It was a great and leisurely vacation, my parents first cruise and they want to book another one soon. So I can say that the dream ship really set that up for them. I can't wait to go again! I would definitely sail on the dream again.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Could have been better. Even though we were on time we were pushed into the early/late lines by carnival employees.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We went to the steak house the first night (got a free bottle of wine) and everything was amazing. For $38 you get a great deal and we were all very happy with our food. We ate the sea day brunches in the Scarlet dining room and they were really good. I didn't eat much of the lido buffet besides the Mongolian which is always good. Guy's always meets expectations with a good burger. Go to the main dining room and eat there for your dinners, the food is great.
The Chef's Art Steakhouse
5 out of 5
Worth the extra money. The embarkation day free wine was a money saver. Food was great and steaks were cooked as we asked.
Mongolian Wok
5 out of 5
Worth the wait if you don't like anything else on the buffet.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
I felt like during my cruise they didn't cater to my age group other than the clubs and drinking with things on the schedule so that was a bit lacking. I know the "fun times" changes every cruise due to demographic so there is always different things to do. Pools were nice, but crowded with kids as to be expected. There is a plentiful amount of hot tubs and they were never really crowded. My parents had a couple's package to the thalasso pool and therapy rooms and they really enjoyed it
Cloud 9 Spa
5 out of 5
The couples package was well worth it according to my parents.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Make it to the "80's pop the the max" and "America rocks" shows. Really great performances by the entertainment crew! Love and marriage show is always a go to for me, it's just a great show every time.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our steward Ida was awesome, always attentive when we needed him. It was hit and miss with getting room service, most of the time we got a busy tone and a recording. The cruise director Gary was hilarious and very personable.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Everything was kept clean. Layout was nice and it was easy to navigate.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Just like any other Carnival room. They don't ever really change. We had a balcony room and it was spacious enough for three people.
Ship tip
Check out the Lanai on deck 5. It wraps all the way around. A lot of people really miss out on this area because they all go to the lido. They have extra deck loungers and hot tubs there. It isn't really crowded ever. Also guys pig and anchor is on the Lanai so go there if the buffet is really crowded.
I personally enjoy progreso. The excursions through carnival are super expensive. We take the bus into town (15 minute ride) went to the free beach and drank there cheaply. Many people will try to sell you things, but leave if you tell them no. Remember that carnival is the only boat that comes there, and it's once a week. They work harder there. Leave your kids at the on board clubs and try it at least once.
They put us in terminal two in Galveston, where the gangway is currently not on deck 3 like usual. We had to go to deck 0 to leave the ship and that was a bit of a mess because most seasoned cruisers didn't want to listen and all headed to deck 3 even after being told to go to 0, so it was kind of annoying. Technically not carnivals fault, more the port of Galveston, but still very messy.
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