Macklovin38

Thank you for asking this question- it's exactly what I came on here for! I'm torn between the two as well.

I did not notice a Latin band, sorry!

Hope you have a wonderful cruise!

Happy Cruising!

We were in cabin 1370,Rivera deck.

We used the stairs a lot as the elevators were very slow.

Also, every time we went into a port the whole entire room vibrated so bad that it woke us. It sounded like the lights were going to fall off the wall!

The room was also located right across the hall from a service pantry. There were mysterious beeps coming from that room and a utility cart stayed parked right outside our door night and day. I could always find my room- just look for the cart!

Next cruise- balcony. No question!

Happy Cruising!

During the day our room was very cool but as soon as it was time for bed the temperature in the room seemed to go up! We had the air as low as possible and all of us complained that it was warm while sleeping.

The only shows that I personally went was the Welcome Aboard show and the Love and Marriage show. Both were very entertaining. My daughter went to the comedy show and said that it was just ok.

Hope that helps! You will have a great time on The Dream!!

Happy Cruising!

Embarkation: Before boarding while we were waiting outside for additional family members some guy puked in the parking lot right by where the buses load. No one said anything or pulled him aside. Once we went inside the terminal he was falling all over people- obviously drunk. Carnival employees turned their head to this and proceeded to allow him to board the ship. I was surprised.

Once up the escalators we were given forms to fill out regarding Ebola symptoms. Once we filled that out we went to check-in. We received our cards but were unable to put money on our account because the associates printer was not working and she could not get a receipt. She advised that I go to customer service desk once on board.

After check-in we sat in the chairs and waited for weddings, diamond, platinum to board and then they called FTTF- that was us!!

Once on board we went to purchase put money on our account and then purchase CHEERS!

Room: Deluxe Oceanview. Nice but found the second shower unnecessary for us. We needed a 2nd toilet!! We seemed to be fighting for that more than anything.

Room Steward: never introduced himself. I encountered him one day and I was able to formally meet him. He kept our room clean, gave us plenty of towels and generally did his job.

Food: Good. Loved Pasta Bella, Tandoor Grill and the sea day brunch- all were great!

We did have selections from the steak house in the main dining room one night (surf and turf and NY Strip) we paid $40 for the food and an additional $10 in gratuity and it was good but it would not have been worth $75 plus gratuity in the Steakhouse, in my opinion.

Our Head Waiter was Predrag from Bosnia. He was just excellent- not one complaint. We also had, I Made, from Bali as the assistant waiter, loved him just as well!!

Ports: My family had fun in the all. Our favorite was Cozumel. We went to Paradise Beach which we would easily go to again.

In Belize, we went zip lining. Very fun! My parents who are mid 70's even zip lined with us!! We used Cavetubing.bz to book the excursion.

Roatan- we did the private Victor Bodden tour and saw the monkeys. It was just ok. I didn't hate it, I felt safe I just like the other two ports best.

Casino: Smoky. That didn't keep us from taking home some Blackjack winnings and watching the Kentucky football game. It was fun!

Circle C: my daughter went every night and loved it! Met lots of new friends.

Debarkation: Zone 2. It was kind of a madhouse. Took a long time for them to clear the ship. Rumor has it that a man was arrested on Lido. Drug dog sniffed him out and he was handcuffed right there! I admit that I only heard about this- didn't see it with my own eyes.

Also, I spoke up to a man who was making fun of a lady in a wheelchair. She was a bigger lady. He made a comment that maybe if she wasn't so big she wouldn't need that wheelchair. I looked at him and said, 'I can't believe you would say something like that. Where is your compassion?' He answered that he had none and I just said 'obviously'. He then just said, "life's a bitch!"

Disgusting.

I almost forgot two things!

1. We had $250 in Cruise Cash that they never credited to our account until day 5. The CC was a gift from my neice to my husband for something he did for her. We went to service desk 2x and all they said was that they didn't see where it was ever purchased for us. My niece happened to be vacationing with her family in Hawaii and I had a difficult time reaching her to tell her what happened. Once I got in touch with her she had to call Carnival and give them confirmation numbers etc. they finally credited us on day 5.

2. Ordered a cake from Bon Voyage for hubby's birthday- it never came. Had to go to Cherry on Top where I was told (again) that it was not on my manifest. After they searched and searched they found the order. Somehow though it had been cancelled!! I never cancelled the order. His birthday had since past and there was no special cake for him. Oh well, better luck next time?

That's all I have for you. Let me know if you have any questions!

Happy Cruising!

12 days for me!!!

I can't believe it's finally almost time!!

Happy Cruising!

We are on her in October, can't wait to read the rest!

Elation, April 2012

Fascination, September 2012

Fascination, September 2013

Dream, October 2014

Thanks everyone for your help. I'm excited to hear that it is similar to a Chipotle or Moes. Yummy!

I'm also excited about the Tandoori and the pasta.

It's no wonder I gain 5lbs every cruise. 😂

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We had the shrimp burrito with extra shrimp, sour cream, onions and bell pepper. They were great.:)

This sounds delicious!!

Elation, April 2012

Fascination, September 2012

Fascination, September 2013

Dream, October 2014

Thank you.

I'm excited for it but started to worry when I didn't read much about it.

Elation, April 2012

Fascination, September 2012

Fascination, September 2013

Dream, October 2014

I read reviews of the Dream and I don't seem to read much on the burrito bar specifically.

Did you try it? Did you like it? What was the best? What was the worst?

Thanks for your help!

Elation, April 2012

Fascination, September 2012

Fascination, September 2013

Dream, October 2014

I am on her on October 19th! Not much longer now and your review is exactly what I needed. Thank you!

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I'm happy to hear you loved it! I will be on her in October.

Elation, April 2012

Fascination, September 2012

Fascination, September 2013

Dream, October 2014

I can't see it- says it's not available.

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Chips and Salsa

Bitter and Blanc

Fajita Chx from room service

Chx breast with mushroom cream sauce and fettuccine in the MDR

Bacon Mac n Cheese

Yummy! Just 56 more days...

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8-1=7 (7 days purchasing the program)

$37.50 x 15% = 43.125 (round to $43.13 per day)

$43.13 x 7 = $301.91 (for 1 person only)

$301.91 x 2 = $603.82 (assuming 2 adults in room as all over 21 in the room must buy it)

 

By the way, I am not a smart person, but I did spend last night in a Holiday Inn Express.;)

^^^^This made me laugh

Elation, April 2012

Fascination, September 2012

Fascination, September 2013

Dream, October 2014

I've sailed her two times- my must have to eat (on every cruise) is the chips and salsa. It's located at the grill on the Lido deck and it's delicious!!!

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I loved everyone's responses.

I keep telling my family that when the cruise gets here they will appreciate all my obsessive behavior!

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I'm such a cruise planning nerd, it's my favorite part.

First, I research the ship by watching YouTube videos, reading reviews and memorizing the deck plans. Next, comes the itinerary- weather, excursions, excursion reviews, reservations, reservation confirmations!

Now to get a hotel for the night before embarkation! What is close to the port? Can I park there all week? What is there to do in the port city?

I love all of this!!! Yesterday, I spent my day checking the port camera waiting for my ship to sail away for a week of fun without me- Just 11 more sail aways and then it's my turn!!!

My family thinks I'm crazy.

Who else loves to plan?!?

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Can't wait to read the rest!

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We just booked the Hampton Inn and Suites at the Convention Center. It appears to be a decent place. It's near the port, Fulton Street Parking Garage and a The Riverwalk.

Elation, April 2012

Fascination, September 2012

Fascination, September 2013

Dream, October 2014

I think a cruise, or any vacation, is no different than real life, which is what you're really preparing him for by teaching him healthy eating habits. I would approach the cruise the same way that I'm trying to teach my four kiddos about taking care of their bodies and the way you seem to be trying to teach your son. It's not a "diet" or a "fad" or a way to get "skinny". It's about being healthy, whole humans who understand that you can't suck down crap and expect healthy lives or bodies. (our country is particularly poor at teaching this...I know.)

 

I'm of the opinion that a burger or two on a cruise is fine. The world won't end if you have an ice cream. I would SKIP the diet junk because the chemicals in them have been absolutely proven to be awful for you and, ultimately, make you hungrier through-out the day, causing you to eat way more calories than if you'd just had a small portion of the real deal. (Aspartame is AWFUL...diet drinks are basically death in a can)

 

Make every day about balance. Then, if he wants a burger for lunch one day, enjoy one with him! I never tell my kids it's a "treat", either. They aren't dogs and I don't want them to have the mentality that food is some kind of reward. It's not. It's fuel for the body that allows us to live full lives.

 

Cruises are great places for extra exercise that you don't have to hunt down. Make snorkeling an excursion one day! That is fun AND a great work out. Take the stairs, walk around deck every single day. Say no to the electronics on the ship so he doesn't want to sit in his room playing a game while sitting still for hours.

 

Good luck!!! He can do this! :)

Best response. You just won this thread.

Elation, April 2012

Fascination, September 2012

Fascination, September 2013

Dream, October 2014

Thank you everyone!

Elation, April 2012

Fascination, September 2012

Fascination, September 2013

Dream, October 2014

I booked a deluxe ocean view cabin on the Dream for 10/19/2014. I look every day and our price has held steady.

Do you more experienced cruisers know if I am just looking too early or are my chances slim to none considering the cabin category that is booked?

Thanks for your advice.

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Thanks everyone!

Just to follow up, I called first thing on Monday and ask that I be refunded. I received my refund back to my account on Wednesday. Yay!!

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