cacruisin

Yes I'm 24 days out and already looking forward to it! It might be in part due to the fact that I haven't had sugar in 3 months (cruise diet lol) but I can't wait!!!

I have fond memories of a certain cake that was ONLY served on boarding day...If I remember it correctly it was sort of half cake / half cheesecake-ish.....Does anyone remember the name and do they still serve it? I remember I liked it so much I went back for a second piece and it was already all gone....

I've always felt there is no stronger drink then the Funship on boarding day! LOL....since we sail out of Galveston and my Cheers doesn't kick in until day two, I think that will be my first drink too for my best "bang for my buck"

I know this same post goes around every few weeks/months etc....but just for fun.... what is everyone's favorite drink on ship? Mine.... Morning - Bloody Mary (From Guys BBQ ideally) Poolside - Miami Vice Evening - Pineapple Jalapeno Martini 24 days away and can't come too soon!

I just can't fathom those fridges (more like coolers) having the capacity to actual make jello....lol

IMO...there is just something about the fresh sea air that makes food taste better! I live in a beach city, and even something simple like PB&J's or Oreo's or Dorito's somehow taste better at the beach then at the house etc....I feel the same goes for cruise food outside on the deck.

Alchemy bar is a step above any other bar on the ship and all their drinks are well done so you can't go wrong there. But I've have good ones elsewhere, I think it comes down to the bartender and also a bar that has real expresso verses a bar without expresso and they use some odd expresso replacement. Worst ones seem to be in the MDR but that could just be a coincidence IDK.

I do look at Guys burgers similar to how I think of In-N-Out...."great burgers crappy fries", but I still eat the fries. I only have Guys a few times each cruise but the teenage boys we sail with have between 5-7 each and every day and look forward to Guys on our cruises, so they definitely pass our teenagers approval LOL

Ditto like the others, I can absolutely confirm they are covered on Cheers because I get several of each any time I cruise, but I cannot advise on prices because I always have Cheers and never look. One piece of advice....both are favorites of mine and I drink plenty of each, but both of these specific drinks VARY SINGIFICANTLY at one bar to the next, so if you don't enjoy at one bar don't write off the drink completely, and just try one again at a different bar another time.

I don't use Facebook so I appreciate you posting the movies...we sail 03/31 so I am looking forward to seeing April's selection....THANKS for doing this....

I feel like years ago the room service sandwiches came with chips but I maybe confusing myself with Royal etc. I too feel no chips is a bit of a miss for Carnival, I mean sandwiches come with fries so its not like chips wouldn't be cheaper/easier.....

You can use your OBC to pay even if you purchase several months in advance. Just process the check out and on the left side there will be a prompt to use your OBC to pay etc. The drink package is cheaper if you purchase prior to sailing.

So are traveling in a group of 8 in 3 different rooms. We added the last person last minute and had planned to add that person as a 3rd to our room for 2 people. We were told we could not and had to add them to a different room. I HAD BEEN under the impression that all couches could be made into a bed for a said "third person" but learned that was not correct. It's a balcony room if that makes a difference. So, I'm curious what is the difference between a balcony room for 2 with a couch and a balcony room for 3 where the couch is used as a bed? TIA

Yes, its added to the package (at least if you purchase prior to cruise). But it never hurts to have a few $1 bills in your hand as you go up to the bar to add to it, I've always found that helps with expedited service etc...

They have them at a few different bars, including the dining room. Alchemy definitely makes them best and other locations are hit or miss. I have found that both the chocolate and expresso martinis depend on who is making them, sometimes I love them and sometimes I can't take more than a sip. Luckily for me I buy an alcohol package so it's no biggie if I don't care for it.

Your best chance (definitely not guaranteed) is to go speak with the Maitre D when you get on the ship the first day, if they can accommodate you they will. Good luck!

Are you possibly sailing with others? We have 4 adults going and 4 teenagers, so we just had to finagle the rooms around so that the "non drinkers" were booked with the teenagers even though they won't actually be sharing a room etc....

I say book early. We are a group of 8 and even though we booked our excursions like 3 months in advance some of the excursions we wanted to book were already sold out. Especially if you are in a large group or there is limited number of participants.

I know you specifically asked on water/Red Bull but just in case you didn't know and had interest, you can also bring one bottle of wine per adult.

Is it only on the Elation? Only on ships without Steakhouses? My kid could eat steaks morning, noon and night (teenage boy) so I know he'd be all about it if it's on the Dream next month.

My sentiments exactly!!! If everyone managed their expectations of what is considered a "bottom of the rung" cruise line so many of these posts could be logically concluded. Generally speaking, 5-star service comes with 5-star prices and no one paid 5-star prices to sail Carnival and shouldn't have 5-star expectations. That doesn't mean with sailing Carnival you can't anticipate reasonable service but just to be realistic.

Looks YUMMY to me!

I always feel like I notice regional differences when it comes to food on the ship. I am born and raised in SoCal so pineapples and weird toppings on my pizza are the norm and I never thought it odd when I saw this notice. I also notice that people from SoCal where sushi and Mexican food are abundant (and excellent) are not as favorable to the ships Sushi/Mexican food as those from regions where they do not have as many options where they live. Same goes for BBQ, those from the south where they have tons of excellent BBQ are more critical of the BBQ on the ship vs. areas where BBQ is not as good etc. There is definitely no right or wrong just matter of preference.

Thanks everyone for easing my mind. This is our first cruise out of Galveston so I got a little nervous but feel better now.

I've sailed on many Carnival ships and I try to keep a realistic perspective on what to expect from a low-end cruise line. I am the type of person who is just happy to not clean, cook or go to work for a week and enjoy all my vacations. I don't usually hold too much significance to negative reviews as "to each their own" etc. BUT I cannot find many good reviews of the Dream at all, 99% of the ones I read are HORRIBLE. So, is there something specific about the Dream to warrant that? I am starting to worry about our upcoming cruise next month.... Is there anyone out there who cruised on the Dream lately and actually ENJOYED the cruise? TIA