Dream vs. Freedom

[BonnieSte]

I am having a hard time choosing. One leaves from Galveston an one from New Orleans. That is the only difference in the itinerary. Anyone like one above the other? Pro's and con's?

 

Thanks!

[nwo4life]

Pros for Dream: deck 5 lanai allows you to walk around perimeter of the ship & Ocean Plaza is a much better venue to watch bands than the casino bar area used on Freedom

 

Pros for Freedom: fewer passengers, a dedicated sports bar that is smoke free, sports are shown at the casino bar on Dream and smoking is everywhere there.

[dctravel]

We had a similar debate before booking the Dream (leave in 13 days!!!!). We decided on the Dream because we felt it was easier to leave from New Orleans over Galveston when flying in. Otherwise, I felt that the ships were similar, even though the Dream if obviously bigger.

 

dctravel

[BonnieSte]

Thank you!

[k2excursion]

Dream has a great waterworks area, while Freedom is just 1 slide. Dream's entertainment is the best of any Carnival ship with great stage shows. Dream has the awesome cover band, Blackjack Band, although they are on vacation right now. Both ships have different food advantages.

[Micahs Grandad]

Dream has a great waterworks area, while Freedom is just 1 slide. Dream's entertainment is the best of any Carnival ship with great stage shows. Dream has the awesome cover band, Blackjack Band, although they are on vacation right now. Both ships have different food advantages.

 

Both very good ships but do like that cover bands has its own area and not put in front of casino. when will Blackjack band be back?

[smyliecruising]

The food is going too be better on the freedom until they do the 2.0 upgrades on the dream. I think the dream is the most beautiful ship in the fleet. I love the red dining rooms! But I care about the food so I am sailing on the freedom. Although the freedom has the pub and they aren't cooking pub grub in it and that is ultra annoying to me because I love the coconut shrimp and crab bites! Oh well. Freedom does have fish and chips, Guys, and the better Mexican food which was desperately needed as the old Mexican food tasted like bad cafeteria food imho. I love cruising and would gladly Cruise either ship without complaints but if I had to choose I would choose the one with better food. I have sailed on both off their sister ships and liked them both.

[k2excursion]

Both very good ships but do like that cover bands has its own area and not put in front of casino. when will Blackjack band be back?

 

Their schedules are always subject to change. A post from them a couple months ago said that they would be back on board April 24th, if I'm remembering right. Don't hold them to that, as it could change. It's even possible that the start of their vacation got delayed.

[Bebbeas]

Freedom is Saturday to Saturday

Dream is Sunday to Sunday

 

Freedom is smaller, so less passengers, both are great ships

Edited March 15, 2016 by Bebbeas

[kc58ab]

I am having a hard time choosing. One leaves from Galveston an one from New Orleans. That is the only difference in the itinerary. Anyone like one above the other? Pro's and con's?

 

Thanks!

 

Freedom all the way. I'm not sure if you saw my review of the Dream March 2016, but if not I will try to paraphrase. My last Freedom cruise was May 2015. I have a review for that on here too.

 

Why I would pick the Freedom: Less people, less time waiting in line, WAY less boat rocking, the room temp was hot on the Dream, 2.0 upgrades on the Freedom are better than Seaside Barbeque or Pasta Bella in my opinion. Adult only AFT pool on the Freedom.

[Micahs Grandad]

Their schedules are always subject to change. A post from them a couple months ago said that they would be back on board April 24th, if I'm remembering right. Don't hold them to that, as it could change. It's even possible that the start of their vacation got delayed.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

We cruise two cruises after they are scheduled back so we shall see.

[marcimm]

I've cruised Freedom twice and Dream once and loved both ships. Everything else being equal, I'd choose Dream because you get to experience NOLA! I've never visited Galveston but NOLA is worth adding a couple nights to the beginning or end of your cruise to extend your vacation.

[Podna's]

Both great ships but easily the Dream. The trip down the Mississippi although mostly at night is something to experience. Someone mentioned the ship rocking, been on the Dream twice and both trips were remarkably smooth. Anyway, although the Dream would be an easy choice for me I don't think you can go wrong with either.

Edited April 1, 2016 by Podna's

[Raxter54]

I've never visited Galveston but NOLA is worth adding a couple nights to the beginning or end of your cruise to extend your vacation.[/quotE]

 

I second that. Our first cruise ever was out of NOLA. You need to either come in a day early or stay a day later to enjoy the city. Splurge and get a room in the French Quarter and enjoy the night life...