Calling all past Dream cruisers

[Zeelix]

This will be our first cruise. My DH and I are leaving out from NOLA and this is our 9th anniversary present for us. :) I need all the input from experienced Dream cruisers. By the way, we love New Orleans and we will drive from Birmingham, AL and probably stay the night or the night we come in.

 

My question is what activities are a must do and no miss on the cruise (ship). I know they will many activities and I want everyone to chime in. Also, we will have a balcony and I would like to know what are necessary things I should bring:confused:.Thank you in advance to all that response to this post.

[PGBSAB]

If you enjoy Martinis, make sure you do the Martini tasting...you can pick several different ones and it is a great way to to try the Alchemy bar. We also enjoy the Steakhouse...since this is your anniversary might be a nice treat. If you go the first evening you get a free bottle of wine.

[tandemcruzr]

We also enjoy the Steakhouse...since this is your anniversary might be a nice treat. If you go the first evening you get a free bottle of wine.

 

If you don't like the 'free' bottle, you can get 50% off most bottles on their wine list.

 

Sometimes the free bottle offer is extended to the second night.

 

Also, check out the band at the Ocean Plaza --Black Jack Band.

 

We second the recommendation about the Alchemy Bar.

 

Enjoy your first cruise and your Anniversary Celebration.

Edited January 31, 2016 by tandemcruzr

[ryansmith18]

This will be our first cruise. My DH and I are leaving out from NOLA and this is our 9th anniversary present for us. :) I need all the input from experienced Dream cruisers. By the way, we love New Orleans and we will drive from Birmingham, AL and probably stay the night or the night we come in.

 

My question is what activities are a must do and no miss on the cruise (ship). I know they will many activities and I want everyone to chime in. Also, we will have a balcony and I would like to know what are necessary things I should bring:confused:.Thank you in advance to all that response to this post.

Bring some wine and enjoy it on your balcony right when you've set sail. Leaving out of NOLA is unique compared to other ports because of the trip down the Mississippi river. It's definitely one of my favorite parts of NOLA cruises.

 

And I agree about the steakhouse. My wife and I tried it on the Dream last year for our anniversary cruise and it was hands down the best overall meal I'd ever had.

[ohiowilly]

I don't remember an Alchemy Bar on the Dream.

 

Was one added recently?

[tncap]

As stated, the Blackjack Band is the favorite of many. I always have gone into New Orleans a couple of nights early - it is my favorite port because it is a destination in it's own right. You will have cell service for 6-8 hours after sailing because it takes that long to reach open water from the Mississippi.

[bakersdozen12]

The "Dancing in the Streets" show in the Dream's Encore theater is very good. If you only go to one show, I would choose this one.

 

The Dream is the only ship with Pasta Bella as a lunch option (although ships have the Captain's Pasta Bar, but I don't know if it's similar). Anyway, definitely try it at least once. It's above the lido buffet, near the Steakhouse, and it doesn't get too busy because some people don't know it's there.

 

Also, the Dream is the only Carnival ship with an 18-hole mini golf. It's so much fun, and you should try it at least once. We played it mid-week on a day when the wind wasn't too bad, and I remember thinking about all my coworkers who were back home, stuck in the office, while I was playing mini golf in the middle of the ocean. Now that's the life!

 

These are all the things that are unique to the Dream that I can think of. Have a wonderful time!

 

I don't remember an Alchemy Bar on the Dream.

 

Was one added recently?

 

No, you are correct. The Dream does not have an Alchemy Bar.

Edited January 31, 2016 by bakersdozen12

[Babycat]

Take advantage of the Tandoori grill on the aft and BBQ on the Starboard side Lanai. If you can't get to the steakhouse, order from the menu at least once in the MDR. There will be no Guy's Burgers or Blue Iguana Cantina. The Blackjack band is great and they are very nice people to boot. One of them, the bass player, personally helped to escort my wife and crying baby to a more comfortable place during muster drill.

 

I live in the greater New Orleans area and I took this photo of the Dream this morning. She's waiting for you!

 

Edited February 1, 2016 by Babycat

[nydney1]

Take advantage of the Tandoori grill on the aft and BBQ on the Starboard side Lanai. If you can't get to the steakhouse, order from the menu at least once in the MDR. There will be no Guy's Burgers or Blue Iguana Cantina. The Blackjack band is great and they are very nice people to boot. One of them, the bass player, personally helped to escort my wife and crying baby to a more comfortable place during muster drill.

 

I live in the greater New Orleans area and I took this photo of the Dream this morning. She's waiting for you!

 

 

Great Photo.

[Babycat]

Great Photo.

 

Thank you! Here's another ☺️

 

[WAHMto5]

Another huge fan of the Blackjack Band! Also has a great spa!

[IslandBound79]

Thank you! Here's another [emoji5]

 

 

 

 

 

Great photography!

[skyeman27]

Book a Cloud 9 Spa Room and you get to use the 2 heated ceramic tile lounge chairs overlooking the bow, absolutely the best seats on the Dream and the Thalasso pool...Don't miss the Blackjack Band...The Dream is our favorite ship

Edited February 1, 2016 by gklow

[SkyMaster]

I too say, DON'T MISS "BLACKJACK BAND" in the Ocean Plaza. Don't miss the BIG shows aboard "Dream". Some of the best in the fleet.

Wish I could join you!

 

"SKY"

[Zeelix]

These are great ideas and I will make sure not to miss the Blackjack Band. I would like to try the steakhouse and seen here on Cruise Critic that you need to make sure you have plenty of time. Also, IslandBound79 what a beautiful shot of the ship and the bridge. I am now officially cruise ship hungry ;). I am also wanting to try the Alchemy Bar as well :D

[bakersdozen12]

I am also wanting to try the Alchemy Bar as well :D

 

 

The Dream does not have an Alchemy Bar.

[k2excursion]

I agree with the others about Blackjack Band. They are a great band, and very friendly people. I love the shows on this ship. In my opinion, it's the best Carnival ship for the nighttime shows. I also love the waterslides on this ship, but I am a waterslide enthusiast. The Dream is easily my favorite ship of all.

[Zeelix]

The Dream does not have an Alchemy Bar.

 

OH poo!:( I was looking forward to this.

[WPTNGirl]

We enjoyed the Mardi Gras Party with a parade and bead toss. Also liked the Oceanside BBQ on the Lanai on Sea Days.

[Zeelix]

The Dream does not have an Alchemy Bar.

 

We are taking the exact same itinerary as you did. We are suppose to be in Jamaica's port on our anniversary.

[kat2009]

The sea day brunch.

 

The sea day bbq on the Lanai (outside casino).

 

The musical shows.

 

The chef cooking demonstration is good.

 

The pasta bar upstairs from the dining room.

 

Aft deck with pool - best spot on the ship!

[GMRPHRN]

I love the Dream! Would love to get back there. I live in Huntsville and the drive to NOLA is about 6 hours or so and flights to the Florida ports are so $$$. The Cloud 9 spa was worth every penny.

[xrayvin]

We were on the Dream years ago. It still remains one of my favorite cruises. Beautiful ship with lots of fun for adults and kids.

I wasn't sure if they had added the 2.0 features, which are the best! But don't worry even without them she has great venues. You can still do the martini tasting, they just are not the elevated martinis you find at the Alchemy.

Enjoy your cruise and NOLA! I really hope to sail out of there someday.

 

 

Take advantage of the Tandoori grill on the aft and BBQ on the Starboard side Lanai. If you can't get to the steakhouse, order from the menu at least once in the MDR. There will be no Guy's Burgers or Blue Iguana Cantina. The Blackjack band is great and they are very nice people to boot. One of them, the bass player, personally helped to escort my wife and crying baby to a more comfortable place during muster drill.

 

I live in the greater New Orleans area and I took this photo of the Dream this morning. She's waiting for you!

 

 

 

This is an amazing picture! I have a friend who is on this sailing, can I share your picture?

Edited February 4, 2016 by xrayvin

[Zeelix]

I love the Dream! Would love to get back there. I live in Huntsville and the drive to NOLA is about 6 hours or so and flights to the Florida ports are so $$$. The Cloud 9 spa was worth every penny.

 

I know what you mean about the flights to Florida. NOLA is an easy drive and we just love the food there.

[Babycat]

We were on the Dream years ago. It still remains one of my favorite cruises. Beautiful ship with lots of fun for adults and kids.

I wasn't sure if they had added the 2.0 features, which are the best! But don't worry even without them she has great venues. You can still do the martini tasting, they just are not the elevated martinis you find at the Alchemy.

Enjoy your cruise and NOLA! I really hope to sail out of there someday.

 

 

 

 

 

This is an amazing picture! I have a friend who is on this sailing, can I share your picture?

 

 

Sure!