Carnival Dream B2B Cruise Review

[NWACruiser]

 

 

 

 

The island is called "Starfish Island" due to the large population of starfish in the surrounding water. There is a little pool where they will capture starfish and place in the pool. They keep them there for a few days before taking them back out into the surrounding water.

 

 

[NWACruiser]

We decided to head over to the bar to see what is going on. We did not know Elvis was in town. The guy did a very good job impersonating Elvis. He entertained the crowd and played with the audience.

 

 

[NWACruiser]

The boat as not accessible to anyone until boarding time, so we had to wait until they started boarding.

 

Once everyone was back on the boat, the rum punch got flowing again. The tunes got going and people were dancing in the aisles.

 

 

 

[NWACruiser]

Even the crew got engaged.

 

 

 

 

[NWACruiser]

We finally made it back to the Dream. After getting back on the ship, we asked when the last tender to the port was. We did not have time to eat lunch, so we dropped the gear off and boarded one of the last tenders to the mainland.

 

The tender was small and went very fast… almost too fast, to get to the port. As we neared the port, we hit a wash, lifting the boat out of the water for a moment and then it hit the water. Everyone was tossed into the air and then hit the bench hard. With my bad back, that was not good. But I was OK. A year ago, It would have been different. The pilot did slow down the rest of the trip in.

 

We made it to the port.

 

 

The lighthouse is the burial place of Christopher Columbus.

 

 

DW had a few shops to go into, so I took some photos.

 

 

 

[NWACruiser]

Some people were dancing on the sidewalks, and others were grooving to the music.

 

 

 

 

We even saw a bird show who was boss!

 

 

[NWACruiser]

DW was done shopping, and I was ready to head back to the dream. We caught a tender, that was larger, and more stable in the water than the first. We enjoyed a more relaxing tender than the previous one. It gave us a chance to get a good feel for the area. There is definitely the have/have-not distinction in the city.

 

 

 

 

[NWACruiser]

We made it back to the Dream without incident. It was too late to hit the buffet, so we got ready for dinner. We were definitely hungry, and our wait staff was ready for us. They brought us double appetizers and an extra dinner to share between DW and I. Our table mates did the same thing.

 

I had to get out to dance during the nightly show. That inspired our table mate's DH to do the same the next night.

 

We were so full from dinner, we had to pass on dessert.

 

DW and I wandered the Promenade after dinner. Since the Show Band was playing, I headed to the Ocean Plaza to watch. DW stayed for a bit before heading to the casino.

 

 

After a bit, Lauren (remember Lauren, the show dancer, from week one) showed up to watch. We saw each other and she recognized me from week one.

 

We talked for a while before some of the other dancers showed up. They got a table and sat down. I was grooving to the music and having a good time listening to the band. During a break, Courtney came over to chat to see how I was doing, and if I was going to be on the ship next week. I said, I would have to stow away so probably not. She joked I should so I can be the promoter of the band.

 

Anyhow the last set started. A good swing song started, so Lauren and I had to have one last dance… I hate to brag, but I showed her some moves on the floor... again… We also had fun messing with her boyfriend Joel, who played the trombone in the band. Afterwards she asked if I was going to the 8 Seconds show Saturday. We planned on going, so I said yes. She told me to get a front row seat, stage right. She will surprise me.

 

I met up with DW in the casino to see how it was going. It was too late to go to the Close-Up Magic show in the Burgundy Lounge. We hung around there for a while. I finally headed up to check on our towel animal. He was happy to see me! I went out on the balcony to unwind (as if I needed it) to enjoy the fresh air. DW joined me on the balcony. We finally decided it was time to crash, since Cozumel was coming in the morning.

[NWACruiser]

Today was the last port on the two-week cruise. It was our fourth visit to Cozumel in the last three years though. Today's plan was to do whatever came to mind. We had no real plans.

 

We headed to the Lido deck for breakfast. The ship was invaded by towel critters.

 

 

 

[NWACruiser]

They took the Lido deck over. It was obvious they were tired of lounge chair hogs and were going to get them before any human can!

 

 

 

 

 

[NWACruiser]

One thing to note about Cozumel. You really do not have to buy drinks if you shop. They make you go through the duty-free shops as you get off the ship. There are plenty of samples available in the shops. After spending a day in Cozumel, some people have a hard time finding that large thing called a ship.

 

 

 

DW wanted to do a little shopping. So off to Puerta Maya we went. She went into the shops to pick up the free gifts. Yes they offered shots to us.

 

 

 

After shopping, we wanted some authentic Mexican food. Pancho's Backyard was recommended. I had enchiladas verdes and DW had a burrito. We also had a Piña Colada Pequeño…

 

 

[NWACruiser]

 

After lunch, we wandered around the port for a bit before heading back to the ship.

 

 

 

[NWACruiser]

It was getting late into the day, so some of the excursions started to return. Passengers started to head back to their ship.

 

 

 

 

 

The Captain was about to steer the Dream out of the port, when (remember how people seem to lose track of time in Cozumel), there was a late passenger. Everyone on the starboard side started chanting "Run Forrest Run". But this guy was not a member of the Gump family. He took his time to get on board.

 

 

Edited June 17, 2016 by NWACruiser

[NWACruiser]

 

Finally, the dock crew woke up, untethered the ship and the Carnival Dream was off to New Orleans.

 

 

 

[NWACruiser]

It was the second formal night at dinner. We headed down to the Atrium to relax for a bit before dinner was served. Tonight was Mardi Grás. The Atrium was prepared for the celebration.

 

 

 

Dinner was as always, very good. When the dancing began, I had to out there to join in the fun. T was not ready to join in tonight.

 

We changed into casual wear before heading to the Promenade. We stopped in the Ocean Plaza to see the Blackjack Band play. DW headed to the casino for a while.

 

 

We missed Mardi Grás in the Atrium, but they came through the casino into the Ocean Plaza to finish. DW and I headed to the comedy club afterwards. Eventually, we made it back to the cabin to wake our towel animal up.

[NWACruiser]

The Carnival Dream was fully in the Gulf of Mexico by morning. The seas were active and the waves were high.

 

 

We woke up knowing it was the last day of the cruise, and tomorrow was the start of the road trip back to reality. But we had a busy day ahead. There was the Team Trivia Contest, 8 Seconds show, last night at dinner, saying goodbye to new friends, and yes, we had to pack.

 

So we headed to the Scarlet Dining Room for brunch for the last time. We met a few new people that morning. Most of them were having a great time. One was ready to get off the ship. I was not that person. I was trying to come up with a scheme to stay on another … year.

 

We headed back to the cabin to pack. I had to head down to the last day of the Team Trivia.

 

 

As luck would have it, the team from Ohio (and our closest competition) were right after us in the rotation. We used it to a big advantage.

 

 

eam from Ohio (and our closest competition) were right after us in the rotation. We used it to a big advantage. After leading the first two rounds, the Saints and Sinners did not want to lose. The contest began. The competition was fierce.

 

 

After a long battle, the last round was over, and the Saints and Sinners were champions. (if the Ohio team was one ahead of us, they might have won).

 

 

[NWACruiser]

After the competition was over, we headed over to the Future Cruise desk to see what they had to offer. There were several people ahead of us. Neither of was very hungry, so we passed on the Ocean Side BBQ.

 

 

After booking our next cruise (Alaska), we headed back to the cabin to continue packing.

 

Dinner was going to be sad in a way. We had met many new friends, both passengers and crew, and had to say goodbye. The dining staff was waiting for us. After two weeks they were either happy to see us go, or were sad to see us go. Either way they seemed to be happy to see us.

 

T and S were in a good mood also. We exchanged goodbyes before dinner, and then the celebration began. Zubin, Berny and Edgar took care of us like we were royalty. Dinner was excellent.

 

Finally, the crew sang their farewell song. Then the real party started. Everyone was ready to dance and T and I were not going to pass this one. (OK I do not have as bad of rhythm as I thought… or… there are people that dance as bad as I do.)

[NWACruiser]

After dinner, we headed to the cabin to finalize packing. I had to get my seat in the Encore Lounge, though. So DW finished the packing. I had a few minutes to make a final round of the Promenade before the show. This gave me a chance to say goodbye to several members of the crew I had not seen already.

 

Then I made my wat to the Encore Lounge. I was able to get the seats I was ordered (by Lauren.. Remember her?) I waited about 30 minutes before the show began. DW made it down just before 8 Seconds began.

 

 

 

The guitarist/fiddle player for the Blackjack Band joined the show to just fiddle around.

 

 

 

 

[NWACruiser]

 

 

 

 

[NWACruiser]

8 seconds was well done. The music was great, the dancers were in sync with each other, and the lead singers were on top of their game. (I was still wondering why Lauren wanted me to sit where I was.) Finally several dancers came down to the floor including Lauren. She was right in front of me. As I took her photo, she made a facial gesture involving her tongue pointed in my direction. So she got me back. I missed the photo.

 

 

Thanks Lauren

 

 

 

 

[NWACruiser]

 

 

 

 

 

[NWACruiser]

 

 

After the show was over, we headed to the comedy club for one last show, before retiring.

[NWACruiser]

It was a sad day to say the least, as we had to leave the Carnival Dream, for real. We made it to the Lido deck for breakfast, gathered our belongings and wandered down to the Crimson Dining Room to await our number to be called.

 

When our number was called, we headed off the ship, gathered our luggage in the port, went through Customs, loaded the car, and headed home… So we thought.

 

We were heading down I-10 approaching Metairie, when DW asked if I loaded all the bags into the car. I had. Then we realized we left one behind… back in Customs. So we reversed course and headed back to the ship.

 

We got to the port (and begrudgingly did not try to stow away). DW went in to retrieve the bag while I waited in line. That was a fiasco. I waited where NOPD Officer 1 told me to wait. After 15 minutes NOPD Officer 2 told me I had to move. I explained the situation, so he let me stay for a bit longer. (I wanted nothing to do with leaving the port and coming back in to that mess. After about an hour passed, Port Authority Officer 1 said I had no choice to move. So I headed out into the loading area, hoping I could find a place to park. (It turned out Customs would not let DW get the bag until everyone (including the crew) debarked and went through Customs. I headed into loading. NOPD Officer 3 asked me what I was doing. I explained the situation. He said I had to leave the area and circle around until DW came out. (I figured a loop was 45 minutes, minimum). As I was heading down to the exit I asked NOPD Officer 4 if there was any place I could park, after explaining the situation. He found a spot and I took it. In the meantime, DW came out of the port looking for me in my original spot. She could not find me and called. I flagged her down, we loaded up and left. Now if it wasn't for NOPD Officer 4, she would have been at the port for another 45 minutes while I looped around.

 

After retrieving the bag, we had to get gas. We decided sooner than later was critical as a severe storm was approaching. We pulled into a gas station and had to wait inside until the storm passed due to lightning. It seemed the drive home may be cursed. It turned out, the luck got better and we had clear sailing the rest of the way home.

[NWACruiser]

I hear a lot of trash talk about Carnival. We have sailed on Carnival several times, the last two on the Dream. We have not cruised any other major line, so I cannot compare.

 

What I will say about Carnival is they have a very good product. They are not perfect, but no cruise line is. What we do is go to have a good time, meet people and visit places. We tend to not fret over the little things, but let that be part of the experience.

 

First, the American Table Menu and no tablecloths, except for formal nights. I thought it was a big deal, for about 20 minutes. It was such a minor change that I did not even care after the first night. The American Table Menu has quality food, prepared well, and, its has a good variety. I don't think I ate the same dinner twice, over the two weeks. (Appetizers do not count, since I had shrimp cocktail most nights.)

 

Crowds and Long Lines: The Lido Buffet lines were a little long during peak hours. The food was good. There were a few things that were not up to expectations. But I could not complain about it.

 

The Lido Deck and Lounge Hogs. I was not on the Lido deck enough times during the day to say one way or the other. I spent more time on the Serenity deck.

 

Out of Control Kids (of any age): I saw one incident with kids acting out. They tossed a ball into the elevator as it was closing. We tossed it out and continued on with no harm. Other than that, I saw nothing out of the ordinary.

 

Entertainment I have heard rumors Carnival wants to drop live music. Do not do that. The live bands (including in the Encore Lounge) make the cruise one to remember. The bands interact with the passengers and vice versa to make it spontaneous. You do not get that with a DJ.

 

The stage shows are very entertaining. I am not expecting a Broadway play while cruising. I do expect to be entertained and the shows do that.

 

The comedians are very funny. Carnival does a great job at selecting comedians. They all interact with the audience during their shows and makes everyone feel a part of the show. They also handle the hecklers well. That is part of why live entertainment is go good. Some of the best parts were the interactions between the comedian and the heckler.

 

Service I felt the Carnival Dream staff excelled in all categories here. I did not meet a crew member that came across wrong. The staff worked hard to make everyone happy. I made friends with several members of the crew during the two weeks, because of their desire to make the passengers cruise a good one.

[NWACruiser]

We were met with a smile and a good day from every member of the Photography staff. Several members went out of their way. Gabrielle, Iryna, and Marta were three of them. There were a few others, I did not get their names, but, also were very pleasant. I gained a lot of insight into my own photography skills from the photography crew.

 

 

Thanks Marta.

 

Our cabin stewards worked hard to keep the cabin cleaned, transferred our luggage on the first debarkation day, and the hallways. They greeted us with a smile and our first names. Any issues with the cabin were addressed within a reasonable time.

 

The Hotel Staff all worked hard at keeping the ship clean. The crew constantly wiped down handrails, and other places where people put their hands. When a passenger left a table, one of the staff would immediately pick up anything left, and wipe down the table and chairs.

 

Christine was a prime example of the staff. Not only did we meet, bet we got to know each other very well. She was always on top of things. She always had a smile and a great attitude.

 

 

We were so happy to have met you Cristine.

 

The casino staff made sure everyone was having a good time. They responded quickly when needed. When the casino went down, they quickly came up with a solution to keep the passengers happy.

 

Rowena, who talked about the future cruise options was very pleasant. She also took time to discuss where she is from and her family. She made us feel like family.

 

Chey, Cheeky Charlie and Derek made the trivia and bingo a blast. They were engaging the audience and had a great sense of humor.

 

 

Cheeky Charlie

 

Brandon, the Cruise Director, was one of the best we have had on a ship. He was the first CD, that I can say made a difference on the cruise.

 

During their off days, I got to meet Amy and Lauren from the Dance Crew. Both of them were very nice and pleasant. Lauren was very down to earth, and was a great dance partner in the Ocean Plaza.

 

Vladimir, who worked in the Scarlet Dining Room, and the Lido Deck when the SDR was closed, was very nice and pleasant. We immediately made friends with each other. We talked about our homes and family. We were sorry he was only on the ship the first week.

 

Iryna K, from the Steakhouse, was already a friend from the August Cruise. It was great to see her again. She is a great ambassador for the cruise line. We had a great time reminiscing from the August cruise.

 

Summer Breeze, Music Unlimited, and the Blackjack Band kept the music flowing. Music Unlimited allowed the passengers to join them on stage to sing. This was a highlight to the first week of the cruise. Summer Breeze kept the Atrium alive.

 

I had the pleasure to meet most of the Carnival Dream Show Band. They all were fun and entertaining as well as a good group to listen to. Pawel, Mike, Dario, Salvatore (Pino), Lev, Joel, Peter, Dalton, and Courtney worked together as a band and as entertainers. They all worked together to not only play, but had fun (with each other at times) to make the show.

 

Joel seemed to lead the camaraderie. He made it clear he was there to play the trombone, while keeping the audience engaged.

 

Courtney and Dalton were both great singers, and leaders of the band. Dalton has a fantastic voice and his range is unbelievable.

 

 

I hope you have found another promoter Courtney. Sorry I could not be it.

 

 

Take care my friend, Dalton. You are a great guy and have a future in music.