Carnival Dream Western- Review with Pictures

[Will&Hel]

Let me set the scene. This cruise was booked back in 2009 within months of return from Carnival Freedom. We are a group of six from Wiltshire in the UK, 4 past cruisers and 2 newbies .We planned 2 days in Cocoa beach, Carnival Dream 7 Day Western, a week in Weston near Ft Lauderdale ending up with a long weekend in Key West before flying back to the UK from Miami. I will mention Weston, Miami and Key West at the end of the cruise review but if anyone has any questions I’ll be happy to try and answer.

 

We set off from rainy, cold Wiltshire by taxi to London Gatwick in the early hours of Thursday morning 3rd Mar 2011 the aim being to treat ourselves to a fat boys breakfast before boarding our Virgin Atlantic flight to Orlando. We had checked in on-line the night before so bag drop and we were on our way. Excellent flight and food and an opportunity to watch “The King’s Speech” – could not understand all the hype- good film but only good not brilliant. We arrived in Orlando on time and our hire car with Avis was waiting. We are Avis Preferred members, it costs nothing but you by-pass all the queues so it is highly recommended. A short drive to Cocoa beach and we checked in to the Inn at Cocoa beach by 5pm. http://www.theinnatcocoabeach.com/Default2.html

 

We had a glass or 2 at the free wine and cheese then off to the Shark Pit in the Sheraton for dinner. http://www.captgina.com/activities/dining/sharkpit-grill.php

The receptionist recommended this and it proved a good choice; excellent food and service at a reasonable price. We stayed up to help adjust to the time zone.

 

The hotel is very nice- not like the chain hotels as it is decorated more like a home. Some pictures below.

 

 

 

[Will&Hel]

Breakfast was included and was excellent. We did some shopping in the morning , withdrew some dollars (. For non-US if you use a pre-loaded dollar card even though the adverts in UK say no charge for ATM’s be prepared to pay- Bank of America charged $3, Carnival charges $6) and had lunch at Captain J’s just down the beach from the Inn. Again excellent food and what started as a quick snack and a drink soon deteriorated in to 3-4 drinks. We got a cab that afternoon to FishLips for dinner and also watch Monarch of the Seas sail from the port. Our newbie cruise friends commented how big Monarch was!!!! Boy are you guys in for a shock tomorrow. I must say we were not impressed with FishLips perhaps we hit a bad day as most reviews were excellent- the food was ok but really nothing special. We bumped in to some guys from the roll call as we were leaving.

 

We awoke very early Saturday morning and what should we see from our balcony but the Carnival Dream returning to port. I estimate it’s about 6-7 nm off the coast and it lit up the horizon. Not a very good photo but its gives you an idea of the size.

 

 

Sunrise over Cocoa Beach

 

[*Mach*]

Breakfast was included and was excellent. We did some shopping in the morning , withdrew some dollars (. For non-US if you use a pre-loaded dollar card even though the adverts in UK say no charge for ATM’s be prepared to pay- Bank of America charged $3, Carnival charges $6) and had lunch at Captain J’s just down the beach from the Inn. Again excellent food and what started as a quick snack and a drink soon deteriorated in to 3-4 drinks. We got a cab that afternoon to FishLips for dinner and also watch Monarch of the Seas sail from the port. Our newbie cruise friends commented how big Monarch was!!!! Boy are you guys in for a shock tomorrow. I must say we were not impressed with FishLips perhaps we hit a bad day as most reviews were excellent- the food was ok but really nothing special. We bumped in to some guys from the roll call as we were leaving.

 

We awoke very early Saturday morning and what should we see from our balcony but the Carnival Dream returning to port. I estimate it’s about 6-7 nm off the coast and it lit up the horizon. Not a very good photo but its gives you an idea of the size.

 

 

Sunrise over Cocoa Beach

 

 

 

Brilliant photo of the sunrise! Excellent job.

I'm enjoying your review. Keep up the great work.

:)

[Will&Hel]

Cruise day 1

 

We ate breakfast and checked out the hotel by 9:30 and returned the hire car to Avis about a mile down the road. We had read that we may have to wait for a shuttle to the port but again Avis preferred helped no queue to check the car in, double checked our car would be waiting in 7 days and the shuttle was off to the port. The porters took our luggage direct from Avis and it was off to check in. First site up close of the Dream

 

 

Check in was a breeze- it’s really nice to hear that “Welcome Back” greeting at the desk. We were allocated Zone 6 (I think) but any case come 10:45 we were boarding. First impressions- stunning. The décor is more subdued than our only other carnival ship, Freedom, and the atrium looks massive. Up to Lido deck for a DOD and some lunch. Still very quiet in the buffet so we checked all the options settling for a salad. As 1200 approached the buffet started to get crowded as you expect on embarkation day so we moved and had a stroll around the upper decks stopping at the bar in Serenity Deck for a refill. At 1;30 it was announced cabins were ready so we went to check out our room on Deck 6- our luggage was already there so we unpacked, met our cabin stewardess before going for a wander to check out Deck 5. I feel bad because I can’t remember her name but she knew ours from day 1!

 

Some random photos of the inside

 

 

 

 

The layout on Deck 5 looked really good with the Atrium leading through the casino to the Ocean Plaza with bar and coffee shop and doors out to the Lanai on both Port and Starboard sides. Further aft we found the Piano bar, Disco, Jazz Bar and the Burgundy Lounge. Hel and I are both smokers, we like to think considerate smokers so we noted smoking was allowed on the Lanai Port Side and the Piano Bar- more comment on this and Ocean Plaza later. The Safety Brief was called at 1545 and our station was the Crimson Dining Room. This was very quick and we were off back up to the upper decks for Sail Away.

 

Although Port Canaveral was extremely efficient for boarding ( and de-embarkation in 7 days time) it has got to be the dullest port to sail out of. Couple of pics to give you an idea.

 

 

 

Hel needed her shot of Expresso now so we went to the Coffee Bar then back to the cabin to shower and change. Now I did have some reservations about the Balcony Cabins on Deck 6 immediately above the Lanai but it was not that bad. Occasionally walkers would look up and greet us with a pleasant good evening (sorry Hi) others would just stare (so we stared back) but all in all it was ok; I have got to say in hindsight given a choice that I would not book Deck 6 again because of this and I do prefer Conquest Class when you look down on water but it did not spoil our cruise.

 

We met our friends for a drink (or two) before dinner. We had a nice table in the Lower Crimson Dining Room and two excellent servers, Orlando and Rowena. The evening meal was very good . The only dish I can recall was my starter which was the pasta dish listed as a main but available as a starter. A trick I learnt from the Freedom some of the mains are available as starters.

 

Table watching, as you do, we noticed a couple order then send back there main, then send back the next option, then did it a third time before walking out- now I do not profess to be a food expert but my meal was excellent. What really gets me is the way they treated the wait staff. Takes all sorts I suppose. They never returned to their table all week. We finished with coffee and Hel got her espresso fix- they do serve it in the MDR if you ask. We only had to ask first night and every subsequent night the espresso arrived.

 

 

 

We had a quick night cap in the Piano Bar before going to bed. Now I mentioned we are both smokers which is why we went to the Piano Bar- our friends are not smokers. We did not stay long as even for smokers the level of smoke was unbearable- there is something not right with the ventilation in that area. On subsequent nights we did use the Piano Bar but we sat in the non-smoking area.

 

That’s it for day 1 more later

[Will&Hel]

Day 2 Sea Day

 

We woke early as we always do and after coffee from Room Service we went for a stroll round the Lanai- now this is great, you can walk around the whole ship, 2 laps and you done half a mile. We met our friends and went for breakfast in the MDR. As always really good food and service we prefer this to The Gathering and used the MDR all week except on the Belize stop when we needed early breakfast to get the tender. George went as usual for Egg’s Benedict without the Benedict (Poached Eggs) .Again Espresso drinkers it’s available if you ask. We spent the day soaking up some rays, reading and generally chilling out. The Roll Call Cocktail arranged by Gr8Day was brilliant –name Flip Flops and good company and of course open bar for one hour- we got our $12 worth and more!!!Passed close to Cuba. Took some photos .

 

 

 

 

 

Tonight was Elegant Night so we went to town with DJ’s (Tuxedo’s) and gowns. A pleasant surprise to see how many people had made the effort. We had read on CC that people were not dressing up but this was far from the case. We did some photos and made our way to Ocean Plaza for the Captain’s reception. Now this is where I don’t think Ocean Plaza works. The route there was wall to wall photographers and there was no seating; its all seemed a little cramped and crowded. On the Freedom this was held in the aft lounge, which was roomy. Hel and I went out on to the Lanai for a smoke pre-dinner but again there was so much smoke we gave up. I have sympathy for non-smokers because if the designated area smells so much to us smokers what is it like for those who hate the stuff. The dinner again was, in our opinion, excellent and we love the entertainment from the staff. We took in the show that night.

 

 

[Will&Hel]

Day 3 Cozumel

 

We awoke to the glimpse of Cozumel as we had our morning coffee on the balcony. Breakfast in the MDR then off ashore for some shopping and then pick-up our Carnival booked tour “Cozumel Highlights and Shopping”

 

The tour was arranged with Carnival and it was, imho, good value. For first time visitors to Cozumel we saw the island, tasted some great tequila (and bought a bottle). Our guide was very knowledgeable and never stopped giving us information. The only down side was when we visiting a small village Cedral- there is a church and a small Mayan ruin but more important was the silver and black coral shop of the guide’s brother- of course the tour group got a special discount!!!!

 

Few photos

 

 

 

 

 

We were dropped downtown and had time, just, for some lunch in the Mexican restaurant recommended by the guide (probably his cousin) before the coach took us back. We went straight back on board for a cold shower- very hot and of course espresso!

 

 

After a couple of hours people watching from our balcony we changed for dinner and an early night- Belize tomorrow.

[Will&Hel]

Day 4 Belize

 

We had breakfast on the Lido Deck as we needed to be in the Encore Theatre for 8:15 for allocation of our tender. Breakfast in the MDR started at 0730 so we thought we did not have time. In hindsight people were still arriving for tender allocation at 0830 and they did not start until 0845. We were off at about 09:00. It seemed the people going on diving/snorkelling on the Cayes were off first.

Having read all the issues with tenders the whole operation was smooth and safe. It’s about a 15 minute ride. Now I had read loads of stuff about Belize, not all positive, but imho I loved the place from first impressions and the long coach ride we had to Xanaunich Mayan Ruins (with Carnival) The port looked clean and safe and when we boarded our coach and left the gated area I saw nothing that would make me feel uncomfortable about walking round Belize City unlike later in our holiday when we got in to the wrong area in Miami and needed petrol (sorry gas) and felt S**t scared.

 

The ride to Xanatunich is about 2 hours. Our guide Caroline never stopped talking all the way with history, economics, people, agriculture and geographic information. We moved from coast, through savannah to forest. We even passed a Hamish community which was a surprise. The 2 hours flew by and we arrived at the hand cranked ferry across the river. We were provided with water, which we needed and we were off to the mayan ruins.

 

Ferry

 

 

Across the river we had read there was a mile walk up hill to the ruins- no we were ferried in mini-buses to the historical site. Very grateful for this surprise as it was nearly 100 degree by then. Our Mayan guide took over and we spent 2 hours in the ruins. Now stupidly because this is one of the few countries you can climb the ruins I decided to go up- wrong I am scared of heights and it was b****y high. The view from the top was worth it – you can see Guatemala. Hel stayed at the bottom and chatted to the armed guards!!!!!! In order to get down I had to slither on my bum (sorry butt) much to the amusement of the kids.

Xanatunich

 

 

 

 

We spent 10-15 mins in the shops then set off back to Belize City stopping at a town for lunch of chicken, rice and beans and a cold drink all included. We slept a little on the way back arriving in time for the last tender. We really enjoyed Belize, maybe biased here as it used to be a British Colony, but it is unspoilt and honest and real Central America.

 

Some shots of the Dream on the way back.

 

 

 

Back on board guess what – yes Espresso!!!!

[Will&Hel]

Day 5 Isla Routan

 

Now how the hell they get these ships in to Mahogany Bay without tugs astounds me but he did it. In one attempt. Now Mahogany Bay looks really nice but it’s not real so we were looking forward to seeing the “real” island.

 

We booked with Victor Bodden so it was a long hot walk outside the area to meet our driver Andrew. Now from CC recommendations we had requested Tex but told he was already booked. We had read some poor reviews of Andrew so we were a little apprehensive- we need not have worried he was really great- friendly, informative and could not do enough for us. We toured the island and ended up in West Bay- 4 of us went snorkelling on the reef- outstanding while 2 remained on the beach in the loungers provided.

 

Some pics

Mahogany Bay

 

 

West End beach

 

 

Fish out on the reef

 

 

 

We got Andrew to take us back after the snorkel as we wanted some shop time and were feeling quite tired from the Belize trip ( and the double Bacardi’s the previous night). Andrew dropped us right in the port so some shopping and back on board for- you guessed it- Espresso!

 

 

We went to the Steakhouse that night and it was well worth the $30- excellent steaks and service.

As we planned to do nothing the next day in Costa Maya we took in the R rated comedy club that night- absolutely brilliant ( but be warned disgusting) and you need to be early to get a seat

[Will&Hel]

Day 6 Costa Maya

 

After a late breakfast hel and I took a stroll ashore- its clean, its man made and we hated it. Sorry hate is too strong a word lets just say “It’s not our cup of tea” as the English say. Perhaps we should have ventured further by cab anyway we needed the rest so perhaps it was ok. We spent a couple of hours browsing the shops had a cold beer/margarita and went back on board to spend some time in the sun on Serenity Deck. The highlight of the day has got to be the jetty runners- nothing better than sitting on your balcony watching the strollers who don’t seem to care to the runners who realised the gangway is going up and she won’t wait. Some pics as usual:

 

 

 

 

 

Second elegant night that evening and again the dresses and DJ’s came out in force. It was Spring Break and it is really nice to see that the “young” crowd dressed up to the nines providing a stark contrast to the “Dress code I’m on vacation I’m going to wear my shorts and T-Shirt brigade” `just an observation not a criticism- wear what you feel comfortable in. The photographers’ were out in force again- they make the ship and especially the promenade look crowded- why they don’t use the Lower promenade on Deck 4 I don’t know.

 

 

[Will&Hel]

Day 7 Sea day

 

This day comes so quickly and to top it all the weather was not good. We did spend some time on the Lanai in the sun but the wind was quite strong. Now a review would not be a review without comment on chair hogs- they were in abundance but limited to the centre pool on Lido and the Adult Serenity area –towels, suncream, books for over an hour- we never had a problem by the aft pool, the deck above Lido, or indeed the Lanai. It was spring break so there were lots of young kids on board but we never saw any problems all week. Few more photos:

 

 

Pasta Bar - forgot to mention it absolutely great and never a long wait

 

 

We enjoyed the last night dinner and the staff singing. We tipped Orlando and Rowena something extra on top of the pre-paid gratuities- they deserved it they were brilliant. Luggage was packed and out the door by 1100pm when we went for a final drink before turning in for the last time.

 

Arriving PCan next morning:

 

[Name Of The Game]

Great pictures!

[Will&Hel]

De-embarkation

 

You will recall I purchase some Tequila which being British I followed the rules and handed it in for collection on the last night- big mistake. If you purchased liquor from the shop on board it was indeed in your cabin on the last night. If you purchase ashore and handed it in on the gangway you had to collect it from the Chambers Conference Room on deck 4 from 6:30. Well I went at 06:45 so I could meet everyone for breakfast at 07:00- wrong the queue was 50 or 60 deep and they were letting people in 15 at a time. I went to breakfast and returned at 7:30 to find the queue 60-70 deep- I waited 45 minutes by which time our zone had been called and everyone waited for me in the Atrium. It was a nightmare and completely unnecessary. Moral- sneak your booze back on board.

Anyway de-embarkation was swift, the PCan staff extremely helpful and courteous including immigration. Note for non- US citizens there were no separate lines. We waited about 15 minutes for our Avis shuttle and then waved goodbye to the Dream

 

 

 

Summary

 

Did we enjoy the Carnival Dream – yes yes yes

Did we prefer Conquest Class – yes

Will we go again on Dream Class – yes but not on Deck 6- we’ll go 8 or 9

The staff without exception were brilliant

Ocean Plaza does not work especially when photographers are out in force

Sort out the ventilation in smoking areas

Highlight of the cruise Belize

Low point – trying to get my Tequila on de-embarkation day

[harp86]

Its killing me, we leave on the dream May 28, can't wait.

[Will&Hel]

Weston, Ft Lauderdale, Miami and Key West

 

We collected our hire car – again Avis preferred scheme meant we had no lines and drove south to Weston near Ft Lauderdale where we spent week. The resort was inland but in a beautiful town with nice shops and restaurants’. The resort pool and apartment were excellent.

 

 

We travelled to the Gulf Coast, the Everglades, Ft Lauderdale (to show newbie cruiser the port and hotels), had dinner at Bimini’s Boatyard and grill on the inland waterways with a friend we met on the carnival freedom.

 

 

 

We did the Art Deco walking tour in Miami South Beach (Art Deco Centre everyday at 10:15 except Thursdays on Ocean Drive and 10th)

 

http://www.mdpl.org/tours/guided-walking-tours/

 

Ate in the brilliant 11th Street Diner on 11th and Washington (http://www.eleventhstreetdiner.com/)

 

We stayed the weekend in Key West at The Duval Inn -http://www.duvalinn.com/

 

Really excellent, close to Duval, excellent happy Hour with Captain Kevin, breakfast included, great staff and a loud rooster!! We did Sloppy Joe’s, Sunset and Hemingway’s House – Ill be doing a review on TripAdvisor

 

Four of us had done Key West before but it did not matter it was brilliant and an unexpected bonus Carnival Freedom was in port

 

Here she is:

 

Got to put a sunset pic in:

 

or two:

 

 

We checked in on-line from the B&B, printed our boarding passes and did a final check on e-mail (free wi-fi) before setting off for Miami; e-mail from Airport Taxi’s in UK – We are at Heathrow and have waited 2 hours can you let us know where you are- panic I booked the return taxi’s for the wrong day

 

We took a slow drive to Miami and returned the hire car eventually (Note GPS location for Avis returns at Miami is wrong they have moved.) It took us over an hour to find them due to road works, diversion etc

 

Well that’s it we arrived home safely to re-scheduled taxis and can now parade our suntans around rainy Wiltshire- the tan won’t last so time to start planning the next one.

 

Fini

[Acadie]

Brilliant Review Will!

 

We loved the Dream, but felt the cruise went by way too fast ... there were areas of the ship I never did make it to! The roll call was wonderful (thanks for that!) and I so enjoyed meeting everyone at the cocktail party! I am thinking about rebooking on the Dream, Eastern sailing this time around.

 

Again, great job on the review. Cheers!

 

Gisele

[Will&Hel]

Brilliant Review Will!

 

We loved the Dream, but felt the cruise went by way too fast ... there were areas of the ship I never did make it to! The roll call was wonderful (thanks for that!) and I so enjoyed meeting everyone at the cocktail party! I am thinking about rebooking on the Dream, Eastern sailing this time around.

 

Again, great job on the review. Cheers!

 

Gisele

 

Thanks Gisele

 

Was going to post some photos ofCocktail Party and Piano Bar but for some reason they are all blurred:rolleyes:

[nanuak]

Great review and fantastic pictures!

[EMc&DrS]

Enjoyed your review very much! We are heading "west" in June--can't wait! Loved your photos.

[Will&Hel]

Great review and fantastic pictures!

 

Thankyou

[LBumb]

great photos

[Will&Hel]

Enjoyed your review very much! We are heading "west" in June--can't wait! Loved your photos.

 

Thanks there are 1000 more photos :eek:

 

You'll love it have a great cruise- if you want a quiet drink found this bar on last day:

 

 

Rendevouz Club Lounge on Deck 4 across from the Library

[Will&Hel]

Brilliant photo of the sunrise! Excellent job.

I'm enjoying your review. Keep up the great work.

:)

 

 

Thanks Mach

[anamanxs]

Loved your review, I go on her on May 13; I have never been on a ship this large before. I was debating what to do in Belize; I think you just helped me make up my mind.

[Acadie]

Thanks Gisele

 

Was going to post some photos ofCocktail Party and Piano Bar but for some reason they are all blurred:rolleyes:

 

Must be the camera ;)

[Will&Hel]

Loved your review, I go on her on May 13; I have never been on a ship this large before. I was debating what to do in Belize; I think you just helped me make up my mind.

 

Thanks

Belize was stunning. I would highly recommend the Xanatunich excursion but you MUST go with Carnival- it is the longest excursion in Belize and you will not be back until the last tender. Xanatunich is only 12 miles from the Guatemala border.

 

Some more pics to help:

 

The walk to the ruins

 

 

The view from the top (pleased how this came out as I had my eyes shut:eek:) that's Guatemala in the distance