Wheels87

Greetings! 

With FTTF you can arrive anytime and you will be among the first to board. 

As far as navigating the ship...it really is quite easy. First of all you can get anywhere front to back on the lido deck as well as the prominade (deck 5).  Furthermore, you can also do the same on deck 4 which is called "Lower Dream Street.". And remember, if all else fails, you can always, quietly use any deck with staterooms and just walk down the hallway. 

Cheers! 

Brad

The steak in the steakhouse is far superior to the steak which you can purchase in the MDR.  I have both many times and there is really no comparison.

Enjoy!

Brad

My wife and I cruised on the RC Adventure of the Seas back in December, 2007 out of San Juan. We flew in two days before, just to be safe. 

At some point during the cruise, the captain and some of the officers had a Q & A session in the Viking Crown Lounge. When they opened the floor up for questions, a older woman stood up and asked why herself and her family were left on the pier back in San Juan. The captain immediately asked "Were you on the ship at 10:00 pm?" Her answer was "no" and he simply said "Well that's why you were left on the pier." It was priceless. She them proceeded to lecture him on how this was her 18th cruise on RC, Yada, Yada, Yada. 

The full story was that she was trying to fly from Detroit to San Juan through Minneapolis in the middle of December ON THE DAY OF HER CRUISE! Anyone from the north understands that the weather can be treacherous that time of year. There was a snowstorm that delayed their flight out of Minneapolis and that is why they were late. Apparently they arrived at the Port at 10:30 which was 90 minutes past the cut-off time. Because her attitude was so bad, I actually enjoyed hearing about it. 

Moral of the story...never fly in to San Juan the day of your cruise. 

Enjoy, 

Brad

Actually, if you really want FTTF, then you need to keep checking at least ten times per day throughout the day. Sometimes, people who purchased it cancel it and you never know when it will open up. I have picked it up at 5am and at 8pm in the past.

Good luck!

I can definitely confirm that Dream now places the sail and sign cards in the mailbox outside the stateroom. This is infinitely better than the old system where you had to gather everyone in your party and take turns getting your picture taken, etc. It was always a zoo. This was so smooth and seamless. I was truly impressed! If you don't want to sit in the chairs waiting, then simply show up at the terminal after boarding begins.

Cheers!

You can purchase internet access for $16 per day. I would recommend that you simply purchase it the last day. You can access most regular internet sites with this plan, albeit quite slowly. You can also upgrade to the faster plan for $24 per day.

Good luck!

We didn't have FTTF, but did have an 11:30 time. We got to the door of the terminal at 11:15, there was no crowd so they let us right in. The line to get our card was about 10 deep (3 minutes). Then into a sitting area, and as soon as our butts hit the chair, our number was called. We were on board and getting a Guy burger by 11:45. Love the Dream, love NOLA.

Yes, it seems that they have a really good system there. On our cruise three weeks ago, once we went through security, they directed us directly to the Platinum lounge. My daughter and her husband had FTTF and they were directed directly to their waiting area. There was no check-in anymore. At the top of the escalator is where you show your boarding passes and passports and that's it. Our sail and sign cards were outside of our stateroom in the mailbox. This was by far the easiest embarkation process ever! My oldest daughter and I are going back in one week and I sure hope the process is the same.

Cheers!

Good day!

I was on the Dream for the 6th time three weeks ago and have cruised out of New Orleans more times than I can count. With either Platinum, or FTTF, I have gotten on the ship as early as 11:10 and as late as 11:35. Typically it is around 11:20. I always pay attention to the specific time so I can answer questions like this, which typically come from my friends. As far as debarkation...we always do self assist. On this last cruise, we received a letter in our stateroom to meet in a specific place (same as the Diamonds and FTTF) between 7:00-7:15. Having learned from experience, I informed my family that we would need to be in the meeting place before 6:45. Sure enough, they released us to debark at exactly 6:48am. There were no lines anywhere at all and we went straight to the customs agent, the got immediately on the elevator in the parking garage.

Just remember that every cruise is different, however, this has been a fairly consistent experience for us.

Good luck!

At Port Canaveral, my wife and I were an hour late getting to the ship because our shuttle (Cocoa Beach Shuttle) didn't show up at our hotel as scheduled. After checking in at the Platinum/Diamond counter, we proceeded to the gate where an elderly man yelled "whoa...where are you two going?" I told him that we were Platinum to which he replied "we boarded you people an hour ago. Wait in line like the rest!" Very rude person! Instead of being onboard at 11:45, it was just after 1pm when we stepped into the Sunshine. All because of our late shuttle.

 

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Never accept that kind of answer when you know the truth. Simply ask to speak to a supervisor and they will take care of you. It seems that Carnival is such a large corporation that they can't keep up with training new employees on their own policies. It happened to me a few weeks ago on the Dream when the representative at guest services informed me that the Diamond/Platinum party is only for Diamonds.

Also, it is very important to let the folks at Carnival know when you get back about what happened, that way they can retrain people.

Good luck!

I think this has been alluded to before, but the problem with the buffet is mostly the fact that it takes many passengers 2 minutes to scoop out 50 peas. If you've ever payed attention, you'll know what I mean. It's truly ridiculous. You've been standing in line for 10 minutes, then suddenly are stricken with the inability to decide what to eat. I always teach my children...just do the math and think about how long the process would take if everyone took the same amount of time as you. If it takes a person two minutes to go through the line and there are 1000 people doing the same thing...no one would ever get to eat!

As far as the bars and the main dining room...it does seem like a lack of bartenders/waiters are seriously affecting the guest experience. I, myself, would be willing to pay an extra $50 per person/per cruise to hire back enough people to make a difference.

Cheers!

Quite simply...they need more staff! The cuts have been way too deep and when it is sometimes impossible to get a drink at any one of the many bars on board, it's time for a change. I have walked away more than one time from a crowded bar.

It has happened to me more than once that the room steward has forgotten my priority disembarkation letter as well as my Diamond/Platinum party invitation. Unfortunately, you sometimes have to ask about it at guest services. A few weeks ago on the Dream, I didn't get any information about priority tendering in Grand Cayman. I knew enough to go to guest services and they were surprised I didn't get a letter. They printed off the appropriate letter and for the rest of the cruise, I got everything I was supposed to. When I asked about the Diamond/Platinum party, the fairly new person at guest services told me she thought it was only for diamond. I told her to double check that and she called a few minutes later to tell me she was incorrect.

Good luck!

I just got off the Dream a few weeks ago and the cards read "Morning, evening or both." That has been the way it has been for my last four cruises. The policy did officially change, so please don't impugn the reputation of the room stewards. Anyone implying that they don't work hard enough has not a clue what they are talking about.

I would have immediately called Guest Services to find out when Carnival changed their policy. Their answer would have been they haven't and then I would have Michael speak to them so they can straighten him out.

Are you sure about that? I hate to break it to you, but Carnival changed their policy quite a while ago. You can choose service for morning or evening. The really kind stewards offer you both. On my last four cruises, I selected evening only, however, our steward actually serviced our cabin twice a day anyway.

Cheers!

I would email the maitre'd. Even though he likely won't respond, I bet that if you explain the situation, when you get your sail and sign cards you will have early dining.

Cheers!

I know that Mr. Sanchos seems to be the most popular choice, but unless you must have all inclusive...I completely disagree. We have been to Cozumel 19 times and after doing all the usual activities, including three trips to Passion Island and one trip to Chankanaab and we always go back to Paradise Beach. Mr. Sanchos is way too crowded with beach chairs for me. If you are not in the first row, you will not have much of a view at all. It is true that the service is top notch, however, Paradise Beach also has great service with way fewer people. They also offer massages, jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks and snorkeling (which is not too good) just like Mr. Sanchos. Last time I was at Mr. Sanchos (last July) it cost $55 for the all inclusive. After about 12 trips to Paradise Beach, I can honestly say that I have never spent that much per person and that includes taking some heavy drinkers with me.

Anyway, just my opinion.

Good luck!

Simply email the Maitre'd. It has worked for my last 20 cruises. Every single time.

Good luck.

I'm not sure why John Heald would say that. I have spoken to several Maitre'd's on various ships and they have zero problem with being emailed. I have received a response on occasion, however, the norm is to not receive one. I have, however, always gotten what I asked for. I have never requested a specific table placement, etc. I only email them to request to be seated with my party alone. We do not wish to sit with people whom we don't know at dinner. I have had too many bad experiences with table mates taking over the rest of my cruise by dragging me into their drama/problems/etc. I know it sounds crazy, but I'm sure some of you can relate.

Also, I suggest emailing them exactly two days after the previous cruise to your cruise begins. That way they have settled all of the issues from that cruise and can focus on your request.

Good luck!

Brad

Not sure why you think it is ok to email the ship directly.

Seriously? Because the Maitre'd is the person who actually ends up assigning tables for the cruise and will either get to deal with any requests ahead of time if you email them vs. dealing with the mob of special requests on embarkation day. I always email the Maitre'd to request a table for my family and they have always taken care of me. I just spoke with Shane, the Maitre'd on the Dream two weeks ago and he appreciated the emails because it makes things easier for him and his staff.

Cheers!

Is there a reason why you left New Orleans out of your list? You seem to have named all of the ports around the city. I would highly suggest the Carnival Dream out of New Orleans. The serenity deck is huge with multiple levels and I think you would enjoy that.

Cheers!

No need to contact anyone other than the ship's Maitre'd. Simple google "Carnival Dream maitre'd" (fill in whatever ship name you want) and you will find the correct email address. They are all along the lines of drmaitred@carnival.com. Email them two days AFTER the previous voyage started (the voyage before the you are taking) and make your request. Include your cabin numbers and names and assigned dining time, etc. Don't worry if they do not respond...they usually don't.

Good luck!

How early you get off depends on the ship/port. The Dream usually pulls up in New Orleans around 6:20 and they release the Platinum/Diamond/FTTF around 6:45-6:50. That has been my experience on my 6 Dream cruises. It's funny because the letter in the stateroom the night before always says to show up at the lounge between 7-7:15 and everyone is gone by that point.

Good luck!

I have a dairy allergy (NOT lactose intolerance) and just got off the Dream. They do a great job of taking care of me. I agree about eating at the buffet...the line cooks do not always give accurate information, so, make sure and ask someone in charge. I have learned over my 18 Carnival cruises what is safe and what isn't, so I don't bother anymore.

If you eat in the formal dining room, they will give you the next day's menu before you leave so you can order what you want. They will also ask if you are interested in eating breakfast or lunch in the dining room the next day.

I would recommend emailing the Maitre'd, Shane, at drmaitred@carnical.com on Tuesday before you embark on Sunday to let him know about any food allergies. I have sailed with him 6 times and just spoke to him about this two weeks ago.

Good luck!

Brad

It depends on what time of year it is. During a school break, there will be lots of other people his age and he can meet them at Club O2. They schedule activities for them and they seem to like it. I have been on the Fantasy out of Mobile and it is not a booze cruise, however, there will be plenty of drinking going on.

Cheers!

I never have, or never would give access to my credit to any child, or friend, under any circumstance. It takes one mistake to ruin it for years.

 

With that being said, you kid can have a cash account, set up, so just give cash. Or you can get her a debit card on her personal checking account. Or give her a prepaid Visa card in her name. Many options.

Would you trust your spouse? Who said anything about a friend? My children are more responsible than most adults (in fact two of them are adults, anyway) and I would trust them with my life, so why not a credit card?

It makes things a lot easier when it comes to having them pick up groceries or dinner or pay for things at school which I would normally pay for anyway. They are not allowed to use the card for their own personal purchases.

Anyway, not trying to start trouble or anything, just offering my perspective.

Good day!

Brad