Carnival Dream 3/6-3/13/16

[tkportersat]

Carnival Dream 3/6-3/13/16 / New Orleans, LA

Prior to the cruise we stayed at the Hampton Inn Harvey. Had a nice dinner at New Orleans Hamburger & Seafood Company and then pretty much hunkered down in the room for rest after our 8 hour drive from Texas. The Hampton was clean and beds were comfortable, nice free breakfast the next morning. It would prepare us for crowds as it was packed with people just loading up plates as if it were their last meal.

This trip was my 16th cruise, 12th with Carnival. Traveling was me (44), husband (34) and our son (5). We were in a Balcony cabin 7262. Cabin was in a great location close to the stairs/elevators and everything was a couple floors up or down so we almost always took the stairs. Our steward DWI was nice and kept things clean, the bucket full of ice and we always had dry clean beach and bathroom towels. We had selected evening service only but noticed he would still come in mid-morning and make the bed. We have no complaints about the once a day turndown and can’t figure out why some are being so dramatic about the change.

Weather on this trip was not great but we made the best of it. I will say this was the rockiest ride I have ever had on a ship and it lasted the entire week. You could hear waves crashing into the side of the ship every night and lots of creaking. Some evenings it was funny to watch everyone swaying from left to right. Thankfully none of us get sea sick. This was also the most crowded feeling ship I have ever been on and it seemed there was a line for everything. We were just on the Magic last year (also for Spring Break) and never felt that way. Even the Serenity deck was ridiculous. Manners needed some work as well. It is hard to teach your 5 year old to watch where he is going when adults are almost bulldozing him over, cutting in line, etc.

Dining – We spent our first lunch at Pasta Bella and that was great because there was NO ONE THERE! For breakfast we always ate in the Dining Room and even here there was a line up every morning. I simply love the people every day that thought because they rode the elevator they should get to be in the front of the line even though folks are lined up and down the stairs. Smh. For dinner we had anytime dining and used it 3 times and never had to wait, we went around 6 pm. Two nights due to tired husband/child we had pizza or the deli. The second and last night we ate in the steakhouse. OMG, so worth every penny. We did get a free bottle of wine when we ate there on night 2. We had both times the Baked onion soup, Caesar salads, surf/turf (me), spiced ribeye (husband) and the chocolate sampler. We did the Dr. Suess breakfast as well and my son loves it. All in all the food was pretty good. Steakhouse both nights, excellent.

Camp Ocean - My son is 5 but will be 6 on April 27th. A short talk the first night with one of the Counselors and she allowed him to be in the 6-8 group. She explained he could be moved down to his group if he complained or had issues but thankfully there weren’t any. He enjoyed the times he was in the Camp, and my husband and I enjoyed the few quiet moments we got to spend together. Only one counselor appeared to be in the wrong line of work and I will say this put a black cloud over the last few days. Very negative person and I did note her name on my survey when we returned home.

Honduras – we were originally going to go to Little French Key but at the last minute decided just to walk over to Mahogany Bay. It was a very nice enjoyable day and even though we weren’t able to snag a clam shell we found a nice spot under some palm trees. If you do want clam shells it seems you need to book on board first if you expect to get one. Water was very calm and my son was happy to find quite a few shells..including a Conch, with a live crab inside. He pulled it out of the water and security was on us in seconds demanding we put it back. Um, we weren’t going to take it anywhere…geez. I got a quick pic and we returned the little guy to his home. We had some great food and drinks at Fat Tuesday.

Belize – My son and I stayed on the ship and ran the water slide all day, best day ever! So nice to have the ship all to ourselves. My husband went cave tubing. He enjoyed it but didn’t enjoy that Carnival changed the excursion meeting time to 6:45am and then left everyone to sit there an hour. After that he had the tender ride, and approximate 45 minute ride to the caves. He said if you didn’t bring water shoes you had to pay $5 to rent them.

Cozumel – Playa Mia. Yikes, let me just say – Way too crowded. We had fun and we got lucky we were one of the first ships to arrive and found nice seats in the shade but seriously never again. My husband stood in line for 30 minutes to get life vests (a requirement if you want to use the floating park). This was hampered by the fact that people weren’t turning theirs in and trying to keep them the whole day. Water park area was fun but virtually no places to hang out there, which meant a lot of walking back and forth to our locker and the beach. We did have good service from our waiter, the food was tasty (Nachos/quesadillas/guac/buckets of beer) and prices were reasonable.

Didn’t see any of the main shows but attended the 18+ Comedy shows 3 times and really enjoyed it. Thanks to all the people that got the smokers kicked off their balconies, the Casino is pretty much impossible to hang out in now. Never been so miserable in a Casino before and as a daughter of smokers I am somewhat used to it. I have mentioned in my survey yet again but the Pokerpro tables suck and we really wish Carnival would go back to a good old fashioned live dealer.

Platinum – past guest party was very nice and service was good (two glasses of wine). They did show the previous ships but very quickly. My gift was a very nice collapsible duffle bag.

Sadly for the first time, we all came home sick. I am still battling a sinus infection/bronchitis as of 3/22. Thankfully my son is over his virus he returned with. We did everything we normally do to keep hands clean, etc. Just didn’t work in our favor this time.

Overall, we had a good time because we were with the ones we love and not at work. Our biggest issue was the crowds and the general overall behavior of others…because of this I think we might try to find a less crowded vacation next time and take a little cruise break. I don’t know if it was the Dream and the way it was set up or the fact that we normally cruise out of Galveston but something was just off this go round. I feel very thankful to be able to take vacations at all, and I am certainly not saying “no more cruises”…just want to try something else for a bit.

[pcvtmom]

Thanks for the trip report. Very concise and easy to read!!

[tkportersat]

Thanks. I am still not well so I wasn't sure if I should work on it while feeling like such an airhead :) :D I wrote on my email first and copy/pasted.

 

If anyone has questions, please feel free to ask!

 

Thanks for the trip report. Very concise and easy to read!!

[Clarea]

Excellent, well written trip report, thanks!

[tkportersat]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Keith1010]

Great trip report.

 

Keith

[smallerfisheye]

I've been on many cruises, but this was the first on after a 10 year hiatus. I read reviews before I went but then stopped reading after hearing all of the negative things. Yes, this boat does have the feel of having too many passengers. However, it is a big boat and we never had a problem finding a lounge chair in the sun. I was afraid that there would be too many kids running around. But being this early in March, I feel we avoided this. I am one of those that makes the best of everything and tries not to complain. We were VERY fortunate in our cabin selection. We were in 11204 which is an ambulatory room but was not needed, so we recieved it. Best possible room! It came with spa accommodations and the spa was literally a few steps away. The room was at the very front of the ship and it was easy to navigate the entire ship from our deck.

However, my wife came down sick with what seemed to be just a cold on the second day. We were like, 'This is NOT happening!'

We were determined to make the best of it. I began getting sick on Wednesday with the same thing. This virus kicked our butts! We ran high fever and coughed! Fatigued out of this world. We went to the Dr the Monday we got back. There were several others there from the same cruise. All they could say is that it was viral. They sent my wife to an oncologist to have further blood test because her blood counts were so low. She just got news on 3/22/16 that they are finally normal. I have only been that sick one other time in my life. I don't blame the boat or anyone. That's going to happen anytime you have that many people in close corridors. It just really sucked.

It was a very rough ride the first half of the voyage, but that never bothers me. I'm one of those crazys that likes the swerving from she to side. Haha We both had the 'cheers' card but felt robbed because we were too sick to drink.

I will prob try a smaller ship next time. Bigger is not better.

[BB Huey]

That is funny about Playa Mia. We were on the Breeze and in Cozumel 3/10 and the place was not crowded at all. The water was a little rough by their standards was our only complaint. Like you said, the food was good and our waiter tried his best to get us wasted. The smoke at the edge of the Casino was the worst we have ever experienced. We had to find different ways to navigate the ship to avoid the Galley blockage and the Casino smoke. Once inside the Casino the air was not that bad, but the edge could knock you down.

We also came down sick, but after the cruise. I used so much hand sanitizer on board I could not believe anything could live on me. Must have been the plane ride.

[tkportersat]

Hope you are feeling better now, as of today I am still struggling. Can't seem to shake this illness. I started another round of antibiotics and steroids and had a high blood pressure scare last week and ended up in the emergency room. So much for my cheap cruise, it will cost me in medical bills for sure :eek: Sounds like you have a great attitude and made the best of your situation, sometimes not easy when you have been waiting for vacation!! :cool:

 

I've been on many cruises, but this was the first on after a 10 year hiatus. I read reviews before I went but then stopped reading after hearing all of the negative things. Yes, this boat does have the feel of having too many passengers. However, it is a big boat and we never had a problem finding a lounge chair in the sun. I was afraid that there would be too many kids running around. But being this early in March, I feel we avoided this. I am one of those that makes the best of everything and tries not to complain. We were VERY fortunate in our cabin selection. We were in 11204 which is an ambulatory room but was not needed, so we recieved it. Best possible room! It came with spa accommodations and the spa was literally a few steps away. The room was at the very front of the ship and it was easy to navigate the entire ship from our deck.

However, my wife came down sick with what seemed to be just a cold on the second day. We were like, 'This is NOT happening!'

We were determined to make the best of it. I began getting sick on Wednesday with the same thing. This virus kicked our butts! We ran high fever and coughed! Fatigued out of this world. We went to the Dr the Monday we got back. There were several others there from the same cruise. All they could say is that it was viral. They sent my wife to an oncologist to have further blood test because her blood counts were so low. She just got news on 3/22/16 that they are finally normal. I have only been that sick one other time in my life. I don't blame the boat or anyone. That's going to happen anytime you have that many people in close corridors. It just really sucked.

It was a very rough ride the first half of the voyage, but that never bothers me. I'm one of those crazys that likes the swerving from she to side. Haha We both had the 'cheers' card but felt robbed because we were too sick to drink.

I will prob try a smaller ship next time. Bigger is not better.

[tkportersat]

Wow, go figure. It was wall to wall bodies the day we went. I think 5-6 ships in port total, but two were gigantic RC ships, the Magic was there with us and a Norwegian..might have been one more. It really was a nice place overall, just hated the crowds. Yeah, I can usually tolerate it but the smoke at the Casino was brutal. We had a weird moldy smell in the area of our cabin off and on all week, not sure where it was coming from.

Hope you are feeling better!

 

That is funny about Playa Mia. We were on the Breeze and in Cozumel 3/10 and the place was not crowded at all. The water was a little rough by their standards was our only complaint. Like you said, the food was good and our waiter tried his best to get us wasted. The smoke at the edge of the Casino was the worst we have ever experienced. We had to find different ways to navigate the ship to avoid the Galley blockage and the Casino smoke. Once inside the Casino the air was not that bad, but the edge could knock you down.

We also came down sick, but after the cruise. I used so much hand sanitizer on board I could not believe anything could live on me. Must have been the plane ride.

Edited March 23, 2016 by tkportersat

[Yvonne]

I enjoyed your report, thanks for sharing with us.

 

We'll be in 7263 on the Dream in January. :)

 

Sorry you had a few issues on the cruise, and I understand you wanting to take a break from cruising for awhile. We felt that way too after our Conquest cruise, but then family wanted to go with us on the Paradise (for our granddaughter's college graduation) so we went and had an awesome time! Going on the Dream with same family members minus the granddaughter.

 

I don't understand all the complaints about having either morning or evening room steward service either, but I guess some really like having both. Not me, I will definitely ask for evening service. A couple times on our last cruise I just didn't feel like vacating our stateroom in the morning so put a sticky note on the door letting our room steward know he didn't need to service the room. I wouldn't be happy if we ask for only evening service and he/she still wants to come in to the room in the morning to make up the bed. We can make it up ourselves in 2 minutes. :) It will be nice knowing we don't HAVE to leave the room in the morning if we don't want to, and can sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the balcony, etc.

 

As far as smoking on the balconies go, I for one am glad it's not allowed. I don't mind someone next to me smoking a cigarette on their balcony, but it's the ones who chain smoke out there that annoy me. Tried to enjoy a couple of hours on our balcony in Nassau once as we stayed on the ship but our neighbors did too and they were out there chain smoking so made it difficult to really enjoy my time on my own balcony. We don't use the casino so the smoking in there doesn't bother us, but I can understand it would bother others.

 

We liked Mahogany Bay, after we had taken a private tour of the island we went over there for an hour or so. Very, very nice. Plan to go there again next time too.

 

That's too bad you all got sick though, not a nice way to end a vacation. :(

 

Thanks again for sharing. I enjoy reading any Dream review I can get my eyes on since we'll be going on that ship in a few months too.

Edited March 23, 2016 by Yvonne

[scoonrod]

Did you happen to keep your Camp Ocean activity list? Just curious on what activities they have going on. We sail on April 24th and my little girl will be in the 6-8. She normally loves it but last time on the Pride she didn't care to go. She was 6 then.

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[BB Huey]

We don't have kids but my sister-in-law had her two grandchildren age 10 and 11. She only got them to go once. I asked how it went and the girl said they made mummies out of toilet paper. She said she was not going back.

[KirkNC]

Thanks for your report.

[Micahs Grandad]

Thanks for your review.

 

Have not been on the Dream since she moved to NO and looking forward to it.

 

amazing though how many times we both get ill a day or two after we get back home.

[tkportersat]

I'm sorry, I didn't :( My son is at the age where he is all about video games so he loved that. Of course they did pirate stuff, arts/crafts, dancing, movies, games. My son enjoyed his time there much more than last year....and I am thankful they let him move up due to his age because he was already complaining he was with the "babies" last time. I hope your daughter enjoys it better this time around.

 

Did you happen to keep your Camp Ocean activity list? Just curious on what activities they have going on. We sail on April 24th and my little girl will be in the 6-8. She normally loves it but last time on the Pride she didn't care to go. She was 6 then.

[tkportersat]

This is the first time we have ever come home sick from a cruise, as of today I am still struggling. I will say that the pollen here has been ridiculous since we got back.

 

Thanks for your review.

 

Have not been on the Dream since she moved to NO and looking forward to it.

 

amazing though how many times we both get ill a day or two after we get back home.

[tkportersat]

I think you will really enjoy the room location, that was a definite positive.

I wish I could explain, I have always been a cruise enthusiast...not sure why this one felt off for me. :confused:

 

I love going to the casino but it really was pretty unbearable now. The smoke just hovers in there. I know it is a touchy subject, my parents won't even cruise now because they can't smoke on the balcony. They were always respectful when others were out on the balcony and would refrain. I know all smokers aren't as courteous.

 

Thanks for the kind words, I Hope you have a nice trip!

 

 

I enjoyed your report, thanks for sharing with us.

 

We'll be in 7263 on the Dream in January. :)

 

Sorry you had a few issues on the cruise, and I understand you wanting to take a break from cruising for awhile. We felt that way too after our Conquest cruise, but then family wanted to go with us on the Paradise (for our granddaughter's college graduation) so we went and had an awesome time! Going on the Dream with same family members minus the granddaughter.

 

I don't understand all the complaints about having either morning or evening room steward service either, but I guess some really like having both. Not me, I will definitely ask for evening service. A couple times on our last cruise I just didn't feel like vacating our stateroom in the morning so put a sticky note on the door letting our room steward know he didn't need to service the room. I wouldn't be happy if we ask for only evening service and he/she still wants to come in to the room in the morning to make up the bed. We can make it up ourselves in 2 minutes. :) It will be nice knowing we don't HAVE to leave the room in the morning if we don't want to, and can sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the balcony, etc.

 

As far as smoking on the balconies go, I for one am glad it's not allowed. I don't mind someone next to me smoking a cigarette on their balcony, but it's the ones who chain smoke out there that annoy me. Tried to enjoy a couple of hours on our balcony in Nassau once as we stayed on the ship but our neighbors did too and they were out there chain smoking so made it difficult to really enjoy my time on my own balcony. We don't use the casino so the smoking in there doesn't bother us, but I can understand it would bother others.

 

We liked Mahogany Bay, after we had taken a private tour of the island we went over there for an hour or so. Very, very nice. Plan to go there again next time too.

 

That's too bad you all got sick though, not a nice way to end a vacation. :(

 

Thanks again for sharing. I enjoy reading any Dream review I can get my eyes on since we'll be going on that ship in a few months too.

[tkportersat]

LOL, seems like I recall my son mentioning this. But they do so much more. We really only had trouble with one counselor, we really just felt she didn't like our son. She kept threatening to put him back in the 2-5 group. Super negative. I probably should have reported her while on board but we didn't. Everyone else was very positive and complimented my son, so I just really think this lady was in the wrong line of work.

 

We don't have kids but my sister-in-law had her two grandchildren age 10 and 11. She only got them to go once. I asked how it went and the girl said they made mummies out of toilet paper. She said she was not going back.

[JaniceB]

Thank you for your well written report.

[jimbo5544]

Very nice review, thanks for posting it.

[coevan]

great report, I am a poker player and agree 100% bring back a dealer. The game has zero personality. I don't mind the huge rake, but the first time i sat down, it was hard to follow. The no limit game can be annoying if you have that one guy at the table with a huge bank and raises to $50 after the first $1-$2 bets.

[tkportersat]

I played pretty regularly before we had our son, but I am semi retired right now :) My husband still plays often and he is a serious player and these tables make a joke of the game. I know it is easy for Carnival to just throw a table out there but on the Dream - no one was at it. You had to go at 10 or 11pm to get a full table. My husband gets so frustrated because you can't play real poker at these tables, it basically encourages crack head play. So yes, in a nutshell we hate them. Excalibur in Vegas I heard finally wised up and got rid of them and went back to real tables, hope Carnival does the same at some point.

 

great report, I am a poker player and agree 100% bring back a dealer. The game has zero personality. I don't mind the huge rake, but the first time i sat down, it was hard to follow. The no limit game can be annoying if you have that one guy at the table with a huge bank and raises to $50 after the first $1-$2 bets.

[tkportersat]

Thanks for reading :)

 

Thank you for your well written report.