First Time Family Cruise

Hello All :).... I'm new to this board and am trying to find out as much info as I can about things. Myself, my husband, my two boys 11 & 16 and my son's girlfriend 17 is thinking of taking a 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Dream Ship in Nov. and I'm just wondering if anyone else has been on this ship to the caribbeans and would help me with different things I should know and that I might have questions about... I thank yall in advance for any help and input!!!!

Well...a cruise is just a vacation! Pack for the weather in the places you'll be.....so pack for summer!

Go to your library and get a guidebook on your ports. That will help you decide what to do in each place. Many things don't require an "excursion" at all. If you can DIY, it's MUCH cheaper, and you can do things on your own timetable!

You will need to decide on accommodations...ship cabins are MUCH smaller than even cheap hotel rooms.....how will you divided the occupants? Think about that....and pull up the deck plans and have them in front of you when booking....you should know what you're paying for!

We're thinking of going on the 7 Day to Eastern Caribbean from New Orleans, LA in November this year so not too much time to figure things out. I know it shows we can all stay together in a Deluxe Ocean View cabin Midship Rivera Deck... which I've never been on a cruise ship so not sure of best locations on ship or stuff to do.... There's alot of things I would like to find out just not sure how to go about it... like can we take a 12pk cokes each, can I take a couple of bottles of wine on the ship for my room and dinner possibly??? I've looked on here and haven't really seen much info as far as about The Carnival Dream Ship!!!

Welcome to CruiseCritic, and to the wonderful world of cruising!

You may get more answers about Carnival if you post your question in the Carnival section of CruiseCritic.

Here is the link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=215

As previous poster has said, ship's cabin IS tiny. Just be prepared!

Enjoy your cruise!

Sent using Tapatalk. Sorry for typho.

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

You really should see a travel agent and check out cabins for the 5 of you -- you will need 2 cabins. Cabins are small and with 5 people trying to use one bathroom -- not a good idea. Plus many cabins do accommodate 5 people.

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

You really should see a travel agent and check out cabins for the 5 of you -- you will need 2 cabins. Cabins are small and with 5 people trying to use one bathroom -- not a good idea. Plus many cabins do accommodate 5 people.

They will NOT need two cabins. the Family OV cabins on Carnival's Dream class have cabins that sleep five,: Twin/king, two uppers and couch. And a split bath.

Each of you can take a 12 pack of soda or water. One bottle of wine per adult. If you take it to the dining room, you will be charged a corkage fee. If you wish to drink it in the dining room, ask your cabin steward for wine glasses, then pour yourselves glasses and carry them to the dining room. Noone will know you didn't get it in a bar/lounge prior to dinner. EM

Cabins on cruise ships are small as the others have said. Look at the posted pictures and see if you think all 5 of you in one cabin is something you want to take on. It will be very tight but doable....very little room to move around and limited space for all of you to put your stuff. Also remember that all 5 of you will be using the one bathroom in the cabin. The term "deluxe" is kind of misleading.

If possible 2 cabins may be better.

1. I agree about sitting down with a travel agent (hopefully a cruise specialist -- ask if they have sailed or toured the Dream or a similar Carnival ship so they can help you with deciding with that cabin or getting multiple cabins). If there's a limited number of those family cabins, you may need to book very early. A good TA can also book your cruise (without any additional charge) and answer all of your questions -- he or she will want to get future business from you.

2. for the girlfriend, you will need a notarized signed document from both of her parents allowing you to take her on the cruise, as well as a permission for medical treatment.

3. If you're talking about this November, you'll want to book ASAP before the ship sells out. Final payment will undoubtedly be already due by now so be prepared to pay the whole amount.

4. You'll want to check out the FAQ section on the Carnival website. Lots of good info there.

Everyone will need either a passport or state issued birth certificate along with a photo ID for anyone 16 and older. For the girlfriend you'll also need a signed, both parents, and notarized letter giving permission to travel, and for you to make emergency decisions, including medical.

Hello All :).... I'm new to this board and am trying to find out as much info as I can about things. Myself, my husband, my two boys 11 & 16 and my son's girlfriend 17 is thinking of taking a 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Dream Ship in Nov. and I'm just wondering if anyone else has been on this ship to the caribbeans and would help me with different things I should know and that I might have questions about... I thank yall in advance for any help and input!!!!

Find your CC roll call and ask about your concerns. You can also Google some ports for there activities..