Dream foul smell

[*Mach*]

Take the cruise and enjoy it. We were on The Dream 12/3-12/09 in cove balcony 2309. The deck 2 hallways intermittently, but daily, smelled like sewage. The crew acknowledged that this has been an ongoing problem. Those who have been on The Dream and state that there is NO sewage smell, undoubtedly were never on deck 2! Carnival has a problem(s) with The Dream and the PR people are doing their best to gloss over the problem(s) because that is their job.

 

 

Ummm... we were on the Main Deck... cove balcony cabin... 2397 and neither of us ever smelled any kind of sewage odor.

:)

[going2cruz]

Ummm... we were on the Main Deck... cove balcony cabin... 2397 and neither of us ever smelled any kind of sewage odor.

 

:)

 

 

The op has two posts.....hey op I had the same experience when I was on the dream and we passed by RCL's Oasis

[DGP1111]

. . . We were on The Dream 12/3-12/09 in cove balcony 2309. . .

 

. . . Those who have been on The Dream and state that there is NO sewage smell, undoubtedly were never on deck 2!

 

 

During the exact same Carnival Dream sailing, I was in cabin 2217 for those nine days. There were 27 cabins separating yours and mine, and I'm now grateful that I chose the location I did, since there was not an ongoing odor issue up front. I ate breakfast & dinner in the aft dining room, and most times, I walked the length of Main Deck to the aft stairs and then walked up that one flight to get to the dining room.

 

I'm definitely not saying there was no issue with smell on this ship for that sailing, but I am saying that I (thankfully) didn't personally experience it.

[*Mach*]

During the exact same Carnival Dream sailing, I was in cabin 2217 for those nine days. There were 27 cabins separating yours and mine, and I'm now grateful that I chose the location I did, since there was not an ongoing odor issue up front. I ate breakfast & dinner in the aft dining room, and most times, I walked the length of Main Deck to the aft stairs and then walked up that one flight to get to the dining room.

 

I'm definitely not saying there was no issue with smell on this ship for that sailing, but I am saying that I (thankfully) didn't personally experience it.

 

 

You're exactly right, Don and I should have added that I'm not denying that there's an odor... just stating that I never experienced it. I have mentioned that in other threads discussing this issue.

It really surprises me that no one I met in the Dream commented on an odor given the motion of the ship in the seas we were in...

:)

[MrPete]

You're exactly right, Don and I should have added that I'm not denying that there's an odor... just stating that I never experienced it. I have mentioned that in other threads discussing this issue.

 

It really surprises me that no one I met in the Dream commented on an odor given the motion of the ship in the seas we were in...

 

:)

 

You were lucky! Perhaps with all those gale winds, the smells were diffused!

[pe4all]

Wow! Nicely written, well-thought out post/complaint. Truthfully, if you are that worried about the smell why not transfer to one of the other CCL ships sailing that week? Liberty and Freedom are also great ships - no smells reported ever on them! I don't want to stir the pot - but it seems that with all your calls/emails up the Carnival food chain, you have already "covered" yourself for having a bad experience on board, put CCL on warning, and are ready to pounce for some kind of re-imbursement. Don't set yourself/Carnival up for failure. I understand this is a highly anticipated vacation - but so is every cruiser's. If I were that worried about a smell on board, I would transfer ships. I am sure Carnival would let you do so without invoking a penalty, as you have been so vocal about your concerns.

[firefly333]

I think Ill wait to sail Dream myself, not worth flying to Florida. Hope they work out the bugs before Magic comes out though, 'cause I will cruise, smell or no smell me thinks.

 

I admit that I can see the OP is upset, but odds are he wouldnt smell it. OP just go and plan on enjoying it. Worrying and writing them isnt going to help as you found out.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

I am writing your publication to make public my “foul” experience with Carnival Cruise Lines. In these tough economic times, vacations are hard to come by. Families need to guard their funds and carefully choose whom they entrust their families memories with. This year, my wife and I, including our 12 year old son, 9 year old daughter and 6 year old daughter decided to take a vacation with my in laws who are in their 70’s for their 50th wedding anniversary. Also joining us on our vacation were my brother in law, his wife and their 8 year old daughter. This was to be a vacation to provide the type of family memories that can be recalled for a lifetime. This could be the only time we all ever get to vacation together. After weighing our memory dollars very carefully, we chose to sail on the newest, largest, Carnival Ship, the Dream.

Excitement was a bound, and anticipation was high. One day while day “Dreaming” about our cruise, I looked at an online site that reviews cruise ships. CruiseCritic.com. To my horror, most of the reviews talked about a fowl, sewer type, smell on board. We originally made our reservations back in August 2009 for a March 2010 cruise over Spring Break. Now it was January 2010 and other options were all booked. Maybe this was just an isolated few upset guests that are never happy. Not so, review after review, even those that seemed somewhat satisfied with their cruise lauded about the odd, sewer type smell on board. I thought how can a cruise ship marketed towards families smell like a dumpster?

I immediately called Carnival to get some sort of an explanation. I figured that they must be aware of the situation and have it resolved by now. I figured what type of company would allow little kids, seniors and young families be subjected to sewer odors during their Dream vacations. Spoke to several people at the customer service area who had no idea what I was talking about and insured me that there was no foul odor aboard any of their ships. I asked to speak to a supervisor, and was connected to Diane. Diane assured me that no odor was present on the Dream ship, but after I insisted, she agreed to call to upper management to address my concerns. While I awaited a return call, I did some research on the internet and I spoke to Vance Guilikson, Carnival’s media relations spoke person. This was not easy to get him on the phone, but I relented. This is what I read:

Carnival spokesperson Vance Gulliksen responded to our request for comment following multiple reports of a sewage smell on Carnival Dream: "We have been told that initially there were some issues in certain open decks relating to the design of the ventilation systems within those specific areas. The problem was exacerbated under certain heavy wind conditions.

 

"Working with the Fincantieri shipyard, the ventilation systems in question were reconfigured prior to the ship's arrival in the U.S. in November. Since the problem was identified, the ventilation issues have largely been contained, however, there have been a few isolated incidents over the past few weeks. The ship's technical management team continues to closely monitor the situation to determine whether any further corrective actions may be necessary."

We discussed the issue, and he mentioned that he would put a call into the ship and upper management to find out a date when this situation would be resolved. I never received a return call from him. I did hear back from Diane. I was told that there was in fact a sewer type odor on board, but that it was “only” in certain areas. I thought, oh good, my 6 year old will only have to smell sewage in certain areas, not everywhere on my vacation. Obviously, I was being sarcastic and upset and couldn’t believe I was hearing the explanation she was giving me. I asked to receive a call from her supervisor Paula Sinclair. I was promised a call from her by the end of the next day. During my wait I decided to e-mail CEO Micky Arison and President Gerald Cahill. I was sure that if Mr. Arison knew of this problem, he would surely fix it, especially since it was his father who started Carnival Cruise Lines with just one ship designed to provide vacations to working families. He wouldn’t let working families pay for a cruise that he knew smelled like a sewer.

No response from Mr. Arison or Mr. Cahill. I did get an e-mail from Shela Wever, a guest solutions manager, that sent me this e-mail –“ …Please be advised that when the Carnival Dream first entered service in Europe, there were some isolated problems identified and corrective action was taken via modifications to the ship’s ventilation system. Since the ship has been operating in the U.S., we have received very few complaints on this issue. Actually, less than two in every 1,000 guests who have sailed on the vessel during this period. Nonetheless, further modifications are being made which will be completed shortly. We do not have a specific date at this time.” I also received this exact same e-mail from Carlos Villarreal. Sounds like they are getting many inquires about this issue and have developed this form e-mail. Unfortunately, all of the reviews I read dealing with the smell on board were written after these modifications were supposedly made.

Except for the money Carnival wants to make, why wouldn’t they put this ship in port and not let one paying family have to sacrifice their memories and their vacation to suffer through a sewer smell while trying to enjoy themselves. Would Mr. Arison sail on his yacht, the MYLIN IV and invite guests if it had a sewer smell on it? Would you invite guests to stay at your house if one of your rooms smelled like a sewer or dirty diapers as one review said?

I called Ms. Wever and she told me that they were aware of the smell onboard and that they were working on the issue, but that they couldn’t guarantee me that the odor would be gone by the time I sailed with them. Is this a joke? She told me to just have faith in them that they will resolve the issue, although she couldn’t promise it. How could I subject my family to this, a waste of our hard earned memory dollars? In a subsequent e-mail by her she wrote - ” …If you sail and are dissatisfied in any way with your cruise you have the opportunity to take advantage of our Vacation Guarantee program. We will not provide a full refund though due to this.” The guarantee was that my family could get off the ship at one of their stops and they would refund the rest of the cruise price. How many people reading this want to take a chance on a cruise like this, with a company like this? What do I do? What would you do? Cancel the memory vacation for my little girls and their grandma?

Sincerely,

Scott

 

Scott,

 

Seems like you should have nothing to worry about. G'ma has guaranteed the smell problem is fixed.

 

If there really was one that is.:rolleyes:

 

Bill

[Sargent_Schultz]

operating in the U.S., we have received very few complaints on this issue. Actually, less than two in every 1,000 guests who have sailed on the vessel during this period. Nonetheless, further modifications are being made which will be completed shortly.

 

I spent 28 consecutive days on Carnival Dream, in all kinds of weather, wind, seas, and ship direction, prior to arrival in New York. I explored every deck multiple times including a number of cabins and not once did I detect any sewerage or other offensive odors (excluding some woman's perfumes). This included 12 days in a Cove Balcony cabin.

 

Unless you are creating the odors, the odds are extremely small that you will encounter any.

[cruiser123456]

Just my .02...

 

The fact that OP emailed President and CEO while WAITING for a reply from other department seems a little much and makes me think that OP is going a little overboard (pardon the pun) and is not going to be happy on the cruise no matter what.

 

Have there been odors? Perhaps? But if it was really that much of an issue, I am sure Carnival would address and resolve quickly. As another poster mentioned, the company that built the ship is in that business...if there is an issue it would/will be taken care of.

 

I guess what I am trying to say is if I am so worried that I need to contact the CEO, I am going to find something else to do. (But I don't worry that much!!) I mean no offense to OP, I just think OP's anticipation of potential issues resulting in such an arduous inquiry prior to the cruise is an indicator that they should cancel vacation and go somewhere else as a family.

[conchead]

Odors are one thig I RARELY think about.

I worked in a nursing home for 13 years,

my days of smelling are long gone:rolleyes:

[Crusin6]

I believe the reviews that the Dream does have a smell because I sailed the Victory and was apprehensive as well due to the reports of a smell. And yes, it was there...but not in any way was it constant. I believe that you will not be bothered by any smell on the Dream...but it will be there at times...I do believe the reviews.

 

What you have is the issue of all of you travelling en masse..IMHO...and in laws and kids and spouses can and do get everyone crazy...this I know.

 

As a mom to 4, I also feel that you are a little worried about traveling with the kids maybe? Lots to do...too much stuff you think you need to bring...which you don't need BTW....and the stress of what it seems to be....that you have been designated....the leader of this pack?

 

 

What I have mentioned above are your real issues...not an on again off again smell...and it is not raw sewage...it is the odor that comes with waste disposal of all kinds....doesn't your garbage can smell sometimes?

 

 

I would be more concerned with excessive smoke in the casino when you have to walk thru it with the kids....and you will trust me..because Carnival makes that the easiest route thru the ship and makes it difficult to find those alternate routes...although they do exist......oh..and if you have a balcony....that is where all the smokers hang out as well..on their balconies.

 

Go enjoy and please use cruisecritic for information that can help you...like dining times...camp carnival questions...etc..etc.

 

One last thing...and I have stood by this comment for a long time....Carnival cruisers do tend to be cruisers looking for the best bang for their buck......many are well traveled...many like yourself cruise for special occasions and cruise few and far between. Although the posters here would like you to believe that everyone cruises 5 times a year:rolleyes: it just aint so...even my travels span a 35 year time frame...and I have travelled many places!! So, that being said.....calm down about the money being spent and please do not pin all your hopes on the "cruise of a lifetime" and just settle in , relax and enjoy making family memories:)

[sdestiny]

we have 2 adjoining balcony cabins and 2 more next to them.

[Crusin6]

Wow! Nicely written, well-thought out post/complaint. Truthfully, if you are that worried about the smell why not transfer to one of the other CCL ships sailing that week? Liberty and Freedom are also great ships - no smells reported ever on them! I don't want to stir the pot - but it seems that with all your calls/emails up the Carnival food chain, you have already "covered" yourself for having a bad experience on board, put CCL on warning, and are ready to pounce for some kind of re-imbursement. Don't set yourself/Carnival up for failure. I understand this is a highly anticipated vacation - but so is every cruiser's. If I were that worried about a smell on board, I would transfer ships. I am sure Carnival would let you do so without invoking a penalty, as you have been so vocal about your concerns.

I too agree that this may be a viable alternative.

 

BTW...does anyone think maybe a T...R.... albeit a well written one? Just askin' not stirrin' the pot...but it could be

[Crusin6]

Triumph...4 cruises....no smell

Inspiration...3 cruises...no smell

Fascination...5 cruises...no smell

 

Actually' date=' over 68 Carnival cruises, I've never been subjected to a "smell".

 

It must be a conspiracy....[/quote']

No you are wrong...and the posters can believe me when I say there was a smell on the Riveria deck of the Victory on the Canada 5 day in August 2007.

 

Even DH...who smells nothing...smelled it

 

 

And no....it wasn't coming from our cabins!!:D

[sdestiny]

I have tried to switch ships. none out of the same port have any availability that we need with a triple and a double, adjoining for little kids.

[zqvol]

Whether people want to admit it or not, these types of smells can occur on any cruise ship. The tanks that hold the waste products have to be vented so that waste can be allowed to enter.

 

The gasses are always vented over the side, and are supposed to drift harmlessly away. There are times that due to winds, and unanticipated design anomolies, the smells drift back in passenger areas. It happens and unfortunatley without major re-engineering it cannot be fixed.

 

These smells are going to be a long term problem on the Dream.

[happy cruzer]

too much drama......

too long a letter.....

 

Scott, Have you cruised or traveled much? All places occasionally have a smell. Yes, even the very rich areas have sewage and it smells. It is vented somewhere. If you are near a vent at the wrong time you get some smell. It is not toxic.

 

I agree having it everywhere all the time would be bit much, but that probably is not the case. I think I have smelled some sewage on every ship and in almost everyplace visited in the world - reality.

 

Start worrying about more important things.

[sdestiny]

I am not looking for anything but an assurance from them that it has been fixed. If nothing else, I wanted to add some pressure to make this issue a higher priority to get it fixed than it seems to have been. If they wanted or needed the problem to be fixed right away, I think they would make sure it was fixed right away.

[cjackso8]

I say go and enjoy. I don't think I would allow some bad smells to ruin a vacation. I think if I were you, I would forget about the whole smell thing. If you expect to smell it, you'll obsess over it the whole time, and you will be the reason for a bad trip, not the smell ;)

[Crusin6]

I have tried to switch ships. none out of the same port have any availability that we need with a triple and a double, adjoining for little kids.

Scott..stop now....you have good cabins that work for you....just go and make family memories.

 

 

IMHO....I bet that the many generations...including yours...are just going overboard here..no pun intended......lots of nervous family members I bet...just stop now....and have fun.

[pe4all]

We had some "smell" now and then on Fantasy. Crinkled our noses, and went on with our vacation. (and we had splurged on our first, and probably last) Cat. 12 for that sailing) And OP - I do understand you may be in a bind with switching ships, as Sensation is the only other ship sailing from PC at that time - small, older ship, shorter cruise, etc. Is there any way you can get to Miami/Ft. Lauderdale? Don't know if airfare is involved.... but if there are no cabins available that you need, you really are in a bind. Sail, or cancel. I would go for sail! And, btw - I have been teaching for 30 years. Young kids notice a smell, they comment, they laugh, and they go on with life. It is a wonderful attitude to have, as all they want to do is have fun and enjoy themselves. Maybe there is a lesson here....

[Crusin6]

I am not looking for anything but an assurance from them that it has been fixed. If nothing else, I wanted to add some pressure to make this issue a higher priority to get it fixed than it seems to have been. If they wanted or needed the problem to be fixed right away, I think they would make sure it was fixed right away.

Are you an attorney? again...stop...and forget it....but if you keep pushing them .....they just might refund your money before the trip.....sounds like that is what you really want.

[Sargent_Schultz]

You won't find perfection with anything on earth. Stop focusing on the negative and focus on the positive and you'll have a great time. Or you can join the ranks of the chronic, whiny, never happy people.

[seadays4me]

Did experience a smell on our Carnival Dream cruise. It would be a brief occurrence on occasion. Sometimes it was from the ship, and sometimes from another passenger. Did not complain (or care) so was not added into the Carnival Statistics.