Just off the Dream and a few observations

[erewhon]

Thank you for your review.

Sorry that you had GI issues.

[Keith1010]

Thank you for your review/report.

 

Keith

[Sitzmark]

We stayed at the Hilton Riverside twice and you could not get directly to the port. It would be a very long walk. me and grandkids walked as far as we could go on the Riverwalk and we could see the back of the ship but you could not get there. We took a taxi both times.

 

Were you on the river or in the mall? It's my understanding that you have to go through the mall to get there. It seems that there are conflicting results on it, I wonder if there has been a change at some point.

Edited April 26, 2016 by Sitzmark

[Librarian365]

Thanks for the review - sorry about the GI issues.

 

We are in a cove balcony in June. Was this your first? What did you think of it? I am hoping for room-service coffee and muffin every day I can manage it....just to watch the waves so close...me and my husband.

[Cushing985]

Thanks for the review - sorry about the GI issues.

 

We are in a cove balcony in June. Was this your first? What did you think of it? I am hoping for room-service coffee and muffin every day I can manage it....just to watch the waves so close...me and my husband.

 

It was our first and we really enjoyed it. We were in 2309 which is right below the Shore Excursion desk so it was quiet. We had good neighbors who were quiet and never slammed the balcony door that so many complain about.

 

My wife tends to get seasick on the higher decks and I like having a balcony. The cove fits both of our desires...a low deck and, of course, the balcony!

 

Enjoy your cruise and your coffee and muffins every morning!

[Podna's]

Were you on the river or in the mall? It's my understanding that you have to go through the mall to get there. It seems that there are conflicting results on it, I wonder if there has been a change at some point.

 

 

You can absolutely walk from the Riverwalk Hilton to the cruise terminal. It'll be a lengthy walk through a mall but can be done. Once you're to the food court, you step outside on the balcony portion overlooking the river and walk the to the end which lead to stairs that put you right at the entrance to the terminal. I took this pic last year from that walk way.

Edited April 26, 2016 by Podna's

[Sitzmark]

You can absolutely walk from the Riverwalk Hilton to the cruise terminal. It'll be a lengthy walk through a mall but can be done. Once you're to the food court' date=' you step outside on the balcony portion overlooking the river and walk the to the end which lead to stairs that put you right at the entrance to the terminal. I took this pic last year from that walk way. [ATTACH']383762[/ATTACH]

 

Thanks, I kind of suspected you could do this.

[Inkah]

what cabin were you in? looking for one that stays cold

[NOSaints1]

When does the Dream go in for dry dock and when does it get 2.0 features

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[Sitzmark]

When does the Dream go in for dry dock and when does it get 2.0 features

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

https://help.goccl.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3307/~/dry-dock-schedules-and-upgrades

[Razor_Poke]

It was our first and we really enjoyed it. We were in 2309 which is right below the Shore Excursion desk so it was quiet. We had good neighbors who were quiet and never slammed the balcony door that so many complain about.

 

My wife tends to get seasick on the higher decks and I like having a balcony. The cove fits both of our desires...a low deck and, of course, the balcony!

 

Enjoy your cruise and your coffee and muffins every morning!

 

We are in 2309 in July. Glad to hear the report of it being quiet from above.

[Cushing985]

what cabin were you in? looking for one that stays cold

 

2309. If you like cold (and I do) that's the cabin for you.

[WendyVF]

Thanks, I kind of suspected you could do this.

 

I researched this prior to our Dream cruise last December. At that time posters said you could get to the RCCL ship but not the Carnival and that there were stairs involved.

 

We ended up changing our reservation to the Embassy Suites. The ship appeared to be a short walk away but would've been very cumbersome with luggage and such. We opted for an Uber that was cheaper than a cab.

 

You may what to check the departures boards for more updated information.

[Surf and Suds]

Just returned 4/24/16 from the cruise aboard the Dream. Let me say that I like Carnival Cruise Lines very much. I am a stock holder and have a cruise booked aboard the Breeze in July. My group enjoys traveling and take several cruises each year.

 

This cruise aboard the Dream was the worst experience I have had so far. I will never cruise on that ship again! I would estimate that 85% of the crew were very good. I think that 10% could use some additional training. In my opinion about 5% need another job outside the travel industry.

 

Our room steward did not make any appearance until about 8:00 p.m. on our first day. She never did stock the mini-bar. There were clothes found under our bed from a previous passenger. She was not friendly, never called us by name and was never to be found! It is just "US" but we always greet our room steward on the first day with a gift bag of candy, thank you card with money enclosed. You do not need to do that...It is just what we do!

 

I found many of the cruise personnel to be rude and wanted to argue with any simple request. Really??? (Now...some were wonderful) However the rude ones always seem to stand out! I am very lucky that I can cruise anytime, anywhere I want! I just thought I would give you the heads-up on the DREAM. Cruise Carnival....just avoid that ship!

[luv2trvlnow]

Just returned 4/24/16 from the cruise aboard the Dream. Let me say that I like Carnival Cruise Lines very much. I am a stock holder and have a cruise booked aboard the Breeze in July. My group enjoys traveling and take several cruises each year.

 

This cruise aboard the Dream was the worst experience I have had so far. I will never cruise on that ship again! I would estimate that 85% of the crew were very good. I think that 10% could use some additional training. In my opinion about 5% need another job outside the travel industry.

 

Our room steward did not make any appearance until about 8:00 p.m. on our first day. She never did stock the mini-bar. There were clothes found under our bed from a previous passenger. She was not friendly, never called us by name and was never to be found! It is just "US" but we always greet our room steward on the first day with a gift bag of candy, thank you card with money enclosed. You do not need to do that...It is just what we do!

 

I found many of the cruise personnel to be rude and wanted to argue with any simple request. Really??? (Now...some were wonderful) However the rude ones always seem to stand out! I am very lucky that I can cruise anytime, anywhere I want! I just thought I would give you the heads-up on the DREAM. Cruise Carnival....just avoid that ship!

 

Did you ask the steward to stock the mini bar? It appears as if they are starting to have it empty. Ours was empty on our March 20 Magic cruise. And there is a thread stating that they will be having the mini bar empty on all ships starting soon. Sometimes the steward doesn't get around to everyone early on. We have had a steward we didn't meet until after dinner. I didn't consider that a problem. The part of clothes from previous passenger under the bed is definitely bad!!!

[Surf and Suds]

Did you ask the steward to stock the mini bar? It appears as if they are starting to have it empty. Ours was empty on our March 20 Magic cruise. And there is a thread stating that they will be having the mini bar empty on all ships starting soon. Sometimes the steward doesn't get around to everyone early on. We have had a steward we didn't meet until after dinner. I didn't consider that a problem. The part of clothes from previous passenger under the bed is definitely bad!!!

 

Thanks for your comments. Trust me.....this was NOT our first cruise! We usually receive the 'drink card" the day we arrive aboard. While we were boarding the ship I was going to take a photo of my fellow passengers. Some Carnival photographer hollered at me and said " this is a camera free zone" Really???? I am am American citizen, standing in New Orleans and I do not have the right to take a damn photo? Really? When did Carnival get the authority to prevent me from my civil rights or (this stupid dude working for them?) I understand that they want to sell photos and as a stock holder I want them to make money....but REALLY? Why do you want to Pizz off a paying passenger? This type of crap went on and on aboard the Dream. Someone needs to take a look at this "boat" lol

[Itzmyn]

We were on Dream 4/3-4/10. We had the best room steward on deck 8 cabin 8370, his name is Made(mahday). Had no problem requesting twice daily room attending. Towel animals were there around 3pm, and our ice bucket was always full and placed in the fridge(which was really cold and we still had plenty of cubes the next morning). Easiest boarding and debark we've ever had with Carnival....on the ship by 11:45, off and at post cruise hotel by 8:30am. Had FTTF, but on arrival to our cabin we noted that it was not completely clean yet, we saw Made in the hall, told him and he got right on it and was very apologetic. Lines were not too bad on this sailing, except for Pasta Bella hard to find a table once we filled out our orders. Our sailing still had tablecloths each night, but I did notice the dining menu for the next sailing stated it was The American Table. Our main waiter seemed a bit stressed the last evening and didn't even come back to the table at dessert time, his assistant took our orders and delivered dessert and received the additional tip that we planned on giving the main waiter. We loved this ship and booked Magic for next year, only this time we are in a balcony far away from the Lanai hot tubs which got very noisy in the evening, mostly due to mid-teens having party time in them. Love New Orleans and look forward to sailing out of there again someday.

[Surf and Suds]

We were on Dream 4/3-4/10. We had the best room steward on deck 8 cabin 8370, his name is Made(mahday). Had no problem requesting twice daily room attending. Towel animals were there around 3pm, and our ice bucket was always full and placed in the fridge(which was really cold and we still had plenty of cubes the next morning). Easiest boarding and debark we've ever had with Carnival....on the ship by 11:45, off and at post cruise hotel by 8:30am. Had FTTF, but on arrival to our cabin we noted that it was not completely clean yet, we saw Made in the hall, told him and he got right on it and was very apologetic. Lines were not too bad on this sailing, except for Pasta Bella hard to find a table once we filled out our orders. Our sailing still had tablecloths each night, but I did notice the dining menu for the next sailing stated it was The American Table. Our main waiter seemed a bit stressed the last evening and didn't even come back to the table at dessert time, his assistant took our orders and delivered dessert and received the additional tip that we planned on giving the main waiter. We loved this ship and booked Magic for next year, only this time we are in a balcony far away from the Lanai hot tubs which got very noisy in the evening, mostly due to mid-teens having party time in them. Love New Orleans and look forward to sailing out of there again someday.

 

I love New Orleans also. The Jazz Festival is great! Try booking a cruise out of Galveston, TX...much less congestion and a smaller city with some interesting things to do. Anytime you are aboard a cruise ship with several thousand passengers and 1,700+/- crew you will find some folks nice and some not so nice. My previous posts just explained the problems I had aboard the Dream. I will continue cruising with Carnival several times each year but will just not do the Dream "thing" again. I hope each of you have a great cruise!

[CountryCruiser]

We actually stayed in a hotel out of town and took their shuttle to the port so unsure about the Riverwalk method of getting into the terminal.

 

All the lines were bad in addition to the buffet. The Grill, Deli and the Tandoor (sp?) were worse because the meals are made individually. Like I said, this is the first time I ever experienced lines like this on Carnival. Not sure what caused it. The doctor onboard mentioned they had 4000 guests onboard but Carnival's ships normally sail full. What surprised me though was Guest Services never had crazy lines when we had to go there or on the way to the restaurant. Speaking of the restaurant...we had ATD and always asked for a private table with the same staff and never waited. Dinner typically lasted just over a hour on most nights.

 

Do you mind sharing what hotel out of town you used and if you were pleased with it?

[Elaine5715]

Thanks for your comments. Trust me.....this was NOT our first cruise! We usually receive the 'drink card" the day we arrive aboard. While we were boarding the ship I was going to take a photo of my fellow passengers. Some Carnival photographer hollered at me and said " this is a camera free zone" Really???? I am am American citizen, standing in New Orleans and I do not have the right to take a damn photo? Really? When did Carnival get the authority to prevent me from my civil rights or (this stupid dude working for them?) I understand that they want to sell photos and as a stock holder I want them to make money....but REALLY? Why do you want to Pizz off a paying passenger? This type of crap went on and on aboard the Dream. Someone needs to take a look at this "boat" lol

 

There are signs that no photos are allowed in the terminals. I would have taken a picture but there was a sign.

[ryano]

We're looking at the Magic early next year just to find out if the line situation is Dream specific or is a class problem.

 

The lines are on Magic for sure but they seemed to move quickly. Im not use to lines at all sailing on Royal Caribbean as their Windjammer buffets are laid out nicely with different "islands" everywhere. There are no lines. It wasnt that big a deal on Magic though.

 

Dont let the long lines at Guys Pig and Anchor deter you from trying it out. They move really fast and the food was exceptionally good for cruise ship BBQ. Open for 2.5 hours on each sea day.

Edited May 26, 2016 by ryano

[tofinochris]

When people write they can't use their balconies because they're surrounded by smokers I have to wonder if they are being truthful.

 

These days people lose their minds at the slightest aroma of smoke. Back in the day *airplanes* were full of smoke and that was disgusting. I remember as a kid going on a trip and wanting to buy a shirt leaving the airport because I reeked of smoke from the plane! These days the worst you might get is a little smell of it and I can guarantee that this smell isn't going to kill you. The casino is stanky but what can you do, it's part of "casino culture" for whatever stupid reason.

[tofinochris]

Thanks for your comments. Trust me.....this was NOT our first cruise! We usually receive the 'drink card" the day we arrive aboard. While we were boarding the ship I was going to take a photo of my fellow passengers. Some Carnival photographer hollered at me and said " this is a camera free zone" Really???? I am am American citizen, standing in New Orleans and I do not have the right to take a damn photo? Really? When did Carnival get the authority to prevent me from my civil rights or (this stupid dude working for them?) I understand that they want to sell photos and as a stock holder I want them to make money....but REALLY? Why do you want to Pizz off a paying passenger? This type of crap went on and on aboard the Dream. Someone needs to take a look at this "boat" lol

 

This is TSA/Homeland Security regulations bud. There are certain areas of ports and airports that they don't want folks taking pictures of. If you want to complain to someone complain to your government, not the poor Carnival schlub who's just doing what he's told to do.

[tofinochris]

Did you ask the steward to stock the mini bar? It appears as if they are starting to have it empty. Ours was empty on our March 20 Magic cruise. And there is a thread stating that they will be having the mini bar empty on all ships starting soon.

 

Totally sensible. They probably found that a small percentage of people were buying anything from the mini-bar, and preferred to use it as a fridge.

 

I don't even see the point of being sat around in your room drinking out of the mini bar when you have access to bartenders making drinks literally steps away, but hey, I'll do my vacation my way, others can do it their way :)

[cruise_lovin]

Just returned 4/24/16 from the cruise aboard the Dream. Let me say that I like Carnival Cruise Lines very much. I am a stock holder and have a cruise booked aboard the Breeze in July. My group enjoys traveling and take several cruises each year.

 

 

 

This cruise aboard the Dream was the worst experience I have had so far. I will never cruise on that ship again! I would estimate that 85% of the crew were very good. I think that 10% could use some additional training. In my opinion about 5% need another job outside the travel industry.

 

 

 

Our room steward did not make any appearance until about 8:00 p.m. on our first day. She never did stock the mini-bar. There were clothes found under our bed from a previous passenger. She was not friendly, never called us by name and was never to be found! It is just "US" but we always greet our room steward on the first day with a gift bag of candy, thank you card with money enclosed. You do not need to do that...It is just what we do!

 

 

 

I found many of the cruise personnel to be rude and wanted to argue with any simple request. Really??? (Now...some were wonderful) However the rude ones always seem to stand out! I am very lucky that I can cruise anytime, anywhere I want! I just thought I would give you the heads-up on the DREAM. Cruise Carnival....just avoid that ship!

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using it seems they have cut down on crew members.

 

 

 

It seems they have cut down on crew members across most of their ships. Ive heard this same issue numerous times and I too experienced this on my last cruise. I was getting no towel animals and it seems the stewardess was in and out of my room quickly. I did however ask her if I could just get one animal, as I realized she was vey swamped. I just wanted one lol. We asked for morning service and one night, the room still had not been serviced and we were leaving for dinner. I was able to locate her and she apologized.

 

It was a packed ship, and so we were better off servicing ourselves it seemed. My husband would order a drink and the waiter would never return. Just little things like that. I didn't let it ruin my cruise. We still had a great time, but it was just an observation. I actually felt really bad because by the end of the cruise most of the crew appeared to be drained and were far from smiling.

Edited July 24, 2016 by cruise_lovin