A Vacation–No! A DREAM VACATION – Review with pictures April 2, 2011

[GeorgiaMomof4]

Are they passport holders that you and Whitney are wearing? Loving your photos and review!

 

 

Mine is an actual passport holder (I borrowed it from my Mom) and I think Whitney's is a lanyard from Carnival that was included in the bag of stuff I won at the shopping talk. It just has the plastic pouch attached that you can put your S & S and drivers license and stuff in. I"ll let you know if it's not a Carnival one, but I'm pretty sure it is.

[bushcoin]

Enjoying the review and the pictures... we will be on the Dream in October.:) Your pictures are very clear... would you mind sharing what kind of camera you use?

 

PS.... You all look AWESOME for Elegant Night. :D

[ljslight]

Hey momof4, I am a mom to five. We did fostercare for 15yrs. We also adopted 2 kids. We got them as newborns. They are 13 and 10 now, our other kids are 30,26,and 24.

We took them on their 1st cruise this year on the Freedom. They loved it!

I am bookd on the Dream for 2/2/2013.

I am really enjoying the review.

[sparkscruiser]

Reading your review and getting ready to book today on the Dream for the 26th of November. Thanks so much for taking the time to write this.

 

We have sailed on the Spirit class many times and it is our favorite class of ship. Have done all of them except the Legend.... one day I'll do that one too. Can't wait to see how the Dream compares!

 

You have a beautiful family!

[GeorgiaMomof4]

Enjoying the review and the pictures... we will be on the Dream in October.:) Your pictures are very clear... would you mind sharing what kind of camera you use?

 

PS.... You all look AWESOME for Elegant Night. :D

 

 

Not at all, but it's at home and I don't know what it is other than a Sony, I think? It's new. I'll be sure and post again when I get home and look though!

[GeorgiaMomof4]

Hey momof4, I am a mom to five. We did fostercare for 15yrs. We also adopted 2 kids. We got them as newborns. They are 13 and 10 now, our other kids are 30,26,and 24.

We took them on their 1st cruise this year on the Freedom. They loved it!

I am bookd on the Dream for 2/2/2013.

I am really enjoying the review.

 

 

We've been doing it for 6 years - I don't know if I'll be able to hold out for 15! Wow and I thought I was raising 2 families - you really did! My first 2 are 2 years apart and then there's 6 years difference and then my last 2 are 2 years apart. You will love the Dream!

[GeorgiaMomof4]

Reading your review and getting ready to book today on the Dream for the 26th of November. Thanks so much for taking the time to write this.

 

We have sailed on the Spirit class many times and it is our favorite class of ship. Have done all of them except the Legend.... one day I'll do that one too. Can't wait to see how the Dream compares!

 

You have a beautiful family!

 

 

Thanks for taking the time to read it. I hope it isn't too long and too personal. I am going to give a run down on some other things at the end.

[crusinpsychRN]

Great pictures!

[mosiegirl]

Enjoying the review and the pictures... we will be on the Dream in October.:) Your pictures are very clear... would you mind sharing what kind of camera you use?

 

PS.... You all look AWESOME for Elegant Night. :D

 

we'll be on the Dream in October too.. We can't wait !

[mitchpam]

:) happy to read.... thanks

[TAMMY400099]

Let me start by saying, "what a wonderful family you have" You guys looked like you really enjoyed your cruise. :D

Your reviews are very informative and great. I showed all of my family the pics... Just love the PICS! We are sailing on the dream in 8 days! I hope we enjoy our cruise as much as you did!

Thank you so much for the reviews. :p

[kenrod]

GeorgiaMomof4

I am thoroughly enjoying your review. Everyone looks like they had a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing and looking forward for more!

[jbrn]

Thanks for taking the time to read it. I hope it isn't too long and too personal. I am going to give a run down on some other things at the end.

Hi Mom of 4 I graduated from Dalton state College Nsg program I live in Copperhill TN and work at the hospital in BlueRidge, Ga. Small world..Im sail:Ding on the Dream 2/2/13 for a superbowl cruise and my Birthday, loving the review and the pictures cant wait for more.

[cruisenanny]

Awesome review so far & your children are gorgeous!! Thanks for taking the time to share:p

[kj304]

Loving your review we are from Monroe GA and our foster parents as well we have 8 kids, 5 are adopted and we are adopting our last foster child tomorrow. We are going on the inspiration in June for a short 5 day cruise to see how the kids do and hoping to do the dream next spring or summer. We are also planning on doing the dolphin swim in cozumel our kids range from 2-14 do you recomend it for the smaller kids or should we plan on doing something else?

[madaamt]

WOW!!!! What a great pic....

 

TUESDAY – BELIZE

 

We didn’t really have any plans for Belize so we didn’t get up early and try to go get a tender ticket. My understanding is if you have a Carnival excursion, you get first dibs on getting a tender. If not, you can go to the Burgundy lounge at 7:30 am (all your party has to be there too) and get a ticket number for a tender. We went down later on in the morning and had ticket number 33. We sat in the lounge for a while and then our number was called. It was a smooth process, but does take some time. If you have a planned excursion and it isn’t with Carnival – I would for sure go down early and get a tender ticket number.

 

Some of the tenders - look close - you can barely see Belize in the background

 

Waiting in the Burgundy lounge for our tender number to be called.

 

The tenders were all clean and nice and we had no issues riding into Belize. We just hung out at the port and shopped. We got t-shirts and such and hit the Diamonds International for our “free charm bracelet and charm”. BIG MISTAKE.

 

I am a woman after all you know and diamonds do tend to call out my name when I’m in a jewelry store! I was just browsing when I happened upon a beautiful semi-mount ring that called out to me….ANGELA…ANGELA…ANGELA…try me on!

OK – now do you remember earlier when I told you about us going to the port shopping talk and that we had no plans of doing any big shopping, but boy did that change? Well, Belize is where it changed.

 

In my defense though, let me tell you that the date was April 5th and my anniversary just happens to be April 16th – 19 blissful (ok – mostly blissful) years! What can I say other than it was beautiful - baguettes and round stones and I really needed it – ok – wanted it! I called Glen over and being the wonderful husband he is – said it’s pretty and yes, you can have it if you want it. That’s all he had to say – other than it better last you 20 years like the last one did. We didn’t want to wait the time it would take for them to take my solitaire out of my original engagement ring and mount into the new semi-mount, so Dominica, our shopping expert from the Dream said we could take it to the Diamonds International in Roatan and have it set while we were out enjoying our day! That was our plan then! Back to the ship we went and I was happy as could be!

ME AND WHITNEY LEAVING BELIZE!

 

Thought you might all enjoy seeing just how big the Dream really is! See the tender boat unloading - it wasn't small by any means - probably held about 200 people and looks like an ant up next to the Dream!

 

We all went to dinner that night and to the Dancing in the Streets show. I can’t really tell you with words how good the show was and how much we all enjoyed it. It was one of those sit on the edge of your seat shows – had something for everyone – all different kinds of music, props, etc. Just don’t miss it if it is still going on whenever any of you that are looking forward to the Dream go.

 

[feeallen]

Thank you so much for the detailed informative review! Keep it coming.

[GeorgiaMomof4]

WEDNESDAY – ROATAN (or so we thought)

Today was Wednesday and the day I had been most looking forward to. Up early as we had a big day planned going into Roatan and doing our tour with Victor Bodden. We went down for breakfast in the lido buffet area and then back to the cabin to finish gathering up our stuff. We noticed we were just barely moving and kind of hanging around in the same spot right off Roatan for a long time. I thought maybe we were waiting on another ship to dock or something – but no such luck. Right about the time we should have been docking, the captain came over the intercom and said we would not be docking in Roatan because of high winds and the narrow channel that they had to maneuver into to get there. I was stunned! This was the main place I had been looking forward to since we had booked the cruise 10 months ago – and we weren’t going to get to go see it? Besides, I was supposed to have my new ring mounted and sized today! I was mad, then I cried and then mad again. I’m still upset that we didn’t get to go. I really feel like Carnival should have an alternate plan in place when they miss this port because another sea day isn’t what we wanted. I know it’s great for Carnival because they make more money having another sea day with the casino being open, drinks, shopping and so forth, but we didn’t want another sea day. I know I was still on vacation and blah, blah, blah..there are tons of other things to do on the ship, but… I know some of you may say I’m being unrealistic … I don’t mean to be but they know this is sometimes an issue and therefore, I feel like they should have a better plan in place than another sea day and a $9.80 credit on our sail and sign cards! There, I’ve said all I have to say about that subject! Here are a few pictures I managed to get before we turned around and headed very slowly back toward Costa Maya!

SUNRISE OVER ROATAN (BEFORE THE BAD NEWS)

COASTLINE

OTHER SHIPS HAD DOCKED (BUT I DON'T THINK THIS WAS MAHOGANY BAY)

When the shock passed that we weren’t going into Roatan, we regrouped and headed up to the Lido to try and find a place to lie out in the sun and salvage our day. Needless to say, as soon as the announcement had been made, swarms of people had flooded the Lido deck and a chair was not to be found. We ended up toward the forward of the ship and it was okay, but very hot there. I did make the most of my day after I pouted for a while longer and got some reading done and watched my kids play on the water slides. They didn’t realize what they were missing, so I was grateful for that!

[GeorgiaMomof4]

Since we had gotten up so early, we went back to the cabin for a short nap before time for dinner.

Speaking of dinner - I told you all earlier that you should always order more of something if you liked it - especially dessert - remember? Well, tonight was my night to order 2 - yes 2 desserts! I couldn't decide on the tiramisu or the chocolate melting cake, so I asked Jaco to bring me both. I knew the chocolate melting cake's ice cream would melt, so I ate it at the dinner table and asked Jaco to get me something that I could take my tiramisu back to the room in. He did and I put it in our mini frig and had it about midnight - it was GOOOOD!

Tiramisu

CHOCOLATE MELTING CAKE

No show tonight – it was time for the “Ultimate Lounge Hop” and deck party for the red, white and blue contest. As most of you know, Carnival does a week long competition between decks. Being on the 8th deck we were the blue team. During the lounge hop they colored our faces with blue paint (Hope was done up like a kitty)and we learned dances, chants, etc. It was a blast for the kids and us adults got into it too. You move around to different lounges as a group with all the teams ending up on the Lido deck around 11:30 pm for a huge deck party. Lots of fun!

Collin joining in with the men on the karaoke at the party

 

HOPE SHAKING HER GROOVE THANG!

 

EVERYONE GATHERED TOGETHER ON THE LIDO DECK

 

 

I'm getting ahead of myself here. I forgot to mention that we went to see the Blackjack band again tonight. They were so good - I only hope they are still there when some of you go. I think from the first night we found them - we went every night. They were even the reason we missed some of the shows!

ME AND GLEN DANCING TO THE BLACKJACK BAND. HE WON'T DANCE WITH ME AT HOME - I GUESS CRUISES DO THAT TO SOME PEOPLE!

[Kclaing]

WEDNESDAY – ROATAN (or so we thought)

 

Today was Wednesday and the day I had been most looking forward to. Up early as we had a big day planned going into Roatan and doing our tour with Victor Bodden. We went down for breakfast in the lido buffet area and then back to the cabin to finish gathering up our stuff. We noticed we were just barely moving and kind of hanging around in the same spot right off Roatan for a long time. I thought maybe we were waiting on another ship to dock or something – but no such luck. Right about the time we should have been docking, the captain came over the intercom and said we would not be docking in Roatan because of high winds and the narrow channel that they had to maneuver into to get there. I was stunned! This was the main place I had been looking forward to since we had booked the cruise 10 months ago – and we weren’t going to get to go see it? Besides, I was supposed to have my new ring mounted and sized today! I was mad, then I cried and then mad again. I’m still upset that we didn’t get to go. I really feel like Carnival should have an alternate plan in place when they miss this port because another sea day isn’t what we wanted. I know it’s great for Carnival because they make more money having another sea day with the casino being open, drinks, shopping and so forth, but we didn’t want another sea day. I know I was still on vacation and blah, blah, blah..there are tons of other things to do on the ship, but… I know some of you may say I’m being unrealistic … I don’t mean to be but they know this is sometimes an issue and therefore, I feel like they should have a better plan in place than another sea day and a $9.80 credit on our sail and sign cards! There, I’ve said all I have to say about that subject! Here are a few pictures I managed to get before we turned around and headed very slowly back toward Costa Maya!

 

When the shock passed that we weren’t going into Roatan, we regrouped and headed up to the Lido to try and find a place to lie out in the sun and salvage our day. Needless to say, as soon as the announcement had been made, swarms of people had flooded the Lido deck and a chair was not to be found. We ended up toward the forward of the ship and it was okay, but very hot there. I did make the most of my day after I pouted for a while longer and got some reading done and watched my kids play on the water slides. They didn’t realize what they were missing, so I was grateful for that!

WOW, sorry to hear about that, I've been reading way to often that the "Dream" has issues docking in the wind at Roatan due to the sheer size of the vessel. We've been to Roatan several times and will be sailing on the "Dream" 05/14 and I pray that we'll have better luck.

Hopefully you'll be telling us that "diamonds international" in Costa Maya fixed you up!!

[GeorgiaMomof4]

We arrived in Costa Maya very early – around 7:00 I believe! If we had had any sense at all we would have been ready to jump off the boat the minute they put the gangways down! Instead we lollygagged around and didn’t get off until about 8:00.

When we did get off, we headed straight to Diamonds International so I could leave my beautiful new semi-mount ring and my engagement ring to have the stone set into my new ring. We also left a ruby and diamond ring to be sized that I had purchased for Lindsey at the Diamonds International in Belize They assured us they would be ready when we returned from Mahahual.

 

Next we wound our way through the port area which is very nice and clean – Mexico looking. I don’t mean anything bad by saying that at all – just the opposite. It looks just like you would picture a port area looking – t-shirts, hats, blankets, all kinds of colorful items for sale. The pool is right there at the port area also and is a very beautiful pool. I just feel sorry for the people who stayed there and didn't know to venture out to Mahahual.

POOL AT PORT AREA

Out past all that is where you catch a taxi to the downtown area or Mahahual. Since there were 9 of us we ended up taking a bus to the area and I believe it was about $3 per person – very reasonable but it’s a short ride also. If I remember correctly, the ride back was only $2 or I may have it reversed!

Thanks to all the CC members on here and their recommendations I had booked us some lounge chairs and umbrellas at Trop****te with Steve through email. My husband and family were skeptical because when you start your way to the downtown area, the sights you see aren’t indicative of anything beautiful. Costa Maya suffered a lot of damage when a hurricane hit it several years ago and the foliage and landscape still shows the damage that mother nature can dish out.

However, when we got off the bus and were directed between a couple of buildings toward the beach – we all became speechless! It was absolutely the most beautiful place I have ever seen.

JUST SEE FOR YOURSELF!

IT'S GORGEOUS - WHAT MORE CAN YOU SAY

We walked a short distance down to where the Trop****te was and told them we had reservations for the day. We were greeted warmly and immediately made to feel at home. They had our lounge chairs set up right next to the water and told us when we were ready for umbrellas to let them know. Glen and Ronnie aren’t “sun bunnies” so we asked them to go ahead and bring us a couple of umbrellas.

Even writing this now, I can’t believe how beautiful this place is. In talking with Steve – the owner of Trop****te we found out he was from Texas and had come to Costa Maya to live. It is no wonder! Whitney is ready to move there now. She has already said she would love to go and spend an entire week just in the Mahahual area.

[travelb]

I'm enjoying reading your review! It looks like you all had a wonderful time. Would you mind letting me know how much you paid for the pictures with the dolphins? Did you have to barter with them to lower the cost? I'm hesitant to sign up for the excursion because I don't want to end up paying more for the pictures than the excursion itself!

[GeorgiaMomof4]

We all settled in and the kids hit the water. You do have several people coming by wanting you to purchase their wares, but most of them kindly move on if you tell them you aren’t interested. We did purchase some bracelets as gifts for people back home and actually watched the people make them putting the names on them that we wanted as we watched. I bought Hope a beautiful sundress with hand embroidery on it also. Be sure and bargain with these people. Their starting prices are way too expensive.

RONNIE AND THE KIDDOS!

We wanted to go snorkeling and our waiter told us anytime we were ready he would set something up with us. We let him know when we were ready and all of my family and Andrew went. It was an hour long trip and they provided all the gear. It was $20 per person and our waiter told us not to worry about paying – he would put it on our tab and we could pay for everything all at one time. It was beautiful. Our guide was super nice and was very helpful with Hope and Collin in getting their gear on them and explaining what we needed to do as we were first time snorkelers. He took us out to the reef and we snorkeled for a good while. The water was pretty rough, but we still saw some beautiful coral and fish. I was amazed!

GETTING READY TO GO!

ON OUR WAY TO THE SNORKEL SITE

LINDSEY

After snorkeling, we went back to the beach and I finally talked Glen into getting a massage. He had never had one and believe me – you can’t get one here at home for the price they were there - $25.00 for 1 hour or $15.00 for 30 minutes – right on the beach. Glen did an hour and I only did ½ hour because I didn’t want to take up too much of my time as we had to be back on the ship by 2:30 and there was so much to do or not to do!

HE'LL PROBABLY KILL ME FOR POSTING THIS PICTURE

We strolled along the malecon area and did some shopping – this is where I picked up Hope’s sundress and some other little knick knacks.

GLEN DOING SOME "WINDOW SHOPPING"

[GeorgiaMomof4]

After all the snorkeling, shopping, massages, swimming we decided we were hungry. Lindsey had ordered chips and salsa early in the day and they were great. We are not drinkers and had told Steve ahead of time that we weren’t and he had no issue with that. All he asked is that we order our food and drinks from him since he had reserved our chairs. We ordered chicken nachos and some kind of fried burritos that were heavenly! I have no idea how many drinks (cokes, sprites, etc.) we had that day, but there were several. Food was great!

CHICKEN NACHOS AND SOMEONE WITH THEIR HAND IN THE BURRITOS!

Unfortunately our time in Costa Maya was coming to an end and we packed up all our belongings and got ready to take a taxi back to the port area. We had to settle up with Steve first though. When our waiter brought our check we were amazed. It was $149.00 – how could that be? I mean, 6 of us had gone snorkeling, we’d had all that food and all those drinks I told you about. I thought they had made a mistake and had Steve check it again. Nope – that was right $149. Not bad for a full day of fun, sun and sheer beauty!

We will definitely go back and visit Steve if we ever make it to Costa Maya again. If any of you see him – tell him Angela from Georgia says hello and we wish we were there again!

We made it back to the port area and it was time for me to go pick up my new ring. I couldn't wait to see it with my solitaire mounted in it. It was even more beautiful than I had thought it would be! I was so happy - I do have a wonderful husband!

This is my new ring. I was looking through my pictures to post and didn't even realize Lindsey had put it on her finger and taken a picture! Told you it was beautiful.

WHITNEY AND LINDSEY HEADING BACK TO THE SHIP - ISN'T THE WATER BEAUTIFUL?

 

 

 

 

 

That's all for tonight. I'll pick up with dinner on Thursday - our 2nd elegant night, tomorrow!

[GaMtnMom]

We went during spring break and it was crowded but I didn't think too bad. My husband is like yours and he never said he thought it was overwhelming. Seems like it was the worst when you were trying to get off at the different ports. We are looking at the Legend or the Liberty for our next cruise. I would love to hear about the Legend from you. If I give you my email address - would you mind telling me something about her? We could then communicate off the board here. We are the opposite of you - we are afraid we won't like the smaller ship since we're used to all the larger ships have to offer.

 

We loved the Legend - we had been on and RCI ship before but this was our first on Carnival. When I first started reading the reviews I was a little worried, but we loved it. Always lots to do, the shows were great, the ship was gorgeous, and there was always plenty of things to keep everyone occupied, and plenty of quiet spots when you wanted that. I would be glad to talk to you about it in emails. We left out of Tampa and did the western carribean - almost the same itinerary that you had on this cruise.