Dream Cruise 02/03 - 02/10: Key Takeaways

[Joebucks]

5th cruise and became gold on this one. It isn't much, but no longer felt like the newbies!

 

Embarkation - Super easy. 15 minutes tops from the Uber to the Room.

 

Super Bowl Party - Was fun, but I was a little disappointed. The environment was fun. We watched in the main theatre as the Lido was a bit cold. They kept Blue Iguana and Guy's open late that day, which worked for many. The stream they used for the game does not include the famous Super Bowl commercials, which used to be my favorite part. Saw the same sports advertisements over and over. 

 

Steakhouse - This was probably my most anticipated thing to try. I found it overrated. I had the Wagyu, which was cooked perfectly, and tasty, but I didn't loose my mind over it. To be fair, I don't ever go gaga over expensive steaks. The Lobster bisque was terrible. The cesar salad was a bit better than the MDR gives you. The art at your table, was fun and different. Service here was no better. It was a cool experience, but wasn't worth $76. The presentation is very nice, and that alone is enough to make people run to it. It does nothing for me, nor do the fancy steak cuts. Should have went with the Ribeye. I will give it another chance someday.

 

The ship itself - Overall, I loved the ship. It was my first Dream class. While I am not a Casino person, the Casino did not have a smoky smell at all. The TVs around the Casino bar is a fun setup. I do not understand this hive mind that says the Dream class doesn't get crowded as much. The Punchliner was the worst yet. You had to get there 45 minutes early for the first 18+ show to get a decent seat. Yes 45 minutes. There's also two giant pillars in front of the stage which obstruct the view some otherwise great surrounding seats. The Lido is also too small as everyone wants to be there during the sea days. Almost got into it with a chair hog. I did miss this setup of Lido though as my last two cruises were on Fantasy class. The smoking area was also a very spacious place to enjoy a cigar. The Serenity was nice, but completely filled when we went. Other that that though, the flow wasn't too terrible. There are plenty of places to go if you want quiet. I was looking for more of the fun atmosphere. 

 

Food - Everything was very good. We had great service and quality in the MDR every night. Our waiter was fantastic. We enjoyed the MDR very much, it was to the point of borderline regretting spending a night in the Steakhouse. My filet mignon in the MDR was honestly just as good as the Wagyu. This was my first time on a ship with Guy's BBQ. It was a tad dry, but some of those dried pieces were actually amazing on flavor. Made a sandwhich with the slaw and BBQ sauce. Very good. BlueIguana and Guy's Burger joint also never disappoint. Tried my first Huevo Ranchero. It sounded gross to be, but heard too many good things. Amazing! I also tried the new Deli. I actually liked it better than the old style. The buffalo chicken sandwhich was very good. Getting fries with truffle oil = win! The pizza lines were long, but not as bad. The employees there worked fast. They had the new cakes, which were good. The carvery was there. Never once did we ever think of any of this as "cutbacks". This was the most weight I've gained on a cruise. This makes me both very happy and very mad with the dining team.

 

Staff - Everyone was great as always on Carnival. Our MDR headwaiter was one of our favorites. The Alchemy staff was very fun. Everyone was friendly. The cruise director Gary was fun. Our room steward seemed to be a little strange towards us. We selected morning service, and everything was done properly, so good enough for me.

 

Room - Everything was fine. Well-kept. We do a standard interior room. Keep the costs low, and keep ourselves from staying in there too long. No frills there. Boy did I miss having a fridge again. Desperately missed that from the Fantasy class! These were very well ventilated. Everything stayed very cold.

 

Alcohol - Tried quite a few new concoctions at the Alchemy. Had that one mixture with the absinte. That was pretty intense. One of them made me one of his special old-fashioneds, and it was excellent. Cucumber sunrise was a good, light, drink as that is all that would do for my free cocktail on the last night. We spent the most we ever did on drinks, especially since there was 3 sea days. Still though, we never once were stressing about the bill. Will continue to avoid Cheers.

 

Montego Bay - Not my favorite port. Taxis were basically highway robbery for $50 to go 20 minutes away. Spent a day at the Riu after both Sandals turned us away. That is very frustrating, and for as much as we've enjoyed Sandals passes, I may pass on them next time. Not due to the typical "never again" reasons people give, but their system of just "call or show up on the day of to find out if you can come" isn't cruise friendly. It ended up as a fun time in the end at the Riu. Had some fantastic Jerk Chicken on the beach, which is always a high point for me. 

 

Grand Cayman - LOVED this port. Never once felt like I was in a third world country. Went to the Turtle Farm, which was pretty cool. Got to hold some green sea turtles and snorkel with them in a man made lagoon.

 

Cozumel - Return visit. Went to Mr Sanchos. It was fun, but seemed a bit overrated to me. (mixed) Drinks were of very poor quality. Could not get shots. They obviously just want to give you weak drinks. Food was pretty good though. Bought a bottle of some excellent tequila at the "museum" (and I don't like tequila)

 

I'd think the biggest win was bringing my sister and her BF along, who were both weary of going. It far exceeded both of their expectations. We had never cruised with another couple. It was much better. We all had a blast!

 

Overall, I feel like it was a completely different experience than what I read about on here. What is complained about, we found enjoyable, and vice-versa.

 

The biggest loss is I don't have a future cruise booked. I usually have 1-2. Gotta change that!

Edited February 11, 2019 by Joebucks

[JaniceB]

Thanks for the review.  

 

[bbtbear]

Thanks for the review! Boarding the Dream in 13 days, so I was super excited to see a recent review here. Appreciate you taking the time and glad you had a good time! Cheers!

Edited February 11, 2019 by bbtbear

[stobe1]

1 hour ago, Joebucks said:

 

Grand Cayman - LOVED this port. Never once felt like I was in a third world country. Went to the Turtle Farm, which was pretty cool. Got to hold some green sea turtles and snorkel with them in a man made lagoon.

 

 

That would be because the Cayman Islands isn't a third world country.

[Ericas85]

Thanks for the review!! Cruising on the Dream in 27 days!

[bury me at sea]

I appreciate your thoughtful, well organized review of your Dream cruise.

 

Thanks for taking the time to post.

[duncmelsmom]

Thanks for the review...made a note about getting into the comedy club.  Hitting the same cruise on March 3!  Can't wait!  

[Gumbo4Life]

Great, thanks for the informative and concise review!

[Markmom18]

Thanks for your review, also will take your advice on the Comedy Club!

 🌸🌸 Bobbi 

[dan-o 1]

We we're on her also. It's a very nice ship. There was always someone cleaning and the staff were great. My biggest issue was the luggage pickup. HORRIBLE setup. One loud, rude lady ushering people to their luggage. I'll not forget her.  And then they give you no room to pull your bag out on top of rushing you through. Everything else was great but I'll not go out of NOLA again. there are plenty of other ports.