Could have been better

Item: Carnival Dream
Rating: 3.6
Author: amailmanswife

Carnival Dream Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

amailmanswife

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 47

Overall rating:

3.6 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 22, 2017

Ship: Carnival Dream

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 6282

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

I waited a year for this cruise and unfortunately would not recommend The Dream if you wanted a true WOW factor for your vacation. The food was nothing to brag about and that was one of the things I was looking forward to. I remember the last cruise everyone made you feel special and that didn't happen on this cruise. I felt like just another person. The dining experience was just ok but our server was very sweet and she did a great job. Loved how she addressed everyone by name. I think the dining entertainment could have been better. The same thing was done every night. I sorry to be such a downer on this cruise but I was really expecting so much more.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Long process but with the amount of people not sure how it could improve.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

The main dining food was just okay...nothing wowed us at all. With the buffets the food was cold especially the breakfast foods like the pancakes and waffles. You couldn't even get the butter to melt so therefore not a great experience. I did love the hamburgers on the lido deck but the BBQ which from my understanding they only had a couple of days was fair. I really expected the wow factor and unfortunately my entire group was not wowed at all. I have cruised in the past and all the food from what I could remember was very good and exciting because it was things you normally wouldn't get and it felt special. The chocolate extravaganza was very lacking to say the least and that was something I was looking forward to as well.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Could have had some additional pool activities.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

I thought the music on the ship was very good and had a little something for everyone.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Everyone was very friendly

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Very clean

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Love the cabin....very roomy and loved all the storage space available.

Ship tip

They could have had more shows or entertainment instead of 2 hours sitting through how to shop and buy this and buy that and raffle tickets for coupon books not worth the money. It was not a relaxing vacation at all. Also so much waste with all the pictures taken and discarded because they were not purchased. There were pictures taken of myself and husband that a child could have taken. I was looking forward to the pictures taken at each port and two of the 3 ports my hair was in front of my face and not worth purchasing. The photographers were not very friendly and all used the same poses. If the pictures cost less I believe more would be purchased. Seems like there would be more money made and less waste.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

New Orleans, Louisiana

3 out of 5

Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

4 out of 5

We did a jet ski, snorkel and beach excursion. I would suggest this excursion. Although it was raining we still had a great time and everyone was friendly and helpful.

Thumbs Up 2

Belize City, Belize Did not visit port

I understand about weather ...nothing you can do about this but very very very disappointed in taking the ship to progresso. That was definately no comparison to Belize which was the one port I was looking forward to. Would have rather stayed in Cozumel 2 days. I would never take a cruise that was going to Progresso.

Thumbs Up 0

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5

We did a zip line excursion and had a great time. All the gentlemen there helping were awesome and so very friendly. Also I would have purchased a picture at the zip line but $45 for one picture or CD was way too much in my opinion. The only thing I could say about this excursion would be the beach location in the city was not the best and I was somewhat disappointed.

Thumbs Up 2

Disembarkation

3 out of 5

12 Comments

tssweety 7 years ago

We cruised in 2013 on the Dream.. kind forgot some of it but are booked again for DEC. We cannot wait. We have been on 11 cruises and love the Dream size. We are also so stoked they did an upgrade to the Guys Burgers and Alchemy Bar... etc. Never had a horrible Carnival cruise. yes, some are better then others but i have come to the conclusion that for the most part it is what you make it to be!! We love to cruise.

Thumbs Up 3

Flag

pgesparky 7 years ago

Loved the Tandoori grill, and The flying scottsman is one of the best cruise director's

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Tonyaneal 7 years ago

Some people's expectations are way too high set yourself up for failure to go with the flow you have good food days and bad food days but there's so much food on the ships to eat you're not going to go hungry never set yourself up look into it like I'm going to have fun the poor food isn't going to bother me because everything else on the ship is wonderful

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

allthat815 7 years ago

Loved the Dream!!! We have a reservation for the Dream again in 2019. We're trying the Vista in Feb 2018

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

pat1234 7 years ago

Thanks everyone

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

luvdiving2003 7 years ago

I've cruised with Carnival twice, been on Dream before and thinking of going on the Nov 26 Western Caribbean with the Bffer! Pat1234 you will have fun as long as you keep a positive attitude! I always had a blast!

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

ta1ngela 7 years ago

Pat1234 you will be wowed.... it’s all in what you make it to be. My first cruise was a year ago and I was instantly hooked! I’ve booked my third. I love cruising with Carnival!! 😁

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

pat1234 7 years ago

Don't like reading negative things this is my first cruise with Carnival and I'm looking forward to it and I want to be wowed

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

Summerholiday 7 years ago

18 cruises and never had a problem on any ship we have been on the staff work there butt off to ensure that cruise buddys are happy .. just enjoy your on vacation.. 🍹😎

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

sunshinel9ver 7 years ago

You contradict yourself. Did not feel “special”? BUT All service and staff was very friendly? Dining room server was “very sweet”? Carnival has the best staff on the seven seas!!! If you want 5-star food and be “wowed” go to a 5-star restaurant!!!😎😎

Thumbs Up 3

Flag

Summerholiday 7 years ago

Thats no really true ..we have had some lovely meals on different ships .. but some bad ones also you pay for a service and your meal and if its not enjoyable then order something else if it's consistently bad then ask for the Matrde.. your there to enjoy 🍹😎

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

DerekMire 7 years ago

If u want good food go to five star restaurant

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Other reviews of this sailing

Pretty nice for a first cruise

Disappointing...

Western Carribbean Carnival Dream