The Dream: Sailed 1/23/10-1/30/10 WITH PICS...I hope! :)

[purpleblanket]

Great Review and pics! Thanks you!

 

Debbie :)

[Kristi Williamson]

Need your help, we are considerate smokers and would like to know where the smoking areas are on the Dream.

 

You can smoke on one side of the lido. I think it's port side, but not absolutely sure.

 

You can smoke in the piano bar, and on the lanai. (same side as lido) You can also smoke in SOME areas of the casinos, but ONLY if you're actually sitting down, playing a game. There is a door in the casino that exits to the exterior of deck 5, where you can then walk down to the lanai area. It's very close, so no big deal!

 

Other than your cabin and balcony, that's it.

 

We never had a problem finding a conveniently close area, so it wasn't an issue for us, at all. I'm glad that they make the areas for us, but still leave non-smokers with PLENTY of options.

 

The biggest complaint that we heard from others, was the casino. You have about 1/10th of the casino that is smoking. Only four card tables and one craps table to smoke. Smokers had a tough time finding a slot machine, because there's only 30 machines for the entire area that is smoking. All others are non-smoking. Again, no trouble for us, but the BIG time casino players hated it.

[Kristi Williamson]

Kristi! Loved your review... We are going to be on the Dream the next time it sails the Western itinerary AKA 6 DAYS!

 

Two small questions... How was the overall weather at the ports? Warm enough for shorts every day and sandals? Just tweaking my packing! I do have long sleeve shirts for at night on the ship... Also did you try the BBQ on the Lanai? We are on deck 6 and cannot wait to be able to walk down one flight and hang out on the Lanai!

 

So glad you had a wonderful time...

 

We wore shorts and t-shirts every day except to Altun Ha. Not because of the weather, but because we'd been forwarned that mosquitos love Belize's jungle areas! lol We hardly saw any, though. Bring some Deet, you'll be fine.

 

I also looked up a 15 day weather report from Google before we left, so I was pretty well prepared for our weather.

 

They also offer warmed blankets on the lido deck now. If you get cool, just head over there and they'll give you as many as you want. They don't card you or charge you a thing, it's completely complimentary! GREAT new addition, and one I forgot to mention! We used one the first night during the laser show. We didn't need one any other night.

 

We didn't try the BBQ on the lanai, but we saw it. They had it every day as far as I could tell.

[Kristi Williamson]

;)Forgot to ask...are you spending the winnings on another cruise??

 

lol We actually did put most of it up for our spending on the Fantasy from Charleston in June! Too funny!

 

We figured it's just one less thing, right? :D

[Kristi Williamson]

Thank you so much for your review. I really enjoyed it...especially seeing we will be on the Dream in three weeks :). We will also be travelling with our children and my parents and are so excited.

 

I'm glad that you had such a wonderful time and the few negatives you posted didn't put a big damper on your trip.

 

We are currently booked on a captain your own riverboat tour on the river and mangroves with an outside tour company but have been looking at the altun ha riverboat tour through Carnival. I was wondering if you knew now what it was like if you would have still taken your kids? Did they really enjoy it? I am worried that mine may get a bit bored and tired and hot :D They are 9, 11, and 13 and would probably be happy staying on the ship, but I have never been to Belize and am afraid I might be sorry if I don't get off.

 

I'm glad you spent some nice time with your Mom and wish her the best. It just hit me that you posted pics of everyone except yourself!

 

Once again thanks for taking the time to share your trip with us:)

 

I would, but there's a reason for that: We homeschool and we actually studied some of the history before leaving. We studied Belize and it's wonderful mix of Spanish, Creole and African history. Seeing the ruins up close simply added to that.

 

The ruins were AWESOME! The river ride...I could probably have lived without, but mostly because of the rain. It was REALLY raining hard during some portions of the trip. There's no way to control that, though.

 

I'd take them again, no doubt. I think if the weather cooperates, this is a GREAT tour, without being so overly touristy. If you can get Jake, then he's a big plus as well. You're kids will probably love it if the weather's on your side. Ours were never bored, but our youngest REALLY hated the rain! lol

 

They also enjoyed the Black Orchid. It's a lovely place, right on the river, with yummy food. They cleaned their plates and so did we!

 

And I didn't even notice that I didn't have any pics of me on here! The only ones I have of all of us were the ones the ship photographers took. By the way, two of them were the best pics we've ever had made. They were on elegant night, and honestly, they are just GREAT of all of us! If you enjoy having your pics made on board, these guys were just incredible!

[Bugandi]

Great review Kristi,

We are going in 33 days, and can't wait. Thanks for the pics, they are awesome. Why did you not port in costa maya?

Thanks

Bryan

[Kristi Williamson]

Great review Kristi,

We are going in 33 days, and can't wait. Thanks for the pics, they are awesome. Why did you not port in costa maya?

Thanks

Bryan

 

 

The weather was really rough. The seas kept pushing the ship and the captain feared we may actually slam into the pier, so he opted out. I, personally, thought it was an excellent call!

 

They did refund us the 20.00 dollars per person.

[Kristi Williamson]

Oh! They also ran a BIG banner across the big screen TV all day that warned against chair hogging on deck. It said that if personal belongings were left of chairs for more than 40 minutes, the crew would remove them.

 

I've never seen that before, but this is also the first Carnival ship we've been on with a big screen. It may be on all the other ones with them.

 

Chair hogging was the least I've ever seen on a Carnival ship! YAY! We could find good seats every time we were on deck, which was almost everyday.

[RAE6]

Totally enjoyed your review and I am very impressed that you were able to get it done right after you just got back :D. I know how much of a time crunch you have with the kids and homeschool. I have two kids and also homeschool, so I take my hat off to you.:)

 

I am doing research right now on our next cruise, thanks for the great review of Dream. Glad you safely made it back with all the ice, I am in GA and a couple of weeks ago it was brutal here.

[designerlb]

Kristi, thanks so much for your GREAT review, I have to say one of the best I have read over the years.... My DH and I will be on the Dream Feb. 20th and we will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary... I decided to book the Nachi Cocum beach trip, I think the perfect start for the cruise..we are not big drinkers but love the simplicity with all this place has to offer especially the lack of the large crowds... Thanks so much for the info, glad your trip was so wonderful, hope to have another review soon.... Noticed you are from SC, our daughter graduated from USC and now is in her last year there getting her masters, we love South Carolina....... Go Gamecocks, although I'm a Florida Gator, haha, thanks again Laurie

[Prairie_Gal]

Thanks for taking the time to post your excellent review and pics. I'm glad you had a great cruise, depsite a few hiccups. Your husband sounds like a real sweetie!

[judimarg]

Kristi, Fantastic review - a pleasure to read. Really enjoyed the photos and the commentary.

[Zack Adams]

One last funny thing:

 

As I said previously, we're from SC. We almost never get snow. While we were gone, it snowed over 6 inches in our area. We crawled home last night at about 20 miles an hour on a THICK layer of ice, after driving over 8 hours. Quite a change from those nice tropical temps! lol

 

AND, it's supposed to snow again on Thursday. It's too funny to be typing and posting pics of the Carib., while looking out the window at layers of snow and ice...in the SOUTH! :eek::D

 

Thanks for the wonderful review and great pics! :)

 

That snow in the Carolinas is getting OLD! I can't wait to get on that boat!

[emmysmommy]

First port: COZUMEL

 

 

Thank you Manuel, for taking such good care of us. We tipped him, and regretfully, started back around 4:45 or so. We shopped just a few minutes and then was on-board just in time to shower and run to dinner for the early seating time. We were wiped out! lol But, the night was still young! :D

 

We loved Manuel when we were there last summer! I'm enjoying reading your review!

[DarthGrady]

Thanks for the great review! We were on Destiny last weekend and passed you guys as we were headed away from Cozumel. Did you see us waving? :D

 

Heres a picture of your ship at sea:

 

 

Also, I may have missed it, but how much is Nachi per person? We are going back to Coz. later this year on Freedom OTS and may go there after seeing your pics.

[bonnys]

Kristi, thanks for the great review. We are sailing on the Dream in a little less than three weeks and I can't wait! I booked this cruise way back before the Dream was slotted for PC. I was really excited when CCL moved our booking from the Glory to the Dream. After reading your review of NC I am really glad we booked it. Our DD loves the virgin "foo foo" drinks so maybe she will get her fill there instead of wanting them on the ship. We are also doing a beach day in Coata Maya since DD loves the ocean.

 

Best wishes and prayers for your mom. I know how hard it is to deal with a parent, especially a mom, having cancer. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and had surgery 2.5 weeks before DH and I were married on the Glory. She still went on the cruise with us but missed out on a lot. She is now cancer free but I live with the fear of it coming back.

 

On a side note, it sounds like you are from close to us. We are in Charlotte and got about 6 inches of snow this weekend. Kids are out of school tomorrow.

[abby and nathan's mom]

Tell me about the Comfort Suites...We are booked at the Radisson in June but could quickly change our minds...lol...Do they have the free parking???Did they come get you after the cruise???How did that work???Not to ask a stupid question or anything...We are Dreaming in June...When I read your positive reviews, I get really excited!!!!:):)

[zibbster]

Thanks for the wonderful review! We leave on the 20th and everytime I read a review like your I just get more and more excited!

[Kristi Williamson]

Tell me about the Comfort Suites...We are booked at the Radisson in June but could quickly change our minds...lol...Do they have the free parking???Did they come get you after the cruise???How did that work???Not to ask a stupid question or anything...We are Dreaming in June...When I read your positive reviews' date=' I get really excited!!!!:):)[/quote']

 

 

They do have the "free" parking, but it's called a cruise package and, like the Radisson, that "room rate" is just a little higher than the rooms without the package. It's still MUCH cheaper than getting a room and then paying the parking at the port, though. ;)

 

Here's the list of things we liked better than the one time we stayed at the Radisson (we've stayed four times now at Comfort Inn and Suites):

 

1. It's MUCH quieter and more low key

 

2. The breakfast is truly included. It's a HUGE breakfast layout with waffles, eggs, toast, oatmeal, bagels, bacon, sausage, gravy, fruit and pastries. This also includes coffee, hot chocolate, juices, milk, water, etc...

 

With the Radisson, you get four vouchers for their restaurant. That's great for most people, but we have six people in our party, therefore we have to pay for two of our party who are also guests in the hotel. Their restaurant is NOT cheap. At least what we consider to be an inexpensive, quick breakfast.

 

3. Rooms were slightly bigger, although not much.

 

4. No bar right at the pool area. We drink some, but don't really want our kids watching people get together and get smashed and loud within 100 feet of the kiddie pool and less than 20 feet from the regular pool. (may sound crazy when taking them on a cruise, but we've found that the pool areas during the day are quite kid friendly) There's also a live band, so it can get REALLY loud. lol Don't get me wrong, if it was JUST us, we'd like it just fine. But, when we cruise, we take our kids and it's just not our scene right now with kids ages 6-15. :)

 

5. Rates are less expensive, for what we consider to be more things that we enjoy. The Radisson has beautiful grounds and we did love that. But, we don't really hang out on the grounds at the hotel, so it only affected in so much as a quick walk around and then it wasn't of any interest to us.

 

6. Shuttle departs for the ship at 10:30. The first Radisson shuttle is 11:00 or 12:00! Either way, it's later and we hit the first shuttle we can get our booties on!

 

Also, they do pick you up right at the pier. They will be in the same holding area as the Radisson. Please keep in mind the Comfort Inn and Suites is quiet! We love that, but we personally know some people who MUCH prefer the Radisson. It's all in what you like to do and where your fun meter tops out! lol

[Kristi Williamson]

Thought I would add this since it was pointed out I'd forgotten to include pics of me in my review! lol I think I took all the pics we have, so this is the only one I had that I wasn't the photographer!

 

Anyway, this was formal night and we ate in the Supper Club. Great food, great company and just a great night all around. This is my mom, my eldest DS (who has a really bad fake smile going there!), my DH and myself. I thought the Carnival photogs did a great job this week. Every pic we had made turned out nicely.

 

Thanks everyone for all your sweet comments and I hope you guys have a BLAST! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

[katncenky]

great review!:)

[purpleblanket]

Very Nice Photo Kristi! I know what that's like to be the official family photographer and never have photos of yourself. And then if I ask someone to take photo of me they all look at me like I'm full of myself!!! lol

I'm glad you posted this so we could meet you as well!

 

Thanks again for all the photos and the review!

 

Debbie :)

[Oneluckywoman]

You're very welcome! It's almost like re-living it. lol I hope your cruise is as awesome as our experience was!

I am loving your review..we're going on the Dream May 15. Costa maya is one of our favorite ports, so I'm posting a picture here of the beautiful pool area which is in walking distance to the port. The Carnival Glory is in the background. I'm sorry you missed this beautiful port! You can take a cab for $5 pp round trip to the beach and get a massage in a cabana on the beach for $20 for almost an hour!! Be sure to bargain with them, don't take their first price. There's a swim up bar at the pool with a "beach" and LOTS of chairs surrounded by shopping. What more can a girl want? Here are some pics:

 

[Autonoz]

We didn't see them personally, but I'm almost positive I saw that name in the capers!! That's not my kind of thing so I would have just skimmed over it. Again, I'd swear I saw that name in the capers!

 

Sorry, for the disappointment. lol Hopefully, they'll be gone next time you're on board.

 

Are you kidding me. VooDoo was a blast on the Splendor. I only wish they were going to be back on it in March. What was the problem?

[Nickymjw1]

I am loving your review..we're going on the Dream May 15.

 

 

Hi Oneluckywoman, we are also on the May 15th Dream cruise. We have a great roll call group going. Why don't you join us??

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=950014

 

Kristi, great review! Thank you so much for putting all that time into it.

 

We are also from SC (North Augusta) and will be driving down to Pt. Canaveral as well.