Cove Balcony VS. Spa Cabin on Dream

[CruisingSoon88]

We are in the early stages of looking for our next cruise. Right now I have narrowed down our search to the Dream mainly because Port Canaveral is so much closer than the Southern Florida ports. My question is should we pay the extra say about $300 total for a spa cabin? I have to admit that I am intrigued by the thoughts of the cove balcony, but I can't get past that higher is better mentality. I'm sure that not many people have tried both, but if you have I would love to hear your opinion. Also, I should mention that there will be four of us in the cabin. DH and I plus our 2 and 5 year old sons. Space may also be a factor. Thanks in advance for any suggestions! :)

[firefly333]

Both cabins are the same size, so 4 in either cabin will be the same.

 

The spa cabin access costs $250 for a couple, but if you book a spa cabin (you dont say if a inside or a balcony or what) .. TWO passengers of the 4 of you will have access for free to the spa facilities. used to be easier to just hand the bracelets off to someone else to share them, but I hear they now take names and such.

 

Im not sure how you could work the 2 only have access with a 2 and 5 year old .. someone would have to stay with the kids to watch them if you and your husband used the bracelets. You couldnt get in with the two kids. A cove might be your better buy in this case?

[iceleven]

Most people who book the Spa rooms are looking for a quiet space away from the crowds. I'm not sure how that would be possible with small children. The extra benefits that these rooms offer would be harder for you to share with your husband because children are not allowed in the facilities. An extended balcony could be helpful so that all of you can stretch out a little. Whatever you decide, I hope you have an enjoyable trip.

[DG2004]

Coves are awesome...I can tell you that much

[keiko618]

I had a cove on Dream and loved it. It was fore and we enjoyed hearing the water at night. Only difference is the rounded edges of the balcony making it look like a picture frame. Didn't inhibit our view except if you looked up, you saw the bottom of lifeboat. Still could seet the sky and views great. No movement problems either if that is an issue for you.

[LHP]

We are in the early stages of looking for our next cruise. Right now I have narrowed down our search to the Dream mainly because Port Canaveral is so much closer than the Southern Florida ports. My question is should we pay the extra say about $300 total for a spa cabin? I have to admit that I am intrigued by the thoughts of the cove balcony, but I can't get past that higher is better mentality. I'm sure that not many people have tried both, but if you have I would love to hear your opinion. Also, I should mention that there will be four of us in the cabin. DH and I plus our 2 and 5 year old sons. Space may also be a factor. Thanks in advance for any suggestions! :)

 

We (3 of us) have had a balcony Spa cabin on the Splendor and an interior Spa cabin on the Dream. I LOVED the Spa amenities....however, we are trying a cove balcony on the Magic and I will purchase the Cloud 9 amenities.....

 

The interior on the Dream was fine size wise. We were on a 9 day cruise.

Son is 6' tall.... however, we did experience a "gong" (in cabin 11223) that I do not know if Carnival has addressed yet. It only went on for 18 hours (when we were headed full steam)...but it was irritating.

 

What you also have to remember is that the OLDER ships where all the cabins floors are below the Promenade are different from the newer ships that only have TWO cabin floors below the public areas.

 

We love cabins on MAIN on the newer ships....we are not bothered by engine noise... but we have also had Spa cabins that were high up and were not bothered by motion...

 

so I think you are good either way....

[CruisingSoon88]

Sorry I should have said that it was a spa balcony room. I understood that if you stayed in those cabins that the spa access was included in the upcharge. Correct?

 

Also, I realize that my kids could not go to the spa (I wouldn't want them to anyway) I was thinking that we could go while they were at Camp Carnival.

 

I guess mostly one of the big draws was that the spa rooms are non smoking. I'm not a fanatic about the smoke, but on our last cruise our friends ended up with a couple of chimneys beside them. They had gotten an aft wrap and never got to use it. It just seemed like an insurance policy that we could enjoy our balcony especially with our kids being with us.

[firefly333]

Sorry I should have said that it was a spa balcony room. I understood that if you stayed in those cabins that the spa access was included in the upcharge. Correct?

 

Also, I realize that my kids could not go to the spa (I wouldn't want them to anyway) I was thinking that we could go while they were at Camp Carnival.

 

I guess mostly one of the big draws was that the spa rooms are non smoking. I'm not a fanatic about the smoke, but on our last cruise our friends ended up with a couple of chimneys beside them. They had gotten an aft wrap and never got to use it. It just seemed like an insurance policy that we could enjoy our balcony especially with our kids being with us.

 

Yes, it is free for two people. I just used the $250 price so you would be able to weigh it $$$ wise. If you had the cove plus $250 you would have the same spa access, so it boils down to which balcony you would enjoy more.

 

Id love to try one of the spa balconys. I hear you will get some upgraded shampoo and stuff in your cabin, plus a free class in the spa in addition to the heated loungers and T pool etc.

[CruisingSoon88]

Yes, it is free for two people. I just used the $250 price so you would be able to weigh it $$$ wise. If you had the cove plus $250 you would have the same spa access, so it boils down to which balcony you would enjoy more.

 

 

You're right. Basically its $50 more to stay in the actual spa balcony room versus staying in the cove balcony and paying for the spa access.

 

Can anyone tell me what exactly is included in the spa room upgrade? Thanks!

[firefly333]

I dont have my link to the TA site any more, but here is someone else's post on the subject I found when I searched. This should have all you need.

 

Amenities for the cabins:

 

How "suite" it is... These pampering staterooms feature spa-like décor, offer private access to Cloud 9 Spa, and extra luxuries such as unlimited use of the Thalassotherapy Pool and Thermal Suite.

Guests are also given exclusive spa packages consisting of Elemis products and more (packages are for 1st & 2nd guests ONLY; packages for 3rd & 4th guests will incur additional fees).

Spa Packages Include:

- Elemis bath & beauty products

- Priority for booking spa appointments

- Complimentary fitness classes (2)

- Exclusive spa stateroom amenities

- Spa towels, bathrobes and slippers for use during the cruise

 

 

The Spa:

 

What is the Cloud 9 Spa?

The Cloud 9 Spa and Spa Accommodations are on the Carnival Splendor, Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic boast an impressive 40,000 square foot area, creating a spa resort atop these magnificent floating resorts. The spa and fitness centers are 23,750 square feet (21,000 sq ft on the Splendor) and encompass two forward decks. In addition to the fitness area, the spas have a number of features such as a Thalassotherapy Pool and Thermal Suite, including indoor and outdoor relaxation areas and additional treatment rooms. Some of the facilities are capacity controlled and extra charges may apply.

Note: For those guests who do not purchase a Spa Stateroom, we offer Day Passes to use the Thalassotherapy Pool ($20) or the Thermal Suite ($20). A One Day Pass to use both is also offered ($35). Voyage Passes are available - cost depends on the length of the cruise.

Spa Features

Harmony

The Thalassotherapy Pool, covered by a glass dome featuring jets of water jets massaging your body as it soaks in ionized water. The pool featuring jets of water jets massaging your body as it soaks in ionized water at temperature 91°F temperature (33°C).

Tranquility

An elaborate and exclusive Thermal Suite, which offers intensive relaxation and a new sensory experience provided through 4 individually, designed heat therapy chambers to cleanse, tone and purify the body, using dry and wet heat chambers. Note: For those guests who do not purchase a Spa Stateroom, a fee applies.

Dry Heat Chambers:

 

* Laconium: is a large dry heat bath / sauna-like chamber, wherein body circulation is stimulated, thereby facilitating the elimination of metabolic waste accelerated and mobilizing the body's own defenses, while reducing stress. Body circulation is stimulated at a temperature of 55°-65° C or 131 - 149° F which facilitates the elimination of metabolic waste accelerated and mobilizes the body's own defenses, while reducing stress.

* Tepidarium: is the relaxation / rest area with the ergonomically shaped heated loungers for intensive relaxation, often referred to as the classic transition area of the spa, where you complete the process of regeneration. The classic transition area of the spa, where you complete the process of regeneration with ambient temperatures around 38° C or 100.4° F.

 

Steam Chambers:

 

* Oriental Steam Bath: is typically referred to as a large steam chamber called the Caldarium. The high humidity and radiant heat provides an extremely relaxing climate, which has a purifying effect on the whole body. The high humidity provides an extremely relaxing climate. The respiratory tract is cleansed, circulation stimulated, muscle tension relaxed, the skin becomes pliant and supple. Temperature: 40 - 50° C or 104 - 112° F.

* Aroma Steam Bath: is typically referred to as the small intimate chamber called the steam aromatic grotto. The high humidity and radiant heat creates a moist, warm climate in the Aroma Steam Bath that gently but thoroughly cleanses the skin and respiratory tract, with herbal steam (sweet odors such as cinnamon, orange or apple) can additionally support the cleaning effect. The circulation is stimulated, muscle tension relaxed, stress is reduced, limbs and joint pains relieved. Temperature: approximately 40 - 50° C or 104 - 112° F.

 

17 Beauty and Treatment Rooms, Including the Following:

Rasul Bath - A treatment that provides a unique and special sensory experience with the application of various mud treatments.

7th Heaven - Relaxation Room

Nirvana and Utopia - 2 private VIP Suites (treatment rooms)

 

HTH

[firefly333]

I see I was wrong .. its 2 free fitness classes included (I said above its 1 pp), which Id like. They have those spin classes and yoga classes, Id try the spin class if its included. Maybe its 2 between you .. doesnt say if its 2 per person or what.

[Dengail]

If privacy is an issue, I would go with the cove. They are very private. Also one side of the ship is non smoking (Starboard on the Dream?) so you can take that into consideration. We are going with the cove to be private and close to the water...and buying the spa package.

[mississauga]

If privacy is an issue, I would go with the cove. They are very private. Also one side of the ship is non smoking (Starboard on the Dream?) so you can take that into consideration. We are going with the cove to be private and close to the water...and buying the spa package.

 

 

The non smoking side is only applicable to the open decks such as the Lido deck, Promenade deck etc. The no smoking policy only applies to the 2 spa deck cabins. Smoking is allowed in all other cabins and balconies irregardless of which side of the ship they are on.

[scchasgal]

If privacy is an issue, I would go with the cove. They are very private. Also one side of the ship is non smoking (Starboard on the Dream?) so you can take that into consideration. We are going with the cove to be private and close to the water...and buying the spa package.

 

Actually it is not one side of the ship the stateroom are smoking on both sides it is just the designated smoking areas outdoors that are the port side.

[misstopgun]

We are in the early stages of looking for our next cruise. Right now I have narrowed down our search to the Dream mainly because Port Canaveral is so much closer than the Southern Florida ports. My question is should we pay the extra say about $300 total for a spa cabin? I have to admit that I am intrigued by the thoughts of the cove balcony, but I can't get past that higher is better mentality. I'm sure that not many people have tried both, but if you have I would love to hear your opinion. Also, I should mention that there will be four of us in the cabin. DH and I plus our 2 and 5 year old sons. Space may also be a factor. Thanks in advance for any suggestions! :)

We were not in the spa but a OS on the Dream. Our TA talked us out of the cove balcony because she said it was smaller than a regular balcony. if space is an issue you might want to consider this.

[scchasgal]

We were not in the spa but a OS on the Dream. Our TA talked us out of the cove balcony because she said it was smaller than a regular balcony. if space is an issue you might want to consider this.

 

 

The cove and the balcony cabin are the same size, matter of fact the sq footage of the cove balcony is more than a regular (only by 10 ft but heh)

[misstopgun]

The cove and the balcony cabin are the same size, matter of fact the sq footage of the cove balcony is more than a regular (only by 10 ft but heh)

Guess my TA was misinformed then and so was I. Glad to hear it. I would love a balcony closer to the water! I am sailing the Dream aga:)in in spring and will definatly look at the coves this time.

[Smurray]

Hi,

I was on the Dream in Sept and had Cove Balcony 2260...just loved it! It is bigger than the regular balcony and it's so private. I told my PVP that I felt like I was on my own boat! I've been on higher decks on my other 9 Carnival cruises but if they all had coves, I would've booked them!

 

I did the spa package with access for the whole week, you're going to love it. So worth it! Helped alot when I won over $400 on the slots the first day out....paid off the S&S card off, :)!

 

Have a great time on your cruise, the Dream is beautiful and even though it's bigger than most ships, we never felt crowded.

 

Steph