Carnival Dream Picture Review, December 10th-17th, 2011

[steven93921]

 

The guy on the left is eye-balling you!! :D

 

 

This is a great shot of the ship... I might want this one :)

[italianfemmy]

The guy on the left is eye-balling you!! :D

 

 

 

This is a great shot of the ship... I might want this one :)

 

Lol, he started spanking me moments later.. and I was busting out laughing for a split second and then pushed him away.

 

Hmmm, how much should I charge you for that photo of the ship? :-)

[steven93921]

Lol, he started spanking me moments later.. and I was busting out laughing for a split second and then pushed him away.

 

Hmmm, how much should I charge you for that photo of the ship? :-)

 

 

Don't ask me a question like that cuz you know I am a cheap s.o.b. ;-)

 

My guess would be in the same neighborhood as the NYC skyline one?

[italianfemmy]

Don't ask me a question like that cuz you know I am a cheap s.o.b. ;-)

 

My guess would be in the same neighborhood as the NYC skyline one?

 

Lol we'll figure something out, Steven.

 

 

To everyone else - I have finally gone through all of the photos for Day 4. I have WAY too many that I want to show off. So, I am going to have to get super critical and choose only the very best ones. So many exciting things happened on Day 4 in Roatan and on the ship. And I have loads of great photos. So far, I have day 4 narrowed down to 132 photos which isn't bad considering an hour ago, I had it narrowed down to 350! lol. I will do my best to narrow them down hopefully in 1/2 so there's less for me to edit and less for me to post!

[smurfm69]

Like someone else had posted earlier, I have read mostly negative reviews about the Dream. Reading your review and seeing the great pictures has made me feel better about sailing on her. This will be our 9th cruise and we haven't had a bad overall experience yet. Some have been better than others but no matter what, you're on vacation with lots of great amenities. I have always been a glass half full type of person, so I try not to dwell on the negatives. Keep those amazing photos coming!

[Frozen Tundra Belgian]

Thank you for the wonderful review of the Dream :) You're a very talented photographer and writer, thank you for sharing the beautiful photo's of your trip.

[SuntanaGirl]

Did I miss it somewhere the camera type and lenses you used on this trip?

 

I just got my first Canon DSLR for Christmas. It's the T3i and I'm just learning how to use it. We cruise in 59 days, and I'm cramming to learn how to take at least some decent shots. LOL I know I won't get the shots you did, but something close will do.

[brazilgirl]

Our family will be on the Dream January 21st....your review is incredible! Balanced , fair ...and most important of all visually stunning! Carnival should use your photos on their website , truly lovely!

 

Thanks for taking the time to write the review!

Kim

[italianfemmy]

Ship Talk

Now is as good a time as any to get into the nitty gritty about the Dream. Over the course of the week, I often found myself wondering where certain complaints came from and I think I have nailed it down pretty well. If you don't agree, that's fine and if anything I say here offends some people, that's fine too. :-) Cheers!

 

Overall ship decor

In my opinion, the decor on the Dream is fine. For me, it's nothing spectacular and I don't get that feeling of "grandeur" on her. But, it's also not tacky and bad like many people have said. If anything, I really didn't like the pattern choice for the couch chairs in the Encore Theater. But there are many areas that were cool and made up for that. Sams Piano bar is really nifty and the Burgundy lounge was one of my favorites because they have masks everywhere (photos coming another day).

 

I've already posted photos of Club 02 which is very cool and funky and great for the teens. I didn't take photos of Circle 0 which is for the younger kids because they had someone in there working when we were taking ship photos but it looked really fun and cool as well.

 

Odors

I've read many reviews about horrible odors on the ship. (like sewage). I have a SUPER SNIFFER and I never smelled anything until the 2nd to last day. Close to our room and in our hallway there was a distinct sewage smell that was rotten but I feel that someones toilet must have broken or something because there was zero smell at all until that point. Was it pleasant? Not really. Did it make me want to curse the people at the Pursers desk out and complain? Nope. Just drove me to the spa where everything smelled heavenly! :-)

 

Casino odor - did it exist from the smoke? Yes. However, I am severely asthmatic and the Casino on the Miracle last year would make me choke and feel like I needed 5 showers just to walk through it. When I walked through the Casino on the Dream, it was a stale kind of smoke odor but not a very strong one. I didn't smell like the Casino when I left it and it never set off my asthma. If you don't want to play in the Casino, the great news is that Deck 4 on the Dream allows you to go from one end of the ship all the way to the other so you never have to walk through the Casino and smell this odor if it offends you badly enough to let it ruin your vacation.

 

Size of ship vs. passengers

Our sailing was almost at full capacity with nearly 5,000 passengers and an additional 1,500 crew members. Every day, we were able to find seats for lunch within a minute. Every evening, we were able to find loungers to sit and enjoy deck music, etc. We were always able to get seats in the Encore lounge for the main shows and the Burgundy Lounge, home of the Punchliner Comedy Club had ample space and we always got seats there as well.

 

Side note - if you're on a ship with thousands of people and a show is really important to you, don't get there with 2 minutes to spare or come late and expect a good seat. You might get lucky and get a seat. You might not. But for heavens sake, don't blame the ship if you showed up late and don't get a seat! :-) End rant. (We generally showed up 15-20 minutes before the shows we wanted to see).

 

The only problem I saw with the number of passengers was on the first day after the Muster drill and on the last day for getting off of the ship. The rest of the week did not feel any more crowded to me than my experiences on other ships. Again, I am overly critical and have been on many cruises for my age. I tend to be a bit of a cruise snob but I found little to complain about in this department.

 

Wait times at the Lido buffet weren't bad for normal buffet items. 5-10 minutes and you could have a plate full of food and be at your table. Sometimes less. Wait times for the Mongolian Grill and Pasta Bar where they cook your food to order were generally 20-30 minutes. You'd have to stand and wait in line at the Mongolian but were seated with a table number and your order brought to you at the Pasta Bar. If you opted to do this, you were doing it because you wanted the fresh yummy food and it was worth waiting for.

 

Staff onboard the Dream

The service of the crew members and their attitude on a sailing can make or break a cruise for me. To say that I was deeply nervous after reading several reviews about the service being low class would be the understatement of the year. I decided to sail the Dream anyway for a couple of reasons.

 

1.) This sailing fell on dates I wanted to cruise

2.) At a price point that felt good

3.) To some new ports of call for me

4.) Silly as it may be, I kinda liked the people in the roll call for this cruise and that pushed me over the edge.

 

I just kept waiting for bad service, for rude crew members and it never happened.

 

Our friends Steve and Kim became fast friends with their bartender at the aft pool. I wish I could remember his name but this gentleman would become one of their favorite part of their cruise.

 

There were numeous waitstaff people that catered to us during our anytime dining. Not only were they all fast, responsive, eager to please and accomodate our needs but they were friendly, talkative, told us about their home lives, showed us photos of their families and always smiled. When we had to hug a couple of them goodbye at the end of the week, I nearly cried.

 

Our cabin steward, Mon was always friendly. If we'd made the time to chat him up, I am sure he would have talked more to us but we always ran into him while we were running out the door and towards something. He's always wave and tell us how beautiful we looked. He kept extra ice for me at all times for the sodas I had carried on the ship with me. He made cute towel animals every night and kept everything very tidy.

 

The entertainment crew on the Dream were AWESOME! If you're comparing them to Disney where everyone has to adhere to that Disney Magical charm, then no... you probably won't be as impressed with them. But, for cruise ship entertainers, they were great. They had tons of energy, they were dynamic and friendly.

 

The special acts that took place on the ship where people were flown in for their performances were also very good. Some were beyond my expectations.

 

The cruise director, Gary, might not be as campy as some people want their CD to be. But, I think he did a fine job and didn't make everything about him but moreso about the experiences for us.

 

Gumby who did our formal night interview for the cruise video was awesome and always made us laugh. He even tried to help us get off the ship faster on the last day. When he noticed me video him dancing one night, he hammed it up for the camera and smiled and laughed. It was genuine.

 

Sparkles, the assistant CD is great. We had her on the Miracle as well and we loved her.

 

The bar crew were always everywhere with drinks (granted it annoyed me because I don't drink and I'd feel bad to say no.) But for the drinkers, they were always being catered to and they seemed happy.

 

If you treat these people with respect, if you smile at them and say good morning, if you try to get to know them... they will open their hearts and share themselves with you. And, you'll leave feeling humbled by the experience.

 

One of our waiters shared with us a story about how hard it was for him in the beginning because he watched all the food that gets thrown away (not just from our plates) but that never makes it to a plate. And how hard it was for him to see all of this food be wasted when people in his country were starving. He didn't say this out of the blue to depress us (it was a fluid conversation where we made remark that we felt bad we didn't like something and weren't eating it.) He wanted us to know that he thought that was fine but what bothered him was people ordering 20 things just to take 1 bite of each thing. Anyway, thinking of all the waste really was eye opening for me.

 

We never had to go to guest services on this cruise. I've been to guest services for one thing or another, even if it's small on most cruises. I've been provoked on a cruise to the point of writing a letter and wanting a partial refund. I can be hot headed at times. But again, I am blunt and honest. The Dream staff did not in any way leave me with a bad taste in my mouth. In fact, they left me saddened to have to leave them.

 

I almost forgot about the bar waiters from the MDR and the photography staff! Gosh, I wish Latanya was here because she'd rattle their names off! But Lucian, a bar waiter was AMAZING to us. He always would see us and stop us to chit chat. He also had an interest in photography and would see me with my camera and so he had questions for me. I love when someone takes an interest in something I love. He broke his leg playing basketball on one of our days in port and said he had to walk around and do his job or they would send him home in 3 days. Everytime we saw him for the remainder of the cruise, he was hobbling around but smiling from ear to ear at us. He was so kind.

 

Even though we didn't buy any ship photos, 2 of the ships photographers, Ovie and Nag would stop us and talk to us about photography and about their lives back home. They spotted us every day and made sure to say hello and they remembered our names. So did Lucian. I can barely remember anyones names and they do it with class even though they see thousands of brand new people every single week.

[italianfemmy]

Ship Talk Continued

With all of that out of the way, I think I may have found the areas that some people are falling trap to and why they're upset.

 

I want to give some perspective first. Until this cruise on the Dream, I have always cruised with one mission in mind: Do as much as I can every day, get every penny's worth and do the most amazing, exhilirating, adrenaline rushing things possible. Every cruise, I come back having had fun but also feeling exhausted and like I needed a vacation from my vacation.

 

I am a VERY busy photographer. We're always booked with shoots or I am editing my clients photos. Most often, I spent 12 or more hours a day, 7 days a week for months on end working without a day off. I am very dedicated to my company. But I also needed a break which is why on a last minute whim with 2 months to spare, I saw a small opening in my calendar and booked the Dream.

 

I wanted to feel relaxed when I came back so I decided to take things slower. Once you've been on as many cruises as I have, things that have happened on every cruise start not to become as important to attend. So, I bought the Spa VIP passes, planned something for every port of call and decided to spend my time on the ship relaxing while taking in the occasional show here and there.

 

As someone who always used to focus on the Fun Times schedule and want something to do for every minute, I can honestly say I would have been let down if I wanted to do that this cruise. So, it's a good thing I didn't. However, placing myself in the shoes of someone like my old self, I can see how some people could have gotten bored. There were far less fun activities planned for adults. There were some nights that there wasn't really a big show. Some activities that I love like Quest for adults was not even on the schedule for our sailing. I normally would have let that bother me. But instead, I spent time out on the lido deck, laying in a lounger and watching a movie under the stars while taking in the night air that whisped over the ocean. I breathed. I relaxed.

 

Time of year

The time of year you choose to sail has a lot to do with the type of passengers you'll find on board. We did see some women dressed in what appeared to be club wear on formal night. But we didn't see shorts, sandals, bathing suits, pajamas, etc. on formal night. Most people were dressed smart. With that said, I could give a crap less if someone shows up to dinner wearing a sheet if it's what makes them happy. As long as I am dressed up and feeling sexy, who cares! Heck, they just make me look that much hotter! Lol. I am kidding.. mostly. :D

 

I didn't feel that the ship was crowded with children. I didn't see kids running around unsupervised. I didn't feel like the average guest didn't know what class was or how to display it. On the contrary, I felt the majority of guests were excited to be there, more than 1/2 of our sailing was experienced cruisers.

 

Again, cruising is what you make of it. Ticked off that your steak isn't piping hot? Think about how many people are sitting around you, needing their food at once. Open your eyes and see how long your waiters are gone before they return and when they do return, how many plates they are carrying. They are behind the scenes busting their behinds to not only keep up with your orders and everyone elses but to also keep up with the extra things people ordered and the order in which they're going to give you appetizer 2 of 6 while postponing entree 1 of 3, etc. The journey they have to take to get your food isn't a short one either (more on that later.) Again, end rant :-)

[italianfemmy]

Did I miss it somewhere the camera type and lenses you used on this trip?

 

I just got my first Canon DSLR for Christmas. It's the T3i and I'm just learning how to use it. We cruise in 59 days, and I'm cramming to learn how to take at least some decent shots. LOL I know I won't get the shots you did, but something close will do.

 

 

All of these photos were taken with my Canon 5D MK II. I left my 40D and my 1D MK IV at home because I didn't want to put my other gear at risk on a vacation, knowing I had paid gigs to shoot as soon as I returned home.

 

I used a variety of lenses, all Canon brand. The 15mm, 2.8 fisheye. The 50 1.4 prime lens, the 70-200L 2.8, the 24-105L 4.0 and the 100mm, 2.8 macro lens.

[WES143]

Great review. I sailed on the Dream Eastern crusie this past March. I plan to take my two sons this March 2012 for their spring break. I loved the ship. I took a few pics with a cheap camera and they look like it. LOVE your pics. They are fabulous.

[italianfemmy]

Great review. I sailed on the Dream Eastern crusie this past March. I plan to take my two sons this March 2012 for their spring break. I loved the ship. I took a few pics with a cheap camera and they look like it. LOVE your pics. They are fabulous.

 

Thank you very much! My motto is that any photos are better than not having any at all. Memories can be remembered regardless of the quality of the camera. It's the heart and soul behind the camera that begins the magic making process. :-)

[brazilgirl]

A quick question about Dolphinaris...some members of our group would like to go along , but not do the dolphin swim. Is there a nice , relaxing beach area for them? We initially were going to book at Chaakanaab , but now you can´t do it on your own , only through the ship. Looking at this other option , so glad to see your review.

 

Kim

[italianfemmy]

A quick question about Dolphinaris...some members of our group would like to go along , but not do the dolphin swim. Is there a nice , relaxing beach area for them? We initially were going to book at Chaakanaab , but now you can´t do it on your own , only through the ship. Looking at this other option , so glad to see your review.

 

Kim

 

They have an Observer only option. It's either free or like 5 dollars per person (I don't recall) They can stand up on the observation deck to watch you do your swim. There isn't a beach but there is an entry way into the ocean (as you can see in the photos, there are the dolphin pools and then the ocean on the other side of the rock wall.) And you can eat there.. the lunch is yummy! They have a website with all the info. Just google them.

 

Also, I just remembered that someone asked me about pricing info.

 

I think we paid $129 pp for the swim, ride and lunch package which included transportation. The trainer for a day is like $189 and is for 5 hours. Had I known about the trainer for a day, I would have booked it since it's 4 hours and 20 minutes longer for only $60 more.

[ssoule]

Hope this is right never posted b-4 ,,,,, love love love the pics this is a wonderful informative review please tell more :p we leave on the Dream on 2/4

Edited December 28, 2011 by ssoule

[scottsgal]

You have such a great attitude on life and how to be happy. As an experienced cruiser as well, I know that no cruise is perfect and you understand that as well and don't let the little things ruin a vacation. Loving your review - we're looking at the Dream in May and this is definitely swaying me to book.

[cruisecrazyk]

We are taking the same cruise on the Dream 2-4-12. I have a spa cabin and cannot wait to try out the spa. We have been to these ports before except Costa Maya. Your photos make me feel like I am there! I cannot wait! I cannot wait to read more of your review!:D

[smc0320]

You'll be on the Nov. 24th sailing on the Breeze with us? Due to personal reasons, Steven and Kim cannot do the Nov. 24th sailing so they'll be sailing on her 2 weeks later on the December 8th sailing. My heart weeps knowing we'll be so close to them in dates but not able to see them. Gosh that sounded cheesy. I think I may be recovering already.... :cool:

 

We are STILL trying to decide what to do next December. I think we are leaning toward the Victory out of San Juan....I know it's older, but I've never been to any of those ports.

 

I have to echo your comments about service on this ship.....we were NEVER disappointed. Food was great and HOT every meal. I hated Gumby though, wanted to punch him in the face, spa was AWESOME, etc.

[01 Cobra]

A quick question about Dolphinaris...some members of our group would like to go along , but not do the dolphin swim. Is there a nice , relaxing beach area for them? We initially were going to book at Chaakanaab , but now you can´t do it on your own , only through the ship. Looking at this other option , so glad to see your review.

 

Kim

 

Regarding Chaakanaab, here is a link: http://www.cozumelparks.com/. There is a beach area at Chaakanaab and the site has a map of the park.

 

Hope that helps.

Edited December 29, 2011 by 01 Cobra

[shootr]

What an energy you radiate! Your verbal skills just add to the enjoyment of your excellent photography. Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed honest account of your experience. 2+ months can't go by quick enough...

 

Can I just ask one question - noob to pro: Your photographs have such great contrast, and I know good glass makes all the difference (Along with the obvious natural talent and dedication you have). I only have a Rebel with kit lens (except for the 50mm/1.8), do you use or recommend any filters or do you use a photoshop software to post produce?

[LizaMM]

Great review!! Thanks for taking the time to share all the photos!

[italianfemmy]

What an energy you radiate! Your verbal skills just add to the enjoyment of your excellent photography. Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed honest account of your experience. 2+ months can't go by quick enough...

 

Can I just ask one question - noob to pro: Your photographs have such great contrast, and I know good glass makes all the difference (Along with the obvious natural talent and dedication you have). I only have a Rebel with kit lens (except for the 50mm/1.8), do you use or recommend any filters or do you use a photoshop software to post produce?

 

Hi shootr! Firstly, congrats on your weight loss. I think it's awesome you have a ticker up and hold yourself accountable. Maybe I should do that :-)

 

Thanks for your compliments. I don't use any filters on my lenses. I just use photoshop. I have photoshop filters, actions and presets that I have created on my own through years of trial and error and figuring out what I like for my own personal style. It really isn't just one thing. It's an ever changing recipe that fits the tastebuds of each photo. Generally speaking, I see an image in my mind when I look at a scene and I already know what the finished photo will look like if that makes sense.

 

I'd be happy to chat with you some time. Just hit the contact me button on my website in my signature. :-)

 

-Alicia

[Prairie_Gal]

Fabulous review and beautiful photos! Thanks for taking the time to post it.

[Ladybug75]

Great review. THANK YOU!!!