Carnival Dream cruisers!

[stingraycityslicker]

I'm looking forward to cruising on the lovely Carnival Dream this August 14. If anyone has sailed on her, how did you like it? What were some highlights/weaknesses of the ship?

Thanks! :)

[VgsBby]

I'm looking forward to cruising on the lovely Carnival Dream this August 14. If anyone has sailed on her, how did you like it? What were some highlights/weaknesses of the ship?

Thanks! :)

 

Highlights: Burrito Bar, Pasta Cafe, Comedy Club, Lanai Deck 5, Ocean Plaza Trivia. Serenity! ( No Kids)

 

Weaknesses: Cruise Director Todd Wittmer (seemed like he was phoning it in), Very limited space in deck 10 swimming pools (too many people, too little space)

 

Ben

[Regestd]

We are also sailing on the 14th as well. 29 days and counting. I searched "Carnival Dream" on this board and found a ton of information - both pro's and con's. I think it is what you make it and we are going for an awesome time! Be sure to check out the Roll Call on our cruise lots of folks have already signed in.

[sassy_mrsjay]

I just got email from Carnival and was wondering about Coral World and Coki Beach?? Did they start back going there? I really want to go to Coral World and do the Hemet Dive or walk. On the email they are selling the Hemet Dive as one of their excursions.

[mjmiller]

check out the member reviews in the review board: http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/getreviews.cfm?action=ship&ShipID=512

 

my review is there. :)

[scchasgal]

I just got email from Carnival and was wondering about Coral World and Coki Beach?? Did they start back going there? I really want to go to Coral World and do the Hemet Dive or walk. On the email they are selling the Hemet Dive as one of their excursions.

 

Coral World and Coki Beach is in the part of town where the 14 year old girl was murdered with the gang shooting.

[GlendaleCruiser]

Highlights: Burrito Bar, Pasta Cafe, Comedy Club, Lanai Deck 5 (Loved walking around and around) , Ocean Plaza Trivia. Serenity! ( No Kids)

 

Weaknesses: Serenity filled up too fast. I never got to chill out there.

 

Other than that--WE LOVED IT!

[vanislandcruisers]

I'm looking forward to cruising on the lovely Carnival Dream this August 14. If anyone has sailed on her, how did you like it? What were some highlights/weaknesses of the ship?

Thanks! :)

 

We loved the Dream....you can check out our Journal ....just click on it in our Signature

[Lady_Jag]

LOVED the Dream!

My family's favorites were the Seaside theater, deck parties/laser light shows, the Waterworks area, Lanai (especially the cantilevered hot tubs), nearly smoke-free casino, the staff (Katie, the entertainment host, is a hoot!), smoke-free spa cabins, comedy club and Dancing in the Streets show.

 

Our not-so-favorite parts were having to leave the ship (of course!), the Mongolian Wok (best and worst meals of the cruise), and the rudeness of some of our fellow passengers.

 

Also, on a somewhat related topic, I love, love, LOVE the embarkation/debarkation process at Port Canaveral. To me, Port Canaveral rates #1 on that front!

 

Enjoy your cruise! My review is in my siggy.

[mjmiller]

Also, on a somewhat related topic, I love, love, LOVE the embarkation/debarkation process at Port Canaveral. To me, Port Canaveral rates #1 on that front!

 

I agree totally! On and off way quicker than any other embark port. :D

[C Cruise Dude]

Weaknesses: Serenity filled up too fast. I never got to chill out there.

 

Other than that--WE LOVED IT!

 

I agree that on one day I went up there and there were 3 or more ladies stretched out on the couches leaving no room for others to relax but I still found a seat. Forget the shells if you don't time it right. The Casino was cool. I like the non smoking sections. Love the buffet especially breakfast. If they have Dancing in the Streets be sure to see it. Get an Icee. Loved the frozen yogurt in the Gathering. Order the ribs in the MDR, they are so tender, they fall off the bones. Flat Iron Steak is a must. Be sure to experience the ship leaving port at night. If you have a full moon as we did, it is breath taking. Enjoy the cruise.

 

Breakfast Buffet:

 

Serenity Deck:

 

Full Moon Leaving St. Thomas:

 

 

 

[stingraycityslicker]

I agree that on one day I went up there and there were 3 or more ladies stretched out on the couches leaving no room for others to relax but I still found a seat. Forget the shells if you don't time it right. The Casino was cool. I like the non smoking sections. Love the buffet especially breakfast. If they have Dancing in the Streets be sure to see it. Get an Icee. Loved the frozen yogurt in the Gathering. Order the ribs in the MDR, they are so tender, they fall off the bones. Flat Iron Steak is a must. Be sure to experience the ship leaving port at night. If you have a full moon as we did, it is breath taking. Enjoy the cruise.

 

Breakfast Buffet:

 

Serenity Deck:

 

Full Moon Leaving St. Thomas:

 

 

 

 

Wow, thank you so much for the vidios/photos! Verrrrry impressive!! :)

[stingraycityslicker]

LOVED the Dream!

My family's favorites were the Seaside theater, deck parties/laser light shows, the Waterworks area, Lanai (especially the cantilevered hot tubs), nearly smoke-free casino, the staff (Katie, the entertainment host, is a hoot!), smoke-free spa cabins, comedy club and Dancing in the Streets show.

 

Our not-so-favorite parts were having to leave the ship (of course!), the Mongolian Wok (best and worst meals of the cruise), and the rudeness of some of our fellow passengers.

 

Also, on a somewhat related topic, I love, love, LOVE the embarkation/debarkation process at Port Canaveral. To me, Port Canaveral rates #1 on that front!

 

Enjoy your cruise! My review is in my siggy.

 

Wow, you really put a lot of effort into that outstanding review/photo album!! I really appreciate it - gave me a lot more insight. Thank you very much!! :D

[bluetickcoonhound]

Just got home from the Dream today. We had a great time and really enjoyed the ship.

 

As others have said the variety of foods on Lido was a strength. Also, plenty of things to do on the ship.

 

The one weakness that stands out was the crowds. Although I never felt it too much, during some lunches it was an issue. However, you just have to adjust to it. Go to the options in the back of the ship that are usually less crowded. We found the burrito bar and the deli on a couple of days with no lines at all.

 

The only major weakness was that they would not let me stay on the ship once we returned to Port Canaveral.

 

All things considered, the Dream is a great ship and you should have a fantastic time. Happy cruising!

[LisaBi]

The only major weakness was that they would not let me stay on the ship once we returned to Port Canaveral.

 

OK, OK - You can't attribute that weakness just to the Carnival Dream. They ALL seem to have that pesky problem.:)

[Questor3000]

My Carnival Dream, - Revised

I was completely exhausted from traveling from NYC the day we arrived at the port. We were out of the house at 4:30 AM and in the car by 4:45 to LGA/NYC Airport. Our flight arrived and gated on time and we were met by our driver from Mears. We managed to make a stop at the local 711 to pick up two cases of soda to keep in the room and make the port early. We were pointed toward the VIP line having medical equipment and medication with us. Jumper, my service dog was excited and everyone including the port staff was asking to pet him. Within 15 minutes we were walking to the gangway and en route to guest services as we had a message from housekeeping. Security gave me the message, and this nice Asian woman from Thailand, who was in charge, met me. We discussed what Jumper my service dog needed, we were taken to the room first early, dropped his bowl off; food was in main luggage which was frustrating. They set up a sizeable letterbox on the lifeboat deck, way out of the way. But, being an Ex-marine, I knew ship safety and what to avoid.

On a side note, they asked people to raise their hands who were members of the military or veterans. Being a disabled veteran from the USMC and a 911 rescue worker I raised mine, and port staff applauded us, and even managed to give us hugs. I was taken aback by that and that is something I will never forget. The purser who called the head of housekeeping who asked us where we wanted the service dog's litter box. I said not on the balcony and we had it put on the lifeboat deck, away from where people can throw cigarette butts in it and away from crew lounging areas so they did not use it as a giant ashtray.

We were told our room was ready way ahead of time, and I needed to take my anticonvulsant. We were shown around the ship. Being TBI, it took awhile to come out of overload, and thank goodness we got to our room pretty quickly. The first thing I did was take a cold shower and called room service for smoked salmon, in NY called that a bagel lox and cream cheese sandwich. Which room service did not have a clue? Then, the waiter went above and beyond and showed me how to order on the entertainment system.

Within 15 minutes of placing the first order, the hotel staff brought it and I signed the slip. To my chagrin it said, it was costing Zero. I was told that it was a part of the fare. I was so surprised, and happy. He also got ice for the two cases of coke that we were allowed to bring. We were given the schedule and went to the LIDO deck, which was very crowded and went instead to scarlet dining room. We had some great lunch food and then had our departure party. We already had our spa services scheduled that night, so we both went for our massages. I was in bliss and slept like a baby that night. Woke up early to catch the sun rise at sea. That was something I lived for while on sea duty on watch while in the USMC. Even jumper settled in very quickly and was eating, drinking and loving the cruise.

That morning, we pulled into Nassau/Bahamas. We were pre-scheduled for a Para-sailing. I made sure jumper’s vaccination and service dog ID were with me in my wallet with the passport. Trying to leave, security told me to go to guest services, I was pissed that they would not let me off, but within two hours port authorities gave jumper his visa. Security wanted to make sure my service dog was not taken from me by port authorities, and that he was cleared. In hindsight, the cruise director Todd Whitmore, the ships XO, and port agents busted the rear ends to make sure things happened for us. I was amazed at what carnival did to jump through hoops to service me.

However, the tour operator in Nassau was pissing me off because he did not want the dog on-board, his speedboat and claimed another service dog bit a passenger. Besides, US laws such as the ADA do not apply in foreign nations. The excursions director promised that I would Para-sail and he made that happen. In Saint Thomas, they booked the boat for just the two of us. That meant, they had to purchase two extra tickets. I did not have to pay for them. I felt that was unreasonable to carnival and they insisted saying I deserved it.

I felt bad, so I purposely blew that amount in the casino. So they did not lose it. As all of you know, Saint Thomas is a US possession, and mostly follows most federal laws including the ADA within reason. They even have a federal court, marshals and post office.

Next stop, Saint Marten. We booked the jeep tour, being seizure free for a year I have my license and drove. Fun....We loved it. It was true paradise. Being a former paramedic and volunteer ambulance driver I helped the lead car by cutting others off allowing drivers to come forward and not get into accidents. You need nerves of steel and are able to drive like a NYC cabbie.

One last excursion, the behind the fund tour, they had some checking to do, but we were allowed on it. Jumper went, but we were waiting outside of the food prep areas, that is understandable and it would be unreasonable for me to ask. We visited the crew lounge, dining areas which due to cultural sensitivities I avoided going in, even though we could have. We had a group and individual photo with the old man. I enjoyed seeing the old man have this kid adjust the wheel, even though the rudder was locked in via computer and could not be overridden without a special key, they kid saw the course change on the LED, so he got excited. Got a smile out of that one. The only thing I had a concern was that security was overly cautious with the behind the fun tour. But, in retrospect, it is a good idea. While the kid was playing with the wheel, I stood with the junior officer on watch. Asked him, any drift wood. He laughed; basically that is what they are supposed to do.

Loved it, the logistics of these cruises are amazing. Almost on par with active duty operations of an LST or aircraft carrier. The sheer amount of activity and advance planning for loading, unloading, provisioning and purchasing is amazing. The US Navy and DOD have divisions of men planning that out of the pentagon. And to see a line the size of carnival creates a beaurocracy and infrastructure is amazing. Kind of makes me wish, I went US Merchant Marine academy instead of USMC.

In retrospect, the crews are respectful and very appreciative of their customers and the Americans as well as international tourists. I even had one of the entertainers who is local to me, come to dinner in the Main Dining Room thanks to the CD for making it happen. The problem is crew, are really not allowed to lounge in passenger areas, accept entertainers and they are not really allowed in the main dining areas. Although, I do think the entertainment and show staff are treated very well. On a side note, Todd Whitmore would be a great addition to X-factor or Brittan’s got talent his voice is remarkable.

This was by far the best vacation ever. Despite the rug rats running around, making noise and blowing UP carbon dioxide bags and throwing them at passengers. I was out to catch those kids, and security asked for help. But being, I did not have a really good look, a positive id could not be made. So, the chief said, let it go. Relax and enjoy. And the spat in Nassau, which I will never recommend to another person with a disability who uses a service dog, this by far has been even better than staying on-site at WDW. Carnival went above and beyond to make sure we had a good time. Unlike Nassau, we have the ADA in the US; as such access challenges always get answered by me if repeated in a court of law. Therefore, because of people’s ignorance and prejudice I will be going another carnival cruise real soon as another entity tried to assault me and my dog when going to fill a script. And I will be going g on the dream again.

Philip Kirschner

Cabin 8255/ Dream Aug 14, 2010

 

 

 

I'm looking forward to cruising on the lovely Carnival Dream this August 14. If anyone has sailed on her, how did you like it? What were some highlights/weaknesses of the ship?

Thanks! :)