Our 7 day cruise on the Carnival Dream was a great family vacation. It was the first time our kids had been on a cruise so everything was a new experience for them. Cabin on Riviera deck was big enough for 5 people and quiet except when docking at ports. The islands we stopped at were beautiful and very friendly. We did two excursions which worked out well. I would definitely recommend them. The staff on board the Dream was friendly and helpful. The food was good for the most part, except for the long lines for the deli and grill. The buffet was okay but not really a large variety and the desserts were not great.
The pools were way too small for a ship this size, which was very disappointing. The onboard activities were okay, but most of them seemed like the cruise line was trying to get you to buy more stuff, which became very annoying.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The food in the main dining room was good. The buffet was a hit or miss. The lines for the grill and the deli were long(sometimes up to a half hour wait). We thought there would be a variety of restaurants on board, but it was actually just stations. The buffet was only open for a few hours and the same with some of the other stations(so it was just room service at certain times). The 24 hour soft serve was the best part.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
There was a wide variety of activities onboard the Dream. Unfortunately, the kids would go early to try and join them only to find out they had to be a certain age(which was not listed on the day's events).
Entertainment
3 out of 5
The entertainment was hit or miss. The comedians were good and they changed half way through the cruise. There was a juggling show that was excellent but it was only one night and very crowded. The outdoor movies were great! The variety shows weren't the best and the singing was not easy to listen too.
Children's Programs
3 out of 5
Didn't participate
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The staff was great! Very friendly and accomodating.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
The Dream was a huge ship with over 4,000 guests. Unfortunately, the 2 small pools were way to crowded for the number of passengers onboard. During cruise days it was hard to find chairs near the pools and even harder for the kids to have room to swim in the pools. The Riviera deck always smelled like sewage and our room smelled moldy.
Cabin / Stateroom
The cabin was great for large families since we all were able to stay together. Loved having two showers and sinks. However, it always smelled moldy, which was very unpleasant at times.
We did not do an excursion but took a bus to Doctor's Cove Beach. It was beautiful but very hot. Water is very clear. Also went to Margaritaville where the kids had lots of water toys to play on. Water is deep so if kids are not good swimmers make sure they wear life vests.
Stingray City was great as well as the Turtle farm. However, make sure they give you pictures before you leave. We are still waiting for them to be emailed like they promised.
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