My First Cruise

Item: Carnival Dream
Rating: 3.7
Author: blueglass5

Carnival Dream Cruise Review

blueglass5

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 47

Overall rating:

3.7 out of 5

5 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 29, 2019

Ship: Carnival Dream

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 12208

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

The Dream had many activities and areas to keep you busy and entertained. However the food on trip was not good. The burgers were dry and cheese melted but hard. Buffet was not flavorful and for us not many good items to choose from. The main dinning was ok as long as you went first thing in evening. We went late first night and it was dry and not fresh in main dining. The wait staff in main dining was great. Buffet staff was not so friendly, one of them was on her phone and not paying attention to line in front of her. However, bussing staff was very friendly in lido deck buffet area. If you stayed on ship during port it seemed to irritate bar crew and other staff, they were not as friendly as when the ship was at sea. Dream spa is beautifully designed and loved the thalassoyherapy pool. The pool is so great for all the stiff joints and aches of moving around ship and ports.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Embarkation was fast. Took less than a hour to board. Was a super smooth process. Many people working for cruiseline or port and even regular passengers was willing to help and guide through processes. First time cruising was not too frightening.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Guys burgers was a disappointment.

Jackpot Bar

4 out of 5

Got drinks right everytime

The Gathering Lido Restaurant

2 out of 5

Did not like it. Food was not good.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

A lot to choose from

Entertainment

5 out of 5

80s show was awesome. Enjoyed singing along to songs I grew up with.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Cabin was nice and cabin steward and team was friendly and my room was really clean. Spacious for the two of us. Being right next to spa and elevator makes it easy to get to things quicker. However being on this floor was not fun all the time. You can hear the kids running all day to the slides above you and people relaxatiing and sightseeing on the deck above can look over and see you sitting in chairs. No covering from sun or rain. But the view is awesome from the height of the balcony. Loved being on port side seeing the port while docking and just being able to sit on balcony and watch the port life before or after touring. Would not pick this floor again only because of lack of balcony covering and the non soundproofed ceiling.

Ship tip

Pack smart and lightly. Dont try to do all of the activities and dont over plan the trip. Just have fun and be in the moment.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Progreso (Merida), Mexico

4 out of 5

Pretty port to look at from ship. Nothing to see but blue water. Saw some marine wildlife while in port. Have to book an excursion to view port city. No visiting port without excursion.

Thumbs Up 0

Galveston, Texas

4 out of 5

Good city to stay after cruise or before. Fun activities for family. Fun boardwalk to ride six seater surrey bikes or electric bikes with family. Nice beaches. Great breeze off ocean.

Thumbs Up 0

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5

Nice port. A lot of shopping and eateries. Beautiful water.

Thumbs Up 0