Marella Dream - 4th Jan - Advice for 1st Timer

[heathstockton4]

Looking at booking this for some post festive warmer weather, our first ever cruise was Thomson (Spirit) so wondering if much has changed?

 

Our recent cruises have been on RC, Costa and MSC so quite like the idea of a smaller ship this time and have never done a cruise round the Canaries and like the ports of call.

 

Good to hear from anyone who is on this cruise and would also appreciate any info on

 

1) All Inclusive - we always add this but seems pretty basic on Marella?

2) MDR - from what i read no assigned times, just a case of turning up each night and request a table?

3) Internet - sad i know but required for work, anything available on ship?

 

Thanks in advance

[Pensioncruiser]

Hi heathstockton4 & welcome. When are you going? We are on her in March and have been on her many times. The format is basically as you had on Celebration for dinning. The drinks are OK on the basic package but if you appreciate a good wine the upgrade is very good and well worth the £50pppw it also includes the premium coffee in the coffee port. We never use the WiFi on board as its expensive and not reliable it's also only available in certain areas on the ship. We use the onshore sites. 

[heathstockton4]

Thanks for the reply, we are looking at 4th January from Tenerife

 

Previous Thomson ships we had been on were Spirit and Island Escape so a good few years ago, not been on Celebration.

[Pensioncruiser]

ok sorry about that, for Spirit read Celebration they are sister ships and operate basically same.

We like the layout of Dream which is just a little larger than the Spirit but still retains a nice atmosphere.  

[Brummijam]

As PC stated the onboard internet isn’t that good but as you will be docking pretty much every day just look where the crew are congregating at the port and ask them for the connection details it’s usually good quality and free.

The Dream is a lovely ship and the staff are wonderful and friendly.

Enjoy your trip.👍

[heathstockton4]

Thanks for the replied, appreciated

 

This will also be our first cruise where we have booked flight inclusive so on a TUI flight from Manchester, just wondering if we collect our bags at Tenerife airport or do we see them next at the ship?

 

[Pensioncruiser]

Unfortunately you have to collect them, it's only bonded luggage that you don't collect which is Dubrovnik and Barbados that I know of. 

[Vitalsign]

To add PC is correct but also Montego Bay is bonded luggage

[heathstockton4]

thanks for the replies r.e luggage

 

looking forward to it, our first 2 cruises were Island Escape and Spirit and since then we have been on bigger ships but enjoyed those 2 smaller ships