Dream Review...7/17-7/24 2010

[jamo951]

Great job, can't wait to see more, I'm 6 months out from my trip on the Dream!

[crewsweeper]

Great review so far Chamwa...keep it coming. Sorry STT was washed out. I agree on Nassau as a dying POC. Unless you have time to go to the lolos in Arwak City or Potter Cay or go out to Travelers Rest, not a whole lot to do. Nice public beach a short walk from the ship.

 

As far as 113mph winds, methinks someone mistook kilometers for miles. I can see 65-70 mph relative wind if the ship is steaming along at 20-25knots and there is a strong tropical storm. But Bonnie hadn't formed in the Eastern C, still just under a tropical depression and I don't think her max winds even as a TS were over 50 mph and that was briefly around Key West/Fl West Coast. So even reports of 65 mph winds were probably 65 kph relative winds (not actual) when the ship was steaming. but until some one on board confirms the wind speed,this is just my guess.

[Chamwa]

Taken from shopping area near dock. The calm before the STORM!!

 

 

The boys at main pool area

 

[Chamwa]

St. Maarten was a blast! We wanted to explore a bit and visit the planes landing at Maho Beach. We were here on a Moorings sailing trip (best vacation EVER) in 1993 and had seen the main spots. We even spent our last night at Mullet Bay Resort which was destroyed by Hurricane Luis in 1995.

 

 

We decided to rent a Hyundai 12 seater mini bus from Coastal Rentals. The total cost, including all insurance options, was $150. Divide that by 4 families and it only cost me about $40 for the day. The guys at Coastal were great and we would recommend them to anyone. We explored the western side of the island includind Simpson Bay, Mullet Bay, Friars Bay, Philipsburg & Marigot. We visited the ruins at Mullet Bay Resort and wow...it looked bad. Apparently there is a big battle going on about the rebuilding. If you get the chance....go see it.

 

We had lunch at Sunset Bar & Grill on Maho Beach while watching the planes land. Bar was cool...burgers were fair.....Red Stripe beer was cold!

 

 

 

 

After lunch we swam in the cool water and had jets landing on our heads!! This day in St. Maarten was by far the highlight of the trip.

 

[Chamwa]

Oasis leaving St. Maarten...

 

[Chamwa]

The last 2 days were at sea. Rain hit early on Thursday but was gone by 9:30 and the rest of the voyage was beautiful!! Pools were crazy crowded...so the wife and I tried Serenity. If you go, go early and get a spot with a breeze. Otherwise its a sauna up there as the glass rail blocks most wind. It was nice otherwise. You can order lunch and they even bring around ice-cold towels for you (even though they remain cold for only a few minutes). Kids on the slides have a perfect view of Serenity which I thought was poor planning but not a factor with us. I'm sure some testy folks will complain about this!

[Chamwa]

The last 2 days were at sea. Rain hit early on Thursday but was gone by 9:30 and the rest of the voyage was beautiful!! Pools were crazy crowded...so the wife and I tried Serenity. If you go, go early and get a spot with a breeze. Otherwise its a sauna up there as the glass rail blocks most wind. It was nice otherwise. You can order lunch and they even bring around ice-cold towels for you (even though they remain cold for only a few minutes). Kids on the slides have a perfect view of Serenity which I thought was poor planning but not a factor with us. I'm sure some testy folks will complain about this!

[Chamwa]

CASINO REVIEW!!

We love to play! Typically, I play Texas Hold Em and Craps. I was a bit cautious about the electronic hold em tables on Carnival but I must say, It was lots of fun! I started with $100 and got up as much as $1200. I even entered in the $150 buy in tournament and could have won if not for a real bad beat! I finished 3rd. Eventually my winnings were gone but I made that initial $100 last for the duration! My wife, on the other hand......:mad:

She won $1200 on a pull of the penny slot (in corner near cashier)!! It was all downhill from there. My dad won $1000 on the Wheel Of Fortune and my brother won a blackjack tournament (our only ship on a stick winner!!). Everyone that gambled left winners except me & my wife. But thats ok. It was great fun! Staff in the casino are pretty cool although you may encounter difficulties collecting big winnings on slots. Not sure what the problem was but I heard complaints from many. I don't play those things so I can't elaborate.

[Chamwa]

Our last sunset.... we hated to leave!!

 

[Chamwa]

Debarkation....

 

My parents were in a suite (#7333) and got to get off the ship at 7:30. We were zone 7 and were off by 8:15. It took another 45 minutes for our bags to come around. Zone 15 bags showed up before our did. Next cruise I pack less and take off myself.

 

We were out of the terminal by 9:00, took the car to the Radisson to pick up the other vehicles, headed back to pick up luggage and family, and were on the road by 9:30. It was by far the easiest we've ever gotten off a ship. I remember the Fantasy taking FOREVER to let us off.

[Dedivah]

Great review, Charmwa!!

 

I am sorry STT was so rainy but what can you say. Its been a really rainy summer for us, even for being in hurricane season. It normally is not rainy until September and even then its only a couple of days. :confused:

 

But I'm glad you had such a great trip. My family will be doing the Western Caribbean itinerary on the Dream next October. I am so excited.

[Chamwa]

So...my final review.

 

After looking forward to this cruise for over a year, I must say that it was a success. This was my 9th cruise. Carnival, Premier, Cunard, Hawaii Cruise Lines and Emerald Seas all saw me on board. My favorite still was the Hawaiian cruise. The ship we sailed is no longer there, but if you ever have the chance, take a Hawaii cruise. Its a great way to see all the islands!

 

Back to the Dream....I place this trip as similiar to the other ships i've been on. She is a BEAUTIFUL ship with great meeting places & decor. The bars are all comfy & cheerful. The staff, as always, are the BEST!

 

Our cabin was the best I've ever been in. The balcony is a must have simply for the freedom of quickly jumping outside for views. Our steward kept things tidy and was worth the tips!!

 

 

 

 

The food was average and would not be a selling point.

 

Our main complaint is that there are just too many people on board. Long lines to eat and the pools are useless. This fact alone would prevent me from sailing the Dream again. Everthing else equaled or exceeded my expectations.

 

We all enjoyed the trip and if you have booked her I'm sure you will find a great time aboard!

 

Feel free to hit me up with any questions!!

 

PS.....I never smelled anything!!!!!

[mississauga]

Nice shirts! You're doing a great job with your review! Thanks for sharing your photos.

[crewsweeper]

Great photos...Enjoyed your comments. Glad you had a great time, dispite sme disappointments! Thanks for sharing.

[ChaylaT]

Loved it! I was on the Dream at the same time and even recognize your boys! I agree with all comments except the MDR food, we loved every meal. Glad you had a good time and I love the shirts!!!:)

[CarribbeanTina271]

Great and even review! Thanks and I sent you an email but before I moved on down the review! LOL just ignore, haha

 

Glad your family had a great time and you guys look like you had fun!!

[Nanaimobound]

Thanks for the great review and pics!

Boy it is too bad Carnival didn't spend the money for bigger or more pools!

Sounds like if they would have, they would be getting rave reviews from most folks.

You can't just add people and cabins!

here is where Royal Caribbean gets it right.

Carnival provides a better all around cruise in many respects, but space ratio has never been one of them, and it looks like it is worse with the Dream.

[Chamwa]

Oops...I forgot to give my reviw of SHOWS and other activities....amazing the great things you can forget!!!

 

We saw Dancing in the Streets which was GREAT....

8 More Seconds which was average.....

 

The comedy club was a big hit each show. We even stayed and watched back to back shows!! GREAT STUFF and a MUST see.

 

Piano Bar was ok. How do you NOT know "Piano Man"????

 

Hairy Chest contest was funny....Triva challenges were pretty lame as folks can change answers.....

 

I'm sure I'll think of more to share!!!

[klc1923]

Debarkation....

 

My parents were in a suite (#7333) and got to get off the ship at 7:30. We were zone 7 and were off by 8:15. It took another 45 minutes for our bags to come around. Zone 15 bags showed up before our did. Next cruise I pack less and take off myself.

 

We were out of the terminal by 9:00, took the car to the Radisson to pick up the other vehicles, headed back to pick up luggage and family, and were on the road by 9:30. It was by far the easiest we've ever gotten off a ship. I remember the Fantasy taking FOREVER to let us off.

 

we will be in this same room over Thanksgiving. Do you have any photos? I am enjoy reading your review.

[Chamwa]

I did not get a picture of #7333...I'll check with my father. If he does I will post!