The Dream was no dream

@Vesselinv.....A "swell" isn't necessarily a surface wave but more of an undercurrent you can't see. This would have effects of docking even a vessel with thrusters as the Dream has if the swells are strong enough. If the ship was due to dock in a tight area (short dock/other vessels docked), with "swells", it could be an issue for safety. Pay no attention to the trolls here on Cruiseline.com, in time, when they see their posts are null, they will disappear. Bon Voyage.....

CrusinTim: You’re absolutely right. I do grasp the extent of captain’s responsibilities and he, from his standpoint, made the right decision as he’s directly responsible for every single soul on the ship. It may have well been an underwater current at the edge of the pier or as you say upper level winds. What frustrated me was the explanation Carnival gave us and the way they handled the situation. The captain told us on the announcement that it’s due to swells and a swell is a surface wave - that’s what I went with. But in the end, the full/true story wasn’t conveyed to us, and that smells fishy, and that’s what I describe as shady business in my review. Sadly for most commenters it’s more important to troll around than to see my point of view and to keep in mind that they may end up being treated the same way. Third time is a charm!

brandonswify: I wish you all the fun you can have, especially the sewage stench all around the ship, which I decided to not include in my review, but which I’m sure you’re well aware of. Anyway, good travels!

cruisetn: I heard there’s a nude beach at Sint Maarten too which was on my list!

@ Vesselinv....You most definitely are entitled to your opinion. There is no reason why you should have to explain how YOU felt about YOUR cruise. But one thing I would like to point out about porting in Sant Marteen..... even though the seas may have looked calm to you and the other passengers, you need to realize that porting a ship that big needs to takes many things into consideration that passengers don't realize, Even though the seas looked OK to dock, things like current, upper level winds (that may not be seen in the sea surface) and proximity to the other docked ships need to be taken into consideration for the safety factor. I can assure you, the Captain made a solid judgement in cancelling the port especially at the last minute for safety reasons and nothing else. I can assure you he would not have sailed to that port, hovered outside the port and decided to cancel the docking if it was about money. It may not have been explained to you and you may not understand, but feel safe in knowing that the Captain did what he thought was in the best safety of the passengers (think Costa Concordia). We sailed the Carnival Dream and Carnival in general 4 others times than that and we always had a great time. Don't make a snap judgement here....any cruise veteran knows there are reasons things like this happen...and it's NOT for the bottom line of the cruise line. The vessels Captain has the responsibility of the souls onboard first and foremost and I can assure you that when he reported to Carnival he had to decline the docking in St. Marteen, Carnival wasn't happy. Feel safe in the fact you are home safely although for reasons you may not like, but need to accept. Bon Voyage.......

Alright, most of you think I'm a chronic complainer. 

I should have known (remembered) about the outlets. Not a big deal - they gave us an extension cord. What struct me was the way in which they questioned the fact - ‘Do you have a CPAP machine? Are you sure? We only give outlets if you have one because we’ve got a limited supply! And we can't just give it you - someone has to deliver it to your cabin!’. Plus, last year we didn’t have the CPAP and stayed in a bigger room (panoramic balcony deck 9 aft) and I’m pretty sure there was an extra outlet by the night stand.

TeresaC1963: I wouldn't be complaining about the missed stop if it were the case of a severe storm, strong waves or other serious weather condition. I was there, I saw it with my own eyes that the water at the pier was absolutely calm. Other reviewers (on the same trip) share the same opinion. That doesn’t justify the conspiracy. What does is the fact that you’re told one thing when you see it with your own eyes that it couldn’t possibly be the case. The reason? Perhaps they wanted us to stay on the ship and spend the budget allocated for St Maarten on the ship - the casino was packed full of people spending insane amounts of money that day. I’m sure they had a great day… for profit!

france123: I had done my research… by experience. Last year I went on the Carnival Freedom in January and I had nothing to complain about. I had the same expectations based on last year’s experience, except it was supposed to be a bigger, better ship, and the outcome fell short. 

judyhale: We could have put the beds together ourselves as well but I don’t think a one-unit king-size is the same as two singles next to each other, or perhaps that’s what they mean when the online form asks you? Also, we didn’t have travelers insurance - I’ll know next time!

knk123: I’m not sorry I wrote it. Others, who can’t stand such corporate bull, will find it useful.