We will never cruise with another company! Carnival is world class and our cruise was incredible.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation is definitely time consuming, considering the sheer volume of passengers, Carnival has it down to a science. They get you through security and onboard as quickly as possible. Your sail and sign card is issued prior to embarkation so you can go right to your room and drop off your carry on luggage. The agent answered any questions and was very friendly, as the first face you encounter with Carnival, this is where our great experience began. Our checked luggage was delivered to our room within an hour, surprising considering the high number of bags they handle. Overall, I have nothing bad to say about the process.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The dining was one of the highlights of our trip. Our first night we dined in the main dining hall and met Ika, our server. She was such an incredible person, she greeted us by name and was friendly and caring. Ika wanted to know about us and our lives, she made us feel like family. She was knowledgeable about all of the dishes and made sure our drinks were never empty. Carnival has a real winner in Ika. We ended up dining with her every night of our 7 day Caribbean cruise and we have made a lifelong friend.
In addition to Ika and the incredible food in the main dining hall, Pizza Del Capitano was a daily stop for me and my wife. The pizza was always fresh and the crust was incredible. Not to mention the crazy fresh toppings. Guys Burgers and the Blue Iguana Taco Bar were just as incredible. You will never go hungry on the Carnival Dream.
The buffet offers food throughout the day, but their breakfast is great. The food is fresh and not warmed for extended periods of time under heat lamps. The eggs benedict was awesome, considering it's my favorite breakfast item I am very particular. Overall, the dining is unparalleled.
Sam's Piano Bar
5 out of 5
Sam's Piano Bar was our favorite nightly entertainment. Carnival has a sure winner with Ben Gentry. The man can play any song you could request and his personality is amazing. We have never laughed harder than our nights at the Piano Bar, his comedy and quick whit will have you laughing all night. This is an interactive show, so get ready to dance, wear funny hats, and get to know Ben as a friend. Ben thank you for making our cruise so memorable. I won't forget to mention Mary Ann, the glowing bartender. She always had a smile on her face and was never far to fill your drink. Ben is one of the main reasons we will sail with Carnival again and again, you have a real winner in Ben Gentry.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
The pools were always a nice escape from the warm Caribbean weather. My wife and I lounged around the pools all day. Staff is always close to take drink orders and the food stops are footsteps away from the main pool on the Lido Deck. The fitness center is surprising for a cruise ship, there are a lot of machines but they did have some free weights as well; no excuse to skip out on the exercise while on the Dream.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The Flying Scotsman made every night very entertaining. He was the cruise director and he was always making the party even more entertaining. The parties were so fun and entertaining. The nightly violin music in the Dream Atrium was incredible. You will never run out of things to do on the Carnival Dream.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Joel our room steward was prompt with every request. Ika the head server in the dining room was the most amazing server and person we have ever met. Ben Gentry at the Piano Bar was incredible, funny, and the best entertainment on the ship. The staff made you feel like family and Carnival truly has a winning atmosphere. We will never sail with anyone else, I do not have one bad thing to say about this company,
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Our room was cleaned daily, by the time we got back from breakfast it would be clean and a fresh bucket of ice would be waiting. The bathroom throughout the ship seemed to be cleaned hourly, I never encountered a dirty bathroom. 5 out of 5 on cleanliness.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The cabin was great, the bed was a little uncomfortable, but we were rarely in our room. Definitely not going to prevent us from cruising again and again.
Ship tip
Always check the maps, they help you navigate with ease.
I have traveled all over the world and New Orleans is definitely one of the coolest cities in the world. If you have the chance definitely port out of New Orleans.
Jamaica is a beautify country, but very poor and the scuba diving is not the best. It is overfished and the wildlife is definitely not abundant. I could have been okay with not seeing Jamaica, but the excursion to the private resort was well worth it.
Beautiful!!! Caymans are one of the most beautiful locations in the world. The people are friendly and the environment so relaxing. Best Scuba diving! The dolphin encounter and sting ray city are another excursion worth taking.
Gorgeous!!! La Casa en la Playa was the best excursion. Carnival offers such an abundance of choices for excursions and the port was amazing as well. I definitely recommend Cozumel.
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