Carnival Dream 2/18 - Western - Not bad, but certainly not very good...

[DetroitMike1]

First, let me introduce myself: 46 year old male from Michigan, traveling with wife and two boys (13 and 9).

 

In a nutshell, this cruise was, well... OK. The crew tried very hard, in most cases. Aside from one minor concern, there was nothing to really complain about. The food was just good, but the selection and hours were limited. The housekeeping crew did a nice job, and, while it is a very large ship, for the most part it was automated enough to handle things efficiently. However, efficient was not exactly what we were looking for!

 

Dining room staff: Great effort from most. Our dining staff was very good, but limited by the size and structure of the ship. One example: My wife ordered Prime Rib one evening. It was just OK -- Probably slightly less than Outback quality. With her meal, they served a baked potato. The waiter came by quickly to offer her sour cream for her potato, but she declined because the sour cream that they served has chives (green onions) mixed in. She asked for plain sour cream, and was told that they couldn't do that. Mind you, later someone else came by and got some, but it demonstrates that when you are on a very large ship the size of the Dream, EVERYTHING is automated. Any variations from the "norm" are typically met with resistance. This seems to work in some areas (embarkation and debarkation, for example), but not too well in dining. In itself not a big deal AT ALL. But simply an example of the entire experience.

 

On the other hand, the staff was extremely friendly and personable. The shortcomings didn't seem to be their fault, but rather dictated to them by their corporate staff on land. In fact, the Maitre D' was very kind to us in arranging a very nice table in the Dining room for our family. Again, the effort and ability is there, they just seem to need the tools to help them succeed...

 

Housekeeping staff: These folks did a nice job on the cabin. Nothing unusual or special, but nice. On the other side, the ship was kept VERY, VERY clean at all times.

 

Food: Quality, as most will tell you, has declined. Not to the point where the food is inedible, but certainly to a level that is mediocre at best. In addition, the timing of dining choices is quite limited. No midnight buffet of any sort on any night, and most of the "interesting" choices are available for only a few hours during the mid-day hours (eg. the pasta bar is open from about 12-3:30 PM ONLY). Lots of choices during the afternoon, but in the evening / late night, you are limited mostly to pizza and the room service menu (sandwiches). The deli closes at 11PM, and the grill is open for an hour or two starting at 11, so some (pretty bad) hamburgers are available. One recent suggestion on John Heald's FB was to add bar food or munchies as a late night option. Even that would be welcome. Hopefully they start doing it!

 

Cruise Director / Entertainment: Again, good but certainly not great. No real complaints, but there were no moments that made us stand up and scream "WOW" either... They got the job done, but it seemed like a bit of a tired routine. Only newer option seemed to be the Fun Force, that is a group of younger, acrobatic dancers that did several routines. While not my style, my kids liked it, and it felt a bit more fresh than the rest of the entertainment.

 

In an odd entertainment twist, I heard a good amount of fairly benign pop or rock music on the ship (typically around the pool), but almost no caribbean music (think Jimmy Buffet style or Steel Drum band). Very disappointed in that. Actually heard MUCH more country music than "island" music. AAARRRGGGHHH!

 

The Ship: Very clean, well maintained and efficient. Can be crowded due to the number of folks around you, but if you plan well, you can avoid most of it. As I stated earlier, embarkation and debarkation were very, very well done -- quick, professional, and efficient. Only thing that I think they should do better is monitor for the constant flow of chair hogs... We saw many, many groups reserving chairs for up to 15-20 people, while only using 4 or 5 of them at ANY given time. Staff makes announcements that they will enforce the 30 minute rule, but I didn't see it done even once.

 

Ports: We were on the Western itinerary, and it was nice, but not great. I really think that they need to get rid of Belize as a port stop -- All reviews warn you that the ONLY real option is to set up a private or Carnival excursion, but that means either an extra tender ride to the excursion (in addition to the long ride to shore) or a special tender from the ship that can take up to an hour to reach the excursion itself. No, thank you...

 

Costa Maya and Cozumel still seem pretty safe, but with the way Mexico is heading, who knows... Roatan was, in our opinion, the best of the four.

Ship features: Nice, but again, not really utilized as well as they could be. Kids loved the water slide. Pools, like most ships' pools, were small and crowded. Spa was nice, but we didn't really use it much. Casino staff was nice enough, but for the length of time and dollar amounts that I played, there was no offer at all of drinks, or any concessions whatsoever. Now, mind you, I don't drink, so I wouldn't have taken advantage of the offer, anyway. However, it seemed to be a recurring theme from others that were also playing that the Casino Hosts simply never watched the tables to get an idea as to who was playing what, when, and for how much in terms of $$. Didn't bother me, because I wouldn't have utilized it, but I know that others were NOT happy with the feeling of being a bit ignored, even though they were playing pretty good $$.

 

Other: I know that Carnival is trying to shake it's "party ship" reputation and move towards families. However, in my only real concern about our cruise, it seems that not everyone has gotten the memo on that one...

 

One day, after a stop in port, I was with my 9 year old getting him a slice of pizza. Behind us in line was a VERY intoxicated pair of men, about 30 years old. They still had their souvenir glasses from one of the bars in port with them, and were still going strong -- They had obviously refilled them on board (most probably in their cabin). They began to unleash a stream of obscenities at the poor worker behind the counter, who couldn't handle the customer load alone -- He clearly needed assistance from another worker. Now, I'm certainly no prude, but I didn't appreciate my 9 year old hearing "Ef this" and "Ef that" ad infinitum. And when the worker served my son his slice, they started to direct the venom to the other customers in line.

 

I certainly understand that there is only so much that Carnival can do about this person. He is responsible for his actions. But I immediately went to another staff member and pointed out that the worker and passengers were getting attacked by this joker, and it took about 15 minutes to get security there. By this time, he was sitting at a table about 50 feet away, eating his pizza, and still swearing up a storm. When I explained it to them, their only concern was whether it had gotten physical. I replied that it had not, but that they really need to intervene before it does, either with a crew member or another passenger who may not be as willing to sit as quietly as I was. They asked that, apparently for our safety, we move to the other side of the ship, which I did gladly. They then did nothing. Didn't approach him, or even cut him off (I saw him order a drink from the bar staff 5 minutes later). I REALLY hate to think of the family who's vacation probably got ruined by this guy's idiocy, or even the liability that the ship took on by continuing to serve him. In short, I get that they can't control how drunk he got off of the ship... But to let him assault staff and passengers, and then keep on drinking. Again, No thank you...

 

All in all, I'd sum it up in one word. Meh.

 

Would I cruise Carnival again? Perhaps, but not likely. Would I cruise the Dream again? Probably not. While Carnival is still the slightly cheaper option, it is still a lot of money, and when I choose to spend that much, I expect more in return.

 

Just my $.02!

[tikimon]

Sorry to hear that you and your families cruise was not as good as it could have been.

 

Maybe you just lucked out on a bad week (it does happen from time to time).

 

As far as the drunk guy at the pizza station goes, glad you approached security about the matter (even though they did nothing about him).

If people would just go back to their cabins and sleep it off when they've had to much to drink there wouldn't be situations like this.

[DetroitMike1]

Sorry to hear that you and your families cruise was not as good as it could have been.

 

Maybe you just lucked out on a bad week (it does happen from time to time).

 

As far as the drunk guy at the pizza station goes, glad you approached security about the matter (even though they did nothing about him).

If people would just go back to their cabins and sleep it off when they've had to much to drink there wouldn't be situations like this.

 

Appreciate it, Tikimon... We made the best of it and still had a great time. Wouldn't trade the family memories for anything. And it's certainly possible that I caught an off-week, or that others would not have viewed things the same way... Who knows?

 

As far as the drunk guy, I appreciate that also... I've done plenty of drinking when I was younger, and certainly a lot of foolish talk and swearing, but I certainly hope it wasn't in front of a kid or abusing some guy just trying to do his job!

[tonit964]

Sorry your cruise was just OK. Hoping the next one is much better! :)

 

My DH and I went on a Princess cruise with my sister and brother in law, who had never cruised before. When we were out and about, we heard the most foul language from people I have ever heard on a cruise and was actually very surprised. Didn't expect that on Princess. Silly me.:rolleyes:

 

Now I know that can happen anywhere.

[Rottweiler Puppy]

Thanks for the review. Sorry its wasn't the best cruise but I guess there is always the chance things don't go just right. Still you and your family will have lifelong god memories of it.

 

The only cussing problem I had on my cruise was from Carnival employees. A couple Jamaican waiters were talking crap about the female passengers. Calling them "bloody butt tampons". Well bum blood cloths, but thats what it meant.

 

I reported it but have no idea what happened. Hopefully they were fired and are back to selling trinkets or weed at the ports.

[tikimon]

Thanks for the review. Sorry its wasn't the best cruise but I guess there is always the chance things don't go just right. Still you and your family will have lifelong god memories of it.

 

The only cussing problem I had on my cruise was from Carnival employees. A couple Jamaican waiters were talking crap about the female passengers. Calling them "bloody butt tampons". Well bum blood cloths, but thats what it meant.

 

I reported it but have no idea what happened. Hopefully they were fired and are back to selling trinkets or weed at the ports.

 

 

Well really that's about all you can do is report these situations.

 

It's not worth the risks that you could have something happen to you from getting any farther involved other than reporting it.

 

I do have to say though if it was a situation involving a child or a lady being abused I wouldn't wait to long to step in and get involved.

 

That's one thing that I will not set back and tolerate watching a child or a lady being abused.

[adriennerm]

Thank you for your honest review. This comment concerns me "In an odd entertainment twist, I heard a good amount of fairly benign pop or rock music on the ship (typically around the pool), but almost no caribbean music (think Jimmy Buffet style or Steel Drum band). Very disappointed in that. Actually heard MUCH more country music than "island" music. AAARRRGGGHHH!"

 

 

I love to hear Carribbean music on the lido deck. More and more i'm hearing about them playing pop music... :(

[AmberTeka]

I cannot stand cruise line cheerleaders who defend everything a cruise line does. But to gripe about SOUR CREAM for goodness sakes?

How can anyone be on a Carnival Ship..and not drown in food..some of it darn good...24/7 is beyond me. The Buffet...good salad..good sandwiches..good pizza..I found the burgers pretty good..cookies...sliced roast beef......

MDR....We were on the Freedom Two weeks ago..and every night I found something tasty to eat. I like my potatoes....baked in foil..or baked in their jackets after being rubbed with veggie oil..BUT GOOD GRIEF. I AM NOT AT THE OUTBACK..I am on a cruise where hundreds of other people are being fed on a tight time line.

ROOM SERVICE? every ck it out? Everything from PJ sandwiches to a tasty lasagna. Salads to die for. Chocolate cake. Burgers. 24/7 delivered for just a nominal tip.

THEY HAVE LATE NIGHT SNACKS...IN THE BUFFET FROM 11 AT NIGHT UNTIL ONE IN THE MORNING. THEN ROOM SERVICE PICKS UP UNTIL 6 WHEN THE BREAKFAST BUFFET KICKS IN...

I AGREE. BELIEZE. TAKE IT AWAY. DITTO MEXICO. TOO DARN SCARY.

Add some new stops? surely safe places exist somewhere in the Caribbean? Costa Rica? Please?

We have cruised on all of the lines. and for the Money..Carnival serves up a good product. This nit picking irriates me as much as the cheerleaders who blame you for catching novo.

[AmberTeka]

Thank you for your honest review. This comment concerns me "In an odd entertainment twist, I heard a good amount of fairly benign pop or rock music on the ship (typically around the pool), but almost no caribbean music (think Jimmy Buffet style or Steel Drum band). Very disappointed in that. Actually heard MUCH more country music than "island" music. AAARRRGGGHHH!"

 

 

I love to hear Carribbean music on the lido deck. More and more i'm hearing about them playing pop music... :(

 

We were on the Dream last October...really liked it. The music..outstanding. One Latino group had a lead singer...who I think should be on one of the TV talent shows. The County Music. Much of that 'country" music was Southern RocK Greg Allman....Lynard Skinard....and they did it well. ditto the Willie Nelson classics.

 

the music....loved it. Only cruise line we sail on where I sit and just listen to the bands.

[AmberTeka]

Sorry to hear that you and your families cruise was not as good as it could have been.

 

Maybe you just lucked out on a bad week (it does happen from time to time).

 

As far as the drunk guy at the pizza station goes, glad you approached security about the matter (even though they did nothing about him).

If people would just go back to their cabins and sleep it off when they've had to much to drink there wouldn't be situations like this.

 

On the Dream..I was in line at the pizza stand. Two ladies ordered the Cesar Salad. They chatted as the line grew. Their salads came. Then they wanted chicken on them. So they chatted and the line grew. Then the chicken was not done right..they demanded they be sent back...So Smart me..I asked them if they had noticed how long the line was..

 

I was called a RACIST. Everyone on the deck..i felt like..turned to look at the RACIST.

NEVER AGAIN. Just ignoring the behavior of people who should know better is my motto now. and I know being drunk is worse than being arrogant enough to make a long line at lunch wait...but...it scared the dickens out of me..made me feel awful. I should have kept my big mouth shut and will do so in the future. For ever.

BE CAREFUL OF WHAT YOU SAY TO PEOPLE....LET THE STAFF HANDLE IT. OR JUST GO GET SOMETHING ELSE TO EAT.

[DetroitMike1]

I cannot stand cruise line cheerleaders who defend everything a cruise line does. But to gripe about SOUR CREAM for goodness sakes?

 

Please, please please... You REALLY need to take the time to read the WHOLE review before nitpicking one item. If you had, you would see that I CLEARLY stated that "Any variations from the "norm" are typically met with resistance. This seems to work in some areas (embarkation and debarkation, for example), but not too well in dining. In itself not a big deal AT ALL. But simply an example of the entire experience."

 

 

Here is a translation for you, my friend. The large ships get automated. In my opinion of the Dream, it worked well in areas like embarkation and debarkation. However, as AN EXAMPLE, I stated that the lack of plain sour cream showed how any derivation from the norm was met with resistance, and that it was not a big deal AT ALL, just an example. I'm glad you don't like cheerleaders, but from the look of your post here, you won't have to look far to find one...

Whew. Didn't think that I'd have to defend that, but I guess I was wrong again! Amazing....

 

 

 

[DetroitMike1]

We were on the Dream last October...really liked it. The music..outstanding. One Latino group had a lead singer...who I think should be on one of the TV talent shows. The County Music. Much of that 'country" music was Southern RocK Greg Allman....Lynard Skinard....and they did it well. ditto the Willie Nelson classics.

 

the music....loved it. Only cruise line we sail on where I sit and just listen to the bands.

 

I can see where some would enjoy it. To each their own, I say... I just happen to prefer the island type music while on a ship.

 

Glad you enjoyed!

[DetroitMike1]

Thank you for your honest review. This comment concerns me "In an odd entertainment twist, I heard a good amount of fairly benign pop or rock music on the ship (typically around the pool), but almost no caribbean music (think Jimmy Buffet style or Steel Drum band). Very disappointed in that. Actually heard MUCH more country music than "island" music. AAARRRGGGHHH!"

 

 

I love to hear Carribbean music on the lido deck. More and more i'm hearing about them playing pop music... :(

 

Yeah... Unfortunately, you won't hear much of it, if my experience is an example. Sorry!!!

[DetroitMike1]

On the Dream..I was in line at the pizza stand. Two ladies ordered the Cesar Salad. They chatted as the line grew. Their salads came. Then they wanted chicken on them. So they chatted and the line grew. Then the chicken was not done right..they demanded they be sent back...So Smart me..I asked them if they had noticed how long the line was..

 

I was called a RACIST. Everyone on the deck..i felt like..turned to look at the RACIST.

NEVER AGAIN. Just ignoring the behavior of people who should know better is my motto now. and I know being drunk is worse than being arrogant enough to make a long line at lunch wait...but...it scared the dickens out of me..made me feel awful. I should have kept my big mouth shut and will do so in the future. For ever.

BE CAREFUL OF WHAT YOU SAY TO PEOPLE....LET THE STAFF HANDLE IT. OR JUST GO GET SOMETHING ELSE TO EAT.

 

Don't even know where to start. So confused by your comments. If you didn't say or do anything remotely racist, why would you feel like one? If people stared at you, why didn't you think that they were staring because of what you did say? Guilty conscience? I'll just leave this one alone...

[CruisersNC]

First, let me introduce myself: 46 year old male from Michigan, traveling with wife and two boys (13 and 9).

 

All in all, I'd sum it up in one word. Meh.

 

Would I cruise Carnival again? Perhaps, but not likely. Would I cruise the Dream again? Probably not. While Carnival is still the slightly cheaper option, it is still a lot of money, and when I choose to spend that much, I expect more in return.

 

Just my $.02!

 

Mike.....I didn't see where you said if you had cruised before or not. Had you recently been on Carnival either on the Dream or another ship recently before this cruise? Reason I ask.....we went on a several cruises within a few years all on sister ships that were pretty much identical (Fantasy, Sensation, Paradise) and at the end it was getting a little old...like going back to the same hotel over and over. Then we went on a RCL cruise which was fresh and a little different...especially the ship (mariner of the seas)...but unfortunately our son didn't have a very good time because he didn't find any friends to hang out with. Then last summer for his high school graduation we took him and 2 of his friends on the Dream and we all had a fantastic time. Now we were thinking about taking the same cruise on the Dream this fall but it does kind of worry me that maybe it won't seem as fresh and new and will end up being a little disappointing. Has this happened to anyone?

[Valor2005]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post your review, DetroitMike1. We are looking at this cruise as a possibility when we take our daughter and grandchildren at the end of the year. It's nice to hear glowing recommendations, but also important to hear the not-so-glowing ones so we know what to expect. Our experiences have varied on each cruise we've taken so we know that just because something was good/not so good on one cruise, it could be the exact opposite on the next one. Fortunately for us, we don't mind the inconsistencies. Just happy to be onboard. And I'm glad you spoke up about the drunks. Nothing like having a couple of blowhards shooting off their mouths to put a damper on the evening. Maybe if more people spoke up they'd pay more attention to the complaints.

[blondietink]

I tink the review was balanced and he spoke about the good, not so good and ugly. Not every cruise is perfect.

 

Just a suggestion to OP in handling those people swearing/drunk, etc. DH is a retired high school teacher and can handle this kind of person in an instant with both the teacher look and teacher voice along with a very firm "you're offending my wife/kids with your behavior and swearing." Get together with a teacher in your kids life and ask them to teach you some of the tricks. It has never failed when my DH uses this tone/look/voice, that the offender, even if drunk, says excuse me and goes on about their way.

[Cushing985]

Thank you for a honest and fair review. Honestly, the Dream is on my "to do" list (in a Cove). I haven't cruised Carnival for a couple of years and I'm hoping the food hasn't gone completely downhill from before. Not a fan of the new menu but doubt I'll starve.

 

I don't have a problem with the midnight buffet going away as I have a problem falling asleep with a full stomach. I guess as long as ice cream is available 24/7 I'm good to go.

[DetroitMike1]

Mike.....I didn't see where you said if you had cruised before or not. Had you recently been on Carnival either on the Dream or another ship recently before this cruise? Reason I ask.....we went on a several cruises within a few years all on sister ships that were pretty much identical (Fantasy, Sensation, Paradise) and at the end it was getting a little old...like going back to the same hotel over and over. Then we went on a RCL cruise which was fresh and a little different...especially the ship (mariner of the seas)...but unfortunately our son didn't have a very good time because he didn't find any friends to hang out with. Then last summer for his high school graduation we took him and 2 of his friends on the Dream and we all had a fantastic time. Now we were thinking about taking the same cruise on the Dream this fall but it does kind of worry me that maybe it won't seem as fresh and new and will end up being a little disappointing. Has this happened to anyone?

 

We have cruised on Disney, Norwegian, and Royal Carribean in the past, but never on a ship quite this large. That certainly could be why I noticed the automation as much as I did -- I would surmise that the smaller ships have it also, but cover it better than on the Dream.

 

It just seemed that most everything was played out... Perhaps I expected too much? Who knows. But the same type of shows... again. It just seemed like I could have done as good of a job as some of the comedians and / or the CDs, as I knew the punch lines before I heard the jokes. And while I enjoy the competitions by the pool, and the "marriage game", etc... The same exact questions and answers can get very, very tiring the third or fourth time around. A few minor changes and I'm sure that they can freshen it up pretty easily... Just neat to get some creativity back in the process, IMHO...

[DetroitMike1]

I tink the review was balanced and he spoke about the good, not so good and ugly. Not every cruise is perfect.

 

Just a suggestion to OP in handling those people swearing/drunk, etc. DH is a retired high school teacher and can handle this kind of person in an instant with both the teacher look and teacher voice along with a very firm "you're offending my wife/kids with your behavior and swearing." Get together with a teacher in your kids life and ask them to teach you some of the tricks. It has never failed when my DH uses this tone/look/voice, that the offender, even if drunk, says excuse me and goes on about their way.

 

Thanks for the advice! Honestly appreciated. Thought about trying that, but it seemed like this guy and his buddy were just too far gone to reason with at all... My wife is a principal at a local High School, so believe me, I know "THE LOOK" :D Figured in this case it was just best to walk away and --try-- to let Carnival handle it...

[BoooBooKitEFk]

ROOM SERVICE? every ck it out? Everything from PJ sandwiches to a tasty lasagna. Salads to die for. Chocolate cake. Burgers. 24/7 delivered for just a nominal tip.

THEY HAVE LATE NIGHT SNACKS...IN THE BUFFET FROM 11 AT NIGHT UNTIL ONE IN THE MORNING. THEN ROOM SERVICE PICKS UP UNTIL 6 WHEN THE BREAKFAST BUFFET KICKS IN...\

 

Room Service is 24 hours.

Have never seen a lasagna offering nor a burger offering on any Carnival RS menu. They have some "hot" (warm) sandwiches, though not many.

Have never seen any buffet whatsoever after dinner service, just pizza, calzones, and the ice cream machine.

[TeresaJ]

We were on this same sailing last week and we thoroughly enjoyed ourself. Yes, not everything was perfect but no other vacation is - land or cruise. We thought the service and food was great. It was crowded due to the President's Day break for schools. I think they said 900 kids onboard. Our family really liked all four ports too. I do understand your feeling on food not being offered late night, but honestly for us we were never hungry at 11 or 12 at night, in fact we were asleep! Although I do remember seing in the Fun Times there were midnight buffets two or three nights.

[DetroitMike1]

Thank you for a honest and fair review. Honestly, the Dream is on my "to do" list (in a Cove).

 

We shopped the Cove and decided on a Spa Balcony for a few reasons... One, we liked the higher view (although I hear that being near the water line is INCREDIBLE)! Second, the fact that it is cut from the hull gives less of a total view, and if you pick right on the top decks, you can get the more open view and maintain the privacy. And the determining factor, in our case, was a location on Deck 11 near the Water Slide, Pool, Camp Carnival, and the Gathering (Buffet) for our boys. They LOVED the location!

 

Either way, I'm sure you'll love either balcony!

[momof3cruisers]

Please, please please... You REALLY need to take the time to read the WHOLE review before nitpicking one item. If you had, you would see that I CLEARLY stated that "Any variations from the "norm" are typically met with resistance. This seems to work in some areas (embarkation and debarkation, for example), but not too well in dining. In itself not a big deal AT ALL. But simply an example of the entire experience."

 

Whew. Didn't think that I'd have to defend that, but I guess I was wrong again! Amazing....

 

 

 

I totally get what you mean. We had a similar experience with the potato and sour cream issue but our was that I wanted it in a little container on the side and they "couldn't do that.". Seriously? Why on earth not? We also had an inordinate wait for a second appetizer one night. Like not until after the main dishes had been served and eaten. We were told it was because of having moved onto the time past appetizers....but we had Anytime and it was only 7:30. Again, kind of odd.

 

We were not on the Dream, but the Ecstasy.

[Rottweiler Puppy]

Don't even know where to start. So confused by your comments. If you didn't say or do anything remotely racist, why would you feel like one? If people stared at you, why didn't you think that they were staring because of what you did say? Guilty conscience? I'll just leave this one alone...

 

I got called a racist "cracker" because I didnt have a light for a guys cigarette one time.

 

My buddies wife was called a racist because she wouldn't buy weed from the guy in Ocho Rios.

 

Some folks have a chip on their shoulder and play the race card at every opportunity because they know the stigma attached. Seems its ok for a person to call me a cracker but they themselves are not racist. LMAO Where I live reverse racism is VERY common. They even have cracker day at the local schools and the local media is afraid to label them hate crimes.