We are excited to book a future cruise and learned a lot from this experience.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
The team at Carnival truly embody the vacation experience from the get-go
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
There is an endless supply of options. We were a little skeptic as first time cruisers and reading endless reviews of long lines, limited options, cafeteria style food and more pleasantly surprised each and every day. In a sold out ship, over a big holiday week, we never waited more than a couple of minutes for anything and our meals in the MDR were exceptional.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
I feel more activities could be located in outdoor venues to take advantage of the scenery as it was sad to play family games in lounge areas. However, the evening comedy clubs and entertainment was perfect. The only negative I would say is if you are planning to have your younger children (under 10) during late morning to early afternoons I always felt like the staff was deterring us from doing so. Therefore my kids spent little time experiencing those activities and meeting kids their ages, as we had planned prior to the trip through social meeting sites established for the group.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
The comedians the first couple of nights were amazing however, when the staff changed so did the humor. The family friendly acts didn't drawn in the entire audience as the earlier cruise comedians did. While there was no foul language it just didn't keep a family engaged.
Children's Programs
1 out of 5
As I mentioned earlier, I was truly disappointed that every time we went to bring our 8 year old or 10 year old to the club the staff was quickly telling us when they had to be picked up. I am sure some parents leave children in the club endless hours but allow families an opportunity to prove that theory. It was so bad that my daughter said they didn't want kids there.
The other disappointing experience was on the first night we were informed of all the do's and don's extra fees etc but then was told on New Years Eve they were having a special younger kid club to ring in the New Year to 1am. We had no intention to not having our kids with us for the NY celebration but decided they would have a better time with the group of kids. So we were a little surprised to then get charged for the special evening. We should have been informed in the sales pitch a fee would be involved, while nominal it was not expected.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
outside of Youth Kids Groups, I could not be more impressed with the team of professionals we came across. While we had little interaction with our steward he was friendly each time we encountered him.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
This was another pleasant surprise after countless reviews online. This ship was immaculate in all public areas. I never saw overflowing garbage bins, restrooms needing to be addressed etc. There was always someone doing something to keep it in ship-shape condition
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
The accommodation were perfect for our family of 5 each person had their own area to sleep and the storage of luggage and belonging was perfect. I loved having the bath and a 1/2 however, if I were to design the ship I would have added a 2nd toilet over a 2nd shower/tub option. My rating is reflective to our room cleanliness experience, it may have been our lack of cruise experience but having the room cleaned at 10am and never refreshed again that day was disappointing. We were traveling with other families and they had nightly room refreshes. This was essential so that after your day at pool or off shore and getting showered for dinner (8:15pm dinner) you would have clean towels for the next morning or fresh pool/beach towels for the next adventure. Often we would get back to the room after 10pm (8:15pm dinner time) and have to call housekeeping for fresh towels which could take 20 minutes or longer delaying us being up to tuck in kids. After a few days of the request I would have assumed the steward would have picked up on the request. Our Dining Room Attendants on day 2 noted where everyone sat, special cocktails were preferred etc....
Ship tip
Dont read too much into reviews about long lines, try every dining option you have the ability to do and enjoy the experience.
The free beach off the port is perfect after 2 days at sea. The pricing to secure chair and umbrellas were slightly high but you can opt to be a bit further from the ocean for free. The staff offering beverages are few and far between.
Exiting the port is sadly discouraging with peddlers trying to get you in their car, buy their goods, braid your hair etc while I understand the money and value of tourists if frightens young children. On a better note, we planned for a non-carnival tour to do Kayaking in the Caves and it was exceptional.
This seems to take a lot longer than needed and frankly the calling of numbers is humorous as we watched several groups just dismebark when they wanted.
Your cabin steward will clean TEICE A DAY if you ask. This was your first cruise. You will learn the ins and outs as you cruise more. Love the Dream and Carnival!!!
You have to pick either morning or night time service. This is some what new to Carnival. Sounds like you have a great cruise. We leave Spring Break on the Dream.
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