Dream cruise December 9 to 16

[electricron]

I'm back safe and sound, and suffering from cruise withdrawls again.

 

Although the weather didn't co-operate with clear and sunny skies, I had fun on this cruise. I hadn't planned on spending any time sun tanning and soaking up rays at the beach, so I didn't mind the partly cloudy to cloudy skies. With the experience I had last year, I was prepared for some rain, as I remembered to pack a raincoat. I only had to wear it one day.

 

Always the first item of interest to many, the food:

I really like the new NCL menus, as there was always something in every category I liked to eat, always something new to try, spicy or not so spicy, and always something I would probably never wish to eat. My food selections were always served at appropriate temperatures. My longest dinner was at Le Bristo, in and out in 110 minutes. At the free restaurants, my longest dinner consumed 90 minutes, there were times when we was in and out in 60 minutes. The longest wait in line I experienced was just 15 minutes, on the last two at sea days, when others starting standing in line at 5 pm for a 5:30 pm open. I didn't get into line until 5:30, and I was afraid I wouldn't get seated because they would be full, but I did. I'll bet someone will post they waited 30 minutes, but golly folks, don't get in line 30 minutes before the restaurant opens. :rolleyes: I would rank the food on a 1 to 5 scale a 5.

 

Second item of interest, the shows.

The Jean Ann Ryan Company was aboard, I don't need to state they were great, do I? The Calypso Band was loud, the classical piano player and singing piano player were soothing to listen to, the ship's band and the pop singing duo were great to dance to, what else do you need? We also had a comedian who was funny, and a comedian/magician who wasn't funny and the magic was standard fare, nothing special. I would rank the entertainment at 5 too.

 

Third item of interest, the cabin and steward.

My cabin was always clean, the ice bucket refilled twice a day, and the beds turned over appropriately. I didn't get any towel animals this time. :( The cabin was smaller than most, a C class oceanview, but larger than what I experienced on the Majesty and Sea. Surprisingly, there was a curtain between the bed and sitting area, which I thought were available only in mini-suites on NCL ships. The curtain did come in handy not just at night, but during the day too. I would rank the cabin and steward at 5 too.

 

Fourth item of interest, the Buffet/Sports Bar.

This facility is much to small to be of any use. The Bar and TV sets hanging from the ceiling consume too much space in the far too small buffet. It wouldn't be so bad if there were more outside tables available, but there were none. The food was standard fare for buffets, and the crew tried so hard to make this facility enjoyable, it's size causes me to I rank the buffet at a lowly 2. :eek:

 

Fifth item of interest, the pools.

Although I didn't use them, there's three swimming pools aboard the Dream. There were plenty of deck chairs available for those wishing to sun. I did see the crew picking up towels from empty chairs, maybe that was the reason why there were chairs available all the time. The aft pool is hard to get to, but those who take the trouble were rewarded with less crowds and more privacy. I would rank the pool areas at 5.

 

Sixth item of interest, the ability to move about this ship.

The person who designed the stretch job done to this ship in 1998 should be sued. Having the Stardust Lounge and Casino in the middle of Deck 10 and the Four Seasons in the middle of Deck 9, were major mistakes. It wouldn't have been as bad to place these locales either at the forward or aft end of these decks. At times, passenegers wishing to go aft to the bar/lounges on both Decks 9 and 10 had to move up or down two or more decks to get around. Having passengers in tank tops and swiming suits walking through the Four Season Restaurant during breakfast, lunch or dinner seemed to diminish the atmosphere. Otherwise, the design reflects 1992 era, and therefore I would rank this a 4.

 

Seventh item of interest, the overall interior decor.

I was slightly disappointed on how this ship was decorated. It was bland, and individual public rooms looked too much alike. All the ceilings had lattices in the exact same pattern, all the light fixtures were identical, and all the furnishings were the same in all the public rooms. About the only things that were different one could use to identify one public place from another were the colors of the wall paper and furnishing, and the carpet used in them. I would rank the ship's decor at 3.

 

Eight item of interest, the ship's slow speed.

This was the next to slowest ship I have ever sailed on. Although the seas were calm but on just one day, I don't consider moderate seas (8 to 12 feet) an acceptable excuse to go so slowly and be 2 hours late arriving at Progresso, and missing Playa Del Carmen completely on the next leg, forcing those booking mainland Mexican excursions to take the ferry both ways from and back to Cozumel. I don't believe we ever exceeded 18 knots on a ship capable on paper of 21+ knots. It's like the Captain was afraid to ring up full speed to make up for lost time. ;) Although the Dream appears to be well maintained from an outside view, there must be some minor problems deep down in the propulsion plant. Since it can almost make full speed, I would rank speed a 4.

 

I'll post photos with further experiences I wish to share later. Overall, although the service I experienced from the crew was top notch "a-one", because the ship design, decor, and speed were both troublesome and bland, I rank the ship and cruise at 4. I had a great time and had much fun. I would recommend this cruise and ship if you could get as low a fare as I did for this cruise. :)

[7SeasLover]

I wonder if the Crown will be similar to the Dream? I sail on the Crown for the first time this coming March.

 

Sounded like you had an overall enjoyable time.

[electricron]

I wonder if the Crown will be similar to the Dream? I sail on the Crown for the first time this coming March.

Sounded like you had an overall enjoyable time.

 

I haven't sailed on the Crown before, but from what I've read, the Crown has the largest standard cabins in the fleet. But it's also the smallest ship overall.

 

All the restaurants, bar/lounges, and the Stardust Lounge on the Crown are either forward or aft or on a deck of their own. There are no cabins isolated by public rooms like there are on the Dream and Wind.

[electricron]

Left my home around 6 am, temperature just above freezing. Drove all the way to Houston along I 45, made pretty good time, and arrived at the pier around 12:30. The lines at the cruise terminal were short by this time, and we were dropping our bags in our cabin by 1:00 pm. We were eating lunch at Seven Seas by 1:30 pm.

After lunch, we walked around the Dream finding our way. At the Coffee Bar we ordered our adult soda cards, which were $40.25 each for the seven day cruise. The Drill muster occured at 3:30 pm, and the ship left the pier by 4:00 pm. The skies were cloudy, and it really was too cool to attend the CC get together at the pool on Deck 12, so I missed the Sail Away and CC party once again. Instead, I decided to watch some TV and get some rest in my warm cabin before going to dinner. I had driven over 6 hours earlier that day and was tired.

I was surprised to see so many passengers wishing to dine early, and standing in line long before the restaurant was scheduled to open. So many were confused about which restaurants needed reservations, and which ones had surcharges, so I did my best to explain which were which. I don't know why so many refuse to read the Freestyle Daily which clearly explained it all?

Dinner was in the Seven Seas, I selected the Marinated Roasted Pineapple, Chilled Peach Soup, Grilled Mahi Mahi, and Italian Cream Cake. We decided to share a table, and met an interesting couple from Minneapolis. They thought it was very warm, while I was complaining about how cool it was out on the decks. This proves everything is relative. I was stuffed upon leaving the table, in time to see the first show.

The first show was merely a tease for the rest of the week. But I was surprised to learn that the Jean Ann Ryan Productions was aboard, this bit of information made my Day 1. I was eagerly anticipating their shows for the rest of the week. After the show, sampled all the bars/lounges. I discovered sadly that all of Deck 9 public rooms were completely non smoking, so eventually settled on doing most of my partying on Deck 10, at least one could smoke on the starboard side up there. I was tired, so was in bed before 11:00 pm.

TIP #1 > Non Smokers should party on Deck 9 on the Dream.

[Cosmopolitan]

Thanks for your review. Enjoyable.

 

Keep it coming:)

[electricron]

Your typical At Sea day. The shops and casino are open, but it's optional formal night. The seas were moderate, the sky is cloudy, on and off showers. We aren't traveling as fast as I though we should.

Awoke around 7:00 am, breakfast and lunch were in the Four Seasons.

After breakfast, besides buying the much needed addition to my collection, a model of the Dream, I booked a 5:30 pm reservations at Le Bristo. It was 2 for 1 for the entire cruise for 5:30 and 6:00 reservations. At noon, he Captain hinted we weren't making good time, blaming it on a slow ship ahead of us when in Galveston Bay and we might be late reaching Progresso tomorrow morning. Oh yeah?

After lunch, we attended the Latitudes Party. I only got four pieces of cheeses and crackers from the tray, and just two drinks. Usually I suceed in getting more, but this party had a huge turnout. But, I had dinner at Le Bristo to look forward to. We arrived at the Le Bristo at precisely 5:30 pm, the line for both main restaurants had already joined in front of the Le Bristo. For some reason, on this cruise, there were many passengers willing to start the lines half an hour before the restaurants open. I had to rudely break both lines to get into the Le Bristo. Sorry! While others were waiting for whatever reason, snicker-snicker, I walked right in and got my table within seconds. Surely made that $15 total I spent for this experience worth every penny.

Here's what I ordered:

Escargots Bourgulgnonne

 

Watercresa Veloute

 

Bruised Short Ribs and Grilled Tenderloin

 

Lobster Tail (free on Lobster/Formal Night)

 

Chocolate Mousse

 

Was there a cartoon character we didn't eat that night. Between us we dined on Mickey, Donald, Kermit, and Elsie. Needless to say, they were all delicious.

 

It took me almost two hours to eat this most enjoyable meal. We had to rush to make the first Jean Ann Ryan show. But we made it just in time. After the show, I was so stuffed I was ready to retire for the night. After a few drinks, it was time to hit the sack. I've got to get up early to catch the bus on the pier for tomorrows shore excursion by 8:00 am, according to my tickets. But that's tomorrows story.

 

Tip #2 > It's half price to reserve your dinner at the Specialty Restaurants early.

[electricron]

We arrived at Progresso closer to 10:00 am vs the scheduled 8:00 am. The Captain announced we could return to the ship an hour later than scheduled at 4:30 pm instead of 3:30 pm upon arrival.

The pier at Progresso is around 5 miles from shore because of shallow seas. This is not the port to choose to walk around town. You're going to need transportation just to get from the pier to the town. Although there were shops near the pier at the cruise passenger terminal area.

The weather was cloudy to partly cloudy with on and off showers all day. It was great that I had my raincoat with me today.

We selected the Mayan ruins at Dzibilchaltun and the Merida city tour because we had heard that you couldn't climb at Chicken Itza. We easily found our tour bus and enjoyed the tour to Dzibilchatun. We were able to climb all the ruins. But some of the ruins are a very long walk away from the others. There was even a sink hole with fresh water nearby. It was strange to see the ruins of a church amongst the Mayan ruins.

Then we boarded the buses for a short trip to downtown Merida. We were dropped for an hour at a square opposite the first Cathedral built in Mexico, and possibly in the Western Hemisphere. Huge very old trees provide shade from the sun and cover from the rain. The street vendors were very aggressive, and kept changing their prices every time they passed. At first the prices fell, then later the prices rose. Did the hammocks really cost $1, or $30? There were places to shop and eat within two blocks of this square. But not your typical Caribbean beach resorts shops.

We returned to the ship around 3:30 pm. Since I was too busy to eat in Merida, we quickly grapped hot dogs at the Sport's bar to tie us over until dinner.

We dines at the Terraces tonight. (There's no Seven Seas aboard, so anytime I mentioned Seven Seas before, I meant the Terraces). We arrived promptly at 5:30 pm, and was surprised to see a very short line tonight. I selected Papaya, Mango, and Kiwi Coctail, Chilled Melon Soup, Grilled New York Strip Steak, Ice Cream, and the International Cheese Platter. We asked for hot tea instead of coffee and it was delivered.

We finished dinner again in time to see the first show. The crew performed an amateur show tonight. It was more akin to Scareoke, but entertaining.

After the show, I donated some funds to the casino. The slots were tight tonight. We had a great time in Progresso, and we're looking forward to getting a quick start tomorrow from Playa.

Tip #3 > Take a tour at Progresso. The ship docks 5 miles away from any beach.

[electricron]

We arrived at Cozumel on time, by skipping our Playa Del Carmen drop off. Which was great for those wishing to stay at Cozumel, but unfortunate for those booking mainland Mexican excursions. It took 20 minutes or so to load the first boat, and another 30 minutes on the ferry to transit each way from Cozumel to Playa, and back. So, instead of starting our excursion at 9:30 am in Playa, we boarded our buses at 11:30, loosing two hours ashore.

We awoke to foggy skies, with on and off showers. It appears the weather front has been following us since we left Houston. But it warmed up nice when the sun broke through the clouds.

Like yesterday morning, we ate breakfast at the Sport's Bar. As I wrote before, this facility is much too small. Often you can't find an empty table to sit at after loading up your plates with food. Many passengers had no option than finding another place to eat the food; including outside on Decks 12 and 11, inside on Decks 10 and 9, or taking their full plates back to their cabins. There were empty plates scattered throughout the ship every morning, making the ship look very trashy. The line appeared at first glance to be very long. Actually there are two lines, but only one reached out the door into the elevator bank area on Deck 12. You have to walk by those standing in the long line to get to the end of the second line, which was always much shorter. But doing so caused many in the first line to get angry, as they thought you were cutting into the one and only line, instead of getting into the second line. It's amazing how uninformed so many are. To add, the waits on both lines were long, as so many passengers pick and choose which food items to place on their plate and fumble with the plate in one hand while scooping food from the line onto their plate. Every second wasted increased the wait time for others behind them. There was a rail to place your plate, freeing up both hands to scoop your food, which would have increased the flow of the lines, but few used it. I believe the main reason so many chose to not place their plates on the rail was because there were no trays available. If they had trays for their plates, maybe they would have used the rails.

The ferry ride in moderate seas was very rough. We were tossed around in the boats. While no one seemed to get sick enough to heave their breakfast on this ride, the crew was handing out barf bags for those who wanted them.

We chose the tour to Tulum this time around vs staying in Cozumel. Tulum was magnificent, and much more than what I expected. It's almost like a tourist park, except no where near as nice as Disneyland or Six Flags. We arrived at Tulum on Guadeloupe Day, and priests, nuns, and their followers were easy to spot. On the way south, the bus stopped at a Mayan tribal shop for artists. The prices for the art was very high. This stop wasted another hour away from Tulum, which was the major goal of this tour. We were provided a box lunch which consisted of a tuna sandwich, chocolate chip granola bar, fruit cocktail, and a bottle of water.

We barely got back to Playa in time to catch the last boat. The ferry ride back was much smoother that afternoon.

We again chose to dine at the Terraces. Tonight I enjoyed Braised Stone Fruits, Romaine and Taboulch Salad, Roast Prime Rib of Beef, and Coconut Cream Pie.

To add, we never had to wait more than a five minutes between servings during the entire cruise, but except for the first night, we always asked for and received a table for two.

Again, we made it to the first show in plenty of time. Tonight was the second Jean Ann Ryan show. This one concentrated on Country soungs, the first show earlier concentrated on Jazz. I believe the Jean Ann Ryan shows are the best at sea. I've never been disappointed by them.

After the main show, it was time to enjoy the bars as I was tired from walking at Tulum. Although events were scheduled topside late almost every night, the weather was poor and I avoided them.

 

Tip #4 > Use the second line at the Sport's Bar, you'll save at least 10 minutes. But be prepared to be unpopular with those waiting in the first line.

[DocMath]

amazing posts - wonderful details and tips. We're taking notes :) Please keep them coming. We set sail on 12/30.

 

Thanks again!

[Zeno]

I was surprised to see so many passengers wishing to dine early, and standing in line long before the restaurant was scheduled to open. So many were confused about which restaurants needed reservations, and which ones had surcharges, so I did my best to explain which were which. I don't know why so many refuse to read the Freestyle Daily which clearly explained it all?

 

I agree with you - I don't understand either reaction. Why line-up before the restaurant is even open? We saw people doing this on the Sky and the Sun. We would arrive at the dining room at 6PM and be seated immediately.

Re: Reading the Freestyle Daily - I don't know why people don't do that either. This is why when people want NCL cruising tips I always emphasize

READ the Freestyle Daily - it makes perfectly clear wihich restaurants are pay-extra and which need reservations. Sometimes I think people don't even want to make the smallest effort to have an enjoyable vacation.

[electricron]

We anchored off Belize City on time. Yipee! Since I've seen Belize City before, and really didn't want to see the same Mayan sights again, we thought it would be a great day to stay aboard the ship and enjoy it while most were ashore. There were no lines anywhere today that I had to wait in.

The weather was partly cloudy today. I also found a quiet shady spot to sit, read, and relax at the aft end of the Dream on Deck 8, which you can get to from the Promenade Deck (Deck 7) and from the aft pool (Deck 9). It's not obvious it's there on the ship, but the Deck Plans clearly show it, so we went looking for it. Although quiet and shady, it wasn't close to any bar where you could get a drink quickly.

After two days eating breakfast at the Sport's Bar, it was past time to try the Four Seasons again. The Waffles and Eggs Benedict were more than perfect, I received a banana with whip cream with the waffle surprisingly, as I assumed I was going to receive just the maple syrup I ordered. There was no lines for breakfast when we arrived, and we were immediately seated.

We heard an announcement page rather odd, calling the "Specialist" to the Medical Center, during breakfast just prior to anchoring. Upon leaving the Four

Seasons and walking the Promenade Deck watching the boats come aside, the very first boat had just a few passengers aboard when it left. There was one rather old lady carried out on a stretcher with what appeared to be her husband and medical staff. I hope she is okay today, but she looked very sick on the tender boat. Another reason everyone should buy travel insurance.

After breakfast, we just roamed around the Dream until lunch. This is the port they unload the garbage into a skiff. You'll be surprised to learn what garbage is thrown into the skiff every week. Mostly packaging boxes, plastic milk crates, wooden pallets, soiled used carpets, compressed and tied up papers, damaged deck chairs, and at least one vacuum toilet, although I didn't see a kitchen sink tossed into the skiff.

We ate lunch at the Terraces. Again there were no lines. After lunch, we went to see the movie at the Stardust Lounge. They use a special tape player and projector to project the image onto a silver screen. I was disappointed with two things: first, the image was adapted to fit a 4x3 screen and was of low resolution, and second, there was no popcorn available. I'm surprised NCL hasn't upgraded to higher resolution DVDs, but maybe they're waiting for High Definition DVDs to become more available before spending financial resources upgrading the video equipment on the existing ships. I also much prefer widescreen letterbox videos than full screen TV videos.

Since the Dream leaves Belize City rather late, there were no lines for dinner either. We chose to done at the Terraces again, and we selected from the menu Florida Citrus, Double Beef Broth, Carved Roast Turkey, and the Hazlenut Souffie. Delicious! Again we left the restaurant with plenty of time to reach the first show at the Stardust.

After dinner, we watched the musician/comedian show. I've already critique him. I've seen better, but I've also have seen worse.

After the show, it was a night for partying at the bars and casino on Deck 10, as I was well rested. I was hoping an uncrowded ship might bring me better luck at the casino. But those slots were tight again, so I made another small donation to old Lady Luck.

 

Tip #5 > Always get travel insurance when traveling, you never know when and where you or your loves one may get ill or injured.

[coka]

Great review! Now I want to sail the Dream too! I like the tips of the day!

Coka

[newmexicoNita]

Although it may not happen, I too would love to sail her. We remember all the fun we had on the Sea before she left; it sounds like the Dream would offer most of the same experience. NMnita

[electricron]

We woke up after sunrise, and what a sight did we see off Cozumel. There must have been six ships (2 Carnival Fantasy class anchored, 1 large Princess, 2 Royal Caribbean, one of which was a huge Voyager or Freedom class ship, and the QE2. We were lucky to have been there two days previously, with five other smaller cruise ships (Sun, Dream, 2 Carnival Fantasy class anchored, and 1 very small Royal Caribbean, I believed it was the Empress of the Seas). By the way, there were only two other ships at Belize, us on the Dream, a large Princess and a regular sized Royal Caribbean, and we were the only ship at Progresso.

Although there were on and off showers all day, the seas were calm as glass because there was no wind. Similar weather conditions as on earlier days, but different sea conditions caused by different wind conditions. As I have written many times before, sea conditions are directly linked to the wind, that it's possible to have rough seas on a clear day, and calm seas on a rainy day. Here's a photo as proof.

 

 

We experienced no lines at breakfast since we arrived 30 minutes after the Four Seasons opened. After breakfast, we watched TV until lunch at the Four Seasons. There was a short line, but we finished eating lunch before an hour past from stepping in the line. Spent the afternoon on Deck 8 aft again finishing the book I started reading the previous day.

At dinner, there were long lines at both main restaurants at 5:30 pm. Very similar to what occurred on Day 2. One large group of approximately 25 passengers had book reservations at 5:30. This made the line look longer than what it really was. But that large group was quickly seated, and we were at out table with just a 10 minute wait in line. I ordered Tropical Fruits, Chilled Strawberry Soup, Peppered Sirloin Steak, and Banana Foster. Yum! Yum!

Although the line was long, and we experienced a ten minute wait to be seated, we still made it to the first show at the Stardust. Jean Ann Ryan Productions had a sea theme show. Although their shortest of all, the following NCL theme song show with members of the crew from all departments ended the show. I always eagerly anticipate this at the end of a cruise, and I wasn't disappointed. It's nice to hear the chefs getting the loudest applauses again. I guess this proves the new menus are popular! I gave them a standing ovation.

After the show, it was party time again on Deck 10. Christmas songs were being played by the solo piano player. I forgot to mention earlier that Christmas trees and decorations kept popping up all over the ship day by day.

 

Tip #6 > Expect to see longer lines at dinner on At Sea days.

Nag #1 > Getting in line at 5:00 pm for an opening at 5:30 pm means standing in line for 30 minutes. From my experience, joining a long line at 5:30 pm, when the restaurant opens, means standing in line for just 10 minutes. You make the call, standing in line for 30 or 10 minutes?

[Linda]

 

Was there a cartoon character we didn't eat that night. Between us we dined on Mickey, Donald, Kermit, and Elsie. Needless to say, they were all delicious.

 

Hi,

 

Very good journal with details! Thanks!

 

What is this? The edible cartoon charactors in La Bistro? May be I will take my little granddaughter and her parents there for dinner, especially if it is "buy one get one free". Are the special on every night for reservation to dine between 5pm to 6pm? This is what I have read from your journal. But want to make double sure. After treating the little family for this cruise+airfare($2000 for three of them & $695.10 for two of us), I am looking for bargain.

[electricron]

Although it may not happen, I too would love to sail her. We remember all the fun we had on the Sea before she left; it sounds like the Dream would offer most of the same experience. NMnita

 

Yes, the Dream would, and at very low fares. My really only major disappointment was the Sport's Bar aboard the Dream. It's just too small to be the main buffet on a ship so large. But as a Sport's Bar its perfectly sized or maybe slightly too large. There's only two lines for over 1700 potential passengers, and only one of them reaches out into the elevator platform. Even the larger Spirit has four lines, with only 300 more passengers. The smaller Majesty has two lines, port and starboard, easily seen from the elevator platform. The Majesty also doesn't have an outdoor seating area, but the Observatory immediately below accessible with stairs has additional tables and seats that can be used. The larger Dream and Wind don't.........

I avoided the Sport's Bar for the most part, and wished I could avoid it completely. But, that's a "design" problem, that should have been addressed when the ship was stretched in 1999. The crew did what they could to make it as convenient as possible.

The other disappointment was the late arrivals at the first two ports with less than heavy seas. I expect ships to be able to maintain a schedule in moderate, light, and calm seas.

The Dream last cruise from Houston is next spring. If you're going to sail on her cheaply, you must do so soon. Or take a cruise this summer when it's sailing the Baltic and the Kiel Canal. Yes, the top of the smoke stack can flip down so it can sail under Kiel Canal bridges, here's photos for proof:

Down

 

Up

[electricron]

Great review! Now I want to sail the Dream too! I like the tips of the day! Coka

 

I do too. That's why I included them. :cool:

[electricron]

Was there a cartoon character we didn't eat that night. Between us we dined on Mickey' date=' Donald, Kermit, and Elsie. Needless to say, they were all delicious.

Hi,

Very good journal with details! Thanks!

What is this? The edible cartoon charactors in La Bistro? May be I will take my little granddaughter and her parents there for dinner, especially if it is "buy one get one free". Are the special on every night for reservation to dine between 5pm to 6pm? This is what I have read from your journal. But want to make double sure. After treating the little family for this cruise+airfare($2000 for three of them & $695.10 for two of us), I am looking for bargain.[/quote']

 

The cartoon characters bit is a running joke.

Beef=Elsie, Froglegs in Soup=Kermit, Mousse=Mickey, and Duck=Donald.

 

Yes, the 2 for 1 surcharge discount applied to every reservation made for 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm for every night on my cruise.

 

To add, I've read many complain that they couldn't walk up and get seated, or couldn't get a reservation for their desired times because they were told the restaurants was booked solid, but they saw empty tables.

At 5:30 pm, four tables were occupied, at 5:45 pm, another four tables, and so on every 15 minutes. By the time I left the Le Bristo almost two hours later, every table in the restaurant was occupied.

If someone walked by at 6:00 or 6:30 pm, they would have seen some empty tables, although the restaurant was booked solid.

 

The same principle applies to every other ship. Assuming most diners will take two or more hours to finish, it's possible to see an empty table that was reserved to be used within two hours later. There's no way you can use that empty table and finish dinner before the group with the prior reservation wishes to use it. Therefore, while the table looks empty now, it really isn't........

[whatawonderfulworld]

I love reading a good biography...and maybe that's why I love reading a good, clear and concise review that flows. I am enjoying your review immensely.

 

You've done this itinerary before I see. Can you share which one of the ports is your favorite and why?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Ciao,

 

W A W W

[electricron]

I hate Day Seven's worse than Disembarkation Day. There's just too many fun things to do in so short a time. You also have to fill out forms, a chore I wish I could do some other time, not while I'm on vacation. You also realize you have just one more night and dinner aboard.

 

Woke up after sunrise. The weather was clearer than yesterday, but the wind was stronger and the seas rougher. Breakfast was in Four Seasons. We walked around the ship several times, trying to figure out what I should do today. Also my belt and slacks have been getting tighter, and I have reached the bottom of the suitcases for fresh clothing. Decided I needed to walk around the ship more. There were lines everywhere I went on the ship today. I guess everyone was feeling antsy today.

Lunch was in Four Seasons. Spent the afternoon playing Monopoly on Deck 9 outside the Coffee Cafe and Internet Cafe. Landed on Boardwalk once too many times and went bankrupt. I haven't had any luck at all on this cruise. :eek:

Dinner was in the Terraces once again. Tonight I selected Mediterranean Fruit with Amaretto, Turkey Scaloppini, and Chocolate Coffee Brulee.

 

There was almost a riot in the Dinner line. After last night's large group reserving tables at a main restaurant, many more did so tonight, including that same large party. Those who got in line a 5:00 pm were verbally abusive of those who had made 5:30 pm reservations. I was amazed that fighting didn't erupt.

The wait in line was only 15 minutes tonight.

 

Skipped the show in the Stardust tonight, the comedian was scheduled to perform. I have heard many of his jokes previously. Instead we decided to party on Deck 10 again. We had much fun singing a few Christmas Carols as the piano player played them on demand. Tis the season to be jolly.

 

Outside on deck, we passed many oil platforms in the Gulf. There were finally stars out tonight. The Milky Way is very beautiful when out at sea and away from city lights.

 

We finally made it back to our cabin late.

 

Tip #7 > Expect more groups to reserve tables for dinner at the main restaurants on the last night. It's a good idea to wait until 6:00 pm to get in line.

Nag #2 > If you make reservations for 5:30 pm, arrive at the restaurants at 5:30 pm. No one appreciates late arrivals, especially those who didn't reserve a table and can't and see you as breaking the line when you arrive at 5:40 pm.

[electricron]

I love reading a good biography...and maybe that's why I love reading a good, clear and concise review that flows. I am enjoying your review immensely.

You've done this itinerary before I see. Can you share which one of the ports is your favorite and why?

Thank you in advance.

Ciao,

W A W W

 

That's an easy question to answer, the port every cruise line wishes to sails to, even Cunard, Cozumel.

 

The beaches, shopping, food, snorkeling, scubaing are great. With a 30 minute ferry ride, plus the minutes of boarding and unboarding the ferry, you're an hour away from Tulum, one of the best Mayan ruins to visit, once you're ashore in Playa Del Carmen.

 

It's impossible to do everything on one cruise. Someone could make a fortune if they could figure out a way to stay overnight there, but I believe it's impossible because so many ships arrive every day.

[Zeno]

Great review!

I loved the tips and the nag!

[electricron]

The fog is as thick as soup. How the Captain didn't run over the pilot boat, or how the pilot boat found the Dream is beyond me? But they did find one another safely, and if I thought the Dream was slow before, it was very slow in Galveston Bay this morning. I can't remember the last time I heard fog horns sounding, but they were today. The Dream's fog horn had a nice baritone sound, but was probably very bad news for those waking up with early flights back home.

 

It was finally time to pack the bags, and we had breakfast one last time at the Four Seasons. I had planned one final eat at the Sport's Bar, but with the fog so thick, I knew we had plenty of time to eat at the Four Seasons.

 

Before Barbour's Cut was in sight, the express disembarkation line circled the Promenade Deck. This cruise has been most odd with just about every passenger preferring to stand for a long time in long lines, this time many were in line since 8:00 am, standing in line for over two hours. We were supposed to dock at the pier at 8:00 am. It was almost 0900 am before Barbour's Cut was in sight, and around 09:30 am when the Dream threw mooring lines ashore.

It was another 30 minutes, around 10:00 am before anyone was allowed to disembark. Not everyone in line had chosen express disembarkation. Every color tag was on their carry on bags. I guess many were afraid they were going to miss their early flights. I bet many did. How many times have I suggested waiting 4 hours after the scheduled arrival time to book a return flight?

Meanwhile, since our mode of transportation was a few hundred yards away, we decided to enjoy TV in our cabin. The line that encircled the Promenade Deck took over 75 minutes to empty. We stepped into the line around 11:15 am, and was through Customs by 11:30 am. That was about the time the first color was called.

We were home approximately 6 hours later, we drove up Highway 6 from Houston to past Waco, just to see different sights.

 

Tip #8 > Don't book return flights earlier than 4 hours after your scheduled arrival time.

In Houston, if your flight departs from Bush International, I would add another hour to that thumb rule because it's an hour drive away from the port. The ship can easily be an hour late returning to port because of weather conditions, or mechanical problems. Customs can also delay disembarkation although the ship arrives early or on time.

Nag #3 > Why do some believe standing in long lines makes things go faster? Those who stood in line since 8:00 am saved approximately an hour from those who got in line after 11:00 am.

 

The worst problems I experienced on this cruise came from fellow passengers who loved standing in long lines....

[Linda]

The cartoon characters bit is a running joke.

Beef=Elsie, Froglegs in Soup=Kermit, Mousse=Mickey, and Duck=Donald.

 

Thank for enlighten me about the joke & other

 

Linda

[LynnH]

Although it may not happen, I too would love to sail her. We remember all the fun we had on the Sea before she left; it sounds like the Dream would offer most of the same experience. NMnita

 

Nita, I was on both and I'd have to say yes--the Dream is a lot like the Sea. (I loved the Sea). :)