First time cruiser questions about The Dream

[racer83]

Hello All :).... I'm new to this board and am trying to find out as much info as I can about things. Myself, my husband, my two boys 11 & 16 and my son's girlfriend 17. We're thinking about going on the 7 Day to Eastern Caribbean from New Orleans, LA in November this year so not too much time to figure things out. I know it shows we can all stay together in a Deluxe Ocean View cabin Midship Rivera Deck... which I've never been on a cruise ship so not sure of best locations on ship or stuff to do.... There's alot of things I would like to find out just not sure how to go about it... like can we take a 12pk cokes each, can I take a couple of bottles of wine on the ship for my room and dinner possibly???

The Carnival Dream Ship is the one we're looking to cruise on!!!

[momof4boys]

Love the DREAM. Not sure 5 people can stay in one cabin...need someone else to comment on that one. 5 people with one small bathroom seems like a lot of people. Maybe the deluxe OV is a bath & 1/2??? We like to book midship because you won't feel a lot of movement in that area. The Dream has lots of fun places to visit... Bars, piano club, slides, kids clubs, food spots, etc., the crew is wonderful, and there are plenty of fun activities on the ship. Have a wonderful time!!

Edited September 18, 2014 by momof4boys

[HawkIVette]

Hello All :).... I'm new to this board and am trying to find out as much info as I can about things. Myself, my husband, my two boys 11 & 16 and my son's girlfriend 17. We're thinking about going on the 7 Day to Eastern Caribbean from New Orleans, LA in November this year so not too much time to figure things out. I know it shows we can all stay together in a Deluxe Ocean View cabin Midship Rivera Deck... which I've never been on a cruise ship so not sure of best locations on ship or stuff to do.... There's alot of things I would like to find out just not sure how to go about it... like can we take a 12pk cokes each, can I take a couple of bottles of wine on the ship for my room and dinner possibly???

The Carnival Dream Ship is the one we're looking to cruise on!!!

 

I have not been on the Dream, but if it's anything like the Breeze, you will love it. There are not bad rooms for location if you are midship, but of coarse a higher deck would be closer to all that you need to attend (pools, buffet and shows).

But 1st deck is all that is available for 5. I say, leave the girlfriend home. It will not be very private in the room with curtains and bunk beds. You sure you want her to hear your husband and you snoring, or worse?

 

Yes. each passenger can bring on a 12=pack of cans.

 

Wine, I am not sure on (thought it was 1 bottle per adult), so maybe someone else can tell you the rules on that.

Edited September 18, 2014 by HawkIVette

[Jimmy Geegitz]

Kids will love the Dream lots of fun slides.

[falkcor]

Hello All :).... I'm new to this board and am trying to find out as much info as I can about things. Myself, my husband, my two boys 11 & 16 and my son's girlfriend 17. We're thinking about going on the 7 Day to Eastern Caribbean from New Orleans, LA in November this year so not too much time to figure things out. I know it shows we can all stay together in a Deluxe Ocean View cabin Midship Rivera Deck... which I've never been on a cruise ship so not sure of best locations on ship or stuff to do.... There's alot of things I would like to find out just not sure how to go about it... like can we take a 12pk cokes each, can I take a couple of bottles of wine on the ship for my room and dinner possibly???

The Carnival Dream Ship is the one we're looking to cruise on!!!

 

my first recommendation is keep reading - this site is a great resource and you'll find the answers to probably all your questions and some you never thought of.

 

yes you can all stay in the deluxe ocean view cabins. it's nice having the 2 bathrooms, but just note that it might be a bit 'tight' - doable but also check the prices for having 2 rooms for a group of 5 - depending on the dates, etc. it might be about the same or very close.

 

you can each take a 12 pack, in your carry on luggage only. and you can bring 1 bottle of wine for each passenger 21 yrs or older. so in your case, 2.

 

here's the formal policy...

 

Embarkation

Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages onboard. However, on embarkation day, guests (21 years and older only) may bring one bottle (750 milliliter) of wine or champagne per person, only in their carry-on luggage. A $15 corkage fee per 750 milliliter bottle will be charged should the guest wish to consume this wine in the dining room or in the Steakhouse. A corkage fee is a charge by a restaurant for opening a bottle bought elsewhere; in our case, it is a fee for opening a bottle of wine or champagne that is not purchased through ‘The Fun Shops’ or from the wine menu on board our ships.

 

On embarkation day, each guest may bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages on board and only in their carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened bottles and/or cans, 20 ounces each or less.

 

and welcome to cc.

[k2excursion]

Yes, there are 5-person deluxe OV rooms on deck 1. They have 1 full bathroom, plus an extra half-bathroom with a sink & shower/jr tub. One of the upper bunks is over your bed. Check into what the price difference would be for 2 rooms vs this. It might be worth it.

 

I find that the lower decks are more convenient than the higher decks. You'll need elevators to reach the pools & buffet, but the elevators are usually not slammed during those times. When they are slammed (before/after dining & shows or when getting off/on the ship in port), you can just take stairs instead of waiting a month for an elevator when you have a deck 1 or 2 room.

 

Deck 2 rooms that run from the midship elevators to the aft elevators are below the very noisy galley (kitchen) which operates 24 hours a day. If you opt for 2 rooms, avoid this area. For a 5-person room, there is only the one location, and all those rooms are in a good spot.

 

The Dream is a great ship! Excellent choice. She is my favorite! Great entertainment, best shows of any Carnival Ship, Blackjack Band. The waterslides are a lot of fun, and adults can ride them too. So you'd better get up there too!:)

[racer83]

:) Just wanted to say Thank Yall for all of your replies to my post yall have shared some great info and I am looking forward to trying out my first cruise experience with my family in Nov. hopefully!!! :D

[GeorgiaMomof4]

You will love the Dream! She is a great ship. Of the 4 we've been on so far she is our favorite!

 

She has had upgrades since we sailed in 2011 so I can't comment on those.

 

I agree with several here that say to check on 2 cabins. There are 6 in my family and we always book 2 cabins - husband and I in a balcony or oceanview and we put the kids in an interior across the hall. Can't hurt to check - might save you some money plus give you more space also.

 

The entertainment on the ship is awesome. Be sure you check out the Blackjack Band on Deck 5 in the Ocean Plaza area.

 

I did a review of our Dream cruise. We did the Western itinerary, but if you want to check it out here is the link - http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1407878

 

Welcome to CC and be sure and let us know what you decide room wise and how you enjoy your trip!

 

Have fun!

[ohiowilly]

Hello:

 

I'm not trying to thread Jack, but the mention of the Blackjack Band brought back some great memories of our cruise on the Dream about this time last year. The Blackjack Band is incredible; probably the best live musical entertainment I've ever seen on a cruise ship.

 

The Dream is a great ship. As some of the others have mentioned, I'd be leaning toward 2 cabins for a family of 5. If for no other reason, the second bathroom is worth the cost of a second cabin. Two cabins might even be cheaper than 1 Suite; I'm not sure-of course it would depend on the types of cabins you're considering.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[RWolver672]

If you do get only one cabin, the guys can always go up to the locker rooms to shower and get ready for dinner. Five in one cabin all trying to get ready for dinner can be a hassle.

[k2excursion]

If you do get only one cabin, the guys can always go up to the locker rooms to shower and get ready for dinner. Five in one cabin all trying to get ready for dinner can be a hassle.

 

You're definitely right about that. The room that they're looking at will have 2 bathrooms: the deluxe oceanview rooms. Cheaper than a balcony, yet they have 2 bathrooms in the 1 room. The 2nd bathroom does not have a toilet, but 2 people can shower & get ready at once. The spa showers can also be used if they want.

[AmberTeka]

The Dream is a Dream. We have sailed her four times, and I still mourn her loss. She is the class of Carnival, IMHO. That said.......The Deluxe Ocean Views had a shower RR and a small Tub and sink attached. My Daughter, SIL and grandchild had one in March and the tub was great for the baby. ( she is three). Honestly........I would rather have TWO insides..one for the girls and one for the boys...than ONE OV for five. You get two showers, four real beds..( only one person on a pull out)....lots more closet space.......less crowding. Have you checked inside prices? I am booking for a family cruise for 12 for next March...............when you do insides....if you book early saver............you have a good chance of getting enough OBC to move up to 2 oceanviews. You have to check prices, and then Carnival Fare seach engine daily and send your e-mails in..........but it only takes a few minutes. It is like "found" money. Two casino offers were made for two cabins. I have a depoist down on those. Oceanviews. But the other two......I am waiting until November..hoping for Military rates which will let me book the other two.....or I will do Early saver the next time they do reduced deposits on the other two cabins. I have a good PVP too.

Edited September 19, 2014 by AmberTeka

[WAHMto5]

Love the Dream, as you can tell on how many times we have been;) We have stayed in the Deluxe Ocean View before, nice to have that extra bathroom space. Great waterworks for the kids! Each adult (over 21) can bring one bottle of wine. Be sure to search Dream reviews on here for some great picture reviews and tips! Good shows and of course don't miss the Blackjack Band!

[AmberTeka]

You might check out prices for Upper and Lowers for the kids. They are agile enough to climb and they won't be that cabin that much anyway. Some PORTHOLES give you an INSIDE price..but space and an OV sofa + queen sized bed, and natural light.

[suzycruiser2]

Be sure to find actual pictures of cabins before you decide. I can remember being shocked at just how tiny the cabin actually was on our first cruise. A cabin would probably be okay for five if part of the five were small kids, but I would think it would be too cramped with adults and teens.

[RuthlessBoss]

I have not been on the Dream, but if it's anything like the Breeze, you will love it. There are not bad rooms for location if you are midship, but of coarse a higher deck would be closer to all that you need to attend (pools, buffet and shows).

But 1st deck is all that is available for 5. I say, leave the girlfriend home. It will not be very private in the room with curtains and bunk beds. You sure you want her to hear your husband and you snoring, or worse?

 

Yes. each passenger can bring on a 12=pack of cans.

 

Wine, I am not sure on (thought it was 1 bottle per adult), so maybe someone else can tell you the rules on that.

 

I'm not sure about the girlfriend either. That's going to put a whole new spin on privacy, modesty etc for the parents and the younger boy.