Carnival Dream overview
Carnival Dream was the first of Carnival’s popular line of Dream-class ships, which are among the largest in Carnival’s fleet. Staying true to Carnival’s laid-back approach to cruising, Dream’s most popular attractions include casual dining spots, comedy shows, lip-sync contests and dance parties. The ship attracts large numbers of kids and young-at-heart adults so the atmosphere is often loud and high-energy. There are quiet places to escape to including the adults-only Serenity area and the Cloud 9 Spa.
Dream launched in 2009 and was recently refurbished in 2017 receiving the Funship 2.0 upgrades. In addition to cosmetic updates, the ship also received several new restaurants including Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, the Alchemy Bar and Bonsai Sushi. Travelers also love the top-notch service delivered by the ship's experienced crew, and plenty of glowing reviews mention specific crew members by name. The combination of feeling like a new ship, excellent service, and surprisingly affordable fares make Dream one of the Carnival's top offerings.
Dream just recently surrendered its title of "Largest Carnival Ship" when Carnival Vista was launched in 2016. But, with a passenger capacity of 3,646 guests, it's still one of the largest Carnival ships sailing today.
Travelers can book Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries out of New Orleans until May of 2019. It will then reposition to Galveston and begin offering 4-5 night Western Caribbean itineraries.
Before you book
Why sail: Outgoing travelers, party animals, extroverts, large groups with multiple age ranges, families with kids, and cruisers on a budget.
You should know: Carnival is not for travelers looking for fancy dining, elegant formal nights and relaxing by a quiet pool. If you're looking to avoid the loud party and large groups, you might want to try Princess or Celebrity.
Carnival Dream ship highlights
Dream lives up to Carnival’s “Fun-Ship” reputation with a wide variety of activities. Those with a knack for showmanship can participate in Lip Sync Battle: Carnival or the “board games come to life” game show by Hasbro. Kids love the WaterWorks Aqua Park which contains a 303-foot-long Twister water slide. The Camp Ocean youth clubs keep kids aged 2-11 engaged with regular activities and contests. Adults can find some peace and quiet by day in the adults-only Serenity Area or the Cloud 9 Spa. At night adults can ramp up the energy at one of Carnival’s many bars or at Serenity Under the Stars, which is a club-style party on the top deck complete with glow-sticks and tunes from Dream’s resident DJ.
- Guy’s Burger Joint and Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ
- BlueIguana Cantina and Redfrog Rum Bar
- Waterworks Aqua Park and Camp Ocean Youth Club
- Adults-only Serenity Area
- Hasbro game shows
- Punchliner Comedy Club
- Dr. Seuss and Build-a-Bear partnerships
Carnival Dream cabins
You’ll find five main categories of cabins on Carnival Dream: Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, Junior Suite, and a suite. Standard amenities include a desk/vanity, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, safes, and three closets for storage. Oceanview rooms and above also come with a coffee table and sofa. Room sizes vary from 185 square foot interior cabins to 345 square foot suites. Balcony cabins are generally the same size as interior rooms, but with a 35 to 75 square feet balcony. For a taste of true luxury, book one of the Cloud 9 Spa cabins. These rooms include priority check-in, priority booking for spa appointments, and free entry to the thermal suite and Thalassotherapy Pool.
Carnival Dream dining
Most of the ships best dining options are still included in the cruise fare. Which is refreshing since many cruise lines are charging more for specialty dining. Guy’s Burger Joint and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, both developed by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, have become two of Carnival’s top venues. The BlueIguana Cantina serves tacos and burritos for breakfast and lunch. Guests can grab a slice at Pizzeria Del Capitano any time of the day. Mongolian Wok and Indian Tandoor round out the free options with a bit of international flair. While you might find a decent line at either of them, we assure you they’re worth the wait. For guests willing to pay a bit extra, Bonsai Sushi serves up delicious sushi and sashimi. You'll find an intimate setting at Chef’s Steakhouse with a menu including classic ribeye, filet mignon, surf and turf, lamb chops, and more.
