Back from the dream.....today

[AmberTeka]

We were told to be in the Crimson Dining Room at 7:15 to disembark, and by and large we did. The Self Assist seemed to be an endless line of passengers struggling with many bits of luggage. ( Someone needs to get a handle on that before a major accident occurs. the escalator they used did stop due to a big suitcase hitting the sides)

 

But Priority........used different escalator. No issues. Faster to the Fun boarded at the same time we did, used the same lounge..( daughter's family had FTTF..which I bought for them) and we boarded together. It was not crowded. We were there by noon, and had no issues getting onboard.

 

Cabins were ready. ship looked great. We had the best ever cabin attendant. We always do. We had a cove balcony and loved it. Nothing did not work.

 

We had anytime dining, and for the most part, I was very pleased. they had it running right. we did not have a bad meal. The service was good. The Lido deck did get crowded, you did have the few flashers running around in skimpy bikinis in the Lido restaurant ( most should have covered up!) but other than that.............didn't see a lot of kids out of control. the ones we saw were well behaved.

 

The casino........................was almost empty. On a Carnival Ship. And the slots were looser. they had new machines. I loved it. While I did not win, I played on their money a good bit. So I was very happy.

 

The Activities Staff........could have been better and could have had better manners, I thought. But that is subjective. I am sure others felt different.

 

All in all, it was a very nice cruise. It was my daughter's first cruise and she enjoyed it. Our grand child ( almost four years old) enjoyed the video arcade ( The Warehouse.) We had fun there too, and up until now, we did not even know it was on the ship. Likewise Cherry on top. We did some business with them on several occasions. I bought her the Candy Teddy, and that was big hit. Also the Freddy the Carnival Kangaroo...which she calls a Bunny. The candy was quite tasty.

 

I saw the first country music show. It was outstanding. After that...........we were babysitting or at dinner.

 

This was the fourth time we have sailed on the Dream. I have always thought it was the Class of Carnival, and I do today. We have sailed on the Breeze, but the Dream, to me, still remains the best. I will miss her being gone from Port Canaveral.

 

Any Questions? I will try to answer.

[k2excursion]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I sailed the Dream in January for the 3rd time, and I also had a great time. I totally agree with you that she is the class of Carnival. I have also been on the Breeze, and I agree that the Dream is better.

 

We didn't do the priority self assist debarkation. We didn't want to get up that early. So we left about the time that regular debarkation was beginning, and there was no line at all. I have always been shocked at how easy debarkation was on the Dream, especially since the Magic was a mess. I was surprised to hear that you had long lines with it. Maybe I know now to not bother with priority self assist debarkation.

[AmberTeka]

One thing that was strange to me was Cartoons on the Carnival in cabin set.

 

they were for older kids. Most scared my almost four year old grand daughter, and I saw why. They did Cartoon Network all day long, and that seemed pitched to preteens and teens..and not to toddlers, who were in the cabin with Granny.

 

We went to the Library to get Peppa Pig on YouTube. Worked fine, but we could not get any sound. Nemo was the movie for children one day, and we enjoyed that but other than that nothing.......................

 

Toddlers stay in the cabins a bit. They come in earlier. When we travel with my grand daughter, we lay down together for a nap and watch "Peppa Pig" or "Calliu".

 

So my question........With Carnival doing Dr. Seuss..........Why No Dr. Seuss cartoons on TV? Or Sprout ( which is Public television). I would have kissed Barney if we could have had one of his shows. Or Max and Ruby.

 

Why no cartoons for the babies...up to age five or so? And Camp Carnival was a wash. She is going through a stage where she will howl like a banshee if she stays with anyone she does not know. My Daughter made the mistake of leaving her at dance classes, and now...she is wrapped around her legs when possible. Hopefully, it won't last. She is not shy. she loves other children. Maybe next time she will be ready for Camp Carnival. Kids always seem to have a good time there.

[leedm]

We sail the Dream in a few weeks. What slots did you play and enjoy?

 

Thanks

[cruisecraze96]

One thing that was strange to me was Cartoons on the Carnival in cabin set.

 

they were for older kids. Most scared my almost four year old grand daughter, and I saw why. They did Cartoon Network all day long, and that seemed pitched to preteens and teens..and not to toddlers, who were in the cabin with Granny.

 

We went to the Library to get Peppa Pig on YouTube. Worked fine, but we could not get any sound. Nemo was the movie for children one day, and we enjoyed that but other than that nothing.......................

 

Toddlers stay in the cabins a bit. They come in earlier. When we travel with my grand daughter, we lay down together for a nap and watch "Peppa Pig" or "Calliu".

 

So my question........With Carnival doing Dr. Seuss..........Why No Dr. Seuss cartoons on TV? Or Sprout ( which is Public television). I would have kissed Barney if we could have had one of his shows. Or Max and Ruby.

 

Why no cartoons for the babies...up to age five or so? And Camp Carnival was a wash. She is going through a stage where she will howl like a banshee if she stays with anyone she does not know. My Daughter made the mistake of leaving her at dance classes, and now...she is wrapped around her legs when possible. Hopefully, it won't last. She is not shy. she loves other children. Maybe next time she will be ready for Camp Carnival. Kids always seem to have a good time there.

OMG...we just got off the Dream too yesterday and I thought the exact same thing. The Cartoon Network mostly had those gross cartoons that are just not kid friendly. I really wish they would get a Nick or Disney type channel instead or play kids cartoons all day.

[AmberTeka]

We sail the Dream in a few weeks. What slots did you play and enjoy?

 

Thanks

 

 

I actually did not win. I had less money brought home than I took for the casino. ( I budget myself so much a night. When that is gone, Then I quit. Grew up poor. Can't stand to lose too much money.) My favorite slots........often start with a small sum to play all lines......(the older ones) and I stick to them. but this time I did do some of the newer...3 D ones, and they are fun. And we are in bed by ten..so I am not much of a good source.

 

BUT I played a lot this time. (for me)So I had to be winning some to keep playing. I did bet it all back as it was small big amounts...like $30 one time. Of all the times we have been on Carnival, the slots for me.......were the loosest ever. I usually lose everything. And again, I am on the penny slots. Not a high roller.

 

I loved "Miss Red" over by the wall in the smoking area. ( I don't smoke but I played on both sides of the casino.) It was 3 D. the Little Red Riding hood story. Won enough to play that one for a long time. Interesting too.

 

I played one of the old ones....Rich something. Had Knights and ladies. did very well on that one, only quit to move to "Snapdragon"..non smoking..against the wall.. LOVED it. Never got a bonus. I played it for hours. Lost my money too.Jewels of India on same machine..........much better. should have stayed on it.

 

the first night I played Golden Monkey. I did well on that one. I played for two days on that money. It was a lot of fun......winning sometimes. Even if it was small amounts. Later in the week it was not so kind.

 

I played others. Did not win. Won't mention them. Oh..Miss Kitty by the Casino Bank. I did well on that one. and Wolf run on the other side.

 

Like I said.........I am a piddling player. I just like getting the bonuses.......I don't expect to win. So I am seldom disappointed and it does not take much to make me happy. I am not a good source.

 

If you play "Snapdragon" and get the bonus. Promise me you will come back and tell me What it Was!!

 

Good Luck!

Edited March 23, 2014 by AmberTeka

[AmberTeka]

OMG...we just got off the Dream too yesterday and I thought the exact same thing. The Cartoon Network mostly had those gross cartoons that are just not kid friendly. I really wish they would get a Nick or Disney type channel instead or play kids cartoons all day.

 

If anyone from Carnival reads this board..........have mercy. Some thing for the little ones. SPROUT is public TV. I think. Caillu comes on Sprout. I have 78 recordings on my set at home. We like it that much. Would that be expensive?

 

Something called "Boomerang" was on each night. It was right before the pre teen...cartoons that were not kid friendly. You hit that one right. Why not SPROUT there? Or since they are doing Dr. Seuss why not some Cat in the Hat or such?

 

Tumblebooks would have been a blessing.

[cruse2loose]

Do you remember the movies they showed on the big screen on Lido deck? Where do they do omelettes in the mornings? TIA

[k2excursion]

Do you remember the movies they showed on the big screen on Lido deck? Where do they do omelettes in the mornings? TIA

 

In January, there were 5 different lines in 3 different spots for omelets. One line was at the end of one of the small outdoor food lines near the main pool, starboard side. One spot with 2 lines was inside, near the midship buffet lines, but set apart, heading towards where the midship elevators are. The other spot with 2 lines was in the middle of the aft buffet lines. These usually had the shortest lines, as people don't want to walk back there.

 

I don't know about the movies.

Edited March 24, 2014 by k2excursion

[SirGoose29445]

We will be boarding the Dream a the end of June and was on the Breeze last year....hopefully it will remain (as you guys say) the "Class of Carnival" through its transition to New Orleans!! Can't wait until June!

 

I know it doesn't have the Red Frog Pub, but is there anywhere you can get the butterfly shrimp that is served there with the delightful banana chips? I know they don't have the cucina del capitano/blue iguana, but they have similar options, just not the same setup. Do they have something for the Red Frog Pub options (I know they are for fee options).

[AmberTeka]

Do you remember the movies they showed on the big screen on Lido deck? Where do they do omelettes in the mornings? TIA

 

I remember one, because I wanted to see it. And as I was traveling with my daughter's family + much cherished toddler grand daughter............we did not go.

 

It was "Pacific Rim." The science fi movie about giant robots fighting aliens from under the sea. I think. The special effects are supposed to be dazzling and I wanted to see it on the big screen. Alas.

 

the other two...............I don't remember. It was the same move shown twice. Could have been the new Hangover Movie. Not sure.

 

In the cabins...........not much Kid Friendly. Nemo was on one day. Hoo Ray! The little forest people..Epic?..was on one night. Over my grandbaby's head. Iron Man 3 was on a few nights.

Edited March 24, 2014 by AmberTeka

[AmberTeka]

We will be boarding the Dream a the end of June and was on the Breeze last year....hopefully it will remain (as you guys say) the "Class of Carnival" through its transition to New Orleans!! Can't wait until June!

 

I know it doesn't have the Red Frog Pub, but is there anywhere you can get the butterfly shrimp that is served there with the delightful banana chips? I know they don't have the cucina del capitano/blue iguana, but they have similar options, just not the same setup. Do they have something for the Red Frog Pub options (I know they are for fee options).

 

Red Frog Pub...did not see. Blue Iguana.....did see. It is by the pool. they have a burrito bar at lunch on the Lido. It seemed to be very popular.

 

The Pasta Bar is open for Lunch only. It is free. It is at the back of the ship..One deck up from the Lido. If you go to the back of the Lido Restaurant on the back of the ship..Deck 10, they have stairs that take up to the restaurant. or the elevator too. My DD and DSIL ate there on day when we had the baby. They are foodies. And they both liked it a lot. You get to pick your pasta and then pick your sauce. I think lasagna is served daily. Free.

 

I wish we had checked out the 5th Deck Ocean Plaza BBQ. I went by there one Sea Day at lunch. No crowds. The hamburger sliders smelled delicious. Ditto the Mexican dishes.

INSIDE........by the Ocean Plaza..............a Salad bar. No line. dish after dish of salad makings. You tell them what to put in your salad and they do. Very tempting.

The food was good in the MDR at night. Outstanding for Breakfast. We did the Brunch once. Used the free VIP drink coupon. Daughter had one and DH had one. Nice.

[AmberTeka]

The Only For PAY food options I saw on the Dream was the Steakhouse. As we were a party of five with one noisy almost four year old, who had a strong aversion to being left at Camp Carnival....we did not go.

 

Sushi may have had a small fee.

The coffee shop.....charges. Small treats were free. Yummy cakes and cookies cost but not much.

 

Free.......Pasta bar. Burrito Bar. Pizza. .which I thought was exceptionally good. Hamburgers. Hot dogs. Ice Cream..in the Lido Deck, which again I thought tasted home made. Very good.

 

Cherry on the TOP was a bit pricey. But it saved the day for me twice. I bought a Teddy for $15. My GD toted it with her for the rest of the cruise. I bought some cotton candy which was a big hit. Little "rings" that were lollipops. A mixture of assorted chocolate candy. ( Very tasty. papa and I got into that bag.) I also bought the Kangaroo Carnival. That was a hit...but not as much as the Teddy. which is now the Favorite stuffed animal. I liked it. I could have spent more time up there.

 

It was also the first time for us in the Video Arcade.."The Warehouse". also pricey we thought, but we enjoyed playing those games with our GD. she had a ball. We won enough points to get her a small toy. She toted that with her for the entire cruise. We will visit there again, when she is with us again. Really good spot for kids. And I did not see any Big, big kids in there. And a lot of parents were there, and I liked that. Some playing like we were.

 

I have to say this. There were a good number of children on that ship. Darned if they weren't a well behaved group. Usually parents were with them or near by...and when a group from Camp Carnival was running around on scavenger hunts and such.............still very nice kids. Maybe the world is changing....or I am. I was very impressed. At dinner, these little tykes would sit there like perfect children...............Wow. Impressive.

 

I have to say this............Please. If you are swimming and come into the Lido to get a bite......cover up. Looking at a very fat butt, hanging out of your too small bikini bottom, in front of you , in a line moving slowly.............is not a way to start lunch. One got in front of me. Do they ever look in a mirror before they parade around like that? Is like........do they have any modesty at all? Sense of shame? OK. I am off of my soapbox. Got that out of my system.

Edited March 24, 2014 by AmberTeka

[092306]

Thanks for posting and good to hear you like the dream so much. We are looking to book it next year and were comparing it to other ships. We have an almost 4 year old so thanks for the info on what your GD enjoyed. Glad you had a great time!

[SkyMaster]

I'm sure the Country Show you saw was "8 More Seconds". FANTASTIC show, and the others are excellent as well. The fact that "Dream" doesn't have the "Playlist Production" shows is a BIG plus for me. I too, will miss this GREAT ship at Port Canaveral. :(

 

"SKY"

[tree.critter]

I love the Dream too and am sad that she is leaving PC. The shows, especially Dancing in the Streets, are some of my favorites I've seen at sea. Less than two weeks now and we'll be boarding for the repositioning cruise and bidding her a fond farewell.

 

Thanks for the reminders on some of the meal options, I have missed the BBQ both times I cruised her in the past, need to make sure to go this time... we'll have a couple of extra sea days so should be able to plan for it.

[wrigley80]

Thanks.....we are onboard the Dream in 12 days for the repositioning cruise to New Orleans.

 

What were the Fun Shops like onboard??? Did they have a good selection of Carnival logo items??

 

Was there a lot of trivia held onboard during the day??

[subieroo]

so there is sushi on the dream?? Like a stand alone or just on the buffet??

[crusing_guy]

I have heard that on some Carnival ships there is a line for FTTF to leave the ship even at non-tendering ports. Could you tell me how it was on the Dream?

[cruisecraze96]

so there is sushi on the dream?? Like a stand alone or just on the buffet??

I never saw sushi last week, the sushi bar is now a taste bar and I didn't see any offerings for sushi on the buffet.

 

I am going to try to scan my funtimes from last week to post and then it will have the movies too on it.

 

What were the Fun Shops like onboard??? Did they have a good selection of Carnival logo items??

 

Normal fun Shops onboard but they did have lots of logo items to purchase. I also got the goodie bags to be delivered to the room the first day. 4 year old got the pink set with the bear (she loved it) color book, glasses, etc. 11 year old got the teen one with the red bag, glasses, water bottle, puzzle book, deck of uno cards. Guest services seemed to never run out of Carnival Playing cards too, we got 2 decks the first day but as we went to guest services through out the week I always saw decks up there available.

[AmberTeka]

I have heard that on some Carnival ships there is a line for FTTF to leave the ship even at non-tendering ports. Could you tell me how it was on the Dream?

 

I am an old grump about getting on and off the ship, and I thought they did Priority boarding quite well.

We are priority. I bought FTTF for my Daughter and family. So I saw both groups. It was their first cruise and they were really at 'at sea"

 

We went in together because they were on my credit card in addition to having FTTF. Everyone was sent to the VIP counter. No seats. Everyone stood but they were assisted immediately at the counter.

 

they had separate areas for priority and FTTF but because we had them on our card, and were setting up a cash account for them..they stayed with us. It was a very small group. No one was made to wait. Then everyone was led on to the ship. I saw a lVIP lounge, but we were boarded as soon as we all had Sign and Sail cards.

 

We had received an e-mail asking us to board between 11 and 12 ( We drove from Jacksonville.) We were in our cabin by noon. Our room was ready. As was theirs. Luggage came for everyone early.....except my daughter. She finally told her cabin steward, and he had it for her in a few minutes it seemed. that was after the Muster Drill.

 

Getting off. We were zone 1. FTTF was zone 2. they were let off, and then zones 2 & 3 were called, etc. We had a letter to go to the Crimson Dining Room. There were a LOT of self Assist. Hundreds it seemed. They had the entrance to the Crimson blocked, but were cleared.

 

At about 7:15, we were led off of the ship. At first self assist and Priority and FTTF were mixed. Then they separated the lines. FTTF and Priority went on one escalator. Self Assist on the other. One big suitcase hit the wall or something on the Self Assist and the escalator stopped. That group seemed a little unruly.

 

The FTTf and Priority...........smooth. Off the ship. In line. Had my documents ready............on our way to the parking garage with a porter in minutes.

 

Getting on. And Getting off. For Priority and FTTF. Smooth. Had grownups along the way.to keep lines separate and moving. An Employee.........was on the escalator and watched who got on and how much luggage they had. That was a safety factor I thought. I thought they did a good job. Honestly. At least an "A".

Edited March 25, 2014 by AmberTeka

[jimbo5544]

I am an old grump about getting on and off the ship, and I thought they did Priority boarding quite well.

 

We are priority. I bought FTTF for my Daughter and family. So I saw both groups. It was their first cruise and they were really at '[sea"

 

 

 

We went in together because they were on my credit card in addition to having FTTF. Everyone was sent to the VIP counter. No seats. Everyone stood. they had separate areas for priority and FTTF but because we had them on our card, and were setting up a cash account for them..they stayed with us. It was a very small group. No one was made to wait. Then everyone was led on to the ship. I saw a lVIP lounge, but we were boarded as soon as we all had Sign and Sail cards.

 

We had received am e-mail asking us to board between 11 and 12 ( We drove from Jacksonville.) We were in our cabin by noon. Our room was read. As was theirs. Luggage came for everyone early.....except my daughter. She finally told her cabin steward, and he had it for her in a few minutes it seemed.

 

 

 

Getting off. We were zone 1. FTTF was zone 2. they were let off, and then zones 2 & 3 were called, etc. We had a letter to go to the Crimson Dining Room. There was a LOT of self Assist. Hundreds it seemed. They had the entrance to the Crimson blocked, but were cleared. At about 7:15, we were led off of the ship. At first self assist and Priority and FTTF were mixed. Then they separated the lines. FTTF and Priority went on one escalator. Self Assist on the other. One big suitcase hit the wall or something on the Self Assist and the escalator stopped. That group seemed a little unruly.

 

The FTTf and Priority...........smooth. Off the ship. In line. Had my documents ready............on our way to the parking garage with a porter.

 

 

 

Getting on. And Getting off. For Priority and FTTF. Smooth. Had grownups along the way.to keep lines separate and moving. An Employee.........was on the escalator and watched who got on and how much luggage they had. That was a safety factor I thought. I thought they did a good job. Honestly. At least an "A".

 

 

I thought you hated fttf?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[AmberTeka]

Thanks.....we are onboard the Dream in 12 days for the repositioning cruise to New Orleans.

 

What were the Fun Shops like onboard??? Did they have a good selection of Carnival logo items??

 

Was there a lot of trivia held onboard during the day??

 

 

 

There was a lot of Trivia. Several games each day. Not much at night.

 

There was a LOT of Carnival Logo Items. cups. Picture frames. Towels. Tees. toys. Cover ups. sunglasses. Hats. Bags. And More.

 

I did visit the Fun shops. I was looking for a Picture frame for a friend who has a new grandson. they only sell those in the Photo Shop and they all had the carnival Logo.

 

Usually I shop more on the ship than I did this time. We had the baby a good bit, so Cherry on the TOP became a regular stop, but not the others. If you have a little one, Cherry on the Top with the Ring Lollypops...Cotton Candy and such might be a big hit.

 

I did quickly go through the "fancy" jewelry one and the more fun type shop. I wished I had more time. On the last Sea day they had Tees....2/$20. I meant to go back and never did. I also forgot my watch, and saw that they had a one day sale for $10 dollar watches. Never made it back. ( the watch I have is a Fossil I bought on the Dream...and years later, I love it. I have had to have a new battery, but it works.....like a clock!)

 

I usually buy perfume for my Daughter when we sail, but she was with us, and the trip was her birthday gift, so I just looked. compared to big department stores, I thought their prices were good. I always compare prices to perfumes on land...in ports. Duty free areas. And the ship always matches them. Or comes close. We did not buy any spirits, but My SIL bought some for his father. he bought them in the Ship store. For price and convenience.

 

On one sea day when we had the baby, My daughter bought some charms for her bracelet. The glass bead...silver bead ones that are popular. I saw her tonight and they were lovely. Honestly, I was surprised. she said they were the same ones sold in the Higher End Department stores here.......and she would know!

 

I wished I had more time in the shops. I hope you enjoy your time there!

Edited March 25, 2014 by AmberTeka

[Crusin Hogs]

Sailed The Dream in January , 7th Carnival cruise , I rate the Dream the Best I have sailed on yet ! Seemed like there was all ways something going on. Music is a LOT better than other ships . 50's60's 70's Buffett , Zac Brown , Toby Keith , and yes They have The Blue Iguana and straight across the deck from that is The Red Frog . Going on The Magic in Sept.

[AmberTeka]

I have heard that on some Carnival ships there is a line for FTTF to leave the ship even at non-tendering ports. Could you tell me how it was on the Dream?

 

I don't know. We only got off the ship in Rotan. We had bought the Carnival shore Excursion for the Gardens. and Island Tour.

 

Our tour was to leave at 9:15. So we were to be at the end of the pier at Nine. We headed down to the gangway deck and lo and behold.....the line waiting to get off the ship ( no tendering at that port) was around the corner, all the way down the hall. Everyone lined up. I guess it was priority. FTTF. Everyone.

 

the line started to move soon after we lined up way way down the hall. We were off pretty quickly. Met our Tour, got on the buses immediately and were off.

 

The ship did tender in Belize. My DD went to the Mayan ruins and I asked her about tendering. she had FTTF. I asked her if she was bumped up or what, and she said no. that she would have been embarrassed to ask (she has always been a shy person) and the first ship that tendered was not full. A woman slipped and fell on it. she fell on her husband. No one was badly injured but that shook her up. She said the water was very choppy. My SIL was a bit seasick. He had ginger pills with him and took them every day.

 

She and her husband caught the last tender back. she said only a handful of people were on it.

I don't know if it was the ship..or the tours...but she never ran into a crowd on that day of tendering.

Hope it is that way for yours! She said it was very well organized.

 

They loved the tour.

Edited March 25, 2014 by AmberTeka