Solo sailing on Carnival Dream December 2-9, 2018 after seven year gap

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Last photos

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On 12/31/2018 at 8:22 AM, fyree39 said:

Loving your review!  Never been on the Dream.  RE: Spa balcony.  I had canceled a spa balcony years ago because it was too close to the Dive In movie screen.  I didn't even think about an uncovered balcony and probably wouldn't like that at all.  

Really the uncover was no issue except for the rain (which was late at night mid sailing.

What I did was just have the chair opposite and had plenty of shade.

Also I didn't hear anything from the Dive in movie screen at all.  I also didn't hear no noise from the waterworks in the room and I was two doors down from the door going outside.

[Roz]

Airlink,

 

Good to "see" you again.  I remember you, partly because you sail solo, and partly because you also live in TN.  Sorry to hear about the job issues...that sucks big time.  Glad things have stabilized and you're able to indulge in your cruising addiction again.  I enjoyed your review and photos.

 

Roz

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I did download the Carnival app and found myself using it a lot during the sailing.  It was great for the going on around the ship and the menus.  Also kept tab of my balance.  Great idea.

Dive in movies I really hate missing out!  The first night I really wanted to see Crazy Rich Asians but so tired!  The one night I was going to watch Equalizer 2 was when we had the storm.  From viewing on tv, could see staff moving chairs out and clearing the deck.

When the movies were playing and I was near, always a nice crowd of people enjoying them.

 

Spa.  

With my Spa balcony also had use of the spa.  I did use it, but not everyday.  The first time I went, I inquired about the scrub item mentioned on the room plaque.  When I asked the young lady at the desk, she told me I had already received mine in a rude manner.  I told her that was my first visit and didn't.  She gave me one and was the only rude person I had on the cruise.

I did enjoy the spa,best time to visit in the late evenings after 7 p.m. fewer people and able to enjoy.  I also received a $50 off card in my cabin and used for a massage.  It was nice just had to listen to the sale pitch for some $60 oil which I declined..

 

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2 minutes ago, Roz said:

Airlink,

 

Good to "see" you again.  I remember you, partly because you sail solo, and partly because you also live in TN.  Sorry to hear about the job issues...that sucks big time.  Glad things have stabilized and you're able to indulge in your cruising addiction again.  I enjoyed your review and photos.

 

Roz

Thanks Roz!  I'm eyeing cruises for later this year.  Trying to get back into cruise mode again

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Last item before reviewing the ports is my fellow cruisers.

I will say that overall people were very nice and polite on this sailing. Often in the elevators, waiting on the elevators, sitting in the lounges,etc people would do small talk.

I got offers to join others a few times while dining or talk to people at the next tables.

Another thing I noticed on this sailing there were plenty of chairs all over the ship.  Even in the pool area on sea days.  Might not be two together.  Also on deck 11 plenty on the side with sun and shade.  Also deck five had plenty which I recall from my prior Dream sailing and outside my cabin I spent a lot of time on this deck.

Casino- It's was like everyone stated, smoke,smoke and smoke!

On sea day I did play $10. Got it up to $30.  When I got ready to go, no money!  I was like how do you cash out?  I was about to hit the help attendant button when another cruiser two machines down help me set up on my sail and sign since I didn't have a player's card.  Had to do this just to cash my money out.  After this, never played again.

 

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Roatan

Our first port was Roatan.  This was my second visit with on the first I did a private tour.  Since I had tours planned in the other ports, decided this would be my beach day.

Now I will say this first, since being a member of this website, I use it for suggestions for tours and overall 9 out of 10 all the tours are great to excellent.  Sad to say this was the second out of many that wasn't.

I did go with suggestion on doing the day pass with Mayan Princess resort.  I opt for the package which included the lunch along with use of the grounds and drinks.

About a month prior to sailing it was no longer showing and was worried it was cancel.  But called and told no longer offered as a private, but mine would be honored.

The first issue wasn't all the resort fault, there were four other people on the Dream who also had this package.  The email and print out gave clear directions and time on where and when to meet.  I made sure to get off the ship and head to the area outside the fence.  When getting there, the driver from the resort was there, greeted me and told me we were waiting on a party of four.

I went to the covered area to wait.

It was over a hour and still they were nowhere to be found!  The local and ship time was the same so that was not the issue.  I was getting upset sitting their over a hour.  The driver came and stated he was sorry for the delay and asked if I knew the others.  Finally we left.  As we got on the main road, he received a call that they had just showed up!  I got the feeling they wanted him to turn around, but the look on my face he was like was already on the road.  Add a 30 40 minute ride, two hours of my time was gone.

The good was the pool area was wonderful, No vendors and the waiter for that area came by often for drinks.

After relaxing at the pool area, went to the beach.

The plus was even though December, water was wonderful, clear, not too deep and you could get drink service in the water.

Bad was the vendors!  I understand people got to make a living, but  person after person asking you to buy.  Had to stay in the water and couldn't enjoy the chairs beachside.  Headed back to the pool area.

Almost missed out on lunch but a young lady was walking around the pool letting people know that if was over at 12:30 p.m.

The food was not good even the burger was so so.  I could had saved my money on this portion.

I requested shortly to leave and return to port.

Overall not a great day.  

Next visit will like to enjoy the beach, but one without all the vendors and felt the Mayan Princess wasn't a good fit for me.

Also on another note, was planning to get off the ship and shop for a bit (had a lot time) saw a cute purse.  However didn't and of course even though saw the same brand in Cozumel, not the same purse.

Here are some photos from Roatan

 

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Last photos of the day!  

[bakersdozen12]

Loving your review! Thanks for taking the time to write it. I can’t wait to read more. This really makes me want to cruise out of New Orleans again. I just love New Orleans. Sadly, though, the Dream will be gone by the time we have a chance to cruise out of there again. The Dream out of New Orleans was my first cruise, and I have such fond memories of it. 

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Belize

Our next port was Belize.  This was my 6th visit to Belize.  I love history and decided to go with visiting Mayan ruins.  On my last visit I went to Lamanai with a private vendor.  This is typical with all my prior stops in Belize.  I wanted to visit Xunantunich this time.  I did reach out to private vendors concerning doing a tour.  However since I was solo quoted a high price or offered to do with others.  I didn't go this route due to last visit went with a private vendor and had a family that was late off the ship, and was same during the tour.  Also since these ruins were right at the Guatemalan border decided to go with Carnival.

I was pleased with Carnival tour.  I knew from this website and Carnival that it was a long drive (two hours) each way.  No issue with me and also no worries about missing the ship.

The bus I was on was about 40 people with one guide on the bus.  During the ride she gave info about Belize overall and the site. Once there, you ride a short ferry across a river and take a van to the bottom of the site.  If you have issues with walking the stairs, there is the option of taking the van to the top.

We had pick up another guide who went in depth of the site.  

We got the history of the site, when it was discovered and current info.  This is still an active archaeological site with a recent burial discovery in the past few years.  Most of the site is still waiting to be worked on.  

There is still the option of climbing to the top of El Castillo.  I and few others declined and just watched.  There is a shelter area in which we sat and one of the guides answered questions and pointed out the friezes on El Castillo.

We had a short shopping time near the bus with local vendors.  I purchased three purses for a good price.

Our next stop was for a local lunch.  When we arrived, was served and option to purchase soda or water.

On the return our guide talked shortly and let us relax.

Our tour was the last ship tour to return.  When arriving back at the port station, two shore excursion reps were waiting for us.

We had to wait on a ferry about 15 minutes.  This was the last ferry.  This ferry not only had our bus, but the shore excursion reps and security with the signage.  With so few of us there was really no wait for an elevator was great.

I felt that the ship tour was a good value and suggest it as an option.  The downside for some was the bus ride.  To me I love the ride since I drive a lot and enjoyed riding and chance to enjoy reading on my Kindle.

Below is several pictures from the tour

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More photos from Xunatunich

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One of my favorite pictures from the cruise.  Taking a photo of another ferry in front of us

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Cozumel

Cozumel was hard to decide what to do.  Been too many times and was looking at just staying on the ship.  Under the port of call section, suggestion of the Cozumel food tour.  Decided to go with this and so glad that I did!  This was a great tour and if you looking for something different and still live time to enjoy other things.

The meeting place was a Mega which is downtown.  I love visiting Mega for fresh pastries and coffee.  For under $3 got a Latte and several pastries.  If you are in the downtown highly suggest visiting.  Even took some back on ship and enjoyed later.

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About a hour later tour time.  I was the only person from a Carnival ship,  The others were from Princess and Royal Caribbean. Total of five people and everyone on time for the tour.

Our guide Gerry took us to hidden gems that vast majority tourist visit.  We were at local eateries enjoying great food.  One of the best was second stop having pork tacos which was cooked underground.  The cook used blood oranges and chile paste.  I'm a bbq snob (due to living outside of Memphis and enjoying great bbq) this lady could come and her pork would be right at the top.  We also got to enjoy fresh tortilla at a local shop.  Going to a local market seeing the fruits and veggies, meat, seafood, spices.  Also enjoyed a wonderful chicken soup.  We got to enjoy fried fish that was just caught that morning along with the best chips.  Last stop was visiting a local pastry shop.

One person couldn't eat seafood and was offered chicken instead.

Also enjoyed local fruit drinks, apple soda, local beer.

This three hour tour had quite a bit of time to enjoy Cozumel. I opt to return to the port area.  Got my mother's vanilla, some rum cakes for co workers and  had a frozen drink.

Headed back to the ship and sat out under the tent for awhile.  Sad because knowing that next time getting off the ship in New Orleans.

Getting back on board, enjoyed the balcony and waving and watching the other Carnival ship in port with us.  Got a chance to watch the sky ride.  Don't see the appeal.  The other ship left before us fun to watch.

 

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More photos from the Cozumel food tour

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The last sea day was just spent relaxing, packing and enjoying my balcony.

Since my level is gold, got a coupon for a free drink after 5 p.m.  One thing I missed is the past cruisers party.  Yes it was cheesy with sweet drinks, but loved cheering when a ship you sailed on came up on the screen and hearing new info about Carnival.

One thing couldn't use in the steakhouse with a frozen drink, so saved it for one of the bars.

Debarkation was a breeze and was off the ship before 10 a.m.

Overall it was a good cruise.  I enjoyed being back on a ship and finding my little moments.  Yes not everything was great and some things I just didn't get a chance to enjoy.  Looking at booking another cruise later this year.

If you have any questions just ask!!