I expected an exceptional cruise experience on the "Dream", but the service and food just wasn't as good as the Carnival cruises we've taken in the past. On the plus side the Dr. Seuss Breakfast was enjoyed by all and the service during this event was exceptional.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Staff wasn't directing passengers on where to go when we exited from the parking garage. It is just a very long process getting the crowd onboard.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Food wasn't as hot as it should have been on buffets or in the dining rooms.
Seaday Brunch service and food was inferior. So much so that we didn't bother to try it again.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Hot tubs were nice when kids weren't playing in them...unsupervised by their parents.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The PG comedy shows were hilarious! I really enjoyed them. The stage shows were mediocre. Live musicians were good.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Some of the wait staff were better than others. Yaco was the best...Head waiter in the Crimson your time dining room.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
There was a sewer smell on a few of the decks in the hall ways. I didn't like having to smell the smoke coming from the casino when on deck 5. I would have to go out of my way to get from forward to aft on this deck usually by walking all the way through on deck 1 and coming up on the other side or walking outside which was okay when it wasn't raining (it rained a lot). However, you could not escape the smoke when going to the coffee cafe.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Windows were so dirty on the outside it obstructed the view. Nothing like paying extra for an ocean view cabin and not being able to see out the window clearly and actually be able to enjoy the view. I wasn't even able to take a picture through the window. All you could see in the photo were the streaks on the outside of the window. The window was like this when we boarded and just got worse each day. The windows should be cleaned prior to embarkation and if not it should be done during a port of call.
I had to request the counter top and shelves in our bathrooms be cleaned again prior to using for my toiletries, etc. to be put out on. I received an apology from the cabin steward, but when it was supposed to have been cleaned again, I still had to get some Clorox wipes from a relative and clean myself before I would use for my items.
I liked the layout of the deluxe oceanview stateroom and the fact that we were able to have adjoining rooms with our daughter and her family.
Ship tip
Your time dining is convenient, but you don't form a bond with your wait staff like you do when you use the reserved seating time. Three evenings we were not able to be seated with Yaco, our favorite of the head waiters we had. So you just need to be aware you will not always be able to have the same table and wait staff.
The beach experience wasn't quite what we expected, but still had a good time snorkeling. There wasn't a sandy area for children to play and splash in the water. Should have booked an excursion through Cruises Only or Carnival.
We are paying g $129 a day plus drinks. A cheap hotel on land (no food) is that much now a days. I want good food but don't expect steakhouse quality for every meal. Have we come to expect to much without paying more?
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