Dream Cruise on the Dream

This was our first cruise on a "Dream" class Carnival Cruise Boat. Very impressed with the design. The Dream class boat offers lots more deck space (Deck 5) for laying around on loungers on sea days. One side of the boat was always in the sun and the other side offered shade which was great depending on what you wanted for the day. The extra hot tubs in these areas also offers better opportunities for hot tub relaxation. Lido deck is on deck 10 on the Dream instead of deck 9 that we had experienced on other boats. Interior design murals on the walls in the hallways were easier on the eyes compared to other cruise boats. Was somewhat disappointed in the main dinning room food quality. Fewer choices than previous cruises. Totally understand the need to reduce food costs, but some of the food they did have, was just very bland. Best meals I had were the half roasted chicken and the Mahi Mahi. Our servers Jorge and Ceasar in the Crimson Restaurant were awesome. Hennie the Cruise Director was a great host aboard the Dream. Really enjoyed the New theater shows this cruise offered. Had seen the old shows several times, so that was definitely a highlight. We did the "Cruise the Vineyards" wine package. Love that option as we are wine drinkers and this option made it easy to enjoy some wine. Loved the ports. We rode horses in Jamaica and what an experience it was to ride horses in the ocean. Did the Turtle Farm experience in Grand Cayman. The Man Made Lagoon was a great opportunity to snorkel with the turtles. Loved the new port in Cozumel and we paddle boarded there. This was our first experience of cruising out of New Orleans. We arrived the day before our cruise and stayed at the Hampton Inn on Convention Boulevard making the morning of the cruise a lot less stressful. We were on the boat before noon!! The Hampton has a Stay and Park option for cruisers which I would recommend. There is a Fulton Parking Garage close to the port which is also another great option. Would definitely cruise on the Dream and out of New Orleans again.