| Rating: 
Traveled on: 04/05/2015
Reviewed on: 04/15/2015
Review: We sailed on the April 5th sailing of the Carnival Dream, calling on Key West, Freeport and Nassau.
The Dream doesn't top the Breeze as our favorite ship in the Carnival fleet. It was the next to last of the designs by long time architecht Joe Farcus for Carnival and having been on the Magic (which was a "co-design) and the Breeze (which he only did the casino and theater), it took awhile to get back to the "old" feel of the color theming (especially, all the reds).
She hasn't been updated with the Guy Fieri burger bar or the Blue Iguana Cantina yet, but the burgers and lunch time burrito bar served its purpose. Why they haven't rebranded the "pasta bar" on 11 to the Cucino del Capitano is a mystery. The Dream has the ocean side BBQ which we like. A tip is that they also serve burgers and fries at the pizza counter which will save you some time if that's all you want.
The lunch choices on Lido were outstanding. The menus in the main dining room was hit or miss, literally feast or famine. Where one night had two or three main entrees that were appealing, one night would have nothing of interest. We sat at a table for 12 and our service was very slow. There were a number of issues that caused that. The Steakhouse is located on 12 and had a lot of vibration. Food and service was exquisite. Full disclosure, the meal was a gift and I'm not sure we would have paid the $35/plate for it.
Probably the biggest let down with the ship as a whole is the Art Gallery takes up the space where the Red Frog Pub occupies on the Magic and the Breeze. The Red Frog Pub on the Dream is what every other ship calls the "pool bar". Disappointing.
Some chippy things that were annoying (because my wife was in a wheelchair) was midship Ocean Plaza didn't have automatic doors, leaving from forward elevators on deck 11 meant going up steps to get to a ramp, handicap seating was only on the starboard side of the theater (which wasn't marked if you went in port side) were minor concerns.
The last day at sea had the chocolate extravaganza which took up one whole service bar on Lido and backed up everything else. An "80's night" was held in Ocean Plaza and hosted by the CD, which wasn't nearly a large enough venue. Other than those two things, the programming and venues on the ship were very good.
The Punchliner Comedy Club was terrific, although they still haven't figured out what to do with the line of people streaming through the piano bar waiting to get in. The main theater shows were all very inventive and well done. Carnival has learned that getting the pit orchestra out to other venues to play is a hit and we hope that continues. The other entertainers were good throughout the ship. Edd and Greg did an OK job with acoustics, the band in ocean plaza and the duos playing in the atrium were also OK.
The piano bar wasn't our cup of tea, and we're usually regulars. Was much more like the acoustic guitar guys who were OK if you just sat and listened vs. the sing along concept that is more our taste. The TV's at the Sports Bar were out of sync with each other and had huge black spots. We did appreciate the attempt for no smoking.
Our room steward (Anto) and staff was very good with our balcony on deck 9. The public restrooms throughout the ship were noticeably very, very clean. Brian and Carlos from the Blue Iguana were wonderful servers at the Lido pool.
Disembarkation at our three ports of call were handled very well (helpers with wheelchairs was appreciated) as they opened multiple gangways at each port of call.
Our three pet peeves, that aren't reserved by any means to the Dream, about Carnival as a whole were still very prevalent despite "rulles' and "notices". Smoking on the balconies was happening all the time, even watched a butt get flipped (that was orange and still burning) from a balcony that landed on the walkway on deck 5. Kids doing cannonballs into the pools happened daily at the aft pool. Seat saving was still in vogue starting early in the morning at the main pool.
We had great weather during this cruise and enjoyed our time aboard as we seemingly do all of our cruises with Carnival. |
|
| Rating: 
Traveled on: 11/30/2014
Reviewed on: 12/10/2014
Review: I had looked forward to this cruise for 11 months. The Carnival Dream exceeded all my expectations. The ship is huge, but the staff was super friendly. Our room steward, as well as our dining room team went above and beyond.
The sea days were as much fun as the port days. Loved the Dream so much we are going again on the November 29, 2015 sailing! |
|
| Rating:
Traveled on: 07/21/2013
Reviewed on: 09/10/2013
Review: Flawless cruise,fabulous room locations, Dolphin Swim and Snorkel(Mahogany Bay) and Barrier Reef Snorkel with Bannister Island visit (Belize) excellent! |
|
