At the Nth Hour - NCL Dawn or CCL Dream?

[RobinKY]

Looking at 7 day over Christmas. Wife and I are early 40s with two kids - 13 & 11. Wife & I like to sun by pool, frozen drinks, let kids do their thing. Not big into shows except maybe comedy. Food is probably similar on the two.

 

NCL Dawn - slightly cheaper assuming free beverage packages still available but would have to spend extra on excursion since ship is not as kid friendly as Dream. Wife said NCL website wouldn't give her free beverage packages as of last night. That would be a huge advantage for NCL if they did offer this for free. Might be able to get to OV cabins and still be cheaper than Dream.

 

CCL Dream - much more kids friendly. More expensive as it looks like best option would be two interior rooms.

[Josher61]

That promo is still on...don't know why it didn't work for your wife.

 

Just did a mock booking on the Dawn, it allowed the CHOB (beverage package promo code) plus it also gave the 100 OBC for holiday sailing. And the OV was the same price as the inside!

[Luke Saint Joe]

My husband & I sailed Carnival Dream last Christmas with 6 other friends. LOVED it.

[#1TravelMom]

We like the Dawn. But, we also have and 11 year old DD. The Dream is perfect for this age. So much to do.

[BigEasyCC]

The Dream will give the youngsters more to do. The Dawn is lovely as well. (Honestly, we went on the Jewel - Dawn isn't til 2017 for us) Either way, you will have a great time!

[denas]

Dream only does 3 ports. Dawn does 4. Also in Roatan on CCL you can just get off the ship and have a free Beach day at mahogany bay which is very pretty. You will have to book an excursion in Roatan on the Dawn. I personally would not base my decision on the beverage package. You have to drink a lot to get your money's worth. On CCL I think it is 7 or more drinks every single day (and you are in ports for 3 of those days).

 

You will spend more on ports on the Dawn. But you get less sea days.

 

With kids, I prefer Carnival. But I like port days over sea days!