Carnival Dream ship stats

  • Price:

    $$$$
  • Size:

    L
  • Total Passengers:

    3,646
  • Total Crew:

    1,369
  • Passenger to Crew Ratio:

    2.66
  • Built:

    Sep 2009
  • Refurbished:

    Feb 2017
  • Number of Decks:

    14
  • Total Cabins:

    1,823
  • Cabin Categories:

    38
  • Gross Tonnage:

    130,000
  • Length:

    1,004
  • Beam:

    122

Carnival Dream overview

The refurbished Carnival Dream cruise ship from Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Dream from Carnival Cruise line was recently renovated in 2017 with Funship 2.0 upgrades and is still one of the largest ships in the Carnival Fleet.

Carnival Dream was the first of Carnival’s popular line of Dream-class ships, which are among the largest in Carnival’s fleet. Staying true to Carnival’s laid-back approach to cruising, Dream’s most popular attractions include casual dining spots, comedy shows, lip-sync contests and dance parties. The ship attracts large numbers of kids and young-at-heart adults so the atmosphere is often loud and high-energy. There are quiet places to escape to including the adults-only Serenity area and the Cloud 9 Spa.

Dream launched in 2009 and was recently refurbished in 2017 receiving the Funship 2.0 upgrades. In addition to cosmetic updates, the ship also received several new restaurants including Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, the Alchemy Bar and Bonsai Sushi. Travelers also love the top-notch service delivered by the ship's experienced crew, and plenty of glowing reviews mention specific crew members by name. The combination of feeling like a new ship, excellent service, and surprisingly affordable fares make Dream one of the Carnival's top offerings.

Dream just recently surrendered its title of "Largest Carnival Ship" when Carnival Vista was launched in 2016. But, with a passenger capacity of 3,646 guests, it's still one of the largest Carnival ships sailing today. 

Travelers can book Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries out of New Orleans until May of 2019. It will then reposition to Galveston and begin offering 4-5 night Western Caribbean itineraries.

Before you book

Why sail: Outgoing travelers, party animals, extroverts, large groups with multiple age ranges, families with kids, and cruisers on a budget.

You should know: Carnival is not for travelers looking for fancy dining, elegant formal nights and relaxing by a quiet pool. If you're looking to avoid the loud party and large groups, you might want to try Princess or Celebrity.

Carnival Dream ship highlights

Carnival Waterworks waterpark on the Carnival Dream
Waterworks Aqua Park on the Carnival Dream. - Photo by Carnival Cruise Line

Dream lives up to Carnival’s “Fun-Ship” reputation with a wide variety of activities. Those with a knack for showmanship can participate in Lip Sync Battle: Carnival or the “board games come to life” game show by Hasbro. Kids love the WaterWorks Aqua Park which contains a 303-foot-long Twister water slide. The Camp Ocean youth clubs keep kids aged 2-11 engaged with regular activities and contests. Adults can find some peace and quiet by day in the adults-only Serenity Area or the Cloud 9 Spa. At night adults can ramp up the energy at one of Carnival’s many bars or at Serenity Under the Stars, which is a club-style party on the top deck complete with glow-sticks and tunes from Dream’s resident DJ.

  • Guy’s Burger Joint and Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ
  • BlueIguana Cantina and Redfrog Rum Bar
  • Waterworks Aqua Park and Camp Ocean Youth Club
  • Adults-only Serenity Area
  • Hasbro game shows
  • Punchliner Comedy Club
  • Dr. Seuss and Build-a-Bear partnerships

Carnival Dream cabins

You’ll find five main categories of cabins on Carnival Dream: Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, Junior Suite, and a suite. Standard amenities include a desk/vanity, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, safes, and three closets for storage. Oceanview rooms and above also come with a coffee table and sofa. Room sizes vary from 185 square foot interior cabins to 345 square foot suites. Balcony cabins are generally the same size as interior rooms, but with a 35 to 75 square feet balcony. For a taste of true luxury, book one of the Cloud 9 Spa cabins. These rooms include priority check-in, priority booking for spa appointments, and free entry to the thermal suite and Thalassotherapy Pool.

Carnival Dream dining

Most of the ships best dining options are still included in the cruise fare. Which is refreshing since many cruise lines are charging more for specialty dining. Guy’s Burger Joint and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, both developed by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, have become two of Carnival’s top venues. The BlueIguana Cantina serves tacos and burritos for breakfast and lunch. Guests can grab a slice at Pizzeria Del Capitano any time of the day. Mongolian Wok and Indian Tandoor round out the free options with a bit of international flair. While you might find a decent line at either of them, we assure you they’re worth the wait. For guests willing to pay a bit extra, Bonsai Sushi serves up delicious sushi and sashimi. You'll find an intimate setting at Chef’s Steakhouse with a menu including classic ribeye, filet mignon, surf and turf, lamb chops, and more.

Carnival Dream ratings:

  • Cabin / Stateroom 4.4
  • Children's Programs 4.0
  • Destinations and Excursions 4.3
  • Embarkation and Disembarkation 4.2
  • Entertainment 4.2
  • Food and Dining 4.1
  • Onboard Activities 4.2
  • Service and Staff 4.5
  • Ship Quality 4.4

Carnival Dream cabins

1823 cabins and 38 cabin categories.

Inside Cabin

Inside

4.1
(333 Reviews)
Avg. Size: 188 sq. ft. Avg. Cost: $125/night
Oceanview Cabin

Oceanview

4.3
(122 Reviews)
Avg. Size: 226 sq. ft. Avg. Cost: $161/night
Balcony Cabin

Balcony

4.4
(559 Reviews)
Avg. Size: 185 sq. ft. Avg. Cost: $188/night
Suite Cabin

Suite

4.8
(44 Reviews)
Avg. Size: 293 sq. ft. Avg. Cost: $322/night

View All Carnival Dream Cabins

Carnival Dream dining

Scarlet Dining Room

Scarlet Dining Room

4.8
(85 Reviews)
Bonsai Sushi Bar

Bonsai Sushi Bar

4.8
(11 Reviews)
BlueIguana Cantina

BlueIguana Cantina

4.7
(23 Reviews)
Plaza Cafe

Plaza Cafe

4.7
(9 Reviews)

View All Carnival Dream Dining Options

Carnival Dream onboard activities

Ocean Plaza

Ocean Plaza

4.9
(14 Reviews)
Dream Lobby

Dream Lobby

4.8
(23 Reviews)

View All Carnival Dream Onboard Activities

Carnival Dream deck plans

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4079 Carnival Dream Reviews

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Amazing Bahamas Cruise by mrevilla6

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Carnival Dream

100% we would book this ship with this crew again.

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6 Comments

Amazing Cruise by chaswatson

Sail date: / Traveled as: Large Group
Ship: Carnival Dream

All around this was an amazing first cruise. We learned a lot and know what to do and not do on the next one. The staff is amazing and will help any way they can. Treat them with respect because not everyone on the boat is going to do that. Remember it cost nothing to be kind.

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4 Comments

Cruise dream of lifetime by dmessick7

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Carnival Dream

It was awesome and we can't wait to go again. Everything was so well organized no need to worry about anything. The cabin was spacious and comfortable. Staff friendly and efficient

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4 Comments

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Carnival Dream photos

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1749 Carnival Dream tips

expose11

Jul 24, 2014

Eat dinner around 6pm so you can go to the show after and then go straight to the comedy club after the show. They really have the timing right on when shows start so you don't have to miss anything. Relax and let people do stuff for you.

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