Dream Cruise Jan 2010 -- Finally

[tandemcruzr]

Took a while to put it all together, but here is our short report on the Carnival Dream with a link to photos.

As most may know, it was colder than usual in January in Florida.

Embarkation was smooth except for having to get out of heavy coats, etc.

Staff was great -- cabin staff kept our collapsible cooler filled with ice daily and remembered our names from day one.

Waitstaff in the MDR remembered our names and ordering preferences from day one. We were late dining.

The only complaint we had about waitstaff was in the steakhouse restaurant with the wine steward. We ordered a wine we like, not the cheapest, but not the most expensive but he asks in a rather condescending tone "Have you really ever had this wine before?"

"Ummm, yes, and we enjoy it." We never saw him again. Wine was served by one of our delightful waitstaff.

We had no complaints about lines on Lido. We had light breakfasts and lunches. Found that the Tandoori Grill was open for breakfast with standard breakfast fare and it was my favorite for lunch.

Serenity was our favorite place to spend our outdoor time on board. (Other than our balcony.)

We enjoyed all ports. Cozumel may be our favorite since we have been there on both land and cruise vacations. Costa Maya is a close second. Next would be Isla Roatan, followed by Belize.

Debarkation was a snap -- not self assist.

Enjoy the pictures at the link below and feel free to ask questions.

http://picasaweb.google.com/waltm2/C...ary2010Cruise#

[lovetotravel10]

Gorgeous photos! Thanks for sharing.

[Calker]

Thanks for the review and pictures. You're pictures are beautiful, you have quite an artistic eye.

We leave for the Dream in a few weeks - I can't wait

[mrpayroll]

nice pictures...We were on Dream in Jan. We missed Costa Maya due to high winds...Enjoyed the other three ports..

[jolyroger]

30 more days and we'll be seeing those places!!! Great pics!!! Lots of oohs and ahhs from my 9 year old daughter!!!(and yes myself)

[tandemcruzr]

Originally Posted by lovetotravel10

Gorgeous photos! Thanks for sharing.

You're welcome.

[tandemcruzr]

Originally Posted by Calker

Thanks for the review and pictures. You're pictures are beautiful, you have quite an artistic eye.

We leave for the Dream in a few weeks - I can't wait

Hope you don't experience any sleet!

[tandemcruzr]

Originally Posted by mrpayroll

nice pictures...We were on Dream in Jan. We missed Costa Maya due to high winds...Enjoyed the other three ports..

Yes, we weren't sure if we would make it when we saw the Pilot almost disappear in the heavy seas. Wind along the pier after we got off was exciting.

[tandemcruzr]

Originally Posted by jolyroger

30 more days and we'll be seeing those places!!! Great pics!!! Lots of oohs and ahhs from my 9 year old daughter!!!(and yes myself)

Glad you enjoyed. You too will experience a lot of oohs and aahs as will your daughter.

[Zack Adams]

Wow what great pics What did you shoot them with, and what (if any) did you edit them with? Thanks for sharing, can't wait to see those places again!!!

[BIG O in TEXAS]

I've been thinking about a cruise on the dream for awhile and have been reading many threads. I do have one question about the spa area. Are the steam rooms and saunas co-ed or male only and female only. Also what about the spa area that you have access to by staying in a spa cabin. Thanks for your help.

[tandemcruzr]

Originally Posted by Zack Adams

Wow what great pics What did you shoot them with, and what (if any) did you edit them with? Thanks for sharing, can't wait to see those places again!!!

Thanks Zack -- Most are Panasonic DMC-ZS3. No editing except for in camera setting for 'sunrise/sunset.'

[tandemcruzr]

Originally Posted by BIG O in TEXAS

I've been thinking about a cruise on the dream for awhile and have been reading many threads. I do have one question about the spa area. Are the steam rooms and saunas co-ed or male only and female only. Also what about the spa area that you have access to by staying in a spa cabin. Thanks for your help.

Big-O -- We didn't visit the spa so I can't answer your questions. We did go the the fitness center and it was crowded early in the morning.

[w8ing2cruz]

Those are awesome pictures! Thanks so much for sharing - and about the tip that they serve breakfast at Tandoori!

[navybaby1113]

Thanks for the review. We're sailing in 7448 in a month. How did you enjoy it? Any complaints?

[tandemcruzr]

Originally Posted by navybaby1113

Thanks for the review. We're sailing in 7448 in a month. How did you enjoy it? Any complaints?

No complaints unless you want a sofa. Wouldn't work in this room. Big plus, actually 2: When you come in the door, there is an area between the door and the closet where you can store your bags without tucking them under the bed; and the balcony is extra long, giving you more room to stretch out.

Oh, and also, the bed faces out toward the windows for great morning/evening views.

[navybaby1113]

Originally Posted by tandemcruzr

No complaints unless you want a sofa. Wouldn't work in this room. Big plus, actually 2: When you come in the door, there is an area between the door and the closet where you can store your bags without tucking them under the bed; and the balcony is extra long, giving you more room to stretch out.

Oh, and also, the bed faces out toward the windows for great morning/evening views.

Awesome! Thanks! We're used to interior rooms, so I'm not worried about a sofa.

[Bunkie103]

Loved your pics, thanks for sharing. We are almost at the 150 day mark before our sailing. Where did you stay in Port Canaveral? Did you find a place close by to purchase wine? Were there restaurants in walking distance?
Thanks for anything you can tell me.

[tandemcruzr]

We stayed at the Radisson in Port Canaveral. There is a restaurant next door, also one in the hotel. Don't know about wine since we drove and brought ours from home. The Radisson has a complimentary shuttle to and from the port. Only a 5 to 10 minute ride. Tip the driver because he works hard loading and unloading the baggage.

[navybaby1113]

Originally Posted by tandemcruzr

We stayed at the Radisson in Port Canaveral. There is a restaurant next door, also one in the hotel. Don't know about wine since we drove and brought ours from home. The Radisson has a complimentary shuttle to and from the port. Only a 5 to 10 minute ride. Tip the driver because he works hard loading and unloading the baggage.

I'm thinking of staying at the Radisson for a night. Do they charge you to leave your car there? What time does the shuttle take you to port?

Also, does anyone know how much it costs to leave your car at port?