We have not traveled on the Dawn, however have traveled on the Sky.
All meals are included in the main dining room(s), the buffet restaurant, and the pizza place. There are alternative restaurants that have a cover charge. When we went a few years back the charge was $10 per person.
If you don't want to spend the extra I'm sure you'll be happy with the free choices. And with Freestyle dining you can eat at any time you like while the dining rooms are open, which works well with kids. There is a kids menu too with dogs and burgers and chiken fingers, etc if they don't want to try the "adult" food.
Soft drinks and booze are extra charges everywhere on the ship.
There are no extra charges for contests, movies, shows etc. You will pay for gambling in the casino, bingo, video games, photos.
My son, who was 8 at the time loved the kids program on the Sky. This was in Alaska in the summer and there were quite a few kids on board. There were many activities and the groups of kids were seperated by age. So your 9 & 11yr olds wouldn't be mixing with younger kids or teens.
I'm sure you will have a great time on the Dawn. IMHO, cruising is a terrific family vacation.
