Santa & Mrs. Claus Had A Blast ! (REMINDER - We are NOT Carnival employees, just avid cruisers)

Carnival Dream Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Byrnath

Contributor Level: Captain

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 13

Helpful Votes: 316

Overall rating:

4.8 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 21, 2018

Ship: Carnival Dream

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 1327

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

Wonderful experience! REMINDER - We are NOT Carnival employees, just avid cruisers) We have been asked several times on most of our adventures, so I try to emphasize the fact that we are just passengers that enjoy cruising and portraying our alter egos. We do enjoy most of the extra attention we get from the crew and our fellow passengers but my reviews try to reflect the viewpoint without bias from Santa's perspective.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

We usually try to get the earliest boarding time as possible. Booked this cruise late so we had a 12:30 time assigned and by then the line was long but moved well. The only reason for the 4 stars is because it was slow but still efficient.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

A few people complain about the food and service. Considering the number of guests and meals to prepare, Carnival does a great job in my opinion.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Main stage shows were great except for the Lip Sync Battle. Much prefer the Legends show, (now discontinued), because it involves more guests and requires more talent.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

The main stage musicians and dancers were very talented and exciting. Main stage shows were great except for the Lip Sync Battle. Much prefer the Legends show, (now discontinued), because it involves more guests and requires more talent.

Children's Programs

Did not attend any children's activities

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

By and large the staff is very attentive. Probably because of some cutbacks, the main dining room service was quite slow at times.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

My only complaint was the cigarette smell was invasive in areas well beyond the designated spots. Prime example was in the Atrium. Never experienced this on any other Carnival ship before.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Only two of us and we had the bunk bed layout. Provided excellent space and convenience. The mid-ship location made for easy access to all areas of the ship.