All things Dream!

[waynbo]

we finally booked our cruise last nite on the dream for new years. we are on panarama deck number 11249 cant wait never been on the dream hope our rm is in a good location

 

I was just a couple rooms forward of that (11237) last time I was on the Dream. Loved the area, quiet and high enough off deck 5 so it was private. Quick stroll down the hall and one flight down to get to Lido. Actually liked it so much we'll be on the Dream with you for New Years, Deck 11 but this time in an inside Cloud 9 Spa cabin.

 

See you on the Lido for the New Years deck party! :)

 

Cheers!!

[wrcjr98]

We will be on the Dream on the 15th of December and have a room on the

6th deck mid section, is this a noisy room? I am worried that even with the

doors closed we will hear the music coming from the 5th deck.

 

I'm with you - we have a room on the 6th deck as well, and I'm worried about smoke from the casino, as we are right above it? ugh -

Edited November 19, 2012 by wrcjr98

[sweettara]

I was just a couple rooms forward of that (11237) last time I was on the Dream. Loved the area, quiet and high enough off deck 5 so it was private. Quick stroll down the hall and one flight down to get to Lido. Actually liked it so much we'll be on the Dream with you for New Years, Deck 11 but this time in an inside Cloud 9 Spa cabin.

 

See you on the Lido for the New Years deck party! :)

 

Cheers!!

 

 

cool thanks for the info i cant wait til the cruise. i barely ever get to go on a cruise for seven nites so im so happy its gonna be fun

[sweettara]

it want be long til we are onboard the dream for new years cant wait. can someone tell me were is a good bar to go to in st martin i heard the drinks are cheaper than on the ship. we plan on goin to orient beach in st martin any bars on the beach or are they near the were the ship docks

[jellzbellz]

Just make sure you get a guavaberry coloda! there is usually a little booth at the end of the cruise terminal, and they have the store as well just ten minutes away. apologies, but i can't remember the name of it!

[seadancer]

we just got back today and all is almost well with the Dream.

 

Just a quick review of the basics

 

1) Food was good to excellent in all venues

2) ship was clean with no smell

3)a big ship with limited things to do :( sorry we expected more on a ship this big.

4) if you get a soda card good luck getting the bar waiters to get it for you. You will have to go to the bar to get it . Seemed like once they found out you had a soda card they didnt want anything to do with you.

5) way understaffed for the amt of people. see #4 . we went at least an hour or more between passerby bar service on decks 10,11,12 Carnivals leaving a lot of revunue on the table here.

6) self disembark A+++ we were off the ship by 7:30am

 

we finally did a big ship and honestly not our cup of tea. We prefer the more intimate feel of the smaller ships but i dont hold that against the Dream;)

[cuiser8349]

Hi all... just my 2 cents..

We... Mom and I were on the Nov 10th sailing of the Dream.

We did F2F.... Amazing... but our luggage was missing until dinner.

Steakhouse... not as wonderful as other ships, but food excellent.

Cloud 9 Spa... had a spa room...11230... SUCKS!! noisey... very very noisey.

So... we spent every waking min in the Tpool..... the spa ROCKS!!

Cabin steward... first time EVER.. I didnt leave an extra tip.

Dinning staff....same thing... they were fine... but, just fine...

Food... wonderful.... one night.. YUCKY... Raw meatloaf at our table.. and cold for the rest of us.

Let me say.... I always thought people picked on the Dream.... they do have issues that I have never encountered on other ships....

But we had a wonderful time...we did think that they were lacking in activities... but, when bored.... we went to the Spa..LOL

We are also booked on the Dream On Apil 27th for a big family cruise...

[CEVannoy]

My 2 cents about the Dream I just got off Nov 17th

 

Ship Decor - Absolutely Horrible, 70's dated and extremely tacky. However, there is a certain type of clientele that love this decor and ship!

A lot of DJ music where other cruise lines have live bands.

Outdoor big screen theatre is on "screen saver mode" more than it shows movies.

Shows, comedians and entertainment were pretty good

Food - Most is just ok

ALL the buffets are extremely slow on the ship. They need more help or people that will move. Food is cold by the time you get to your table. Items are not in order in the buffet line. You need to go backwords in the buffet line to get some condiments and slows the lines down. Chair heights in the buffet are too low. Feels like your sitting on the floor with the table top at nipple height.

Main Dining Room - service is just ok, nothing special. I have to ask for the same things everynight (grated cheese, fresh pepper). No anticipation by the waiters.

Best bet is go to the dining room for breakfast and lunch where you can at least get waited on with beverages.

Adult Serenity area is nice but needs an adult pool.

Water slides and pipes are a blast!

No juice, coffee, bar or any beverage service available at any of the buffet dining tables or pasta bar. Get your own!

Deli on the rear of the Lido deck is to die for. People caught on and the lines grew as the week went on.

Luggage didn't arrive till dinner time even though we were on the ship by 11am. Many people had booze confiscated from their checked luggage and replaced with a bad boy letter.

Priority disembarkation thru customs goes to the porters. So make sure you get one or be prepared to wait and wait.

I've been on 20 cruises.....2 on Carnival. The service on this ship (and maybe Carnival) has a lot to be desired. I would almost guess that Carnival is the training ground. I personally would never sail Carnival again. There is just a certain level of service that I expect that you just can't get on Carnival. But in fairness, younger and first time cruisers would never know the difference unless you have something to compare it to.

[sweettara]

thanks for the reviews. we wil be on the dream dec 29 this will be my second cruise on carnival hadnt been on carnival in four years since my last cruise with them was not that great

[crazydavid18]

DW and I are booked for an April 2013 cruise on the Dream and are considering upgrading to a cove balcony. This will be our second cruise and am just curious as to what a good price is per person for a cove balcony. Thanks.

[sweettara]

can someone tell me is camp carnival open as soon as the drill is over with we are sailing on dream dec 29 and wanna go to sailaway party

[sbnuggie]

can someone tell me is camp carnival open as soon as the drill is over with we are sailing on dream dec 29 and wanna go to sailaway party

 

Howdy, we are doing the dream in May and have been on other Carnival Cruises. Based on our past experience and from what I've read so far the Dream is no different. Camp Carnival is not open on embarkation day. Typically there is a Family Party at the disco at about 7pm or so then you can go tour the camp for a little bit and then I believe there is babysitting service that you pay for at 10pm. Been like that on all of our other cruises and I believe is the same for the Dream.

[sweetcurves]

Man, the reviews for the Dream go from one extreme to the next. I will have to put them all in the wayyyyy back of my mind so I don't have any expectations when I board her in April!

[coachpete]

You should do that for every cruise.

[sweetcurves]

You should do that for every cruise.

 

LOL I don't disagree.

[coachpete]

LOL I don't disagree.

 

 

;-)

[hank in ohio]

Want a lounge chair? Get out there early! Pools are relatively small, but nice for a quick dip to cool off!

 

Iv'e been watching the onboard camera on the Dream. Looks like it overlooks the aft pool. So far I have seen very few people there. Am I missing something? Does carnival have bands playing island music around the pools during the day?

[seadancer]

In the main pool below the slides ."nope". Just whatever they feel like pumping over the jumbotron . Not a fan personally . I wish they would throw that thing in the ocean and let the live entertainment back on deck

[karinvt]

These are excerpts from the past year's Dream reviews that I compiled before our cruise. I thought it would be helpful for everyone. Please note that I do not take responsibility for all this info, since they are from reviews. I did find most of it to be accurate and very helpful!

 

Happy planning...

CARNIVAL DREAM

 

BEFORE YOU LEAVE:

 

• Make a sign for your door to find your cabin better
   
  
• Make sure that your bank and credit card Company are aware that you will be out of the country. They will note it on your account so that you won't be flagged for fraudulent activity.
  

 

BOARDING

 

• See if Crimson or Scarlett Dining room is open for lunch on boarding day. (It was on our sailing but was not noted on the Fun Times.)
  
• Even the first lunch after boarding was extraordinary. We skipped the buffet and went to the Scarlet Dining Room. I had salmon that was excellent.
  
• If not, eat at the pasta bar or Lanai BBQ
  
• The pasta bar is upstairs from the buffet - aft. You go up a set of stairs and get a number and a sheet. You then check off your ingredients and hand your sheet to the cook. You wait upstairs at a table with a number and they bring you your food when it is done. You can then take it anywhere
  
• SPA: We went first day up there and they were giving free 5 minute hot stone and massages
  

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT

 

On the first sea day they had a cooking demonstration in the steakhouse (about 11am) This was fun and the food was very good- they will also give you the recipes (FREE)

 

Not to miss:

• Fun Force Dancers - They are down in the Dream atrium so get a spot on deck 4 or 5 and look down
  
• Digital scavenger hunts make it easy to learn your way around the ship
  
• Magician... the Magic of Bob Brizendine the Magical Cat himself
  
• Family Welcome Aboard party Saturday night in the Caliente club.
  
• Dancing in the Streets show
  
• * There was a juggling comedian who was excellent—had a way with the kids!! “Edge”
  
• “Butch & Baby Butch” live morning show in your cabin or out on the Lido deck.
  
• Blackjack band who plays in Ocean Plaza is very talented and plays a pretty good variety
  

 

 

FOOD

 

• The menu is on your TV; you can just check and see if you like the selections ahead of time
  
• You can order room service from your TV. If you try to order a lunch item by phone and are denied because "it's breakfast hours only," order through the TV and you'll get anything on the menu.
  
• *Pasta Bar... The meat lasagna is amazing.
  
• don't ever forget about the 24 hour Soft Serve Ice Cream (Chocolate, Vanilla and Swirled) and the Frozen Yogurt (also Chocolate, Vanilla and Swirled or on other days strawberry, vanilla and swirled).
  
• We ended up in the main dining room with a table for 2 every morning for breakfast (Scarlett)
  
• For a smaller selection, but way shorter lines, go to the breakfast buffets that are outside at the rear of the ship.
  
• The buffet lines were less crowded towards the back of the ship
  
• The coffee shop was outstanding from the product to the delivery to the deliverer. Don't miss the carrot cake!
  
• Mongolian BBQ (always a long line but it was worth it)
  
• We did manage to eat one day at the BBQ buffet. We unknowingly walked by at 11:45 and it was open. By 12:15, no way.. huge, huge line!
  
• Outside on deck 5 near Wasabi, the put on a BBQ buffet that everyone raved about. - Just on sea days. Best Ribs!
  
• By the back pool was an Indian Food spot and also a Deli Sandwich shop.
  
• The chocolate extravaganza was yummy - last day at either 12:15-2 pm
  
• The 24/7 pizza had seven different choices.
  
• The deli is open until 11:00PM
  
• Tandoori grill which had excellent Indian food
  

 

MDR:

• Baked tom turkey
  
• Potato Soup
  
• Creme Brulee can be ordered every day
  
• Bitter and Blanc dessert was the best
  
• Salmon
  
• Tilapia (blackened)
  
• New England Clam Chowder at lunch
  
• Banana Cream Pie
  
• The Chocolate Melting Cake is so very delicious
  
• Pumpkin Soup
  
• Grand Marnier Souffle
  
• Free cappuccino with dinner was a nice plus.
  
• Panko crusted shrimp
  
• cappuccino pies
  
• Warm Fig Date
  
• When the lights start to dim in the dining room this means Entertainment is coming. Make sure you have your camera ready!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  

 

 

Last Day:

Farewell Party is on the last sea day from 5pm-6pm. It is poorly attended as folks are packing or getting ready for dinner. One hour of free drinks. Briefly mentioned in the Funtimes. They do not mention the free drinks, so the lounge was pretty empty. It was in the Burgandy Lounge. We tipped our waiter $1 after our first drink, and he would give us a refill even before we emptied the previous one. It really made his day!

 

SHIP INFO

 

• Wear T-shirt for slides - they have rough spots that will scrape the skin off your back.
  
• This ship is loaded with hot tubs, I often found the ones by Ocean Plaza to be empty
  
• There are 2 hot tubs on deck 11 that are rarely used
  
• We used the AFT pool area only because it was never really crowded.
  
• Spa elevator tower. SPECTACULAR!
  
• Do not forget about the front deck on 5 (I think it is on 5 or 4). Great place to be when the ships enters and leaves ports!
  
• laundry..... $3.00 for washer (about 30 minutes) and $3.00 for dryer (90 minutes for perm press/ 60 minutes for whites/colors). There were only 2 washers and 4 dryers on the 10th floor. Laundry soap (All or Surf) was 1.25 and so was Fabric Softener. *There was no bill changer in the laundry room. I had to go to guest services to get change
  
• * "secret door" is on deck nine and 10. Go all the way forward and through two doors and you will be on the forward facing deck over the bridge.
  
• If you need aspirin, seasick pills, or a variety of general medications, check the "0" deck where the waiting room is for the doctor. There were free samples for the taking in individual packets... also a weigh scale in case you need to weigh a suitcase (or yourself!).
  

DEBARKATION:

 

• were able to be in our rooms until 8:30 am
   
  
• Don't rush this! We waited in the Ocean Plaza, which was pretty much empty. It was a nice relaxing time before leaving the ship.
  

 

 

 

This is great gonna be on her in Feb, can't wait!!!!!

[wannago35]

Thanks for sharing Karinvt! We cruise the Dream for our 10 year anniversary in 315 days and can not wait! :)

[Jbird81]

Man, the reviews for the Dream go from one extreme to the next. I will have to put them all in the wayyyyy back of my mind so I don't have any expectations when I board her in April!

 

Definitely agree - every single negative comment I saw on reviews did not have any part in my vacation. The Dream is ah-may-zing!

[christie629]

Thanks for the sum up. Just booked the Dream on Friday for March and can't wait!! Our kids are growing up so this will likely be our last family vacation.

 

Can't wait!

[bobsfamily]

Again for all we were on the Dream Nov. 3rd-10th and had a wonderful time. About the only thing I would not do again is the ATD and was able to switch to late dining and had a wonderful time.

Did not really smell anything, staff was helpful and polite, ship was clean and beautiful... yes it is large but easy to navigate. Would cruise the Dream again.

[christie629]

Again for all we were on the Dream Nov. 3rd-10th and had a wonderful time. About the only thing I would not do again is the ATD and was able to switch to late dining and had a wonderful time.

Did not really smell anything, staff was helpful and polite, ship was clean and beautiful... yes it is large but easy to navigate. Would cruise the Dream again.

 

 

Hi Bob - I haven't had a chance to read the hundreds of posting on this thread and not sure if I really want to (LOL)... :p. Could you elaborate on the trouble you had with ATD? I used ATD a few months ago on the Pride and loved it. I was wondering if the ATD is more of an issue on the Dream due to her size?

Thanks in advance....

[gjsmth]

We were on the Dream in Aug. and loved the ship. Only negative item was the hurricane cancelled Belize, Roatan and Costa Maya. We had fantastic plans for these islands but never got to do them. Wasn't to thrilled with the Carnival decisions to go to Progresso, Freeport and Nassau, but it is what it was. Now we are looking at trying the same Western route again in July. Oh and DW and I loved the week long Spa package access.

Edited December 11, 2012 by gjsmth