winchesterdog

Just off Dream and stayed in Cove Balcony room 2366. Spacious, quiet, private, and very worth the upgrade from an interior stateroom. Have heard concerns about galley noises however we never had this problem in 7 days. If you hear anything at all that MIGHT be galley noise its a brief distant rumble... almost like a very distant thunderstorm. Loved this room.

Exactly! That Suri guy is the one that always made my Basil Drop! Delicious! Victor was the poor guy under Maria's heavy thumb! Glad you remember their names - I can use them in the survey. Manol did tell me that their bar is the only one on ship that can go off script. He said they are also the only bar with fresh fruit juices and ingredients which gives them an advantage over the others. He said it is a big no no to deviate off menu at any other ship bars.

Personally I think the Alchemy Bar is one of Carnivals best thought out ideas. If only I had one in my hometown... LOL

1 hour ago, Saint Greg said:

 

I find this part interesting. I assume you're talking about my two Dream reviews with the many Alchemy cocktails. I never got any indication of that attitude. When I came back the second time Maria was excited and said she needed to practice some new drinks. Suri was always eager for me to try his custom drinks. There was a group of about six of us that closed down the alchemy every night and none of us drank off of the menu.

Saint Greg - Allow me to be more clear. I didn't include your name in my post because I couldn't find your handle last night when I wrote it so I chose to be vague. First off your review of the Dream cruise was simply the best I have ever read and was very very helpful. Let me explain and clarify my first trip to the Alchemy Bar @ 12/16/2018. So I walked up to the bar and the tall guy from Bulgaria and his significant other from Mexico greeted me. I asked for the Pineapple Christmas (I think that was the name - the yellow drink with green sprig on top - from your review) . I immediately received an annoyed look and they said "Oh you must read cruise critic". I replied in the affirmative and asked if that was a problem. They did make my drink and it was delicious. Basically Bulgaria went on to explain that their menu drinks were very well thought out and were delicious. They also enjoyed making other drinks but that many people were requesting the reviews drinks and since they were off menu they were "superfluous" (his words). A lot of it didn't make sense and I probably missed a lot from the accent but I want to stress they were never mean about it. I really think what had happened was after your review - tons of people started requested the drinks in your post and maybe "stole their thunder" a little bit. Simply put they were victims of the popularity of your post. Anyway though not being mean I did feel the sting of the rebuke and from then on chose to order from the menu. As per normal - it is the alchemy - they often created or customized a drink and asked me to try it. It is obvious that they are very proud of their skill and their position as the top-tier bar on the ship.

note: There was a new guy that was behind the bar a few nights. He was being directly and closely supervised by Bulgarias significant other from Mexico (Maria maybe her name). Anyway...talk about stern bosses! Poor guy is going to have to earn his spot that is for sure! He dropped a drink on Tuesday and Wednesday he was waiting tables out on the floor. (Don't know if the 2 incidents were related lol). 

Again St. Greg yours was an awesome review and spot on in every way.. especially your preference to Alchemy. I certainly don't think they were angry at you or your post. I think they just want to captain that particular part of the ship and make the drink suggestions...  anyway my note was simply a heads up that maybe its not a good idea to walk in and asking for the blackberry drink from cruise critic lol.

Cruise on!

Kevin

Hi Carnival Cruisers,

We just returned home from a wonderful cruise on the Dream December 16th to 23rd. Ports of call were Costa Maya, Roatan, Belize, and Cozumel. Previous reviews have been spot on with this ship well deserving its reputation of the best customer satisfaction rates in the fleets. I have a few notes I would like to offer for folks planning on cruising the Dream in the near future.

Rooftop Parking - This is my 3rd time using the Fulton rooftop parking. The first 2 times was great but this time it was absolutely terrible. There is road construction around the parking deck  which makes getting into the deck almost impossible. The gridlock is unbelievable and we spent over an hour in the que just to get parked - anyway made me end up in the (too early & too late) line. I will offer that since the seasonal rates at rooftop are now $15 per day - terminal parking is now not such a bad option. If you feel lucky and still want to do Fulton Rooftop don't forget to sign up at Airport Parking and get the $5 coupon. It's also a great idea to pull into the terminal and drop off your bags with a porter before heading over to rooftop that way you don't have to maneuver your bags down the elevator to the shuttle buses. I always pull into the terminal like Im dropping off someone the hand off my bags with a small tip to the porters - works great.

Terminal - observed something that surprised me. In the Line into the terminal there is a ATM machine next to the escalator. Crammed behind the ATM was what looked like a purse and something wrapped in a shopping bag. Now probably this was a purse that someone dropped or found and stuck someplace elevated so it would be seen but you know the saying "see something / say something" so I reported it to a terminal worker sitting at the base of the escalator. Tall kid with a blank expression... he shook his head up and down a few times then never moved. I assumed he didn't hear me so I reported it to a carnival worker at the top of the escalator. This gentleman thanked me and told he would take care of it. We matriculated down the line a bit and as we came back even with the carnival employee we witnessed a surprising interaction. There was a young terminal worker (obviously security) staying in the doorway. The Carnival worker says " A customer reported a suspicious package behind the ATM and its my job to report it to you and now its your job to investigate it." The terminal security seemed very hostile and rude and actually turned her back and walked away. Anyway we didn't blow up and I can confirm the package wasn't there 7 days later but after thinking about it a bit I would have like to see a little better response to suspicious packages placed in crowded terminals.

Carnival Terminal - New procedure this time. They use your passport picture for your sail and sign card. This made the process very fast. Sail and Sign card was in an envelope placed outside our state-room.

Stateroom 2366 - Great room with a cove balcony. The Sea door was closed and secured during our port call at Cozumel and for the night after due to rougher seas. We have always stayed in interior staterooms before but from now on I will choose the cove balcony upgrade - just having the natural light waking you in the morning made it worth it. 

Value Internet Plan - It worked ok but you do have to keep checking to make sure your logged in in order to receive your messages. WiFi was by no means fast.

Alchemy Bar - best cocktails on the ship - they alone have the ability to really go off script and concoct creative drinks. They are very aware of recent reviews of their drinks. They seemed actually a bit put out because they like making the menu drinks and think people should start there. When in Rome and all that - so I ordered from the menu and found that I love the Basil Drop the best.

Thalassopy Spa - They turn on the steam room at 0730 and it takes an hour to get to temperature. I kept a shower bag full of my toiletries and razor in the lockers for my entire week. It was always locked in the morning when I arrived for my morning ritual shower-shave-etc. in the large spacious facility.

Mystery Spa Door - Here's a tip that I haven't seen before. I also didn't realize this facility existed on the Dream. I suspect some of you knew it was there and have been shamefully keeping it quiet. When you are at the Spa reception desk turn around. You will notice a ladies bathroom door. Next to it (left) is another door and it is UNMARKED. Go through it and you will be in a corridor which leads to a large COED WOOD DRY SAUNA with lockers that is available to all guest for free. 

Belize Starfish Island Snorkel - My second trip. Great operation! Great reef. Their gear is national geographic and maintained in great condition. They separate the guest into expert, intermediate, and beginners. Lots of staff keeping a great eye on everyone. Kayaks quickly pulling people out who get tired or in trouble. Best spot on boat - The bow ( nice breeze ). Great Steps to get in and out - easy for every body type. When you get back on from your snorkel - they start serving rum punch PARTAKE FREELY. Great drink! Starfish Island. You have to endure about 2 hours on this sand spit with trees and bar - pro-tip get off the boat and head straight ahead to far side of island and grab a shady spot - its hot. I hope you brought a speaker so you can pas the time with some tunes and beer from the bar.

Roataan - We negotiated a tour with a cab - took us all over the island from Spanish town (abject poverty) to West End (resorts). Sopped by a seafood restaurant that blew us away! Gio's - conch fritters that were out of this world! Great service - and basically on a pristine beach. We also went to this butterfly sanctuary thing - I  know - your thinking "meh" well you pay 10 bucks to get in and you get your own guide. These kids speak great english and are very knowledgeable. They are monkeys and lots of other animals basically running free. The guides work real hard to make the short tour great. I tipped the kid $15 and considered it a great value.

Cozumel - Covi is cheapest place to buy liquor. Bought my Don Julio anjeo for $34 US. Best deal duty free was 2 for $85

Disembarkation - They don't put your luggage tags in your stateroom basket anymore - pick your low numbers up on deck 5 around the computers during your cruise - if you wait you will be stuck with high numbers and you have to go to guest services t get it.

Serenity just got an update with new chairs and cushions.

Great Cruise! 

Kevin

I use lanyards but I always make sure I have the kind that has a detachable end piece. I hate to keep removing the lanyard from my neck constantly.

I will confirm the charge must come from Carnival Reservations and not just Carnival. I added Cheers package and it did not work. I added a guest ($600) and it emailed me immediately that I had triggered the deal.

Best

Kevin

Now that's great information! I had never even heard of a Port Agent and what a great idea about having a passport size photo at hand. Thanks guys!

Kevin

I would like to ask one more related question. Say something does happen and you end up missing the boat and don’t have a passport . What would be good advice? 

I still think it would be a cool graduation gift. Granted lots of young people are not currently in a position to pick up and fly to Europe. 

1 hour ago, Jerseygirl1416 said:

The offer is only good for charges posted by Carnival Resv. The offer will not trigger for charges posted by Carnival fun shops.

Last year my charges (non - ticket) worked on the AMEX offer - I am hoping for similar success this year but your post worries me. I'll keep an eye on my 501.00 charge yesterday (Completely fun shop driven drink package etc.) if I get statement credit I'll post.

Seems like sometimes you have to use the link twice. The link required me to login to my Amex then it just pooped up my existing offers. Then i dropped in the link again and it was added. Good Luck

I feel much better now after viewing the responses on this board. Obviously many Americans opt to cruise without passports and do ok. I do feel that young people should have a Passport if only to take advantage of travel abroad ( other than closed loop cruises ). What a great graduation gift idea.

Does anyone know the movie list for the Dreams December 16th - 23rd sailing? Thanks in advance.

I'm using multiple AMEX accounts to cover @ 1500.00 of various fees (drink package, Spa, excursions) the problem is you don't have the option to use different credit cards online when checking out your "cart". The solution is to call carnival and they will split the fees on the phone and accept the multiple card numbers so you can take advantage of the $100 back on the $500 spend AMEX offer.

If anyone is curious the drink package charge showed up on my AMEX bill as "CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES" only. The $100 statement credit has not applied yet but last year it was like 3 days before it showed up. Good Luck!

Kevin

I don't know if these are already posted but they are right off the John Heald facebook post.

From his facebook post....

Here are some Black Friday discount codes for on shore excursions and spa treatments. They should come online after 10:00am today.

Enjoy

cheers

Was able to add to my Delta Amex today using the link (Thanks). 

Does anyone have another direct link for this offer the previous posted one is not working for me.

Thanks for all the great replies.

The limitations I was referring too was things like trying to board an international flight back home etc. What I was looking for in this post was things I haven't thought of. Like the comment where someone mentioned local police might hold you until you can be properly identified. I guess this might make me a bit cautious on some of the excursions we choose... such as the jeep excursion on Cozumel. A fender bender downtown could turn into a trip ruining problem lol. This board has such a huge knowledge pool that I knew this question would help me with that "what if" factor for my travel planning.  As to stressing on vacation - I agree completely. It's true Passports don't take long at all to get but we are nearing our sail date and I fear even the expedited turn around time has passed.  ( Young people often have a difficult time meeting deadlines even with months and months of advanced warning lol). Thanks again guys!

Hi,

My family will soon be departing on a 7-day cruise to Belize, Cozemel, Roatan, and Costa Maya on Carnival Dream. We all have our passport save our 22 y/o son. He will be sailing on a Birth Certificate only. I understand that he will be able to get off the boat in Cozumel but there must be some limitations. Can the board offer me some suggestions on things to be wary of? I would think missing the boat in port would be huge as there is no way to fly international without a passport. Is there other things I should be considering? Thanks

Kevin

It quite literally means one person/device at a time. Last cruise I purchased the value plan. I would log in with my phone - text - check my work mail etc. I have a tablet that I take as well and when I logged in with my credentials it would log out my phone. The $5 chat option on the whats app is its own thing on the ships own internal network (I think) - it certainly replaces  the old walkie talkie method of family communication on ship. LOL

Kevin

In my experience cruise ship pools tend to be venues  for the world's longest ongoing game of Marco Polo. "Marco..Polo!...Marco...Polo!...Marco...Polo!............." 

Haven't seen Carnival yet listed on preview. Last year it was end of week because it was one of the most popular deals. I will post as soon as I hear something.

Hey guys I just got my e-mail announcing the 2018 "Daily Getaways" promotion - looks likes it's April 2 for the preview then April 09 for the first week of sales. Rumor is that Carnival will participate again this year with another 15% promotion. FYI last year the 15% off Carnival Gift Cards promotion sold out within 20 minutes so plan accordingly. Note: A few of us (myself included) were inconvenienced by the change in Carnival's digital card provider. Basically when we purchased the cards we received an e-mail with a link. This link gave you the card and pin number. Like several others w/o immediate cruises pending I just kept the email rather than following the link. When Carnival changed providers the link died. Carnival was zero help but Daily Getaways handled the problem quickly and efficiently. I purchased 3 $100 cards last year and I plan on doing the same this year. Good Luck and if you have any questions let me know or follow the link. You can also sear last years threads as we covered most questions new folks will have. Full disclosure - I am not affiliated with Daily Getaways at all but I have purchased packages (Wyndham points) every year for the last 3 years or so.

Related Note:

I went to the service desk on ship and gave them the card number and my pin number (came with digital card) from my email and they added it to my account - it was immediately on my Sail/Sign balance.

Heres the website https://dailygetaways.ustravel.org/comingsoon

Best

Kevin

Bet it was from a 3rd part seller. Card probably did have a PIN they just didn't send it. Thieves.

thanks guys!