All things Dream!

[sailor05]

Anybody know where I can find out what shows(theater) and movies(big screen outside) are currently playing? Thanks!

[Joie]

that's good to know....snacking on a sandwich or appetizers when having a few drinks if GOOD news for me. Sounds like a nice place to spend some time....Blue Iguana I mean.

[reno3]

Does the Dream have the fish n chip station?

[LMKakaThing2]

Does the Dream have the fish n chip station?

 

No it doesn't

[iott family]

Thanks for starting and keeping up with this thread everyone! We are booked on the 10/13 cruise in rooms 11267 and 11271. This will be our second family cruise :)

[reno3]

No it doesn't

Thanks...oops, I told my DH it did...he loves fish n chips :o

[Carnival Queen]

So glad I found this thread! Was originally going to book the Glory (which we've been on before) for February 3rd sailing . . . then was tempted to sail the new Dream on the same date -both Western Caribbean. However, I then read so many negative recent reviews about the Dream that I was going to stick to my original plan on the Glory. So my first question is: any preference to those who have sailed on both?? I later read some bad reviews of the Glory too - people are complaining about how Carnival keeps cutting back and things aren't the same. I'm a diehard platinum cruiser with CCL, so hoping that's not the case. DH and I are of the opinion that there's really no such thing as a bad cruise :)

 

I was then intrigued reading about the new Cove Balconies. Alot of people really like them. However, I'm thinking I will go with the regular balcony on the higher deck - not sure about being that close to the water on such a low deck. Which brings me to the next question . . . what's up with the motion on the Dream? A lot of people have mentioned it, and I don't remember that on the Glory. It will be February, so it isn't hurricane season . . . so that should help.

 

Last decision is which is best - port or starboard side?

 

Would love to hear any advice/feedback anyone has. Will be booking soon as soon as I can make up my mind!!! I also like the idea of sailing out of Port Canaveral, and we have family close by that we can stay with before/after, which will be nice.

[k2excursion]

So glad I found this thread! Was originally going to book the Glory (which we've been on before) for February 3rd sailing . . . then was tempted to sail the new Dream on the same date -both Western Caribbean. However, I then read so many negative recent reviews about the Dream that I was going to stick to my original plan on the Glory. So my first question is: any preference to those who have sailed on both?? I later read some bad reviews of the Glory too - people are complaining about how Carnival keeps cutting back and things aren't the same. I'm a diehard platinum cruiser with CCL, so hoping that's not the case. DH and I are of the opinion that there's really no such thing as a bad cruise :)

 

I was then intrigued reading about the new Cove Balconies. Alot of people really like them. However, I'm thinking I will go with the regular balcony on the higher deck - not sure about being that close to the water on such a low deck. Which brings me to the next question . . . what's up with the motion on the Dream? A lot of people have mentioned it, and I don't remember that on the Glory. It will be February, so it isn't hurricane season . . . so that should help.

 

Last decision is which is best - port or starboard side?

 

Would love to hear any advice/feedback anyone has. Will be booking soon as soon as I can make up my mind!!! I also like the idea of sailing out of Port Canaveral, and we have family close by that we can stay with before/after, which will be nice.

 

The Dream has been my favorite ship of all! I have cruised 2 of Glory's sister ships, and they were enjoyable. But I would choose Dream in a heartbeat over those. There are cutbacks, and those of us upset about it need to let our voices be heard. If we just roll with it, the cutbacks will keep coming worse and worse. But when you're on the ship, you've just got to let that go for the moment and enjoy the cruise. Some cutbacks are put into place when they add in the 2.0 stuff, which will happen to Dream in September. But Dream is one of the few ships that still have a cover band on the ship, as Carnival has gotten rid of most of them. They still have a contract with Black Jack Band, playing on the Dream, so it's one of the few ships left with a band like this. That's a plus for Dream's entertainment. Plus, they do have great evening shows!

 

My only explanation for the Dream's mixed reviews is that when the ship was being promoted, people were led to believe that this was going to be the greatest thing in the history of mankind. And then it turned out to be just a regular Carnival cruise on a bigger ship, and there were some bad issues early on, which were quickly addressed. It is a regular Carnival cruise, but for me, it was the best version of a regular Carnival cruise. Buffet lines are shorter than they are on much smaller ships. Crowds were surprisingly no worse than on smaller ships.

 

Of all the ships I've been on, the smoothest ships have been the Miracle and the Dream. I've been in slightly rocky waters and very rough waters on most of my ships. But the Dream has handled the waters better than almost all the other ships I've been on. In Nov 2011, we hit some very rough waters, and it didn't seem to be that bad on board. But other ships rocked and shook far worse in calmer waters. Throughout last fall & into the winter, the Caribbean was very very rough, unusually rough. And as usual, instead of blaming the waters, people around these boards blamed the Dream. But in reality, every ship out there at that time was feeling it. People on those other ships weren't blaming their ship, but people on the Dream were blaming the Dream. It's all about our attitudes and perceptions. Sometimes, the waters can be stirred up quite regularly when it's not hurricane season, like this past Nov-Jan. And during hurricane season, if there's no hurricane around, the waters are typically very very calm.

 

I highly recommend a cove. Although I have not been in one (yet), being that close to the water is a great thing!!! Seeing the water rushing by that fast gives you more of a feel of being at sea. If you stay up on a higher balcony, you will have the deck 5 "lanai" (outside public deck sticking out all the way around the ship) blocking part of your view when looking down. It's a major obstruction for decks 6 & 7, and robs them of privacy.

 

Port or starboard? I don't know. We had an inside for the Western, so I don't remember which side had the better views coming into and out of the ports.

[LMKakaThing2]

So glad I found this thread! Was originally going to book the Glory (which we've been on before) for February 3rd sailing . . . then was tempted to sail the new Dream on the same date -both Western Caribbean. However, I then read so many negative recent reviews about the Dream that I was going to stick to my original plan on the Glory. So my first question is: any preference to those who have sailed on both?? I later read some bad reviews of the Glory too - people are complaining about how Carnival keeps cutting back and things aren't the same. I'm a diehard platinum cruiser with CCL, so hoping that's not the case. DH and I are of the opinion that there's really no such thing as a bad cruise :)

 

I was then intrigued reading about the new Cove Balconies. Alot of people really like them. However, I'm thinking I will go with the regular balcony on the higher deck - not sure about being that close to the water on such a low deck. Which brings me to the next question . . . what's up with the motion on the Dream? A lot of people have mentioned it, and I don't remember that on the Glory. It will be February, so it isn't hurricane season . . . so that should help.

 

Last decision is which is best - port or starboard side?

 

Would love to hear any advice/feedback anyone has. Will be booking soon as soon as I can make up my mind!!! I also like the idea of sailing out of Port Canaveral, and we have family close by that we can stay with before/after, which will be nice.

 

I have never been on the Glory so I can't compare the 2. Having sailed on 3 Fantasy class ships and the Dream, I must say the Dream was the smoothest sailing. Only once did we feel any rocking and that was the last night on our way back to Port Canaveral. I think we felt it more bc we noticed the hangers banging together. I stayed in 9456 which is aft and port under the Lido and we only heard chairs move once or twice. Our room was right under the aft bar and not many people used those tables. We were far enough back that we didn't have any problems with the lanai below us. We did have the mechanic stuff for the lifeboats but it didn't stick out as much as the lanai did.

 

When I did the Western itin in January, I stayed on the port side. It was a good decision bc all 4 ports we were docked on the port side. I highly recommend the bbq on the lanai during the sea days. Very good and loved the atmosphere. Also, if you want a hot tub, head to one of the 4 hot tubs on the lanai. They were hardly in use on my cruise.

[LMKakaThing2]

So glad I found this thread! Was originally going to book the Glory (which we've been on before) for February 3rd sailing . . . then was tempted to sail the new Dream on the same date -both Western Caribbean. However, I then read so many negative recent reviews about the Dream that I was going to stick to my original plan on the Glory. So my first question is: any preference to those who have sailed on both?? I later read some bad reviews of the Glory too - people are complaining about how Carnival keeps cutting back and things aren't the same. I'm a diehard platinum cruiser with CCL, so hoping that's not the case. DH and I are of the opinion that there's really no such thing as a bad cruise :)

 

I was then intrigued reading about the new Cove Balconies. Alot of people really like them. However, I'm thinking I will go with the regular balcony on the higher deck - not sure about being that close to the water on such a low deck. Which brings me to the next question . . . what's up with the motion on the Dream? A lot of people have mentioned it, and I don't remember that on the Glory. It will be February, so it isn't hurricane season . . . so that should help.

 

Last decision is which is best - port or starboard side?

 

Would love to hear any advice/feedback anyone has. Will be booking soon as soon as I can make up my mind!!! I also like the idea of sailing out of Port Canaveral, and we have family close by that we can stay with before/after, which will be nice.

 

View looking straight down from 9456.

Lanai stuck out more than the lifeboat stuff.

[kbad]

I'm only on page 5, but great thread.

 

I was wondering about the deli, pizza and the Indian food. Are these food choices included with the cruise or is there an extra charge?

 

I'm booked for my first cruise.

[surfjock27]

I'm only on page 5, but great thread.

 

I was wondering about the deli, pizza and the Indian food. Are these food choices included with the cruise or is there an extra charge?

 

I'm booked for my first cruise.

 

Everything is included except the steakhouse and any pastries at the coffee bar.

[iott family]

Deck 5/Lanai deck, what is the distance if you walked the entire way around the ship? 1 mile? 2 miles?

 

TIA! :)

[LMKakaThing2]

Deck 5/Lanai deck, what is the distance if you walked the entire way around the ship? 1 mile? 2 miles?

 

TIA! :)

 

In January when my mom walked it, I think she said 2.5 or 3 laps around the lanai equalled a mile.

[VPMJ]

Can I have my girls' hair braided at the ship's salon? If so, when can I make an appt? I would rather not get it done at a port, because if they start unraveling, we have no recourse. Saw that happen to 2 girls one day after they got braids on the beach in Turks and Caicos. Thanks!

 

Anybody know?

[k2excursion]

Can I have my girls' hair braided at the ship's salon? If so, when can I make an appt? I would rather not get it done at a port, because if they start unraveling, we have no recourse. Saw that happen to 2 girls one day after they got braids on the beach in Turks and Caicos. Thanks!

 

It appears that there is a youth spa program on Carnival ships, for ages 13-17, but it will certainly cost quite a bit more to do it on the ship. If your girls' are under 13, I don't know if they do it. I'll copy & paste what I found, but prices have likely gone up since this was posted, and the lower age has been raised from 12 to 13:

 

Youth Spa Program - ZSpa

ZSpa, Carnival's fleet wide youth spa program, teens ages 12-17 and their parents can enjoy soothing body and beauty treatments together on port days. Packages are available in mother/daughter and father/son combinations.

ZSpa treatments are offered at limited times; check for the availability of treatments with the Spa Manager. For guests under 16 years of age, a parent or guardian must accompany the teen for treatments performed in private rooms.

 

Treatment

 

Island Braiding Menu - Individual braid: $5.00 USD each - Half head: from $69.00 **USD - Full head: from $119.00 **USD

Everyday the timetospa braiding specialist will be on deck, either by the appointment desk or braiding someone's hair. If you fancy some corn rows, an island braid or just a couple of wraps, then sign up and relax while the sun shines and your hair is braided.

All prices include the use of colored beads.

** Prices vary depending upon length of hair/width of braid.

Y care for your face - $99.00 USD/ 50 minutes

Acne Attack.

Fabulous Fruity Facial - $99.00 USD / 50 minutes

Blemishes a problem? Blast them away with our revolutionary oxygen facial. This deep cleansing facial uses an organic mixture of fresh fruits and the power of touch. Indulge with this moisturizing and nourishing tasty treat for your skin.

Y care for your body - $89.00 USD/ 25 minutes

Heavenly Massage. Massage away school blues with this Aromatherapy back massage.

Mother/Daughter Paradise Massage - $99.00 USD/ 25 minutes - $195.00 USD/ 50 minutes (for two)

Learn the art of indulgence from mom. Be pampered together as you enjoy massage side by side.

Father/Son Chill Out Massage - $99.00 USD/ 25 minutes - $195.00 USD/ 50 minutes (for two)

After shooting some hoops on deck, chill out together by enjoying a massage side by side.

Surfers Scrub - $65.00 USD/ 25 minutes

An invigorating and refreshing sea salt scrub with Devils Apron Seaweed fresh from the ocean with refreshing mint for those tired muscles after the beach and a hard day of catching the waves.

Y care for your hair - $49.00 USD

Beach Babe. Deep conditioning hair ritual finished with a French braid.

Stylin' Session - $119.00 USD

Funky cut and color after a personalized consultation with your stylist.

Y care for your hands and feet - $29.00USD / 25 minutes - upgrade to French manicure for $6.00 USD

Magical Manicure. Manicure with or without polish

Sole Mate - $39.00 USD/ 45 minutes - upgrade to French Sole Mate for $6.00 USD

Pedicure with polish

Y care for your health - $55.00 USD

Fitness Frenzy. Enjoy 3 specialized boot camp classes this cruise and receive a personalized metabolism test to see how much you can indulge without unwanted bulge!

 

Note: Rates and services are subject to change and may vary slightly from ship to ship.

Edited July 5, 2012 by k2excursion

[VPMJ]

@ k2excirsion- Thanks so much for the info! Kids are only 7 and 5, but adored their braids. We had them done a resort, and they were done so well that we were able to leave them in for a few weeks after we got home! They were kind of like a special souvenir!

 

I really hope they will be willing to do young kids. Thanks again!

[Carnival Queen]

Great tip and pix re lanai - thanks Lisa!

[wannago35]

...Port or starboard? I don't know. We had an inside for the Western, so I don't remember which side had the better views coming into and out of the ports.

 

I'm not cruising the Dream until October 2013 (464 days to go!) but my PVP always recommends port side because that side of the ship will always face land when in port. On our last cruise out of the 3 ports, it did not face land once. Guess it depends on what you want to take a chance to see when in port.

 

Have a great time & please do a trip report when you return so those of us waiting in the wings can live vicariously :)

[jules815]

Does anyone know the price for the week long spa pass on Dream?

[LMKakaThing2]

Does anyone know the price for the week long spa pass on Dream?

 

I believe it was $150pp and $250 for a couple.

[jules815]

I believe it was $150pp and $250 for a couple.

 

Thank you! I think I'm going to treat myself this time. I've recently lost some weight and plan on using the gym while we cruise. It will be the first time I've used the on board gym since I've been cruising. Might as well add some spa time to my work outs!

 

It isn't so much about the weight gain during that week -- I figure it should come off pretty easily -- I'm more worried about losing the stamina I worked so hard to build. I don't want to come home and have my power walks be as hard as they were when I started. :eek:

[Julienatul]

Thank you! I think I'm going to treat myself this time. I've recently lost some weight and plan on using the gym while we cruise. It will be the first time I've used the on board gym since I've been cruising. Might as well add some spa time to my work outs!

 

It isn't so much about the weight gain during that week -- I figure it should come off pretty easily -- I'm more worried about losing the stamina I worked so hard to build. I don't want to come home and have my power walks be as hard as they were when I started. :eek:

 

I believe you an use the gym without a spa pass. I think the spa pass is just for the thalassotherapy pool, sauna and that area but I could be wrong. They used to not charge for the gym.

[surfer4fun]

Wife and I on first cruise this thanksgiving week. Was booked on glory, but switched to dream!

 

Love the board, lot's of good stuff for a first timer!

 

Rather than a nice, conservative, mid=ship, lower deck room for a first cruise........I'm in one of the front row, 4j rooms on lido - right next to secret door ! Would appriciate any comments on my room choice...good or bad!

 

thanks!

[snipper2]

We were on the Dream for the Western itinerary in March in a cove on the port side. When we arrived in Cozumel, we did a 360 turn and backed in so our view was of the ocean (we didn't get to enjoy the pier runners :() We had a great view in Mahogany Bay and could watch the tenders coming and going in Belize. We had to skip Costa Maya.

 

We're on the Dream again in September for the Eastern itinerary and have a starboard balcony this time. Not sure what our view will be.