Just back from Dream B2B April 17 - May 1, 2010

[realmccoy]

Had a great time on our B2B Eastern/Western Cruise on the Dream. The B2B process was simple and quick and we were off the ship for about 10 minutes while we walked through customs. We had full access to the ship for about 2 1/2 hours before the first guests arrived. The Hotel Director sent us a bottle of Champagne and a fruit basket for sailing with them on the B2B...so yes you sometimes get gifts.

 

We had a Spa Room on Deck 11 and loved it. We only used the Spa 5 times in the 14 days we were on the ship but would stay in a Spa room again.

 

The so called "smell"...only smelled it on day 13 when we went up to deck 14 to go on the slide. We never smelled it on the Lido deck...and we were out there every day for 2-weeks! Our room was a balcony on Deck 11...never smelled anything there either.

 

Lost $$$ in the casino week 1...but then won $700 during week 2!

 

We had different tables in the dinning room and had great service from all the wait staff. Mongolian BBQ, Buritto Bar and Deli were yummy...didn't try the Pasta Bar or Tandori.

 

For the shoppers, best prices on Jewelry was in St. Thomas...most expensive was Belize. Watch out for prices at Diamonds/ Tanzanite International and wheel and deal for the best price. I had found a ring in Belize...retail $5000...my price was $3500. Same ring in Costa Maya was $3200. Same ring in St Thomas at Tanzanite International was $1500...but at Diamonds International (which was down the street) was only $1200. So my original "lowest deal" they could give me went from $3500 to $1200. Even the Manager at Diamonds International was embarassed when he brought the same ring over from Tanz. International so I could compare. He was embarassed due to the price difference...and the quality...the one I got them down to $1200 was far better quality than the $1500 deal. Deals can be made in Cozumel and Costa Maya on anything. At the port everything I asked a price for was $15...but got them down to $5 on everything. Do your shopping last, no matter what port you are at and you can get the deals...which is what we did.

 

Loved the comedians...but didn't see many of the stage shows. And yes, our "drinks" made it on without a problem...I even took off the locks to make it easier for them to remove it and they didn't seem to care about it. The drink people are still pushy, the photo people still stick a camera in your face every chance they get and they still sell 2 shirts for $20! Loved it, can't wait for our next cruise!

[crewsweeper]

realmccoy...Thanks for your review notes. We're on our Eastern leg of two Cranival Dream cruises this year having sailed the Western in January. Also in a Deck 11 spa balcony cabin. Interesting that you didn't try the pasta bar at least once. But everyone has different tastes--we're not fans of Mongolian BBQ. Your comments on jewelry shopping are very interesting. DW isn't big on bling so we skirt these shops anyway, but since DI and TI seem to have big presence in all ports, I was surprised at the diffences in prices, must VAT and customs duties (host countries not US) that account for that.

 

Glad you had a great cruise...We had poor weather in January but when able to be outside we were on the Serenity deck. Any tips on quiet places on the Lido or Lanai? Which comedians were on your cruises? Piano bar still overly smoky? Who was playing there?

 

Thanks again for your review.

[CruiseTricia]

Thanks for the review. We leave on May 29th - can't wait! What kinds of things do they show on the Seaside Theater? do they show movies all day or just at night? Do they give out popcorn?

 

Thanks for any info!

[amyj23]

Had a great time on our B2B Eastern/Western Cruise on the Dream. The B2B process was simple and quick and we were off the ship for about 10 minutes while we walked through customs. We had full access to the ship for about 2 1/2 hours before the first guests arrived. The Hotel Director sent us a bottle of Champagne and a fruit basket for sailing with them on the B2B...so yes you sometimes get gifts.

 

We had a Spa Room on Deck 11 and loved it. We only used the Spa 5 times in the 14 days we were on the ship but would stay in a Spa room again.

 

The so called "smell"...only smelled it on day 13 when we went up to deck 14 to go on the slide. We never smelled it on the Lido deck...and we were out there every day for 2-weeks! Our room was a balcony on Deck 11...never smelled anything there either.

 

Lost $$$ in the casino week 1...but then won $700 during week 2!

 

We had different tables in the dinning room and had great service from all the wait staff. Mongolian BBQ, Buritto Bar and Deli were yummy...didn't try the Pasta Bar or Tandori.

 

For the shoppers, best prices on Jewelry was in St. Thomas...most expensive was Belize. Watch out for prices at Diamonds/ Tanzanite International and wheel and deal for the best price. I had found a ring in Belize...retail $5000...my price was $3500. Same ring in Costa Maya was $3200. Same ring in St Thomas at Tanzanite International was $1500...but at Diamonds International (which was down the street) was only $1200. So my original "lowest deal" they could give me went from $3500 to $1200. Even the Manager at Diamonds International was embarassed when he brought the same ring over from Tanz. International so I could compare. He was embarassed due to the price difference...and the quality...the one I got them down to $1200 was far better quality than the $1500 deal. Deals can be made in Cozumel and Costa Maya on anything. At the port everything I asked a price for was $15...but got them down to $5 on everything. Do your shopping last, no matter what port you are at and you can get the deals...which is what we did.

 

Loved the comedians...but didn't see many of the stage shows. And yes, our "drinks" made it on without a problem...I even took off the locks to make it easier for them to remove it and they didn't seem to care about it. The drink people are still pushy, the photo people still stick a camera in your face every chance they get and they still sell 2 shirts for $20! Loved it, can't wait for our next cruise!

 

Thanks for the mini-review! We are doing a B2B on the Dream, too. It was perfect with two different itineraries!

[LBumb]

thanks for posting

[realmccoy]

Interesting that you didn't try the pasta bar at least once.

 

Any tips on quiet places on the Lido or Lanai? Which comedians were on your cruises? Piano bar still overly smoky? Who was playing there?

.

 

LOL...maybe that is why only gained 3 pounds in two weeks...because I skipped the pasta bar!:eek:

 

The Lido deck is now smoking on the Port side only, so we always sat on the Starboard side. We never had a problem finding a table and during the day it was not all that lound. The serenity deck was great and many quiet places. On Deck 14 there is a quiet sitting area as well that not too many know about on the Port side. Can't remember the names of the comedians but there were 4 different one's on board that rotated shows. Show up early to get a seat as they were turning people away every night. Piano bar very smokey and we had Ron who was flown in just for a week to play on our group cruise. Have a great cruise.

[realmccoy]

Thanks for the review. We leave on May 29th - can't wait! What kinds of things do they show on the Seaside Theater? do they show movies all day or just at night? Do they give out popcorn?

 

Thanks for any info!

 

 

They show CNN in the morning, concerts in the afternoon and movie showings twice a night...I think once at 6pm and once at 10pm. They had popcorn and Icee's...but they cost $$. They also have a new laser show, once night it was to Latin music and the other night it was to Pick Floyd/ Rush. They also had blanket's on the Lido...which were free.

[CruiseTricia]

Thank you! I wish the popcorn were free like on Princess! Oh well.

[antoniolauren]

Hi realmccoy,

My husband and I are off on our first B2B cruise in 11 days on the Carnival Freedom!! I am just wondering if you could tell us a little bit about the disembarkation process between the cruises (if there was one for you) and how moving your luggage to your next room works and all. We were especially concerned about our duty free goods purchased on the first cruise and are hoping that we will be able to get them to the second with no problem! Thanks! :)

[CruisingAmazona]

Hello former neighbor from across the hall!

 

I too was hit badly at the casino the first few days, but fortunately was able to recoup on Wednesday night and forward........! :-)

 

You did good, I gained 4 lbs in 7 days! NOW I'M STARVING ALL THE TIME!

[realmccoy]

Hi realmccoy,

My husband and I are off on our first B2B cruise in 11 days on the Carnival Freedom!! I am just wondering if you could tell us a little bit about the disembarkation process between the cruises (if there was one for you) and how moving your luggage to your next room works and all. We were especially concerned about our duty free goods purchased on the first cruise and are hoping that we will be able to get them to the second with no problem! Thanks! :)

 

Each boat is different, but for ours we received a letter to meet at Guest Services at 9:30am with your customs form and passport. They took roll to make sure we were all there and then they escorted us to customs, where we handed the guy our form (they didn't even look at passports) and walked back onto the ship. We were off the ship for about 10 minutes. We had the same room, but I guess the room stewards will help you move your luggage. Have a great trip!