1st time Carnival cruiser (DREAM) complete review & pictorial (from a NCL cruiser)

[mabones]

I know you have probably answered this question a million times but what type of camera's do you use. I know one is the point & shoot Olympus Tough. Is there a particular model that you prefer?

 

I ask because my DH loves to take pictures while snorkeling & the last time our disposable one just didn't cut it. Maybe because I found it in my dresser drawer & it was probable over 5 years old.

[mitsugirly]

I know you have probably answered this question a million times but what type of camera's do you use. I know one is the point & shoot Olympus Tough. Is there a particular model that you prefer?

 

I ask because my DH loves to take pictures while snorkeling & the last time our disposable one just didn't cut it. Maybe because I found it in my dresser drawer & it was probable over 5 years old.

 

 

I "did" have 2 Canon D10's that I used and one just abruptly stopped working the day we returned from our cruise and the other stopped working on my last cruise last month.

 

I have converted over to just 2 Olympus Tough camera's and love them. (They seem to have a lot more functions than the Canon and the pictures a little more crispy clear I think). I have a 630 and now a 830. I purchased both cameras while on the ship on cruises. :)

 

Since I just got my 830, I'm not as familiar with it as my 630 that I have been using now for awhile. So...I can't really say which model I prefer since I haven't had but a few days on my last cruise to mess around with the new one. I would recommend either. I will need to take a closer look at the 830 and see if it has any additional features on it (I believe it does just by looking at the settings) than the other and if they are useful. I know they are completely opposite of each other with many things (buttons and even where you put the memory card and the batteries are opposite). :p

[Alikan]

I noticed there was a "menu" of the different kinds of pizzas. However, the only pizza I ever seen them make was pepperoni. I wanted to try this garlic pizza they had listed, but they never had any. Oh well, I still didn't go hungry.

 

 

You order off of the menu and the pizza guy makes it fresh far you. Like at the deli.

[mabones]

I "did" have 2 Canon D10's that I used and one just abruptly stopped working the day we returned from our cruise and the other stopped working on my last cruise last month.

 

I have converted over to just 2 Olympus Tough camera's and love them. (They seem to have a lot more functions than the Canon and the pictures a little more crispy clear I think). I have a 630 and now a 830. I purchased both cameras while on the ship on cruises. :)

 

Since I just got my 830, I'm not as familiar with it as my 630 that I have been using now for awhile. So...I can't really say which model I prefer since I haven't had but a few days on my last cruise to mess around with the new one. I would recommend either. I will need to take a closer look at the 830 and see if it has any additional features on it (I believe it does just by looking at the settings) than the other and if they are useful. I know they are completely opposite of each other with many things (buttons and even where you put the memory card and the batteries are opposite). :p

 

 

I appreciate the information. Thank you.

[mitsugirly]

 

You order off of the menu and the pizza guy makes it fresh far you. Like at the deli.

 

I asked one of the employees there making pizza one night about the different varieties and they said "we don't have that right now, only pepperoni" so I assumed that pepperoni was all they were making when we were there. I didn't realize you could actually order one off the menu. Good to know.

[mrBit]

Great review! We are going on the Dream Aug 17th and your review helped a lot. This will be a return to Carnival after a few years. We went on RCI earlier this year... just the wife and I but this cruise will be for the kids... 3 boys. My oldest has cruised before but my younger 2 have not, this will be their first.

 

 

I will have to read your NCL reviews, I am very interested in NCL... I think maybe for 2016. We have one more for RCI cruise that we want to try first with the dreamworks experience in 2015

 

thanks again.

[Gari]

Really enjoying this review too. Great job. I am booked on the Dream in November and can't wait

Thanks

:D:D:D:D:D:D

[mitsugirly]

Great review! We are going on the Dream Aug 17th and your review helped a lot. This will be a return to Carnival after a few years. We went on RCI earlier this year... just the wife and I but this cruise will be for the kids... 3 boys. My oldest has cruised before but my younger 2 have not, this will be their first.

 

 

I will have to read your NCL reviews, I am very interested in NCL... I think maybe for 2016. We have one more for RCI cruise that we want to try first with the dreamworks experience in 2015

 

thanks again.

 

Have a wonderful cruise on the Dream. We loved her and we hope to try RCI sometime soon. It has been since the 90's when I was last on a RCI ship. I really want to go on the Oasis or Allure.

 

Really enjoying this review too. Great job. I am booked on the Dream in November and can't wait

Thanks

:D:D:D:D:D:D

 

Have a great Dream cruise! She's a beauty.

[losijon]

Great review! Thanks.

 

 

Carnival Pride 7 day Mexican Riviera: September 2008

 

Carnival Inspiration 4 day Mexican Riviera: September 2013

 

Carnival Miracle 15 day Hawaii: coming October 2015

[villager70]

Thanks for the review. We had a nice cruise on the Dream out of Canaveral before she left. We both Have sailed Carnival many times since the early nineties but I think whoever came up with the decor in the dinning room has reached and all time low. Looks like they took the old 16oz plastic drink cups they used a few years ago and nailed them to the wall.

[mitsugirly]

Great review! Thanks.

 

 

Carnival Pride 7 day Mexican Riviera: September 2008

 

Carnival Inspiration 4 day Mexican Riviera: September 2013

 

Carnival Miracle 15 day Hawaii: coming October 2015

 

Thanks for reading. :)

 

Thanks for the review. We had a nice cruise on the Dream out of Canaveral before she left. We both Have sailed Carnival many times since the early nineties but I think whoever came up with the decor in the dinning room has reached and all time low. Looks like they took the old 16oz plastic drink cups they used a few years ago and nailed them to the wall.

 

I'm not sure what you are talking about. Are you meaning the chandeliers on the ceiling in this picture?

 

 

 

 

 

Since it was the Scarlet Dining Room, I guess they were just going with the red theme. In person I didn't think they looked too bad. :)

[so_excited_to_cruise]

We did the zip and dip with Bodden about a year and a half ago. There's a review for it in my signature line. There's the zip portion and then the dip portion at West Bay.

 

You can also hold the monkeys at Maya Key <---one of my favorites so far, there's also a link in my signature for that.

 

Then there's Little French Key (which I'm about to get to that review here soon) that have monkeys to hold and also baby jaguars to hold.

 

You can decided. :)

 

I have a question concerning the packages at Little French Key. I noticed that one package includes a personal tour guide to take you snorkeling on a reef. Another package is $10 less and does not include that. Is it worth it or are there good places to snorkel without the $10 upgrade.

 

Hey $10 here and there add up over a week. lol

[mitsugirly]

I have a question concerning the packages at Little French Key. I noticed that one package includes a personal tour guide to take you snorkeling on a reef. Another package is $10 less and does not include that. Is it worth it or are there good places to snorkel without the $10 upgrade.

 

Hey $10 here and there add up over a week. lol

 

 

There is a reef out in front of LFK. If you pay the extra $10 when booking, they will take you out there to the reef in a boat to snorkel. If you decided not to pay the extra $10 when booking, you are always welcome to pay when you get there if you decide you want to go out there (but the price is then $20). Or, you can even grab one of the canoes and head out there on your own. I have seen plenty of people do this. However, you have to paddle around the island to get to that side instead of going straight to it from the lagoon area.

 

There is plenty of regular snorkeling in the lagoon area and from the other beach by the house. You will see fish and interesting things...there's just no coral or anything. You are welcome to check out my pictures in my review (located in my signature line) and it will show you all of the things I seen while snorkeling right there from the lagoon & beach area.

[xyzcruiser]

Yes and Yes. :D

 

I'm waiting to take my boards at the moment (my name officially appeared on the board of nursing site today). So it may be a few months before that happens.

 

Then we have a cruise booked for November on NCL's Sun. It's probably one of the oldest and smallest ships in the fleet, but it's going to be a relaxation cruise this time around since we just got off the NCL Getaway a few weeks ago. We were able to book both of them (Getaway and Sun) when there was a sale that didn't charge for anyone booked after the 2nd person and saved a bunch. Then we upgraded several times and ended up with a mini suite. So, we got the Sun cruise for EXTREMELY cheap. I'll take it.

 

Next year I hope to head to Bermuda or Southern Caribbean. :)

Thanks so much for all your reviews always so detailed and so helpful. One question (I always cruise ncl- this is the first year I've done Carnival. Btb Breeze and Epic in Dec.) you don't mention any comparison with the casinos.

How do you find the comps and service in the casinos, also the variety of gaming? You are doing the Sun from Tampa in the fall. This is my favorite for snorkeling which I know you are a fan of. I did snuba in Roatan, Lamanai ruins

safari in Belize( I know the animals will appeal to Sakari), palancar reef snorkel form catamaran in Coast Maya, and snorkeling with stingrays in Cozumel. All excursions which I will enthusiastically do again next time on this route. However, the casino was so small I spent hours waiting to find a seat on table games. Also, the ship is small without a lot of activities for children. Great for me as I like quiet time with a book. But I hope the kids club is better for you than the Carnival review. But I can tell you are a positive person and will make the best of whatever is offered. Have a great time on your cruise!

[mitsugirly]

Thanks so much for all your reviews always so detailed and so helpful. One question (I always cruise ncl- this is the first year I've done Carnival. Btb Breeze and Epic in Dec.) you don't mention any comparison with the casinos.

How do you find the comps and service in the casinos, also the variety of gaming? You are doing the Sun from Tampa in the fall. This is my favorite for snorkeling which I know you are a fan of. I did snuba in Roatan, Lamanai ruins

safari in Belize( I know the animals will appeal to Sakari), palancar reef snorkel form catamaran in Coast Maya, and snorkeling with stingrays in Cozumel. All excursions which I will enthusiastically do again next time on this route. However, the casino was so small I spent hours waiting to find a seat on table games. Also, the ship is small without a lot of activities for children. Great for me as I like quiet time with a book. But I hope the kids club is better for you than the Carnival review. But I can tell you are a positive person and will make the best of whatever is offered. Have a great time on your cruise!

 

 

Thanks for your comments.

 

Hmm, as for the casino's, I guess the big difference (that I can remember) is that on NCL, you put your money in and when you cash out, it prints off a piece of paper (that you can put into another machine, cash in, or hold onto for later). On Carnival, you used your room card and the money goes on to that instead. I only play the slots, so that's all I can really comment on and they were your basic slots that you see on most cruises. :)

 

It doesn't sound promising when you say that you had to wait for seats in the casino. Are you talking about cards or slots? We only play the slots and I will be crushed if there are no seats and I have to wait, especially on this ship which seems like there's probably not a lot to do in the evenings since it's older and smaller. :(

 

Sakari hasn't found a kids club on NCL that she didn't like. They are so wonderful with the kids and I'm sure she'll have a blast.

 

I'm still trying to decide on what to do with our Sun cruise (and then we have another cruise a day after that on the Sky). So far I know we are doing the shark ray alley excursion in Belize, Passion Island in Cozumel, I'm TRYING really hard to get someone to answer me at Blue Bay in Costa Maya (and if they don't we will probably head back to either Maya Chan or Almaplena) and I haven't quite figured out Roatan yet. I wanted to do something different this time around and was considering Parrot Tree, but I'm still not sure yet. If we can't pick, we'll head back to Little French Key again since the place is so amazing.

 

Then on our Sky cruise we are looking at Paradise Cove in Grand Bahama, we have the private island at Great Stirrup Cay and I'm still working on Nassau. :p

 

I'm studying for my boards next week and once (if) I pass them, I'll be in full force getting my excursion research on!! :D

[xyzcruiser]

"It doesn't sound promising when you say that you had to wait for seats in the casino. Are you talking about cards or slots? " Mostly tables- they had a waiting list even before the casino was opened. I waited at least an hour everyday and sometimes several hours. I had to wait for slots if I wanted to play a certain game. If I was willing to play any one empty, there was only a couple of times all slots were full in the evening. I learned to go play the slots when everyone else was having dinner. Other than this, this was a very enjoyable cruise. The smaller ships definitely have their charm and it was great not having to walk a mile every time I wanted to go somewhere. Good luck on your boards!

[mosweet]

You have to hit the Main Dining room for the good breakfast! And the buffet was usually always open when we come back from port. You have to check the capers to see what time buffets are open.

The only thing I don't like is the Dream does not have Guy's Burger which is the BEST!!

 

So since I was talking about food, I'll take you to the buffet area. I found the buffet area to be nice and pretty. It was forever long with plenty of room when we went. However, we found that either our timing was off a lot or it just wasn't open as much as NCL has theirs open. We could always go to the buffet on NCL and find something available, even if it was just 1 area open and serving sandwiches, salads, deserts and a few side dishes. There was always something open it seemed like. This time around we almost always missed it (with the exception of breakfast of course). I found it weird that on the days we would return back from port, by the time we were dressed and looking for food, it was never open. Was I too late? Too early? I already know I was too hungry to wait and would end up at the deli or pizza bar. Can anyone explain?

 

 

 

 

 

Anyhow, I found it nicely decorated or maybe I was just impressed because the last cruise I was on it felt like a school cafeteria and left a lot to be desired. Who knows.

 

There was an area in the buffet that had stairs leading up to something. I'm not sure what it was up there. A noodle bar/Asian food? A steakhouse? It always had a sign saying no entry and looked closed. I actually never found any of the "pay" restaurants, not that I had any intention on going to them, but I still usually take pictures. Could it have been this place? If so, I found it weird to have steps going up from the buffet area.

 

Now the buffet food when we did get to eat there...hmmm, well I didn't starve and I tried different things. I walked away with a full belly, but yet I have to agree with others on the food quality...it wasn't as good as NCL. They didn't have the variety either. The same goes for the breakfast. I didn't feel like there was too much to choose from and they had the same thing every day. The last 2 days of the cruise I did try out the omelet station and enjoyed that but didn't care too much for the rest of the food. The eggs were runny every day and didn't set well with me. AND THE BACON POLICE???? WHAT???? ARE YOU SERIOUS??? I'm not use to that and I love my bacon and I love to CHOOSE my bacon. I want it COOKED, not ready to come up off the plate and walk away. I want more than 2 pieces and I will stand there and tell them more and more until I give me the amount that I want. I also stood there and told them "no not that uncooked piece, give me the cooked stuff." So what good does it do to have someone serve you your bacon if you are still going to get more? I just found this ridiculous and humorous at the same time. Ok, off my rant.

 

As I mentioned, many times we had to go to the pizza bar for food. The pizza was pretty good and we enjoyed it. Was it the best pizza ever? No but it definitely wasn't bad and definitely something none of us had a problem eating. The lines were crazy to get to it and they were constantly making them. They would pull out 2 pizzas, slice it into 4 pieces and give each person 2 of the huge slices. If one person was standing up there for their spouse or someone else, there goes the entire pizza. You do the math...2 pizzas can be gone in a matter of only 2 people being served.

 

I noticed there was a "menu" of the different kinds of pizzas. However, the only pizza I ever seen them make was pepperoni. I wanted to try this garlic pizza they had listed, but they never had any. Oh well, I still didn't go hungry.

 

 

[tlsearay]

Thanks for the great review. A group of us are going on the Dream next year. I smiled everytime you described her as "glitzy". If I had to guess, when you make it to the Breeze, your description will be "beachy".

[shdixon]

A Carnival waiter once told me that anytime you want just a part of a plate, it is easier and quicker for them to just get the entire plate. Getting a single thing really slows down the way the kitchen runs. (For example, I once wanted whatever side came with prime rib, but I don't eat that kind of meat. When he told me that- I said never mind. I didn't want to waste an entire prime rib! He offered to seperate it out for me, but I didn't want to slow him down for all his tables.)

 

This is an area that you can see Carnival's "service" isn't 5-star, because really high end would worry more about appearing perfect, rather than an expeditious process.

 

However, for the most part- it works fine, and it does get the food out to you faster. This is one reminder though of the fact they are serving thousands- meals are pre-plated, and not easily customizable.

 

But they will keep bringing out as many lobsters as you want!

 

I have seen this type of things on most cruise lines I have traveled. You ask for more of one thing and they bring the whole plate. Thats probably because the plates are already made and sitting in warmer

[mitsugirly]

"It doesn't sound promising when you say that you had to wait for seats in the casino. Are you talking about cards or slots? " Mostly tables- they had a waiting list even before the casino was opened. I waited at least an hour everyday and sometimes several hours. I had to wait for slots if I wanted to play a certain game. If I was willing to play any one empty, there was only a couple of times all slots were full in the evening. I learned to go play the slots when everyone else was having dinner. Other than this, this was a very enjoyable cruise. The smaller ships definitely have their charm and it was great not having to walk a mile every time I wanted to go somewhere. Good luck on your boards!

 

I only play slots, so hopefully I'll be ok and be able to find something I like and not have to sit around and wait. But then again if I don't...I guess I'll spend less money. :D

 

You have to hit the Main Dining room for the good breakfast! And the buffet was usually always open when we come back from port. You have to check the capers to see what time buffets are open.

The only thing I don't like is the Dream does not have Guy's Burger which is the BEST!!

 

That was one thing I was hoping it had (and found out before I left that it didn't have Guy's Burgers on there). I guess I'll have to go on the Breeze or Magic next time. :D

[mitsugirly]

Thanks for the great review. A group of us are going on the Dream next year. I smiled everytime you described her as "glitzy". If I had to guess, when you make it to the Breeze, your description will be "beachy".

 

"Beachy" hmmm. So there's a lot of sand everywhere? :D Awesome. I'm trying to picture just what I'll see. Maybe sandcastles everywhere? Beach balls hanging from the Atrium? Instead of glass sparkly marbles on the glass around the atrium there will be sea shells attached to the glass? hehe :p

[NolaZach]

Great review. Taking our girls. (the youngest is around Sakari's age)

Hope Camp Carnival is a better experience. This was a great review. I think you helped me pick a place in Roatan to go.

I was looking at Nachi Cochom in Coz. I've flown to Coz before and cruised in. Both times I just rented a jeep and hung out on the other side of the island. But this time I wanted more structure with the girls.

I feel bad though, our 6 year old and 7 year old both can't swim. We don;t have a pool and they don't have public pools here.

 

I never sailed NCL, but my Dad and brother did one out of NOLA and my brother said Carnival had more to do. And he had only sailed on the Conquest and Fantasy. I would like to try all the lines. I've been eyeing a Celebrity or Holland cruise in Alaska for next year.

 

But having a cruise ship ten minutes from my house, it's easier just to pick that option.

 

 

With kids, who like animals and anything animals would be the highlight of the trip, are there any places in Coz, Roatan or Costa Maya that are "can't miss"

 

Little French Cay looks awesome and the prices are good. I am figuring that and Nachi and then maybe just shop in Costa Maya, because the beach doesn't sound that good.

Edited July 22, 2014 by NolaZach

[mitsugirly]

Great review. Taking our girls. (the youngest is around Sakari's age)

Hope Camp Carnival is a better experience. This was a great review. I think you helped me pick a place in Roatan to go.

I was looking at Nachi Cochom in Coz. I've flown to Coz before and cruised in. Both times I just rented a jeep and hung out on the other side of the island. But this time I wanted more structure with the girls.

I feel bad though, our 6 year old and 7 year old both can't swim. We don;t have a pool and they don't have public pools here.

 

I never sailed NCL, but my Dad and brother did one out of NOLA and my brother said Carnival had more to do. And he had only sailed on the Conquest and Fantasy. I would like to try all the lines. I've been eyeing a Celebrity or Holland cruise in Alaska for next year.

 

But having a cruise ship ten minutes from my house, it's easier just to pick that option.

 

 

With kids, who like animals and anything animals would be the highlight of the trip, are there any places in Coz, Roatan or Costa Maya that are "can't miss"

 

Little French Cay looks awesome and the prices are good. I am figuring that and Nachi and then maybe just shop in Costa Maya, because the beach doesn't sound that good.

 

I hope you have a better experience with Camp Carnival as well. I had "hoped" that it was just the staff on the Dream at the time, but did read various other reports after I had returned of people having the same experience with them. Hopefully they have rotated employees by now and you'll get a better staff than I did.

 

If they like animals, I'm sure they would love Little French Key. They have a new Lion there now too. The place is amazing.

 

As for Nachi and not knowing how to swim, the pool there does have a step ledge at the end of it that is pretty big and they would be able to hang out on it. I do know the day we were there, the beach water dropped quickly and even though my daughter can swim, with the tide, I didn't feel comfortable letting her out in the ocean water...even at the edge. Have you considered Playa Mia? It's a great place for kids, especially with the water park there and the beach was wonderful too and a very gentle slope. Also, if you can splurge for more "animal" time, Chankanaab has dolphin and manatee swims. You can sometimes find them running a special there with a buy one get one free deal. You just have to watch for them. If they didn't feel comfortable doing an actual "swim", they have an "encounter" and you just stand on the ledge. Sakari loved it! They also have a free sea lion show as well with the price of admission. So you should check that out as well. :)

 

As for Costa Maya, check out Maya Chan. They are an AI and the staff there is wonderful. They provide the kids with sand toys, you get your own palapa (most have beds in them and hammocks) and they have games lined up for the kids and adults like sand golf with prizes, bike rides, they have canoes and even do a snorkeling tour (providing you with all the equipment you need). Even if the girls can't swim they can practice looking under the water and see fish in pretty shallow water. The food there is great!!!

 

I have reviews for all of these places (and more), listed in my signature line if you are interested in reading more and seeing pictures.

 

Let me know if you have any other questions and if I can answer them, I would be happy to.

 

You are very lucky to be able to live close enough to cruise out at one of the homeports. I love NOLA and would rather cruise out of there than any of the other ports. Lucky you! :)

[NolaZach]

My friend's fiance works at a Travel agency and she got a few rooms on a "booze cruise" to nowhere. So I will get to try NCL now. Though won't be on it long or have the kids.

 

So looking forward to that. Can't pass up a cruise for nothing.

 

thanks for the info.

Me and he SO were talking and there is plenty of time to get them swimming before the cruise.

Going to try and get the oldest in lessons now. I grew up with a pool and was swimming before I was potty trained.

 

I know the youngest would like to jump off that ledge, lol. (just with floaties) she is a dare devil and loves roller coasters and gets so bummed when she is too short. I've decided if they like this cruise, then in '16 I will book a WDW+Cruise on DCL for them.

 

I love Cozumel and could live there, but this time I want to just feel pampered and not have the mad rush we had last time. (almost missed the boat because the Jeep I rented broke down)

 

And I fell asleep at the computer last night reading your review on Cost Maya from 12/12 I like all the pics.

I worry about keeping the girls entertained. Luckily they would be in the same camp. Though from looking around it does seem NCL has a better kids section.

Edited July 23, 2014 by NolaZach

[mitsugirly]

My friend's fiance works at a Travel agency and she got a few rooms on a "booze cruise" to nowhere. So I will get to try NCL now. Though won't be on it long or have the kids.

 

So looking forward to that. Can't pass up a cruise for nothing.

 

thanks for the info.

Me and he SO were talking and there is plenty of time to get them swimming before the cruise.

Going to try and get the oldest in lessons now. I grew up with a pool and was swimming before I was potty trained.

 

I know the youngest would like to jump off that ledge, lol. (just with floaties) she is a dare devil and loves roller coasters and gets so bummed when she is too short. I've decided if they like this cruise, then in '16 I will book a WDW+Cruise on DCL for them.

 

I love Cozumel and could live there, but this time I want to just feel pampered and not have the mad rush we had last time. (almost missed the boat because the Jeep I rented broke down)

 

And I fell asleep at the computer last night reading your review on Cost Maya from 12/12 I like all the pics.

I worry about keeping the girls entertained. Luckily they would be in the same camp. Though from looking around it does seem NCL has a better kids section.

 

 

Congrats on the free cruise (not so sure I would want to be on a booze cruise, but hey it's free). Just know that you probably won't experience the "real" type of cruising with that line by being on this type of cruise.

 

Good luck on the lessons. Hopefully they'll pick it up quickly and have a blast on the cruise. My daughter started swimming when she was 3 and learned on her own. We had a pool, so it made it easy. With her being the little dare devil that she is, she just kept easing down the steps more and more and would jump off the bottom step, go down and push her way back up and kick until she could make it back to the bottom step. It took a good week of doing this every day to finally get to the point that she was actually jumping off the walk into the pool and swimming back over to the steps. Now, she'll go in any water no mater how deep. She just amazes me but yet scares me.

 

Also, remember that in the ocean, you have more buoyancy and float better as well. :D