Dream 5/15 review-"If we could somehow make this Dream thing last"

We have been back from the Dream 5/15 cruise for 5 days now, so I feel I am back to reality enough to review what was a truly great cruise for my wife and I. It will be thorough, and will probably take several days, but I really want to capture the experience in words as much as possible. Hopefully, I can express myself in a way that really brings us back to one of the best vacations we have ever taken. My name is Craig and before I get started, I want to say to our "Living the Dream 5/15" roll call group that you all are the best and it was truly a privilege and a pleasure to share this week with you!

Off to a interesting start

We all know how exciting and stressful it can be right before we leave to travel to the port. Well, DW Jane and I were scheduled to fly from Roanoke, VA to Orlando, FL with a short layover in Charlotte, NC. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 5:30 am Friday 5/14 and arrive in Orlando at 9:20 am. Then we were going to pick up our rental car from Budget and drive over to Cape Canaveral in time to see the space shuttle Atlantis lift off on her final voyage to space.

Well, being the obsessive guy that I am, I logged onto the Roanoke Airport website at around 11:00 pm Thursday evening to check on our flight status from Roanoke to Charlotte. Imagine my feeling of panic as I saw the word CANCELED listed by our flight number. No call or email from US Airways, nothing! I immediately called the airline and spent the next 40 minutes with an agent trying to find an alternate flight that would get us to Orlando in time to see the space shuttle lift off. After checking with all of the airlines serving Roanoke, the best we could do would have us arriving in FL late Friday night instead of Friday morning. At this point, I was a basket case, and summoned up the resolve to go and tell Jane the bad news. As she looked at me in disbelief, she said in a determined tone "Go lay down for a bit while I finish up, you are going to drive us to Charlotte to catch the connecting flight!" Now why didn't I think of that...probably because I was in shock at this point. And I certainly wasn't going to be able to go to sleep.

So...at 2:30 am with a cup of coffee in hand, we pulled out of our driveway and begin a 3-1/2 hour drive to the Charlotte Airport. The drive was not bad, as there was very little traffic at that time of night. We arrived at the check in counter at 5:50 am with luggage in tow and tongues hanging out. As we were checking in, the agent informed us that we had been upgraded to first class and that there would be no baggage fees. Oh yeah...things were finally starting to look up!

Our flight left on time and we arrived in Orlando with our canceled flight a distant memory. We deplaned, got our luggage, picked up our rental car and left the airport. It was a beautiful morning, and we merged onto Highway 528 towards Cape Canaveral with a song in our heart, and brimming with anticipation! We had driven about a mile when traffic just stopped. I mentioned to Jane "Must be an accident ahead or something", she replied "Or it could be everyone going over to see the launch of the space shuttle". Oh right...the shuttle launch. So, we spent the next 2-1/2 hours in stop and go traffic inching our way over to the coast. At this point, I was down to my last nerve, and someone was stomping on it!

We finally got to Cape Canaveral at around 1:00 pm, and stopped for lunch at Zachary's. We had eaten there before, and loved their lunch menu. Also, it was right next door to the Radisson at the Port where we would be staying Friday night. After lunch, we checked in around 2:00 pm and got set up in our hotel room. We then joined several others in front of the hotel to watch the Atlantis lift off for the last time. It was an awe inspiring sight as we viewed the bright trail of flames and the vapor trail that was created as it climbed through the sky!

Later that evening, we had dinner at the Flamingo Restaurant at the hotel (which was very good, by the way). At 8:00 pm, we had our first planned get together with our roll call group from Cruise Critic. We were able to meet many of the people who would become our friends as the week progressed. However, after about 30 minutes, my body hit the wall and I had to go to our room to get some rest. I then realized that I had been without sleep for over 36 hours! We said goodnight and closed out what was a very exciting and tiring travel day.

to be continued...

Embarkation

Jane and I got up at 6:00 am on Saturday morning. We showered, shaved, and ...oh never mind. Since we had vouchers for 2 free buffet breakfasts in the hotel dining room, we headed over at 7:00 am and had a very delicious and filling meal. As we were walking back to our room, we looked over towards the port...and there she was...the beautiful Carnival Dream. Even from a distance, she looked huge! The excitement was really starting to build now as soon we would be boarding. All those months of anticipation, planning, and working towards this day! This would be our sixth Carnival cruise and it couldn't begin soon enough.

I had left my hat at home, so I suggested that we drive over to a beach souvenir shop to buy one. It was still a little too early to drop off the rental car, so away we went. We drove down a couple of miles and found a shop open, so we stopped and went in. After trying on several, I finally found the one that was both comfortable and functional. I am fair skinned and blue eyed, so I tend to burn easily. I also have had a couple of skin cancers removed, so...hence the hat.:) We continued to look around the shop and I jokingly picked up a men's bikini bathing suit and asked Jane "What do ya think?" She replied "I think you should get the thong suit". Now...imagine a 52 year old...220 lb guy...in a thong bathing suit...that would just be WRONG! So I said "I'll just stick with the suit we brought from home" to which Jane replied "Good choice.":D

After we left the souvenir shop, we drove over to the Budget office to drop off the rental car. It was about 9:15 at this point, and we figured we would have to wait a little while before they shuttled us over to the ship. Not so...we were on the Budget shuttle at 9:30 and were dropped off at the cruise terminal at 9:45. As we looked up at the ship, the realization hit us..."we are finally here, and we are going on our cruise...woo-hoo!" Okay, I figured we would have to wait outside for a time before they allowed us to enter. Since we had booked a spa suite, we were set up for V.I.P embarkation. As we approached the VIP entry, they checked our documents and passports and then sent us on through security and up the escalator to the main check in area. We were then guided to the VIP check in office where the nice lady checked us in, gave us our sail and sign cards, and then told us to go and have a seat in the zone 1 waiting area. There were two other couples ahead of us, but that was all! By this time it was about 10:30, and we were told it would be 30 to 45 minutes before we could board because of a couple of weddings. While we were waiting, we enjoyed a nice conversation with the other couples as well as the Carnival representative who was there with us. At around 11:10, we were told to begin boarding, so off we went!

to be continued...

great review so far keep it coming. Cant wait to hear about the spa my wife and I have a spa room booked for October.

Fantastic start! I am on the edge of my seat as I am going on the Dream in July!! Keep it coming and I love your humor!!!:D

On the Dream

After crossing the gangway, we entered the beautiful atrium lobby area and were now in awe of the beauty in this area. To us, the design did not seem as "loud" and "Vegas" as other Carnival ships. It seemed to look more elegant and upscale. While we were waiting to board the vessel, the Carnival representative had suggested that we might be interested in the "Chef's Table" dining experience one evening during the cruise. This would include hor d'oeuvres, a seven course meal served at a table set up in the galley, unlimited wine, and a group picture with the Chef. The cost would be $75/person and space would be very limited. So, just as soon as we got on board, I went over to guest services and asked how to reserve a spot for us at this dinner. She connected me to the proper person and we were all set for Tuesday evening!

After this, we made our way up to the Lido buffet area and had lunch while waiting for our cabin to be available. We were told it would be around 1:30 pm. Jane went through the buffet line and got her a plate full of fruits, vegetables, basically healthy food...I headed straight for the cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and fries!!!...YESSSS! As we were eating we made room at our table for Teresa Schroeder and her 2 children, Chantel and Brandon. They are in our cruise critic roll call group, and we had met them the prior evening at the Radisson Hotel. We really enjoyed getting to know them during the cruise week! We also met another couple, Janice and Don (Robo), from our group for the 1st time. After a D.O.D., we went off to find our cabin and to get settled in a little bit. We were on Panorama deck in Spa Suite # 11205. It was the most forward suite cabin on the starboard side of the ship. We loved this room!

to be continued...

What to do first?

After we got to our cabin, the first thing that we noticed was that the decor was much different in the spa cabins! The cabinet and closet doors were an off white design, and the carpeting was a different design than in the other cabins we looked in. There was abundant closet and drawer space with night stands on both sides of the bed. There was a vanity dressing room with lighted mirrors, marble counter top, and a separate closet area and an extra a/c outlet. The bathroom had a double vanity, marble counter tops, another a/c outlet (GFI), samples of several Elemis spa products, and a nice big whirlpool tub/shower combination! There was a nice large balcony that ran the full length of the room, and to top things off - 2 pair of Cloud 9 slippers and 2 plush Cloud 9 bath robes! Yeah, I could see right away that we were gonna hate this cabin!:rolleyes:

Since our luggage hadn't arrived yet, we decided to take a quick tour of the ship before the muster drill and sail away. We took the private elevator up to the Cloud 9 spa area and checked out the facilities. There was the usual exercise rooms and equipment that was available free to everyone. Then there was the restricted areas containing the Thermal Suite with steam rooms, the Thallassotherapy pool, and treatment rooms (my kind of "exercise"). Since we had a spa cabin, we were given wristbands and scan cards for access to these areas. Otherwise, there was a charge of $249/couple to use these areas for the week. We then went up to the Serenity Adults only area and found it to be very comfortable. It even had its own whirpools and bar area.

We then checked out the waterslides and I didn't realize how long they were. One of them emptied into a big bowl like area that you had to climb down from...pretty cool! I wanted to see the promenade and Lanai areas so we headed down to check them out...after a quick stop at the ice cream machines, of course.:D We could see already that we were going to love this ship! It was now about 3:15 pm, so we were soon called for the muster safety drill. Our meeting place was the main Encore theatre, where the staff demonstrated the safety devices and procedures. This is the first cruise where we didn't have to wear our life jackets during muster. Now that felt really strange!...like we were skipping something, almost. Then the alarm sounded ending the drill, and we were ready for the real fun to start.

Everyone from the roll call had arranged to meet at the aft pool/bar area for sail-away, and to get the fun started. We then were introduced to the roll call members that we had missed at the Radisson, and those who had come in the day of the cruise. Great people like Rob, Scott and Michelle, Kavin, Cindy, and Shie, Doug ,Nicky and her parents, Teresa, Chantel, and Brandon, Cheryl and Dave, Greg and Marcia, Bobby and Lisa, Larry and Tammie, Jack, Jim & Kevin, Theresa, Don and Janice, Nick and Claire, Jack, Nikki, Mark, and Cathy, Franco, and others I'm sure. There was also Sherrie and her husband, and this was their final leg of back to back to back cruises on The Dream. 3 straight cruises!!!...I felt so unworthy to be in their presence...heeheehee.

The ship pulled out just after 4:00pm, and we all waved like fools to those who had come to the area to watch the ship leave port. As we entered the Atlantic, we all knew it was gonna be a great week!!!:p

to be continued...

I can't wait for more. You have me so looking forward to my turn on the Dream in 3 weeks.

As we entered the Atlantic, we all knew it was gonna be a great week!!!:p

 

to be continued...

oh come on, Craig....dont skip the parts where your toilet clogged into the spa pool, someone had previously used your precious Cloud 9 bathrobe, you tripped the old lady in the omelette line and the break dancing crew called you out to the floor to 'bust - a - move' ....

you're review is too good to be true....and you are misleading these poor innocent people.

I was there....I remember it all....

it's time to release Seabiscuit...

<ducking and running>

Jim&Kev

I can't wait for more. You have me so looking forward to my turn on the Dream in 3 weeks.

Hi,

Could you please do me a big favor??? Please ask someone (if it isn't in the daily "newspaper") which port the O2 club does it's shore excursion - what the excursion is and if it is the same for each cruise on the Dream.

I have desperately been trying to get this information for my 16 year old so that we can make plans for family excursions for our cruise August 21, 2010. I have contacted Carnival directly, they send me general information about the O2 Clubs and itineraries from other ships.

When you get home could you please post it on my roll call...Carnival Dream August 21, 2010.

I would so appreciate this.:rolleyes:

Thanks

Thanks for posting your review. I'm enjoying it, and looking forward to reading more.

Darn it!

I was just relaxing and really getting into your review - and then it is over for now.

MORE MORE MORE!!!! :)

Love your technique. Thanks for writing.

I, too, am enjoying your review and looking forward to More!:p

Loving your review. We are thinking of booking the Dream for our next cruise.

oh come on, Craig....dont skip the parts where your toilet clogged into the spa pool, someone had previously used your precious Cloud 9 bathrobe, you tripped the old lady in the omelette line and the break dancing crew called you out to the floor to 'bust - a - move' ....

you're review is too good to be true....and you are misleading these poor innocent people.

I was there....I remember it all....

it's time to release Seabiscuit...

<ducking and running>

Jim&Kev

OK Jim. You know it's just human nature to block the traumatic events from your mind after the experience. The plugged toilet was caused by that giant "bowl gator" that was left as a momento from the prior cruise cabin guests.:eek: The room steward got me a replacement Cloud 9 spa robe (after I had showered of course). I tripped the old lady in the omelette line because she was trying to break in (and having to use a walker to get around was no excuse). And don't get me started about the breakdancing. If you recall, I couldn't "bust - a - move" because I ended up "busting - my - @$$". My back and neck are still hurting, even after several trips to the thallassotherapy pool!

And Seabiscuit is still not speaking to me, all because I refused to let him bring the seahorse back from Isla Roatan!...geez:D:p:D

Don't make me start telling everyone about you, the waterslide, and the bunny suit!

<ducking to avoid the thrown shoe>

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. I love it already and you are just sailing away! I can't wait to read the rest....

The first night

After sail away, and with the shore getting further away, Jane and I decided to head back to the cabin to get ready for dinner as we had early seating at 6:00 pm. As it turned out, we were assigned to the Scarlett Dining room, which is down on Atlantic Deck at the very back (aft) of the ship. And...if you remember, our spa suite was located up high at the very front (forward) of the ship...so we had quite a hike to get to our dining room table. However, I had planned to really enjoy the ship's food while on board, so the extra walking was going to help burn off those calories...yeah, right.:p

The first night was casual in the dining room, as some people would not receive their luggage before dinner (we had ours when we returned to the room after sail away). So off we went to dinner to meet our table mates and waiters. We were escorted to table 431 in the lower dining area, and next to the windows overlooking the ships wake. It was a table for 4 right next to a table for 2. Well, our table mates did not show up for dinner, so we assumed that they were going to have dinner at the buffet this first night. Next to us at the table for 2 were a young college age couple who were engaged to be married next Spring. Well...it didn't take very long for me to stick my foot in my mouth as I introduced Jane and myself to the young couple, and asked them if they were there with their parents. They looked at me like I had lobsters crawling out of my ears. "No, we are adults thank you, and don't need our parents as chaperones". Apparently, they were trying out this cruise to see if they wanted to go on it for their honeymoon. I started to ask them why they would want to repeat the same cruise over again, but I didn't like the taste of my foot...and besides, Jane knew I was about to ask, so she subtly planted her elbow right into my rib cage.;)

Anyway, our waiters Wayne and Jaya introduced themselves to us and served our bread and water. They are both from Indonesia, and were very prompt and friendly every night that we ate in the dining room. Being a steak and potato kind of guy, I of course ordered the flat iron steak for my entree and Jane ordered trout. The meal was delicious, as expected, and I was soon ready for the big one...the crown royal of Carnival deserts...WARM CHOCOLATE MELTING CAKE...yes!!!...the one I had longed for for months leading up to the cruise. My taste buds were in ecstasy as I savored every spoonful of this delectable treat!!! I was in heaven.

After dinner, being quite tired from our adventure of the past 2 days, we decided to skip the Welcome Aboard show in the Encore Theatre, and just relax on our balcony. Jane had her book, and I had my scotch and water...Does it get any better than this?:D

to be continued...

Loving your review! And isn't it amazing how college-aged people seem to look younger as we get older?:D

I love the fact that you are doing a review of the cruise WE were originally booked on and I am doing a review on the cruise that YOU were originally booked on. Too funny. Maybe one day we will actually meet you guys. Love your review and thanks for doing it.

I love the fact that you are doing a review of the cruise WE were originally booked on and I am doing a review on the cruise that YOU were originally booked on. Too funny. Maybe one day we will actually meet you guys. Love your review and thanks for doing it.

Wish you guys could have joined us....It was a superb cruise ~ in spite of Craigs twisted review. We learned early we cant dress him up and take him out in public...bless his heart. And Janes.... :p

Jim & Kev

I love the fact that you are doing a review of the cruise WE were originally booked on and I am doing a review on the cruise that YOU were originally booked on. Too funny. Maybe one day we will actually meet you guys. Love your review and thanks for doing it.

LOL...yeah, that is kind of ironic. I thought about you guys when we were sailing away on the Dream. We still want to go on an Alaska cruise, and we will definitely sail on the Spirit! Thanks to you also for doing a review on your cruise. I really enjoyed your review of the Victory cruise (I laughed so hard at the overweight luggage situation at the airport).

Jane and I are looking at booking the 12 day Carnival Magic Mediterranean cruise in 2011, so we might finally get to cruise with you after all! It looks like you have a steady diet of cruises booked leading up to the Magic. :)

Jane and I are looking at booking the 12 day Carnival Magic Mediterranean cruise in 2011, so we might finally get to cruise with you after all! It looks like you have a steady diet of cruises booked leading up to the Magic. :)

We are too, dude...Most likely Sept. I have at least 4 other cabins in our group as well. Would be so great if our cruise paths crossed again. We had so little time and the ship was so big that everyone rarely saw each other unless it was pre-arranged.

Wish you guys could have joined us....It was a superb cruise ~ in spite of Craigs twisted review. We learned early we cant dress him up and take him out in public...bless his heart. And Janes.... :p

Jim & Kev

Alright Jim, am I going to have to tell these guys about your behavior at the Liquor tasting? It was not a pretty sight.:D:rolleyes: :eek:

The First night-concluded...

After relaxing on the balcony for a bit after dinner, I started to get antsy again, so I asked Jane if she wanted to go up to the Welcome Aboard Laser show at the Lido deck pool area. She said that she wanted to rest for the balance of the evening, so I made my way up to deck 10. As it was only around 9:30 pm at this point, I just happened to be walking past the ice cream machine, so I thought "oh, what the heck", and dispensed a nice big bowl of soft serve swirl...hmmm...hmmm!:D

I ran across Teresa, Chantel, and Brandon before the show and we talked for a few minutes. I then saw Scott and Michele at the front of the crowd as the show began, and waved to them. There was a large group of people at the laser show, and it was was pretty cool...set in time to the music, and brightly lighting up the deck. The Carnival dancers came out and became part of the rock and roll segment of the show, and the dancers mingled into the crowd and danced with random individuals including Kevin, Jim's partner from Kentucky. Let me tell you, this guy can dance!:p He has competed in ballroom dancing competitions and I think he really surprised the Carnival dancer with his talent! Way to go Kevin!!!:)

After the show, I was pretty much beat, so I made my way back to the cabin and that wonderful Carnival Comfort Bedding! I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. So went the first day of a memorable cruise...

To be continued...

We are on the Dream this October 9th for the Eastern Carribbean and I feel as though I am on the ship right now with your terrific reveiw! I can only hope we have that much of a fantastic Roll Call as you did! Thank you for your review. You two sound amazing and funny!

We are also booked in a Spa Balcony, not the Suite but in 12219. Was that close to you?

We cruised on the Dream in February. It was Awesome. Your excitment about your cruise really translates well to your review.

Jon