WHAT HAVE I DONE... DREAMers help me

[EZ1966]

Booked a cruise on the dream and then found cruise critic. Now I am worried I wasted my money! Is the food really that bad? My last cruise was 4 years ago but the food was good, then! Overcrowded with no room in the pools and no chairs on the deck! Is it really that bad? AND WHAT ABOUT THAT SMELL everyone keeps talking about? Is it really bad and where is it? Starting to really regret it. Was the Legend a better choice? I really need to hear some honest and non biased opinions, please! THANKS for responding.

[joybaby]

I sailed the Dream in Dec. 2010 and loved it. I had a port hole, plenty of room, I don't remember a smell and the food was great. I am going again Feb. 25, this tme in a cove balcony.

I have never had a bad cruise, and Carnival has the best food for a mega liner.

[Texarribean Chick]

First of all - YOU ARE NOT GOING TO REGRET BOOKING THE DREAM because IMHO, even the worst cruise is better than NO cruise. Having said that, here is what I thought about the Dream and I was just on her July 2-9. We are seasoned cruisers. We have 25 cruises under our belt (22 with CCL). I am 46 and DH is 49. I thought the Dream's decor was lacking. I know CCL is known for it's gaudiness and that's okay, typically I like that; but the Dream just seemed to be dull. Everything is cheap looking light wood block type things. Hard to describe and wierd. Although the ship is bigger - everything seems closed in. The ceilings seem low and the promenade is half the width of the Conquest class and Fantasy class vessels. We were in cabin 10279/standard balcony/lido deck. Great location for convenience to the pool areas, Serenity deck, The Gathering buffet (casual dining). We never had to struggle for a deck chair; but primarily because we were only steps away from the pool. We did awaken and were out at the pool everyday usually by 8:30 ish. After 9 - the chairs were mostly ALL GONE.

THE SMELL - Yes, it was DEFINITELY there. We smelled it everyday in the elevator area just off of the main pool entrance/exit, forward. That was the only place and it was just for a moment, then it was gone.

FOOD - we went to the MDR/Crimson for the first three nights. SERVICE was horrible. We choose ATD and had to wait every night. The first night we waited in line to receive a beeper for about 20 minutes. After receiving the beeper, we were called in about 10 minutes. Once in the dining room, the tables were not all cleared and cleaned, so the cleaning staff must have been lacking, hence the wait earlier. The service was slow. We received only one serving of bread (and it wasn't even fully cooked and not edible). The food was lukewarm to cold and we picked and left full plates. Our second attempt was formal night. We waited longer this evening to eat as we thought perhaps the lack of attention the previous night was due to the fact that we had gone to dinner around 7:00. This evening we went at 8:00. Walked directly to the hostess stand (with 4 hosts standing behind the stand). We were not greeted with our names (which is only a personal disappointment to me because we are platinum with CCL) and we were told that we would have to wait because no table were ready. I looked into the dining room and there were at least 10 tables empty with approximately half needing to be cleared, cleaned and set. At that point, DH asked to speak with the maite'd (sp?). He apologized (insincerely) and we were seated. It took about 5 minutes to receive water/bread (bread was again undercooked). We decided to leave. We did attempt one more time and I couldn't even tell you what happened; but at that point we were really put out and did finish our meals; but were ultimately unhappy. We chose at that point to eat casual dining every night after.

The Gathering food was good; but the lines were in fact very long. DH waited everyday at lunch for at least 45 minutes on the Mongolian grill. He doesn't mind that because at least the MG is very good and he really enjoys it. I tried two times to wait in the Burrito line; but each time after 20 minutes of waiting - I just gave up. We never tried the Pasta Bar or Deli or Tandoor grill. I choose a hot dog/hamburger for the remainder of my meals.

We typically book the Steakhouse at least twice on each cruise; but this year chose NOT to considering our experiences so far with the eating areas of the Dream, we felt like we would be wasting our money.

SERENITY - we only were able to "nab" a chair/seat/position, one time. We did venture out at 11:00 pm one night and were able to nab a hammock for about an hour. This was quite nice and peaceful; but we were never able to get a clamshell or even a chair any other time during our cruise and we attempted at least twice a day.

GOOD THINGS - we did find the live entertainment on the Dream to be spectacular. We noticed that each of the clubs were NOT crowded at all. I feel this is due to the fact that the smoking rules have recently been changed. The piano bar, disco, Ocean Plaza bar, Jackpot (casino) bar were all EMPTY. We very much enjoyed the BlackJack Band that played in Ocean Plaza. We also took home about $700. from the casino which of course contributed to our sign/sail bill :D Yay! We also found the service on the Lido deck (Pedro) to be AWESOME! Needless to say, he received an extra tip from us.

 

As I mentioned earlier - you won't regret the Dream. We still enjoyed ourselves; but since we are seasoned cruisers, I think perhaps we just have too much to compare things too, which makes us more picky.

 

If you have any specific questions, I would be happy to try and answer them for you.

HAVE A GREAT CRUISE!

[floatingaway2525]

Booked a cruise on the dream and then found cruise critic. Now I am worried I wasted my money! Is the food really that bad? My last cruise was 4 years ago but the food was good, then! Overcrowded with no room in the pools and no chairs on the deck! Is it really that bad? AND WHAT ABOUT THAT SMELL everyone keeps talking about? Is it really bad and where is it? Starting to really regret it. Was the Legend a better choice? I really need to hear some honest and non biased opinions, please! THANKS for responding.

 

Welcome to CC!! Lots of great info here and lots of opinions...mine is..you will LOVE the Dream!!! I've sailed her twice, and I didn't expect to love it since I prefer smaller ships, and now she's my favorite along with the Fantasy!! When are you cruising?

Here is my review with lots of pics, read this please, and come back and tell us how much you loved it too!!:D

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1106825

[pe4all]

I also enjoyed the Dream. We cruised during the most jammed-up time- Christmas/NYE, and didn't find the ship any more crowded than any other ship we have sailed at major holiday times. (the only time we can sail!) I wouldn't hesitate to book her again. Our dining experience was much different than Texarribian Chick's - but we had early dining. Our wait staff was good- we were at a table for 10 (all family members) and food was decent - hit and miss on a few items, but we get that in "regular" restaurants, also! Finding chairs after 8 a.m. was a hassle - but I was in the gym at 6 a.m. every morning, so dh and I met at a lounge chair at 7, and we were set for the day. We enjoyed the Punchliner's comedy club, loved "Dancin' in the Streets" show, and actually enjoyed the "different" set up of the ship. I did smell the smell upon embark at the aft lido pool, and a few times over the rest of the cruise, but it didn't bother us- it was just a quick whiff, and it was gone. Yes, the pools are small - but adequate for dipping. Don't expect to swim laps there!:D Don't panic over your decision. Go and enjoy your cruise. She is a great ship!

[RuthlessBoss]

I too have been on Dream. I think the negative poster was "dreaming" on most aspects. My dining room was Scarlett, no problems. If you want to eat, just don't go shortly after opening time. Of course there are lines at buffet area at prime time, Just don't go at that time, simple solution. Those lines may hold you up a few minutes, is that an earth shattering experience? The long wait times are if you want specialty items cooked as omelets, or something grilled. I saw those lines, but saw no need to have specialty food cooked. Ate from the main items offered. Tried pasta bar, weird way to be served and found it hard to get into and be seated. I noted many tables filled with people who brought their cafeteria food up there to eat. Who cares about decor? Does decor make a bad cruise? I thought it was fine, not gawdy. Some clubs had some wild decor that fit the theme of what that club represented. I wish people would cut out the smell issue. If you see complaints, maybe it happened, but responses have come from a specific question. I hear it was a problem in select areas when the ship first sailed and has been corrected. I've been all over the ship, no odor.Serenity is indeed a busy place, once there, people stay there causing no frequent openings. The empty areas filled with lounge chairs are forward on 5th deck by the hot tubs! Yes, mostly empty and no kids. The negative poster was indeed picky and looked for problems.

[ninneman]

I also enjoyed the Dream. We cruised during the most jammed-up time- Christmas/NYE, and didn't find the ship any more crowded than any other ship we have sailed at major holiday times. (the only time we can sail!) I wouldn't hesitate to book her again. Our dining experience was much different than Texarribian Chick's - but we had early dining. Our wait staff was good- we were at a table for 10 (all family members) and food was decent - hit and miss on a few items, but we get that in "regular" restaurants, also! Finding chairs after 8 a.m. was a hassle - but I was in the gym at 6 a.m. every morning, so dh and I met at a lounge chair at 7, and we were set for the day. We enjoyed the Punchliner's comedy club, loved "Dancin' in the Streets" show, and actually enjoyed the "different" set up of the ship. I did smell the smell upon embark at the aft lido pool, and a few times over the rest of the cruise, but it didn't bother us- it was just a quick whiff, and it was gone. Yes, the pools are small - but adequate for dipping. Don't expect to swim laps there!:D Don't panic over your decision. Go and enjoy your cruise. She is a great ship!

 

I read you go to the gym early. Can you please tell me how crowded it gets at that time (6-8).Thanks!

[pe4all]

I read you go to the gym early. Can you please tell me how crowded it gets at that time (6-8).Thanks!

There is a "rush" at 6 when it opens - usually about 10-15 people in at that time. By 7 it is pretty full. By 7:30 (when dh likes to go) it emptied out a bit. I never had to wait for a machine- neither did he. But I will warn you - even though there are signs posted that ask that you limit your time to 30 minutes during busy times, people totally ignored it, and were on for an hour. (I use the eliptical for 20 minutes, dh walks on the treadmills for 30) The gym has a nice number of machines, free wts, wt machines, bikes, etc. I even tried the rowing machine! And the number of people using the gym tapered off during the week. On port days, gym was more crowded in the early a.m. On sea days, more "slept in" and gym was less crowded. Also - the gym seemed to be open a bit earlier than 6 - I was there at 5:50 some mornings, and walked right in.

[Rochmom]

I sailed the Dream last spring, and am taking the family again next month.

 

The "smell" - in 7 days, I think I noticed it a total of three times, in corridors. As one of the other posters said, it lasted for just a few seconds and then was gone.

 

The food was excellent, but I do realize that things can change very quickly. If you're going in off-season, when there are fewer rooms with 3rd & 4th passengers, the ship won't be as crowded, so waiting at the buffets will be minimal. We had no problems with service at the early dinner seating. And, the Pasta station on the second level of the casual dining area was very, very good and under-used when I was on the Dream.

 

As for crowds by the pools/lack of chairs - again, this will vary depending on the time of year you sail, but it seems the areas right around the pool do fill up quickly on any ship (hence the existence of chair hogs). I don't use the pools much anyway, and always found plenty of space one deck up, with stacks of unused chairs that could be placed in either sun or shade, depending on your whim.

 

Hoping to post a fresh review when we return in September, but don't panic, you'll love it!

[crewsweeper]

3 times on the Dream! 3 great cruises! Most recently a month ago.

 

Is the Lido pool deck crowded...yes but there are plenty of other spots to lay out in the sun. Is the food bad? Based on the number of people in line everyday multiple times and the piles of stuff on their plates, I suspect only the most finicky of eaters hated the food.

 

Smell? What smell? You must be reading early reviews of the Dream when there was a problem with some ventilation. But that's been resolved for well over a year now.

 

If you read other ship reviews you'll find that for every negative review with lists of whines, there's 2 or more postive reviews from people on the same cruise. So forget all the negative ninnies on CC boards, and go have a DREAM of a cruise!:)

[slk09]

We were just on the Dream last month - you will love this cruise!!!!

We were on the Lido deck which was a great location. So much to

do on this ship it's hard to pick favorites. Dinner - we had early seating

(we were with a party of 10 also) and had no problems at all food was

very good and our servers Lee and Joy were the best!:) Buffet depending

on what time you went there were lines but they move pretty quickly

and it wasn't that big of a deal. There are enough choices between

the buffet and the grills/deli area that everyone can find something to

eat;) The pool areas - Others in our group got up earlier and got

a couple chairs sometimes we had chairs and sometimes we waited. DH

really doesn't like sitting in the sun so he was always looking for an

umbrella or would sit at the tables on the sides:rolleyes:. We never used the

pool to "swim" in it was more like a quick dip just because it was so

hot out. There was alway room the just sit on the edge to cool off though. My daughter hung out at the aft pool it seems like there was a

younger crowd there maybe. The smell- I only smelled something maybe

once or twice and it was near the elevators on the Lido deck. It came and

went. No big deal. The gym - I went on sea days and it was probably around 8:00 and it was pretty crowded. I didn't have to wait for a machine (treadmill) but they were all full. Went to the comedy club every

night. The comedians they had were very good. The shows were

also excellent. Didn't really hang out in the casino much - just played

the slots a few times. Very nice area. My daughter (18) went to

the piano bar and Caliente every night - she loved these areas!

All in all it was awesome - don't worry about your choice. We liked

it so much we are planning another cruise!:)

[Chris41]

Cruised on the Dream in Jan and will be going again in Sep

 

I never noticed the smell however I didn't run around doing a sniff test

 

Lines can be long at peak times just like any other ship

 

I never felt crowded except the day we got on and the rooms weren't open yet then the Lido was....Trust me crowds are something I hate and I was never uncomfortable

 

Food was mostly very good and I am comparing it to years of cruising and it wasn't just the Dream as I feel the food quality has gone down over the years.....Now I enjoyed every meal I had and you should try the pasta bar if you enjoy cook to order pasta

 

I actually felt more crowded on the Legend than I did on the Dream and found it to be one of my least favorite ships....still not a bad cruise.....but remember that is just my opinion and I understand it goes against what others feel

 

I believe you will have a wonderful time.

[meatloafsfan]

I took my first Carnival cruise back in March (after having only cruised with Disney). I've booked another Carnival cruise for August because it was quite exceptional.

 

Here is the link to my B2B on the Carnival Dream. I don't think you'll regret it:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1391202

[CruisersNC]

For every negative opinion you read here....you'll find another that says the opposite is true. One person will say that NCL has better food than CCL....then the next will say that's simply not so! One will say the service is getting worse....the next says its not. You have to experience it and decide for yourself. Some people are thrilled to have meatloaf as a choice in the dining room....others are nauseated that there's meatloaf on the ship with them. Everyone is different......but I'll tell you what.....this being your first cruise.....y'all are in for a treat......going on a cruise is a wonderful thing. Just go in with the right attitude and don't let anyone ruin it for you. Don't read too much into these posts....its your opinion that really counts! ;)

[beffiegirl]

Just booked the Dream after over thinking about it. I was like you, I read some bad reviews and was worried but I love cruising. I've never been on a bad cruise. Some people are just picky, and they can be if they want. I'm not. My first time on carnival I did compare it to Rccl , and I do like Rccl better but Carnival is a better value( with 3 kids) and it's just as good. My kids can't wait for slushies and slides. Do what I do , read only the postive reviews. And have fun planning your trip!!

[brooklynfc]

I loved the Dream so much I'm sailing her again.........I didn't pick for the itin. b/c I've been to Nassua, and St. Thomas before (I just sailed her in Jan. on the opposite itin.), but I picked it for the love of the ship. He spa amenities to be exact, but the size, the layout, the food, the CD......I enjoyed it all.

 

Vacation is what you make of it.......ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT.

 

The smell was like when your grandma cooked deviled eggs and it was random and quickly gone. I think people have made it seem like you are standing in a sewage pipe inhaling the fecal matter. Its just a smell. The only real issue I've heard people say (very few) is that a few people had the smell in their stateroom.

 

But plenty of people have said it..........each person has their own view on things, that may or may not match yours.

 

Its like trying new food for the first time.......some people are going to tell you its wonderful, some are going to say its nasty. But you won't know until you try it yourself.

[EZ1966]

Thanks for the reassurances. August 20th sailing for those of you who asked when we are going. I guess I'll just get excited and wait until we go and give my own opinion when we get back. Thanks everyone for such quick responses.

[vanislandcruisers]

We loved the Dream and would not hesitate to go on her again

[balcony bound]

We loved the Dream, too. So, we're going again in September:D

 

I'm glad to hear you are feeling better about your booking. Everyone can have a good/bad cruise on the same ship on the same week... go figure. Dream is one of our favorite ships and I'll book the Dream every chance I get.

 

Have a great time!

[Kelane]

Booked a cruise on the dream and then found cruise critic. Now I am worried I wasted my money! Is the food really that bad? My last cruise was 4 years ago but the food was good, then! Overcrowded with no room in the pools and no chairs on the deck! Is it really that bad? AND WHAT ABOUT THAT SMELL everyone keeps talking about? Is it really bad and where is it? Starting to really regret it. Was the Legend a better choice? I really need to hear some honest and non biased opinions, please! THANKS for responding.

 

Keep your booking, you did fine!

 

Here's another cruiser questioning the Dream.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1435277

Here was my reply to them:

 

We were on the Dream (cabin 7360) last January and I too, booked it for itinerary & dates & then started digging deep about the ship. I had the same qualms as you did; wondering if I'd totally messed up. I had Early Saver and couldn't cancel. I stressed about it until I decided to quit stressing about it as there was nothing could be done.

 

We went on the cruise as we have all our cruises expecting to have an awesome time & we did. No regrets whatsoever.

 

1st time with "anytime dining"' and never waited more than a few minutes; hardly time to sit down and order a drink at the bar by the dining room entrance before they buzzed us. I don't remember long lines on Lido. Only exception might be the chocolate buffet; but it WAS chocolate! I never went hungry!

 

re: Smells. Yep, we encountered it twice. First time was when we were in a small space looking at pictures and the "gentleman" beside us didn't realize he wasn't alone. :rolleyes:

Second time was walking down the hall behind a couple right after dinner. I'm sure you could experience both; but I'm fairly positive there was nothing Carnival could do to have kept either of those smells from attacking our nostrils. ;)

 

re: Noise in cabin. The ONLY time we had any issues with noise was when a group of children piled into the hot tub under our balcony and played "MARCO"..."POLO"...at the top of their lungs for about an hour one afternoon. It "almost irked" me that they were unattended for so long being so loud...but then, I got over it. :)

 

We absolutely loved that they had bar b que freshly cooked on the Lanai every day, that we could walk all the way around the deck without entering the ship, that we could sit in a lounge chair on the sides of the deck and then shower off if we were too hot, we had no trouble getting a seat or finding a quiet spot, loved the daily "theme" drink, hot appetizers & entertainment in one of the lounges (never busy!) etc etc. We stayed busy and we are definitely booking again but I still look at picture reviews on here and wonder where we were that we didn't see "such and such". I didn't realize the things I'd (supposedly) missed till someone else mentioned them or I see them in a picture review!

 

This gal does a fabulous job of reviewing her Dream cruise.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1388736

 

I don't think you made a mistake at all...I think you did good!

 

Happy Sailing!

 

I don't think you will regret going on the Dream. I got an offer in the mail yesterday for a November Dream cruise; same exact itinerary, and am seriously thinking about taking them up on it. Loved the Dream and the whole week we spent on it.

 

Try those 2 links and see if you don't get some comfort!

 

Karen

[Kelane]

I took my first Carnival cruise back in March (after having only cruised with Disney). I've booked another Carnival cruise for August because it was quite exceptional.

 

Here is the link to my B2B on the Carnival Dream. I don't think you'll regret it:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1391202

 

 

Funny. Every time someone wonders about the Dream like this, I link your review to them! (In fact, I just did again in the previous post!)

Rarely do I read as comprehensive of a review as you so generously posted here on CC. Can't imagine many questions you didn't address.

We are considering a Nov Dream cruise and I will reread your review before going if we do go because there were several things you mentioned that we never saw last Jan when we went.

[Chris41]

Go and have a great time....I know I will in Sep

[Socref124]

Booked a cruise on the dream and then found cruise critic. Now I am worried I wasted my money! Is the food really that bad? My last cruise was 4 years ago but the food was good, then! Overcrowded with no room in the pools and no chairs on the deck! Is it really that bad? AND WHAT ABOUT THAT SMELL everyone keeps talking about? Is it really bad and where is it? Starting to really regret it. Was the Legend a better choice? I really need to hear some honest and non biased opinions, please! THANKS for responding.

 

First off, the Spirit Class ships are my favorite class of Carnival ships. We were on the Legend in May of 2009 and enjoyed it very much. We were on the Dream in Nov 2010 and enjoyed it as well. I thought the food was equally good on both ships. There was crowds on both ships but the ship did not seem overly crowded. There are lines for the buffet on both ships. I have yet to see a pool on any ship that was to crowded. We did participate in a crowded hot tub on the Destiny once. We had 50 people in one hot tub. :eek:LOL It was fun. Smell?? We didn't smell anything bad on either ship. I think you will really enjoy the Dream. Pretty Ship and a great dedicated Comedy Club.

[Texarribean Chick]

I too have been on Dream. I think the negative poster was "dreaming" on most aspects. My dining room was Scarlett, no problems. If you want to eat, just don't go shortly after opening time. Of course there are lines at buffet area at prime time, Just don't go at that time, simple solution. Those lines may hold you up a few minutes, is that an earth shattering experience? The long wait times are if you want specialty items cooked as omelets, or something grilled. I saw those lines, but saw no need to have specialty food cooked. Ate from the main items offered. Tried pasta bar, weird way to be served and found it hard to get into and be seated. I noted many tables filled with people who brought their cafeteria food up there to eat. Who cares about decor? Does decor make a bad cruise? I thought it was fine, not gawdy. Some clubs had some wild decor that fit the theme of what that club represented. I wish people would cut out the smell issue. If you see complaints, maybe it happened, but responses have come from a specific question. I hear it was a problem in select areas when the ship first sailed and has been corrected. I've been all over the ship, no odor.Serenity is indeed a busy place, once there, people stay there causing no frequent openings. The empty areas filled with lounge chairs are forward on 5th deck by the hot tubs! Yes, mostly empty and no kids. The negative poster was indeed picky and looked for problems.

 

The OP asked for honest opinions and they is exactly what I gave. So sick and tired of being flamed for having one. And for the record - I may be "picky"; but I certainly DID NOT LOOK for problems.

 

EZ - go and have a great time. As others have mentioned - cruising is more about attitude than anything else. Go with the one you love and enjoy EVERYTHING - good or bad.

 

Happy Cruising.

[toby #1]

We cruised the Dream in March.

 

I read about the smell, crowds and bad food. I found none of this true in the most part. We were on the Empress deck, no smell, no smell in the elevators. The only crowds we saw were at the buffet, we ate there once, prefer the mdr for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Like one poster said don't believe everything you hear especialy about food, everyone has their tastes.

 

Go, have fun and see for yourself.