Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

Just off the Dream: entertainment and brunch comments

brichar499

By brichar499,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

 Share

Recommended Posts

brichar499

brichar499

Posted
Posted

Did the Eastern itinerary. As usual, all cruises are great - and some are better than others.

 

In the entertainment department, the Dream contrasted very positively to a trip last winter on Ecstasy (with its lame Playlist Production main theatre shows). In fact, the total entertainment package on the Dream was among the best in our more than 20 cruises across all brands. The talent and production values in the showroom were outstanding as were the comedians and other musical acts. Come on company of the Fun Ships, keep the big shows and live bands.

 

The brunch concept was not a hit. As most on these boards know, brunch is now served sea days in the MDR from morning through early afternoon. Seated breakfasts and lunches are now mostly unavailable. My biggest problem with brunch is that the menu which is fairly uninspired doesn't change and after a couple of tries, it gets old. Unfortunately, the only other alternative is the utter chaos of the Lido buffet. It's another cost saving move that diminishes the cruising experience for those of us looking for a modicum of refinement.

 

But again, another nice week on the water with great weather, outstanding service, mostly good food, and terrific entertainment.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
SkyMaster

SkyMaster

Posted
Posted

Just of "Dream" myself, and agree with 95% of what you posted. Entertainment aboard "Dream" is so superior to the ships with the lame "Playlist Production" shows. "Blackjack Band" is OUTSTANDING, although, they are scheduled to go on vacation soon. They still have a seven piece band, with BRASS! GREAT sounds!

I don't have a major problem with the BRUNCH, although I would prefer to have breakfast, and lunch instead. The fact that I usually eat only two meals a day at home, make it a bit more "normal" for me than it would be for most folks. Small tip. The menu they hand you at the brunch, has TWO SIDES! Many people only look at the side that happens to be turned up, and never notice that it has lots more selections on the other side. Just flip it over! :rolleyes:

 

"SKY"

Link to comment
Share on other sites
rob&tam

rob&tam

Posted
Posted

any chance you have/will post fun times? We are on the Dream Eastern Itinerary in early March. Wondering when formal nights were, how were they? Any tips or tricks you can think of?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Link to comment
Share on other sites
daddybuff

daddybuff

Posted
Posted
Just of "Dream" myself, and agree with 95% of what you posted. Entertainment aboard "Dream" is so superior to the ships with the lame "Playlist Production" shows. "Blackjack Band" is OUTSTANDING, although, they are scheduled to go on vacation soon. They still have a seven piece band, with BRASS! GREAT sounds!

I don't have a major problem with the BRUNCH, although I would prefer to have breakfast, and lunch instead. The fact that I usually eat only two meals a day at home, make it a bit more "normal" for me than it would be for most folks. Small tip. The menu they hand you at the brunch, has TWO SIDES! Many people only look at the side that happens to be turned up, and never notice that it has lots more selections on the other side. Just flip it over! :rolleyes:

 

"SKY"

 

Do you know when "soon" is for the Blackjack Band. we are on the Dream 3/22/14.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
rob&tam

rob&tam

Posted
Posted
Thanks so much for posting this!! We leave in just over 30 days and while I usually pass on the entertainment (shows), I may check them out this time!!

 

 

Hoping they are still there for March 7 cruise

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Link to comment
Share on other sites
ddavis5us

ddavis5us

Posted
Posted

Just off Dream yesterday. Agree on entertainment. Shows were above average, Really enjoyed Blackjack Band. Seemed like live music was going on continuously in several venues. Most music from any of about 15 cruises.

 

Disagree on brunch. Enjoyed brunch each sea day. Like Steak & Eggs much better than standard menu.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
firespud

firespud

Posted
Posted
Just looked them up and they go on vacation April 7 through mid May

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Just checked the website for Blackjack Band, and it shows they were on vacation April 7 through mid May in 2012. There is nothing showing for the year 2014.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
rob&tam

rob&tam

Posted
Posted
I love the Eggs Benedict at Brunch. If you don't want all that cereal junk on your French Toast, you can ask for it plain.

 

 

Good eggs Benedict works for me at least 3 out of 7 days for sure.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Link to comment
Share on other sites
winddawn

winddawn

Posted
Posted (edited)
Did the Eastern itinerary. As usual, all cruises are great - and some are better than others.

 

In the entertainment department, the Dream contrasted very positively to a trip last winter on Ecstasy (with its lame Playlist Production main theatre shows). In fact, the total entertainment package on the Dream was among the best in our more than 20 cruises across all brands. The talent and production values in the showroom were outstanding as were the comedians and other musical acts. Come on company of the Fun Ships, keep the big shows and live bands.

 

The brunch concept was not a hit. As most on these boards know, brunch is now served sea days in the MDR from morning through early afternoon. Seated breakfasts and lunches are now mostly unavailable. My biggest problem with brunch is that the menu which is fairly uninspired doesn't change and after a couple of tries, it gets old. Unfortunately, the only other alternative is the utter chaos of the Lido buffet. It's another cost saving move that diminishes the cruising experience for those of us looking for a modicum of refinement.

 

But again, another nice week on the water with great weather, outstanding service, mostly good food, and terrific entertainment.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

 

If you cruise very often at all, I find all of Carnival's food to be repetitive. But the fact that I don't have to cook or do dishes offsets that. :-) Switching between the omelet station, sea day brunch, breakfast buffet, and the Blue Iguana breakfast burritos helps too. I've been know to eat pizza for breakfast too. And there's never a line for pizza at breakfast.

Edited by winddawn
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • Hurricane Zone 2024
      • Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com June 2024
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...