Our DREAM cruise...September 7, 2013

[nchikk]

Rather than a full review, I'll offer some thoughts form our September 7 cruise on the Dream. Please note these are my opinions. If you don't agree with them or like them, oh well. I don't want to hear about how I'm wrong, out of line or whatever or how anything I write offends you. That being said, I whole-heartedly welcome you to my little write-up and I hope you enjoy it or maybe learn something from this. I have a feeling this'll end up being longer than a review. Oh, there will be pics at some point, or a link to pics.

 

 

Food:

 

Tandoor...ate at embark and a couple of other times, very good. 5 burps.

 

Pizza...my first time...also very good. Super thin crust, very tasty. 5 burps.

 

Mdr food very good, service also good. Our servers were Neil, Ivan and Lesther.

 

Our bar server was also good...I don't remember his name but it started with a "P" and ended with "ento".

 

I still contend the Indian food in the MDR (and Tandoor) is among the best Indian food I have ever had...and I should know...cuz I'm Indian...and fat...which means I eat a lot. Food 4 burps, service 5 burps.

 

Chefs table. Wow. 'Nuff said. Since the scale doesn't go any higher, 5 burps.

 

Hunny's favourite food item from the whole cruise was the tuna tartare at the Chef's Table. Mine is a tie between the steak & eggs at the brunch or anything Indian.

[nchikk]

The cabin:

 

The room was exactly what we've grown accustomed to on carnival ships...no complaints. Comfy bed, we slept well. There was one minor maintenance issue but it was resolved before we even had a chance to report it. 5 snores.

 

Room steward, it was Tuesday and we still hadn't met him or her. We sailed on Saturday. They were doing their job, but they were in hiding. We finally met her either late Tuesday or on Wednesday. Don't remember her name but it began with a "K" and seemed to be an eastern European name. We saw her a total of three times, none for more than a minute or so. Since they did their job, even though we hardly had any interaction with her, 5 towelies.

[nchikk]

Tried/did a few other things for the first time:

 

Comedy brunch was offered on three mornings...we did it twice. Hunny ordered Eggs Benny both times. I got the steak & eggs both times. The comedy was pre-recorded and only so so...Hunny's Bennys were fine, though she realised that ordering the sauce on the side was the way to go. My steak & eggs was very good both times I got it. The second time I had that, it was not the same...plating and presentation were different and a vinegary sauce and hollandaise (instead of béarnaise) were given the second time. There is something to be said for consistency. Because of this and a Bloody Mary incident (more on that later), even though the food was very good, 2.5 burps only.

 

Auditioned for the Legends show and ended up being Elton John. Damn, that costume was hot! Thanks to the dancer Phyllis who made it so much easier. Also thanks to a kind gentleman named Kevin who helped make this possible.

[nchikk]

Entertainment:

 

It was ok. Nothing really bad, nothing overly awesome. The main band was very good. The band's singer, Shannon, was good, too. We did not see any of the comedians. I did lots of karaoke and the karaoke hostess, Victoria, was nice and handled things well. The entertainment staff was fine. I liked Cari (Carrie? Kari?) from Connecticut best...mainly because I planed lots of trivia and she was the one running it. The dancers were all really nice, especially Phyllis. All in all a good time was had by all. The entertainment staff rated a full 5 claps.

[nchikk]

Excursions:

 

Nassau...Catamaran Sail & Snorkel.

We were at the pier at the appointed time. The cat was not. It wasn't there 15 minutes later either. Or 30 minutes later...or an hour later...until, FINALLY, 90 minutes after it was scheduled to begin, a catamaran showed up. The Shore Excursion were trying to keep us informed, telling us every 15 minutes or so that it would be just 5 more minutes. After about 45 minutes, they said if anyone wanted to leave and not do the excursion, they'd give a full refund. If anyone wanted to wait on the boat, they'd give hose people 1/2 off. We opted to wait. A half hour later, they said if anyone wanted to leave and not do the excursion, they'd still give a full refund. If anyone wanted to still wait on the boat, they'd give those people a complete refund and we would still get to go on the excursion. Again, we opted to wait. Apparently, the tour company they use in Nassau for this had a problem with one of their boats and did not have an extra boat. This ended up being free and we had a good time once we got going. After deducting for the delay, this snorkeling excursion rated 3.5 little fishies.

 

St. Thomas...Best of St. Thomas & Shopping.

We had a beach day excursion planned but it was overcast and raining so we changed it to this excursion. By the way, it cleared up and got sunny about the time we got off the ship. We were at the designated meeting point a few minutes early. A few minutes after the tour was to leave, we were still waiting. Oh no, not again. A few minutes later, we and 5 others were herded away toward another little bus and whisked away. Surely we weren't the only ones? No. After almost killing us on the way, we ended up at the first stop of the excursion, an overlook where we could buy crafts and look down upon the harbour and the cruise ships. There was another bus there. The first thing I did was to get a pic of the docked ships, but I was told to stop taking pics and get on the other bus. Apparently, the tour left early. So, because the tour left early, we were deprived of the beautiful view. We were herded on the other bus and taken to Mountain Top. We were allowed 30 minutes to ship at the gift shop and enjoy the view of Magen's Bay, Tortola and St. John. After this we were taken back down the hill and turned loose with two hours to shop. So for us, this excursion was basically a ride up the mountain, a half hour there and a ride back down for shopping on our own. To me, this is in no way "Best of" anything. I complained to a person at the Shore Ex desk and the fellow there said "ok". That was it. I felt we were so ripped off. This excursion rated, on a scale of up to 5, a perfect ZERO.

[nchikk]

Other passengers...While all-in-all the passengers were great, we noticed more rude and/or inconsiderate people than any other cruise I've/we've been on.

 

One woman at the breakfast buffet cut in line right in front of me and, instead of using tongs, grabbed with her hands a couple of boiled eggs.

 

Another time, a gentleman who was larger (easily over 300 lbs), decided there was room for him and his wife on an already full elevator. And he found amusement in his brilliant idea of cramming him and his wife in to the elevator, saying something like "oh yeah, there's plenty of room" while the rest of us were scrunched up and trying to breathe.

 

On GT, we were on the beach with a family was behind us. The child had some form of wound on his leg (it was bandaged) and couldn't get in contact with the salt water, so the father stayed with the child while the female relatives went in the water. The child was screaming and bawling the whole time, wanting to play in the water like everyone else there. They did nothing to diffuse the situation. I'm no expert but why take a kid to a candy store if you aren't going to give him as piece? At one point, the father got tired of the child crying and began spanking him. Really moron? Was that going to stop the child from crying? Are you that dense? And yes, if that was you, I hope you are reading this. You need to know how much of a freaking idiot I think you are.

 

What the hell has happened to basic manners and common courtesies? These are just three examples...there were numerous other times that just made me shake my head.

[nchikk]

Miscellaneous:

 

Free drink coupon for use in the MDR for breakfast or brunch...we both ordered Bloody Marys and instead of Mary mix, were served vodka and tomato juice. When we advised the bar server of this, we were told that she'd ask about it. My only response was that she could ask anyone anything, but we did not receive what we ordered and we would like to be served what we ordered. She came back about 10 minutes later with actual Bloody Marys...no apologies for the mix up.

 

This was the first time I've won more than 1 of the world famous 100 solid 24-karat gold plastic piece of ship on a stick. That was exciting for me. I gave the second SoS to a young girl (12-14) also playing the game (she came in 2nd). After I did, the trivia hostess, Cari from Connecticut (Kari? Carrie?) thought that was so sweet and brought me another one. Oh well.

 

We got there early so we were among the first to check in. The person checking us in was about as incompetent as I would have been, and I have no training in doing that job. All I wanted was to change my credit card. I should have waited until I was on board. The agent was nice though, so she rates 1 zone.

 

We had early seating and a table for two. We actually prefer a larger table so we can meet new people, but we weren't going to change it. I can just picture it...we change and end up not liking the people we're seated with. Dinner lasted about 80-90 minutes each night...compared to 60 minutes on Conquest in September 2012.

 

About the dress code...first elegant night the hostess stopped a family. Mom was dressed nicely...the child was dressed nicely...Dad, on the other hand, wore raggedy shorts and sandals. Now, I don't give a crap about how others are dressed. That doesn't affect how my food tastes. But I applaud them for stopping this family. Why? Though I don't care how others are dressed, as long as it's not in an offencive manner, I feel if there is a rule, it should be enforced...and there is a rule. As we walked by, the hostess was calling for her boss. We're not sure what happened afterward.

 

We had early seating...6:00. There were many people who showed up late for dinner. Every night many people showed up 30 minutes late. One night a family came strolling in 45 minutes late. Seriously, people? They were seated.

 

About your duty-free allowance...keep in mind that in addition to the 1 carton of cigarettes and 1 litre of liquor you are allowed, you may bring back 4 more cartons and 4 more litres (for a total of 5 each) IF you get them in St. Thomas. Keep your receipts.

 

We registered with and started a thread on CCL's forums in their "Currently Onboard" section so we could keep in touch with friends and family. First of all, there is no one ever working at the internet stations. And no one else knows anything about how the onboard internet works. Not once during the week could I get the "FREE" internet to work. There would never be a connection available. Of course people who paid to use the internet were surfing away. But if you tried to access any of the free sites, you were basically SOL. I accessed JH's fb page on my phone when we got to San Juan on Tuesday and mentioned it to him. He apologised and replied that someone would get with me about it. That happened on Friday evening, backstage before the Legends show when CD James asked me about it and said he didn't have trouble. We would debark in 12 hours so by then I didn't care about it.

 

 

If anyone has any questions, I'll be happy to answer them...IF I know or remember. Thanks for reading...about 200 pics will be coming, so stay tuned.

[mrpayroll]

Thanks for taking the time to state your opinion. Going on Dream for second time in 4 weeks. Looking forward to your pics.:)

[Winterstale]

Thanks -sailing her in four weeks - can't wait for the pics!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Dar & Bob]

I am cruising on the Dream in 2 weeks with my sisters. I was wondering what the temps were in the dining rooms, shows and casino. Just curious if I am going to need sweaters to go with my outfits for the evening. :cool:

[nchikk]

I am cruising on the Dream in 2 weeks with my sisters. I was wondering what the temps were in the dining rooms, shows and casino. Just curious if I am going to need sweaters to go with my outfits for the evening. :cool:

 

Hunny gets chilly more easily than me, but she didn't seem to have any issues. Of course, it probably depends on where the vents are and if you happen to be sitting right under one of them.

[nchikk]

Test pic...waiting to get on the ship and start our vacation. Me on the left, Hunny on the right.

 

[nchikk]

1. They put us on the big screen thingy

2. Pulling into Nassau

3. Monstrosity of the seas and Norwegian Sky

4. 4 ships in port that day

5. Fantasy Class v. Dream Class size difference

 

 

[nchikk]

1. Norwegian Sky v. Monstrosity of the sea size difference.

2. Random homes...I could live there.

3. On the catamaran heading to the snorkel spot.

4. Hunny is ready to look at little fishies.

 

I should probably get ready for work...there'll be more pics later.

 

 

[FireEater]

I see we went on the same excursion. Great price uh?

[nchikk]

I see we went on the same excursion. Great price uh?

 

Yes it was. Now if it were only not overcast pretty much the whole time...

[bubbakirk43]

Great review ,we were getting off when ya'll were getting on.Cari was hosting a few of the trivias also when we were on board ,liked her a lot.Did ya'll have any interaction w/James Charlton the CD ,or Gumbie the asst. CD?,we also liked Alex a lot ,had a lot of energy.Did ya'll get a chance and try the BBQ on the lanai ,I was going to try it ,but the lined formed very quickly so I decided against it.

[pmoniz]

Love your review!! Thanks for sharing. We'll be on the Dream 12 days!! Can't wait to have some Indian food!! YUMMY!! Looking forward to your pics to come!

[nchikk]

Great review ,we were getting off when ya'll were getting on.Cari was hosting a few of the trivias also when we were on board ,liked her a lot.Did ya'll have any interaction w/James Charlton the CD ,or Gumbie the asst. CD?,we also liked Alex a lot ,had a lot of energy.Did ya'll get a chance and try the BBQ on the lanai ,I was going to try it ,but the lined formed very quickly so I decided against it.

 

James or Gumbie...not as much but very brief chat with James before the Legends show...and took a pic with him on elegant night. Not so much interaction with Alex, but he was a hoot...as was Gumbie.

 

And we didn't do the BBQ...I'm sorry I don't remember why, but we didn't. I'm sure it was good and I'm sure the line formed quick. For lunch Hunny liked the deli or regular buffet...my go-to was the Tandoor.

[nchikk]

Love your review!! Thanks for sharing. We'll be on the Dream 12 days!! Can't wait to have some Indian food!! YUMMY!! Looking forward to your pics to come!

 

 

Thanks!

You'll love the Indian food both at the Tandoor and in the MDR. Both were really good. And more pics coming tonight.

[Mysticks1]

Was all of the pizza thin crust? Do they still offer the salads at the pizza counter?

I have never tried Indian food (none in my area) but with your glowing reviews I will make it a point to try some on my Dream cruise in May.

Thanks for the review, am looking forward to seeing all your photos.

[nchikk]

Was all of the pizza thin crust? Do they still offer the salads at the pizza counter?

 

I have never tried Indian food (none in my area) but with your glowing reviews I will make it a point to try some on my Dream cruise in May.

 

Thanks for the review, am looking forward to seeing all your photos.

 

 

Pizza is a very thin crust. Some on these boards like it, some dont. This was my first time having pizza on the ship so I have nothing to compare it to, but I liked it. And no salads at the pizza counter, but plenty of salad options inside.

 

Re: Indian food...if you don't like/tolerate spicy food, think twice. This is spicy.

[skoi13]

Thanks for the review. We'll be sailing at the end of October, first time as a family on Carnival (I sailed on Sensation for a 4 night years ago). Looking forward to the Indian food, glad you gave it such high marks.

 

Did you order the complete meal in the MDR (if you can still get the Indian meal) or just whatever was on the menu for the night?

[cruising maniac]

Nice review. Honest and sincere. Sounds like you had a really good time.

[nchikk]

Thanks for the review. We'll be sailing at the end of October, first time as a family on Carnival (I sailed on Sensation for a 4 night years ago). Looking forward to the Indian food, glad you gave it such high marks.

 

Did you order the complete meal in the MDR (if you can still get the Indian meal) or just whatever was on the menu for the night?

 

 

I ordered the Indian Vegetarian meal from the daily menu in the MDR, not the one you special ordered in advance. Also, I asked the waiter to have handy what would be on the menu each night as that would affect whether or not I wanted it or something else.