Livin' on the Dream

[jb72]

We started planning and dreaming about this trip last January. Buried deep in Ohio snow, we referenced this cruise frequently. We scoured Cruise Critic daily for any tidbit that we could absorb to buoy us through the cold months. We read anything, and I mean anything that was written about the Dream, St. Thomas or St. Martin. Finally, we were days away from our over-anticipated vacation, and we could wait no longer, so we set out on our adventure one day early. We drove to Lorton, Virginia where we boarded the auto train to Sanford. We were fortunate to get a sleeper which made us appreciate all the more the room in our suite. We drove to Cocoa Beach and stayed at a Comfort Suite Hotel which was one of the nicest we have ever seen. So, now to the review.

 

Saturday, Sept 11, 2010

 

We left the hotel at 10 a.m. and were on the ship by 11 a.m. We got a bit confused in the parking lot as to where to unload our bags, but once we followed the right car, we were in a covered parking space and headed into the terminal. Because we had booked a suite, we were afforded VIP privileges, so we went right up to the second floor, waited for 5 minutes, presented our documents, waited 10 minutes and then were escorted onto the ship. Bada Bing, Bada Bang, Bada Boom! The rooms were not ready until 1:30 so we first went to the Lido deck and had lunch. Then, we checked our dining assignment and found that it was not what we had requested and had been promised. However, the assistant maitre’ d was not available until 1:00, so we divided our time between waiting at the burser’s desk and sitting in the communal area on that floor. After waiting 25 minutes to speak to the assistant maitre’d, we were assured that they would try to accommodate us. He then asked us to peak to the maitre’d at the time of our appointed meal time. By this time, the rooms were open, and we were elated to see the size of the room. Since our luggage had not yet arrived, we went to the Hub where my husband wanted to purchase internet minutes. If you purchased on the first day, you received 20 minutes extra. Unfortunately, the system was down, and no one could buy time. The man in charge (ie. computer guru) gave us a sheet that allowed us to sign up for minutes in our room, which was eventually accomplished. Rather than go back up to the room, we each got a drink and found a seat near our muster station. Our muster drill was in the C room (a place for kids) where we were instructed, per p.a., and shown, per employee, how to fasten a life jacket. There were at least 100 people in that room for a demonstration that lasted 15 minutes. (When we sailed on the Triumph last year, they called us our either by name or cabin number and made sure all were there before we could start. Such was not the case on the Dream) We finally were underway by 4:30, and as I looked down into the water, 2 dolphins were accompanying us on the way out of Cape Canaveral. That made my day!!! We had requested an early dining time, and when we arrived at the dining room, we got to wait another 15 minutes to re-explain our request to a different maitre’ d. He then told us that we would know by 3 p.m. Sunday whether they could accommodate our request, but, for the time being, we were seated according to our request. Our waiters were the bright spot of the day. They could not have been more attentive and kind. When we returned to our cabin, the luggage had still not arrived, and I started having visions of wearing the same outfit for the whole week! Finally, it arrived, and we found that we had more than enough space. The ship was showing two films on TV, but when I asked our steward, he said we had to pay for them. However, later on, I was channel surfing, and I was able to watch about ½ of one of the movies, so hey, your guess is as good as mine! All in all, not a bad first day. We did not enjoy all the waiting—the elevators, the 2 maitre’ds, the rooms, the luggage and we really wondered why one would want to board a ship early.

 

Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010

 

We awoke before 7 a.m. to see approaching Nassau, so, off to the Gathering Place for breakfast. We brought travel mugs which we left in the room ( we’ll catch on by day 6 of

the 7 day cruise!) , so after my husband went back to retrieve them, we filled them and sat on the balcony as the Dream eased her way in next to the Oasis of the Seas.

Because our room is on the starboard side, we took advantage of the shade and breeze. We braved the crowds ( a third ship was in dock also) and went to the straw market. My husband is not a shopper, so to get him to the market was a miracle, but neither of us wanted to stay long. We wandered along the sidewalks by many independent closed shops and all the open jewelry stores. I would guess we were in the shopping district for maybe an hour, and both of us were ready to get back to the ship. Now, this is the day to explore the ship as the majority of vacationers are off. We did not wait for elevators; we actually found chairs on the serenity deck; and we were able to stroll the deck holding hands rather than walking single file. When we returned to our room, it was not yet made up, which was a disappointment. Our steward asked us to give him some more time, so we killed time in the Gathering Place. When we returned, our room was done. After lunch, we watched the Oasis of the Seas pull out and then, we followed thereafter.

A quiet afternoon preceded the first formal night in the dining room. I explored the shops on the ship but found nothing that I could not live without. As promised, a card, that confirmed our seating preference, was slipped under our door. Upon entering the dining room, both of us felt underdressed as we viewed the other diners. Most men wore suits with only a few in tuxedos. The women were attired in a variety of short and long evening dresses and looked wonderful. I ordered the prime rib while my husband had the duck. The meal was fine, and we left, feeling very stuffed. I have not found the food outstanding and something to rave about. I think the food is good, and I have not had any complaints. After supper, we went to the comedy presentation. The adult comedy show started at 9:45, so we went down to the Burgundy Room with about 20 minutes left in the family comedy show. That was a good idea, as the room started filling up shortly after the end of the first comedy show and was standing room only by the time the second comedy show began. The comedian was very funny and provided a satisfying ending to the day. Both my husband and I thoroughly enjoy sitting on the balcony and reading or listening to music, and we have taken every opportunity to do so. On Saturday under our balcony on deck 6, there were the cornhole games. On Sunday, there was the barbeque, and we also overlook the hot tub. While the noise has not stopped us from enjoying the balcony, having the cleaning station directly under us has been less than desirable. They have tethered this station to the railing, so we had a direct view into the scrap bin. Perhaps another spot would be better.

[jb72]

Monday, September 13, 2010

 

I love sea days. You can roam the ship, read, watch people or nap. It is so relaxing. After a breakfast on the lido deck, I went down and played Scattegories with a very nice family from Florida, and, low and behold, we won medals for winning. I met my hubby for lunch on deck 5. If you partake of the barbeque, go to the lido deck and get your beverages as you can only buy beverages at the barbeque. We were not impressed with the barbeque so we did not eat there again.

 

After lunch, I attended the first art auction which was really interesting, but did not start on time. So, I had to leave before it began as I wanted to go to another activity.It was supposed to start at 1:30, but by 2:45, it still had not begun. This evening we dined at the Steakhouse where the food was excellent. The smallest steak is a 9 ounce filet mignon, but it was sooo good. I had the chocolate sampler for dessert which really exceeded my expectations. After dinner, it was announced that we were reversing our ports of call because of Igor. Instead of going to St Thomas first, we visited St. Martin first.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

 

We had scheduled a bus tour of both sides of St. Martin, but instead of started at 9:30, it didn’t begin until 1:00 since we got into St. Martin later than had been originally planned. We had planned this excursion for the early morning hours as neither of us handle the heat very well. It was very hot and just walking from the ship to the port shops took a great deal out of us. By the time we boarded the bus, the heat had taken its toll. The tour guide was very informative, but we could understand very little of what she said. (we were in the back of the bus) We were given 45 minutes to shop on the French side and your choices were a shopping mall or open air stands.

 

On the way back, we were dropped off at the Dutch side main shopping area which reminded me greatly of Nassau. There were many jewelry stores and souvenir shops and not much in between. We took a water taxi back to the ship and made our way to the room where we collapsed. If we did it again, I don’t think the bus tour would be on our agenda. That evening, after dinner, we attended the “Dancing in the Streets” show which was fantastic. Do not miss this show!!

 

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

 

This morning we arrived at St. Thomas by 7:00 a.m. After our daily coffee and rolls on the balcony, we went to breakfast on the Lido deck and off the ship we traipsed. Our first destination was the tram cars that you ride up the hill to the bar and lookout point. This was a good choice as it was cooler and very enjoyable with a fantastic breeze. The view was breathtaking. When we bought our tram tickets, we bought the one that provided you with a Bailey’s Bushwacker at the bar. WOW! What a great drink! We sat at a table and sipped our drinks while soaking in the beautiful landscape.

 

After an hour, we rode back down and went to the Havensport Mall which is not a mall at all. It is really just a few streets of shops, but more than enough for us. We never did venture into downtown St. Thomas as we found what we were looking for right by the ship. We were back on the ship in time for lunch, naps and reading. After dinner , we went to a show that featured a magician.

 

 

Thursday-Friday, September 16-17, 2010

 

We are creatures of habit, so our sea days did not vary greatly. I think I went to another art auction and watched people spend a great deal of money. One thing we finally did do was the afternoon tea. This was delightful. It was held in the Encore dining room and featured tea, cucumber sandwiches, and various sweet delights. We enjoyed it so much that we went again on Friday. For those of you who like to shop, today and Friday were big sale days in the shops. They offered tees 2 for 20; Carnival cruise wear and sweats 50% off; sea glass figures 2 for 12; and, of course, percentages off diamonds and gemstones. If you plan to bring back souvenirs from the ship, shop early. By the afternoon on Friday, all the Tortuga rum cakes, candies etc were gone. On Friday, I learned how to make a towel dog and elephant. Friday afternoon was filled with final art auction ( free champagne!), afternoon tea, and packing. Our bags were outside the door by 8 and we spent our last evening on the balcony enjoying the view.

 

Saturday, September 18, 2010

 

Our ship re-entered Port Canaveral by 6 and we were in our car by 8 am. One good idea is to get room service on departure day as you don’t have to fight the crowd for food. Departure was relatively easy, although the elevators were almost impossible to board. We were zone 3, and when we got to the elevators, there were still passengers with all their luggage waiting for the elevator, so we took the steps.

 

Final Evaluation—There were good and bad elements to this cruise, but, overall, we enjoyed it immensely. I would go again in a heartbeat.

 

Great Foods—Steakhouse

Cream of peach soup

Mango cream

 

 

For some pictures, go to :

http://web.me.com/jb1972/Livin_A_Dream/Cruisin_to_de_islands_-_2010/Cruisin_to_de_islands_-_2010.html

[graceinga]

Thanks for your review! We will be there tomorrow and cannot wait.

[SJChaput]

Gonna be there tomorrow too!!!

 

Can't wait!

[fuzzmane]

Thank yoiu for all of the great information. We will be on this cruise in March. Cant wait.

[kiraryker]

Thanks for the review! How did you know when they were having tea? I think my 2 girls would like that

[jb72]

The tea times were listed in the fun times under dining hours. They always started at 3 in the afternoon.

[mattmdv]

13 days and we will be there!!! Thanks for the review!! Did you do the Behind the Fun tour?? We are thinking/planning on doing it.

 

Matt

[Uncle Nate]

I Will Be On The DREAM This Upcoming Sat!!!!:o