Carnival Dream Cruise: Review

[stevenr597]

We recently were on the Carnival Dream (January 2nd Cruise) and wish to give an update on this ship. Please note that we are frequent cruises on many of the cruise lines including Carnival, RCL, Celebrity, Disney, and Cunard. Because of this we do feel that we are fairly good judges of what is and what is not a good ship. Before the cruise we were a bit nervous in regards to the negative reviews of the Dream. However, at the completion of the cruise we do feel that the Dream is an excellent ship. Here is a brief summary of our impressions:

 

Negatives:

1) At times the ship can be a bit crowded, but the crew does handle the crowds well.

2) Long lines at the buffet if you elect to dine when the buffet first opens up.

3) The pools could be larger

4) The staff in the casino are not as helpful as one would wish for.

5) The ports, especially St. Thomas are crowded, but this is not the fault of Carnival, but rather due to many ships docking including the Oasis

6) Occasional odors, this would occur for short periods of time, in various parts of the ship. However we have experienced this on must ships we have cruised on in the past.

 

Positives:

1) Beautiful ship. We do feel that Carnival has some of the most attractive ships that sail

2) Overall the staff is wonderful, quite attentive. The staff was great in the dining room and the cabin steward was excellent

3) Laser shows were excellent

4) Food was excellent with a good variety for both lunch (Lido Deck) and in the dining room for dinner

5) Good variety of entertainment

 

Overall:

Forget the negative comments. Considering the price, Carnival is an excellent value and certainly one should consider the Dream

[jimbo5544]

We recently were on the Carnival Dream (January 2nd Cruise) and wish to give an update on this ship. Please note that we are frequent cruises on many of the cruise lines including Carnival, RCL, Celebrity, Disney, and Cunard. Because of this we do feel that we are fairly good judges of what is and what is not a good ship. Before the cruise we were a bit nervous in regards to the negative reviews of the Dream. However, at the completion of the cruise we do feel that the Dream is an excellent ship. Here is a brief summary of our impressions:

 

Negatives:

1) At times the ship can be a bit crowded, but the crew does handle the crowds well.

2) Long lines at the buffet if you elect to dine when the buffet first opens up.

3) The pools could be larger

4) The staff in the casino are not as helpful as one would wish for.

5) The ports, especially St. Thomas are crowded, but this is not the fault of Carnival, but rather due to many ships docking including the Oasis

6) Occasional odors, this would occur for short periods of time, in various parts of the ship. However we have experienced this on must ships we have cruised on in the past.

 

Positives:

1) Beautiful ship. We do feel that Carnival has some of the most attractive ships that sail

2) Overall the staff is wonderful, quite attentive. The staff was great in the dining room and the cabin steward was excellent

3) Laser shows were excellent

4) Food was excellent with a good variety for both lunch (Lido Deck) and in the dining room for dinner

5) Good variety of entertainment

 

Overall:

Forget the negative comments. Considering the price, Carnival is an excellent value and certainly one should consider the Dream

Nice brief review, thanks for posting it.

[Traveler353]

Very to the point and balanced. Thank you,

[pe4all]

Thanks for the nicely balanced review - short and sweet! I will be booking the Dream for next NYE this afternoon!

[happy cruzin]

Thanks for your insights!! 19 days and I will get to see for myself :D

[gadawg66]

That review was right on the $$. My family went to the Eastern Carribean over Christmas...

Did we do a lot of walking? yes..

Was it worth it? yes

Was waiting in line for food worth it? ABSOLUTELY...I did not have to plan, cook, or clean!

For those of you preparing for the Dream....Enjoy!!:cool:

[kiraryker]

Thanks for the review! Nice - can't wait but I have almost a whole year yet UGH:(

[Swood1969]

Thanks for your review. I am going on the dream in April. I have decided to not let the negative reviews spoil my excitement. I plan to have a nice time. I am glad you had a nice time on the Dream

[gillespieda]

Thanks for the very fair review! I go on the Carnival Dream next week, and have been happy to start seeing positive reviews of her.

[stefo]

thanks for the review. thinking about booking for next year.;)