on. It’s all neon lights, DJ beats, and a dance floor that gently sways with the sea — or maybe that’s just the mojitos.

Although it’s a great venue with a stylish vibe, comfy booths, and a solid cocktail menu, we couldn’t help but notice… it wasn’t exactly buzzing. In fact, most nights it felt more like a private party we didn’t plan. You’ll have plenty of space to dance — because odds are, you’ll be the only one doing it.

Great for pretending you’re in an exclusive club. Less great if you were hoping for a full dance floor and a conga line of new friends.

Reunion Island

We made a brief stop in Reunion. No excursions booked. We optimistically hopped on a free shuttle. Turns out, this was the highlight. Not much else to see, unless you count the hunt for a decent coffee. We were back on board quicker than you can say “Next port, please!”

Madagascar Mayhem – Tuk-Tuks and Lemurs

Antananarivo: Tuk-Tuk Treats and Beach Bliss

We zipped around town in a tuk-tuk (hang on to your hat—and dignity), then made our way to Remena Beach, which was heaven on earth with zero amenities. The sand? Dreamy. The sea? Bathwater warm. The food? Cooked on an open fire and cost less than your average Pret sandwich.

Seafood platter for Mike, steak for me, wine and beer for both of us—£14 total. You read that right. Fourteen. Pounds. The lack of changing rooms? Let’s call it “rustic charm.”

Please click on the following link for further details Madagascar

Nosy Be: Lemurs and Leaks

Our Viator-booked excursion to Lokobe National Park was a jungle adventure. First, a mini bus ride. Then, into “boats” that felt more like bathtubs with attitude. We rowed, we bailed out water, we laughed nervously. It was all worth it.

At the park, lemurs literally came to us and nibbled from our hands. A David Attenborough moment, minus the soothing narration. Lunch followed—seafood, rice, potatoes, fruit—and it was incredible. An unforgettable day, wet socks and all.

Please click on the following link for further details Madagascar

Port Elizabeth – Birthday Bash on a Budget

My birthday (age redacted) was spent in Port Elizabeth, where we’d made some lovely cruise friends. We dined and drank ourselves merry at Barney’s Steakhouse—steaks, wine, cider, beer, and yes, even shots. Total bill? £25 per couple. We’re still not over it.

The next day’s safari at Kragga Park was lovely… until we saw the cheetahs behind fences. It slightly dampened the “wild” part of the wildlife, but hey—lions and zebras still roamed freely, so the Instagram quota was fulfilled.

Please click on the following link for further information Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)

Mossel Bay – Seals, Surprises, and Beach Beers

We’d planned a Seal Island trip, but the original boat had a mechanical mishap. No worries—we found a friendly local with a functioning boat and a “why not?” attitude. £35 per couple and we were seal-spotting like pros.

Back on land, we celebrated with beachside drinks in the sun. 

Please click on following link for further details Mossel Bay

Cape Town – The Grand Finale

We finally reached Cape Town — and what better way to celebrate than with… another boat ride? A 90-minute cruise gave us epic views of Table Mountain (and a light soaking from the ocean).

We followed it up with a city tour, including the iconic Table Mountain cable car — where the scenery was stunning and the altitude mildly concerning.

Next stop: Aquila Game Reserve, where we spotted lions, elephants, and a giraffe that looked personally offended by our presence.

But the true stars of the show? The penguins at Boulders Bay. Tiny, tuxedoed, and full of attitude — we could’ve watched them waddle for hours.

We wrapped things up with a drive along the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak and a wander around the V&A Waterfront and had a cocktail admiring the view.

Please click on the following link for further information regarding Cape Town

Cruise Summary: Ports, Penguins & People Who Made It All Worth It

Our African cruise aboard the Norwegian Dawn didn’t exactly go as planned — in fact, the itinerary went through more changes than a West End costume department. Ports vanished, sea days multiplied, and compensation was… theoretical.

But despite the “Surprise! You’re at sea again!” moments, the trip was filled with incredible highlights:

• Wading with lemurs in Madagascar
• Spotting wildlife at Aquila Game Reserve
• Marveling at Table Mountain (from every possible angle — boat, cable car, and cocktail bar)
• Being utterly charmed by the penguins at Boulders Beach

From beaches to buffets, safari drives to seal sightings, the destinations delivered.

But the true magic of the cruise? The people we met along the way.
We shared meals, mishaps, taxis, tuk-tuks, and toasts — and somewhere between the dodgy Wi-Fi and overcooked buffets, we found genuine friendship. The laughter, shared adventures, and collective head-shaking at Norwegian’s scheduling skills turned a bumpy ride into a brilliant one.

So yes, the itinerary was a bit of a wild card…
But thanks to our fellow cruisers, it was one of the best hands we’ve ever been dealt.