First time cruise.

Carnival Dream Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 39

Overall rating:

4.8 out of 5
Carnival Dream

7 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 15, 2018

Ship: Carnival Dream

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 6334

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

It was an exciting adventure. One I had anticipated for many years. Until the very last, it was the experience of a lifetime. But a job is never truly completed, until it is seen through to the very end. It is almost as if I had already paid for it, done it, now just get off any way you can.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Very quick, and courteous.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
The main dining room, our head waiter was excellent in the performance of his duties, as well as being a most amicable person! Outstanding job! His staff were very prompt and friendly. Somporn, went above and beyond to make this an unforgettable experience. The Taco bar was outstanding! Really enjoyed it.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
It was a beautiful, elegant setting. I enjoyed this so very much!

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Great performances!

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Everyone done an outstanding job with the exception of guest services. I must give an excellent rating due to the outstanding service from everyone else. Guest services left much to be desired. For 3 days straight, I had a very hard time dealing with them to get help with my luggage for the time of departure from the ship.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Absolutely fantastic! Wonderful design and maintained exceptionally well.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
No complaints at all. Everything was just as I expected and more!

Ship tip

Do as much research as you can on what to expect upon disembarkment. Do as much research as you can on photo packages before going aboard. These can save much frustration.

Ports of call

New Orleans, Louisiana

5 out of 5

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

4 out of 5
I found the ruins to be somewhat boring. But this isn't really my cup of tea. The Blue Lagoon was breathtaking! I loved it! Our guide was a wonderful man named Art. Very helpful, friendly, and full of information about the place.

Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

5 out of 5
We had a private tour with Murphy's Roatan Tours and Transport. I can't say enough about the professionalism, and friendliness of this gentleman. He made me feel protected and very comfortable. I would advise anyone going to this destination to contact him. His Email is murphy@murphysroatantours.com. Ph. is 9642 6346. You will not regret it!

Belize City, Belize

5 out of 5
I went snorkeling on a private island here. Wonderful experience to say the least! Will not be the last time visiting there.

Cozumel, Mexico Did not visit port

Chose to stay aboard as I am visiting there in August of 2018

Disembarkation

1 out of 5
3 days prior to disembarkation, I went to guest services inquire about disembarkation due to catching a train. I was told to have my luggage in the Encore Room for 6:30 am. I informed them then, that I could not handle my luggage alone due to my disabilities. They informed me that if I wanted to be guaranteed to get off in time to catch my train, this is what I needed to do. So thinking that if I spoke with someone else to try to get help with my luggage, I made two more trips, the following 2 days, to see if anyone else would try to help me with this problem. All to no avail. On the morning of disembarkation, I had help from someone else, other than staff, to get my luggage to the Encore Room. At the point that we lined up to go off the ship, every cruise line employee that I met up with, I asked for assistance, and without exception, was told a resounding, no. I even got to a point that 2 gentleman who had luggage carts, who were just standing there, told me the exact same. A resounding no. I finally got off the ship into the building, after almost passing out twice. There was a lady standing there that was an employee of the cruise line. I asked her to PLEASE help me, that I was about to pass out. She said, Ma'am all I can do is to tell you to go to the elevators down this hallway, and not the escalators. At the elevator, I asked again, for help. And again was told, no. I got off the elevators, went through customs, still pleading for help, and was told again to follow the hall down to where the taxi's would be waiting. I was ever so glad to finally get a taxi, and get away from this horrible treatment. For such a wonderful trip, to such beautiful places, with so many wonderful people that made this trip memorable for me, to be treated like this at the very end, left a very sour taste for me. I would ask that you PLEASE, remind guest services that some of us do in fact, need help when we ask. Upon calling to complain, I was told it was MY fault that this had occurred. That I should have made arrangements for this BEFORE the cruise. This being my first cruise, I was not made aware that this was something that I needed to do. Communication on the cruise lines part, would have been so nice. If I had not booked 2 other cruises already, I am not sure I would do another one without my husband to take care of me. I would say that this cruise, for all it's wonderment, and for the ship's attending staff, who done such an outstanding job, that an incident like this to overshadow such superb treatment, is a travesty I hope is never repeated. Guest services needs much work.
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5 Comments

EPauley    6 years ago

We had a similar experience on the Conquest. We found that we got more help if we asked the guys pushing the wheelchairs. After being brushed off by those in charge, the ones actually assisting already found someone to help us quickly.

LMG1988    6 years ago

Glad you had a great time. I'm sorry you had that experience, but yes, this is something that should have been arranged before hand; something that should have been covered with whomever you booked with. Sometimes, we cruise and learn as we go. After several cruises, I am still learning.

Hildy963    6 years ago

Glad that you had a great time!

cruzn4life    6 years ago

MarineVet71    6 years ago

Glad you enjoyed yourself

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