This was our third time on the Dream, and we are glad we gave them one last chance. They have made some positive changes, especially at dinnertime (better portions, water carafe at table), but there is still progress to be made. Our room steward was fantastic as was our head waiter. The ship needs to be updated with the Hub App and the shows could use an update as well, but all in all it seems they are making progress.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Positive changes in the dining room, but still need to work on reducing lines on the lido deck.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Time to update shows... new and different acts.. saw the same show three years in a row with only minor changes.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
They do a great job with the kids.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Getting better, Carnival needs to do a better job at boosting employee morale, it would make a huge difference. You can tell when an employee enjoys their job, vs. one who is just putting in his/her time. Happy staff = Happy guests.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Cabin was great, love the balcony cabins! Carpet was dirty for the first few days (mostly sand from previous guests)...but I understand they can only do so much on turnaround days.. so I just keep a pair of flip flops on hand to wear in the cabin.
Ship tip
Crew seems much happier when they don't have the spring break crowd aboard. Unfortunately for those of us with kids that seems to be the trade off. Probably won't go on the Dream over break, but would have no problem taking it before or after.
Fun for a day or two, the Mardi Gras museum was great, trolly is cheap and a great way to see the area. Stay by the ship and you can walk to the French Quarter easily.
Prices for excursions off the ship are reasonable, but once your on them they will try to negotiate other prices. Get your group to agree to price up front and you'll have a better experience. Don't fall for they 'discount' shopping, We found better prices at their 'high end' mall. If your going to the falls, book through the ship, they are not close and you'll risk being left behind as traffic can be bad. Beaches are OK, not great, and you will be hit up to buy stuff that is illegal in the US.
Did the stingray/snorkel excursion, It was fun but the snorkeling time seemed too short while stingray time was a bit long and very crowded...nonetheless we had a great time.
Easy to do your own thing. Make sure you visit the posted sign with the prices. We have done sky reef a few times, we paid for a rt taxi for 8 people and when we got there we told them we would all eat if we could snorkel for free... they were happy to oblige. In the end all 8 of us spent less than $120 for a day of fun, food and snorkel (and even tequila tasting). Not bad, worked out to about $15 pp (much cheaper than thru the ship).
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