JUST OFF DREAM - My thoughts and opinions

[Frank12]

Just off the Dream yesterday. This is not a full review, as there are so many current ones on the Dream out there right now. This is just my thoughts and opinions on a few of the most talked about topics.

Boarding was a breeze as it always is at Canaveral. We arrived a little later than normal (around 11:00) and boarding had already begun. We went to the VIP lounge, received our S&S cards very quickly and walked right on board. We carried on wine, water and soda, none of which was even removed from the bag or inspected. We could have had gallons of whiskey and walked right on! Speaking of smuggling, a 12-pack of beer and a box of wine also made it onboard in our checked luggage. Some folks were not so lucky. I heard a few complaining that their “allowed” wine was removed from their checked baggage.

Let me say that I hate crowds and hate waiting in lines. Because of this I was a little worried about this ship based on what I had read prior to the cruise. It was all for nothing. I never felt any more crowded or waited in any lines longer than any other ship I have sailed on. The lunch time dining options were so plentiful, that if you waited in line it was your own fault, or you had your heart set on one specific meal. I loved the Lanai BBQ and the awesome turkey wraps at the sushi bar on sea days. They were never crowded. The only time we had any difficulty finding a seat at lunch was on the last sea day and it was not because there was not enough dining space. It was because many people who had finished their meals just sat around at their tables chatting instead of getting up so other diners could have the table. Folks, there is tons of chit-chat space on Deck 5. I mean TONS! When you are finished with your meal, kindly vacate your table so others may dine in comfort.

The only time we had to really wait was at the MDR for our time dining. That was our own doing though, as we requested a table for 2 in the same section every night because we fell in love with our wait staff on the first night. The longest we waited was 40 minutes one night, but as I stated, that was by choice.

We smelled the famous “smell” once or twice near the elevators on the Lido deck. Just a passing whiff of a sulfuric odor. No more than I’ve ever noticed on any other ship.

Got some great liquor deals in St. Maarten so I got to experience the debark morning liquor pick-up. Thanks to CC, I was prepared and kept a small suitcase available for this. I went right down to deck 4 and was back to the room in no time with my stash. No big deal but still a pain in the rear. I’m glad to hear it is going to go back to the old way. There was a guy in the line beside me who was raising cane that his “allowed” bottles of wine were removed from his checked luggage. “No where in his documents or on the Carnival website did it say that the wine had to be carried on!!” The person behind the counter did not argue, just told him they were sorry and he could right a letter. It amazes me how people only see what they want to see when they read a contract! He must have had different docs and went to a different website than I. :D

Overall it was a great cruise. I really liked the layout of the Dream. The Lanai that wraps all the way around is fantastic. There are always plenty of deck chairs here, sun or shade, depending on which side of the ship you choose. There are also hot tubs and showers all along the Lanai so you can cool off or get wet.

All the food was fantastic as usual. My appetizer arrived cold one night in the MDR, but other than that, no complaints at all. Cabin on the Lido deck was awesome as usual.

On a side note, for those of you who drive to Canaveral there is a new shuttle service that just opened 2 months ago and they are only 2 miles from the port. It was awesome. They only charge $6.99 a night as opposed to the port’s $15.00. When we got off the ship, we had to wait about 20 minutes. Once they picked us up we were in our car and on the road in less than 15 minutes. The extra half hour or so was well worth the cost savings!

[*Mach*]

Most excellent!! Thanks so much for the high points. I love the Dream as well and am really pumped about sailing on the Magic in six months!!!

:)

[JennLuvs2Cruise]

Nice review!! Very excited to sail the Dream next month for a second time. Glad to hear she is still running & operating beautifully. :)

[Frank12]

Nice review!! Very excited to sail the Dream next month for a second time. Glad to hear she is still running & operating beautifully. :)

 

She's doing well!

I was really surprised how much I liked this ship. I was concerned about crowded conditions, but it really wasn't bad at all. We had 4,200 pax.

They had to do 2 past guest parties, as there were 3,000 on board.

[Texarribean Chick]

awesome! Thanks so much for your thoughts. We sail the Dream for the first time 7/2. Tell me your thoughts on the Blackjack band? Casino? Comedy Club/Comedians? We also have a cabin booked on Lido, #10279. Did you like the location? We are main pool/lounge chair folks. Did it seem crowded at the main pool? We are hoping since our cabin is located right off the main pool that we won't have any difficulties with chair hogs. Thanks so much again for your thoughts!

[Frank12]

awesome! Thanks so much for your thoughts. We sail the Dream for the first time 7/2. Tell me your thoughts on the Blackjack band? Casino? Comedy Club/Comedians? We also have a cabin booked on Lido, #10279. Did you like the location? We are main pool/lounge chair folks. Did it seem crowded at the main pool? We are hoping since our cabin is located right off the main pool that we won't have any difficulties with chair hogs. Thanks so much again for your thoughts!

 

I liked the Casino. It is the largest of any CCL ship I've been on. Plenty of $5.00 blackjack tables, both smoking and non. They took about $400.00 from us during the week! :eek: Lots and lots of slot machines.

Really enjoyed the Blackjack Band and the comedy club. We only saw 2 of the 4 comedians ( they switch em out about half way through the cruise). There was just too much to do! Make sure to get to the comedy club 30 minutes before showtime if you want a seat!!

Chair hogs were present, but not too bad. On the first sea day, we hit the Lido deck at about 8:00 am and there were still open chairs by the pool.

Yes, it did seem crowded at the main pool. ALL cruise ships seem crowded at the main pool! :D

If you are a pool deck person, you will love your cabin on the Lido. We have booked here for our last 5 or 6 cruises.

[Chevy57]

Can you tell me where you found the site for this parking. We were on Dream last November and no such thing was available. Would appreciate any info you can offer.

 

Thank you.

 

Sailing Dream 5/28/11 Wah Hoo.

[Frank12]

Can you tell me where you found the site for this parking. We were on Dream last November and no such thing was available. Would appreciate any info you can offer.

 

Thank you.

 

Sailing Dream 5/28/11 Wah Hoo.

 

parkcruise dot com.

[Chevy57]

Thank you.

[sparkscruiser]

Thanks so much for the review - looking forward to the Dream in November. I have been concerned about cruising on a ship this large - but think I am gonna love it.

[Frank12]

Thanks so much for the review - looking forward to the Dream in November. I have been concerned about cruising on a ship this large - but think I am gonna love it.

 

I was quite concerned about the size of this ship and number of passengers, but it really wasn't an issue. Relax and enjoy! I'm sure you'll love it.

I will cruise the Dream again without hesitation.

[Georgiagolfer]

Frank12, thanks for your comments and feedback on the Dream. DW and I sail her in less than 2 weeks, and are really looking forward to the ship.

 

Do they still do the laser light show at night on the Dream?

[Frank12]

Yes they do. Unfortunately it was on St. Thomas night. We did a day sail excursion and they filled me so full of rum punch that I had to go to bed right after dinner that day so I missed the Pink Floyd/Rush laser show! :mad: :D

[crewsweeper]

Can you tell me where you found the site for this parking. We were on Dream last November and no such thing was available. Would appreciate any info you can offer.

 

Thank you.

 

Sailing Dream 5/28/11 Wah Hoo.

 

parkcruise dot com.

Frank12....We're reserved here for June. How did you find the facilities? Security seem adequate to you? Service friendly? Are they charging or adding $ for the shuttle? I've heard the Port has raised charges for taxis and shuttles now and the hotels are no longer offering free shuttles.

 

Chevy 57, the place just opened in early April, it's on the causeway (528) just before the last bridge to the port. About a 5 minute ride. Map on the site. And 10% discount coupon if you reserve on line.

[Frank12]

Frank12....We're reserved here for June. How did you find the facilities? Security seem adequate to you? Service friendly? Are they charging or adding $ for the shuttle? I've heard the Port has raised charges for taxis and shuttles now and the hotels are no longer offering free shuttles.

 

Chevy 57, the place just opened in early April, it's on the causeway (528) just before the last bridge to the port. About a 5 minute ride. Map on the site. And 10% discount coupon if you reserve on line.

 

As of now there is no extra charge for the shuttle. Our driver did mention that the port is going to increase their daily charge to $20.00 for parking. I'd have to guess that will increase the rate at Park N Cruise. But it is still worth it if it is half price!! The facilities were nice and clean. The parking lot is stone, not paved, but they have a paved building you drive through to drop off your bags.

The lot is fenced with 8' chain link and barbed wire fencing. ( same as Jaxport if you've ever sailed from there). I will definitely use them again.

[4evertink]

Hey Frank12 how was your trip on the golden eagle catamaran. We did the morning one and had a blast. That was my favorite excursion of the whole week. I had a few cups of the rum punch, but also had the beer. I agree with you regarding lines. We didn't wait long at all for food. The longest we waited was at the bbq on the Lanai on Thursday which was about 15 minutes, ok maybe 10. Agreed chair hogs were present but we always found chairs, not necessarily by the pool. The only problem we encountered was our next door neighbors fought on Thursday and he threw $1000 overboard and security was in our hallway for a good couple of hours. The guy was so so drunk when they were fighting. He was yelling at security and everything. The woman took her stuff and was removed from the room. The next day they were together out by the pool.

[Frank12]

Hey Frank12 how was your trip on the golden eagle catamaran. We did the morning one and had a blast. That was my favorite excursion of the whole week. I had a few cups of the rum punch, but also had the beer. I agree with you regarding lines. We didn't wait long at all for food. The longest we waited was at the bbq on the Lanai on Thursday which was about 15 minutes, ok maybe 10. Agreed chair hogs were present but we always found chairs, not necessarily by the pool. The only problem we encountered was our next door neighbors fought on Thursday and he threw $1000 overboard and security was in our hallway for a good couple of hours. The guy was so so drunk when they were fighting. He was yelling at security and everything. The woman took her stuff and was removed from the room. The next day they were together out by the pool.

 

Tink, we did not do the Golden Eagle. We went with a privately booked charter, not a ship excursion. Sorrry about your drunken neighbor experience. You're gonna have that once in a while! ;)