carnival dream or norwegian sun?

[FLUFFLULA]

Which is the better ship for a march spring break cruise for four seniors (55 -60 years old)? We aren't big partyers but like to have lots to do. We were leaning toward the Carnival Dream but some of the "dream" reviews are not great.

Thanks!

[SOS78]

We traveled on the Dream in November of 2010. We did the eastern Caribbean itenerary. Although we have never sailed on Norwegian, we have been on all sizes of Carnival ships. The key to remember when traveling on the Dream is that you have over 5000 other people aboard. It seemed to us that when they added lots more staterooms to add more guests, they didn't add a lot more public spaces or elevators. We spent quite a lot of time waiting for everything. That being said, there are lots of features about this ship that would woo me back~most importantly, the spa! The thermal suites and the thasso pool are amazing! Some other cool things are the whirlpools on the promenade and bbq they serve on the promenade at lunch time. Most other ships only offer food on Lido (unless you go to open seating in the dining room...)

 

As far as lots to do, they keep the day full of trivia, bean bag toss rounds and stuff on Lido.

 

So, good and bad, I would go on the dream again (not sure how often I would leave the spa...)

[kitty9]

I don't think either one is a great ship. Carnival has better food and service, imho. But be prepared for the spring break crowd with lots and lots of kids.

[notalandlover]

I would choose The Dream beacuse of the T-Pool and spa package. Although freestyle dining is much better than eating in the main dining room on carvinal. It depends on whats more important. Thats my 2 cents for whats its worth.

[FLUFFLULA]

Good suggestions to think about. Thanks.:)

[manmtnmike]

We sailed the Sun got off and got right on the Dream.

Both great ships...let me know if you want particular questions.

 

Mike

[FLUFFLULA]

For first time cruisers, in late 50's, which is better? We like having things to do, but wonder about crowding on Dream. Any info will be appreciated!:)

[Colorado Kat]

The Dream can be very crowded. Can you afford a balcony? Then I would choose the Dream. If things are terribly crowded on deck, you can always relax on the balcony. And consider getting a spa pass, as well. The hot stone loungers are wonderful.

[KirkNC]

I don't think of either Carnival or NCL as an ideal line for 50-60 year olds. I would think of HAL, Princess or Celebrity.

[jdvmd]

Here's a vote for the Sun. I have sailed on her twice on longer itineraries. First, two years ago, doing a 14 nighter South American trip. And this past June, we did a nine-night Baltic trip.

 

I would not hesitate to book the Sun again. The size is great. There are plenty of quiet spots or places with lots of activity. The crew is wonderful. Always smiling and greeting guests. Lots of dining opportunities ranging from chicken wings at the Sports Bar to French (LeBistro is wonderful) to the beautiful venue of Il Adagio (Italain). There is also a tapas bar where a guitarist sings in the small venue.

 

The mini suites on the Sun are wonderful. Splurge on a true suite and you will be impressed.

 

I looked into the Dream and am not liking the reviews.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Dream Dream..BUT Holland would be better for you 58/57....

[PA Beachlovers]

Which is the better ship for a march spring break cruise for four seniors (55 -60 years old)? We aren't big partyers but like to have lots to do. We were leaning toward the Carnival Dream but some of the "dream" reviews are not great.

Thanks!

 

Man i better get busy, just took my first cruise and chose the dream an I am 54, I didn't realize that next year i was going to be a senior! :eek: Anyway, that said, this was our first cruise and we didn't find the Dream overly crowded at anytime except on embarkation day in the buffets as everyone was trying to grab a bite to eat and not allowed in the rooms till 1:30 PM.

 

We chose the western itinerary and had a blast, for us old people, well my wife is only 47 so I guess she is a spring chicken yet. If you want to have fun and get away from the crowds and take the western itinerary, the cozumel bar hop is a blast. You get to see the other side of the island away from all the crowds. The only port that we didn't care for was Belize, but that was mainly because our excursion was changed on us and we were not happy.

 

There was plenty to do on the dream, anything from bingo and the casino, for the gamblers among you, to the shows which were for the most part very good. We had an inside cabin which was not bad, we figured we would spend very little time there and we were right, pretty much there to sleep or take a nap. Have fun whichever one you choose!

[STARFISH*4]

just off the SUN a few weeks ago our 2nd B2B and doing 3 weeks on her next year--i would pick the SUN over the DREAM but i prefer NCL over CCL...we were in port with the Dream and several people we talked to said she was just to big and crowded--but going over Spring Break you are going to find more of a younger crowd on both lines.

[luddite]

A carny on spring break? That ain't what adults really want to do.

[Cruzaholic41]

I would book the Sun over the Dream any day, not because the Sun is so great, but because I just don't like the Dream. The Dream is a crowding disaster and the thought of being on Dream during Spring Break gives me the shivers. The Sun has a lot more elbow room and would be much more comfortable.

[swtpnk]

we have never sailed Carnival, always sail NCL... love the NCL line.. I think you would rather go a different time than 'kid' time!! YIKES... kids are great, but young crowds get rowdy. we are mid 50s. Im sure Carnival would be great at a different date. NCL has as many things as any other ship has and vice versa. I enjoy the freestyle cruising, but if you dont want to 'freestyle' you dont have to. and that 'tapas' bar is AWESOME. thats one place I have never forgotten on that cruise. always visited there before dinner.. it was great. such fond memories of that ship. we have been sailing NCL since 99. we are looking to sail her again, maybe, late oct, to do the 11 day southern caribbean. YES! just keep reading the posts for the good and bad... I cant say I have ever had a BAD or even not so good cruise, on any of the lines we have sailed.