Rach1987 Posted September 18, 2017 #1 Share Posted September 18, 2017 Hi there! Cruise newbie here. My partner and I have booked the Dream for the Canary Islands leaving on February 9th. Just a few questions as our TA confused me. We are completely 5am inclusive in an outside plus cabin, is the mini bar free? I don't believe it is but my partner is adamant it is. Is there free Wi-Fi? The tv any good? I'm gluten free so worried about the food choices but I have been assured everything is great. Any hints and tips for a cruise are greatfully received especially those to reduce luggage weight as I'm notoriously bad for over packing lol Many thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheila49 Posted September 18, 2017 #2 Share Posted September 18, 2017 (edited) Unfortunately neither the mini bar or the wifi are free! There is payable wifi, £49 per week, but I believe it is not very good. There is usually free wifi in the port terminals or in local cafe or bars if you buy a drink. The tv has Sky News, Sky Sports News, a film channel, one showing the Thomson excursions etc. I have read on fb groups that they cater well for gluten free. It is best to speak to the catering manager about your requirements soon after boarding. The waiters in the main dining room usually ask if you have any special requirements or food allergies. Gluten free dishes are labelled in the buffets. I'm probably not the best person to ask about reducing luggage weight but we have found that the 'it' extra light cases help! [emoji4] You will love the Dream! We're going on our 6th cruise on her soon. Sent from my iPad using Forums Edited September 18, 2017 by Sheila49 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rach1987 Posted September 18, 2017 Author #3 Share Posted September 18, 2017 Unfortunately neither the mini bar or the wifi are free! There is payable wifi, £49 per week, but I believe it is not very good. There is usually free wifi in the port terminals or in local cafe or bars if you buy a drink. The tv has Sky News, Sky Sports News, a film channel, one showing the Thomson excursions etc. I have read on fb groups that they cater well for gluten free. It is best to speak to the catering manager about your requirements soon after boarding. The waiters in the main dining room usually ask if you have any special requirements or food allergies. Gluten free dishes are labelled in the buffets. I'm probably not the best person to ask about reducing luggage weight but we have found that the 'it' extra light cases help! [emoji4] You will love the Dream! We're going on our 6th cruise on her soon. Sent from my iPad using Forums £49 isn't too bad really. Just don't want the roaming charges from O2 :eek: Thank your for the info on speaking with the catering manager, it can be a nightmare and I don't want to be ill on our trip. We've book the buggie excursion in Lanzarote and the cable car in Madeira. Any hints and tips? What's the dress code like at dinner? Thank You! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheila49 Posted September 18, 2017 #4 Share Posted September 18, 2017 Sorry we've not done the Canaries on a cruise, just the Med. The dress code is fairly relaxed, Just smart casual and long trousers for the men. Shorts are ok in the buffets. On Captain's night lots of people dress up but it's not compulsory. My husband just wears a long sleeved shirt with tie and smart trousers but lots wear dinner jackets or kilts. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rach1987 Posted September 18, 2017 Author #5 Share Posted September 18, 2017 Sorry we've not done the Canaries on a cruise, just the Med. The dress code is fairly relaxed, Just smart casual and long trousers for the men. Shorts are ok in the buffets. On Captain's night lots of people dress up but it's not compulsory. My husband just wears a long sleeved shirt with tie and smart trousers but lots wear dinner jackets or kilts. Sent from my iPad using Forums Thank you :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k8ti Posted September 20, 2017 #6 Share Posted September 20, 2017 Enjoy your first cruise in February. Your itinerary is the first one we did and we are now infected with the cruising bug. It can be a little daunting doing a trip by yourselves at first but I think you will find it really easy in Madera and you could save yourselves a bit of money for a different trip. The cable car is so easy to get to and the basket ride down the hill is just a short walk from the top of the cable. Great fun. We also tried the hop on hop off bus and had a lovely trip with fantastic views of the island. For just 12 euros great value. My final tip or maybe my first tip would be to book a tour round Blandies. They are a old port/ Madera makers. We booked an afternoon tour with a English speaking guide. We have visited twice and enjoyed our day both times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
campolady Posted September 20, 2017 #7 Share Posted September 20, 2017 My final tip or maybe my first tip would be to book a tour round Blandies. They are a old port/ Madera makers. We booked an afternoon tour with a English speaking guide. We have visited twice and enjoyed our day both times. We too have done the Blandeys trip twice (booking ourselves as independent visitors via https://www.blandyswinelodge.com/ ) and really enjoyed it/highly recommend it. Sadly, although Madeira is on our itinerary next month, we are in port on November 1st which is a holiday so the Wine Lodge is closed :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triggerdroitwich Posted September 20, 2017 #8 Share Posted September 20, 2017 £49 isn't too bad really. Just don't want the roaming charges from O2 :eek: Thank your for the info on speaking with the catering manager, it can be a nightmare and I don't want to be ill on our trip. We've book the buggie excursion in Lanzarote and the cable car in Madeira. Any hints and tips? What's the dress code like at dinner? Thank You! There are no roaming charges in Europe anymore, its the same as using your phone in the UK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smithsheff Posted September 21, 2017 #9 Share Posted September 21, 2017 Just a quick comment about packing, you may already know this but you don't need any towels, pool towels are provided along with the normal cabin ones. Hope you enjoy it, we have been on the Dream a few times but off on the discovery for the 2nd time next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rach1987 Posted September 21, 2017 Author #10 Share Posted September 21, 2017 Just a quick comment about packing, you may already know this but you don't need any towels, pool towels are provided along with the normal cabin ones. Hope you enjoy it, we have been on the Dream a few times but off on the discovery for the 2nd time next year. I didn't know that so thank you :D More room for clothes! Btw do Thompson measure the size of cabin bags....mine 2cm too wide for their plane.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vitalsign Posted October 4, 2017 #11 Share Posted October 4, 2017 The Canaries may not be included in the new EU roaming charges as although Spanish is not classed as EU - check your O2 list of European countries I think Madeira may be included. Unless you are really desperate to have WIFI all the time I would just go ashore get a coffee or a beer and use their free WIFI Also make sure you are not using the ships satellite when calling or texting on board in port as this is expensive Love Dream - enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pensioncruiser Posted October 5, 2017 #12 Share Posted October 5, 2017 I didn't know that so thank you :D More room for clothes! Btw do Thompson measure the size of cabin bags....mine 2cm too wide for their plane.... Never known Thomson check the hand luggage cases other than for weight;) Have a great cruise its a lovely ship.:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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