Dream x3: A Semi-LIVE report from the Carnival Dream

As for what's in the future, luckily my play in the Casino lead me to get a Bounce Back offer. After a few days of calling to see what's on the list, I finally booked my next Carnival Cruise. I'll be on the Carnival Magic for it's 8 day Southern Caribbean sailing on August 26, departing from Port Canaveral, and calling at Aruba, Curacao, and Grand Turk. I've been eyeing a Southern Caribbean cruise for quite awhile, so when the rep told me this was on the list, I booked it as fast as I could! I have never been to Aruba or Curacao, and Grand Turk is one of my favorite ports (which I missed on the Glory earlier this year, if you remember from my first post). Also, the itinerary features 4 sea days as well, and I do enjoy my sea days! After that cruise, I will also finish cruising the entire Dream class of ships!

I will say while I'm obviously grateful for the bounce back offer, it was slightly annoying to deal with. I've had a mixed bag with the offers. Sometimes I receive a letter at the end of the cruise, and have to call in to ask what is available. Sometimes I've had a future cruise booked, and had to email the casino when I returned and asked if I qualified for an offer. One time, I got the letter, and was actually able to pull the offer up on the Carnival website, and see what is available on my own (which was SO convenient. This was how I booked this cruise, actually). I didn't receive the letter this time, as I had a Premier offer booked to go on the Glory, which was the week after this Magic cruise. That offer I had to pay for the cruise, but would've received Casino Cash on board (actual cash, not fun chips, haha). After seeing this cruise offered, for free, it made a lot more sense to cancel that cruise, and book this one! Of course, it took a few days calling my friend at Global Sales to ask what was on the list able to book for free. I wish they would just load the offer onto my Carnival VIFP account so I could book everything and search on my own.

For anyone who is wondering, from my experience, I have no idea exactly how they determine who gets a bounceback offer. It's all based on points/play. It's a little more clear for slot play, and very murky for table play. From my best knowledge, you are rated on your table play by some formula that consists of a mix of Buy-In, Win/Loss, Average Bet, and Table Time. I also believe that tipping, and playing side bets is included in the evaluation. Apparently one of the determining factors is they have a certain number they can give out, and each gambler is ranked, and the top XX get a bounce back, others have to email in and ask.

I can certainly say that you can get a bounce back if you win or lose on a cruise. Also, depending on your bounce back code, you may receive the "Drinks On Us" card when you board your bounce back cruise. I believe this is any cruise that is a PMI offer or above.

The codes are as follows, and apply to 2 people per cabin.

OHM: Discounted Cruise Rate

PMB: Free Interior Cabin

PMI: Free Interior Cabin + Drink Card

PMV: Free Oceanview Cabin + Drink Card

PMC: Free Balcony Cabin + Drink Card

PMS: Free Suite Cabin + Drink Card

Depending on your offer, you may be able to upgrade from what you are offered for a certain $ amount.

I think that about covers everything...

I am going to snap pictures of the FunTimes and put them together in a PDF and will post them once I get them taken.

If you have any questions, please let me know! I am an experienced Carnival cruiser, and am happy to help in whatever way I can.

I look forward to possibly another semi-LIVE review when I get on the Magic in August to cruise the Southern Caribbean!

Great review!! Thanks for sharing all your thoughts and experiences

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-nv8pqS_Cv9ajNSa0huanBjcUE/view?usp=sharing

Here is a copy of the Fun Times. I will also be posting this in a separate thread to make it easier for all to find.

I enjoyed your review. We were on the same Dream together. I really enjoyed the cruise. What hesitate to book her again.

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Great report. Following. So I noticed the Sea Day Brunch was in the Scarlet Dining room. I assume no charge?

Great report. Following. So I noticed the Sea Day Brunch was in the Scarlet Dining room. I assume no charge?

No charge for sea day brunch. I believe the only brunch with a charge is the Dr. Seuss Brunch, and that is a $5 charge per person.

Thanks Adam,

One other question, you said embarkation was a breeze. Were you FTTF or does your many sailings on carnival get you preferred boarding (Platinum?)? And if so, although it was easy for you, did it look tough for those without preferred boarding? Thanks.

Thanks Adam,

 

One other question, you said embarkation was a breeze. Were you FTTF or does your many sailings on carnival get you preferred boarding (Platinum?)? And if so, although it was easy for you, did it look tough for those without preferred boarding? Thanks.

I actually have no preferred boarding. I had an early check-in time, but opted to meet up with friends who were in New Orleans. I didn't make it to the terminal until around 1:30-2:00pm if I recall. The whole process took about 35 minutes for me, as I just had to make my way through the lines, and walked right onto the ship. I didn't have FTTF or any special priority, and still have about 30 nights at sea to become Platinum.

In all of my cruises, I've only showed up super early twice. Once I had FTTF, and had to wait about an hour to board. The other cruise I had normal boarding, and waited in the terminal about 3 hours to board. Most cruises I've showed up in the afternoon, and had no wait other than whatever lines there were.

I may have to spend more time in the ship casinos to try to get those offers. I live in California surrounded by Indian casinos so really never gamble on the cruise. I did win a cruise from a casino in town before.

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From reading yours and others reviews I think we may hold off getting to the NOLA terminal til a bit later. We're Elite on Princess and that has us spoiled. Just a couple of carnival cruises under our belt, all from Galveston which moved pretty well. Plus, this was before they kept you away from the cabins til 1:30ish. Really don't want to wait in ungodly lines (a little wait is expected).

From reading yours and others reviews I think we may hold off getting to the NOLA terminal til a bit later. We're Elite on Princess and that has us spoiled. Just a couple of carnival cruises under our belt, all from Galveston which moved pretty well. Plus, this was before they kept you away from the cabins til 1:30ish. Really don't want to wait in ungodly lines (a little wait is expected).

Galveston was where I had my longest wait, since I arrived around 10am, and didn't board until after 1pm. My boarding number was 3, but the rest of my group showed up and had #14, so I waited for them. It probably only added about 15 minutes of wait, if that.

From reading yours and others reviews I think we may hold off getting to the NOLA terminal til a bit later. We're Elite on Princess and that has us spoiled. Just a couple of carnival cruises under our belt, all from Galveston which moved pretty well. Plus, this was before they kept you away from the cabins til 1:30ish. Really don't want to wait in ungodly lines (a little wait is expected).

NOLA is an easy port to navigate and get on board. It is my favorite port to leave from. But there are lots of things to do in the morning before boarding or drop off your bags with the porters and go play for a bit before boarding. Galveston is my least favorite. That port just seems like a boon doggle and after 2 times, I'm avoiding it. Just too much of a hassle getting on and getting off. In the winter, you have to contend with the fog and possible delays. No....give me NO anytime!!

Re: Sea Day Brunch. Due to medical reasons, my husband cannot partake of any buffets...is the sea day brunch a buffet?

Thanks for the great review and photos. I hope you get to travel just as much as you want!

Re: Sea Day Brunch. Due to medical reasons, my husband cannot partake of any buffets...is the sea day brunch a buffet?

Thanks for the great review and photos. I hope you get to travel just as much as you want!

Sea Day Brunch is a sit down meal in the restaurant, so you are good to go there!

Enjoy your trip! I see you're from Largo, FL. My sister lives there!

Sea Day Brunch is a sit down meal in the restaurant, so you are good to go there!

 

Enjoy your trip! I see you're from Largo, FL. My sister lives there!

small world....thanks, Adam

 

View from the lobby of the Hilton Rose Hall resort in Montego Bay!

 

 

Drink of the day...the Bam Bam!

 

 

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Was this excursion booked through carnival?

Thanks so much for such a great review. Really enjoyed reading. We sailed on the Dream back in 2013 and we sail her again on New Years Eve. So glad they upgraded as Guys is pretty much a deal breaker for my husband. Don't know why but Guys burgers are addictive!!

Do they play any news or shows in the morning on the big screen? We loved on the Sunshine they would show the honeymooners early in the morning!! Cant wait to go!!!

My parents took me on the Viking Serenade as a teenager, too. [emoji5] My brother and I️ had a blast and love to laugh now about how ancient that thing was!

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