Rushed, rushed, rushed. Busy.

Carnival Dream Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

LandLoverXxXxXx

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 8

Overall rating:

3.1 out of 5

Carnival Dream

4 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 13, 2020

Ship: Carnival Dream

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9395

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

We spent a lot of money (comparatively to our other family vacations) and were really excited to go on our first cruise. I felt so bad for all of the international staff. They smiled but I could tell they hated being there. I hated it for them. I hated it all. They worked so hard and for what? I can't believe this is what people do for fun.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

It was probably great, except we had no idea what to expect, so we were stressed out.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Everything looked great and tasted so bland. Mountains of barely edible food.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

We enjoyed the comedy club and the sauna.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Children's Programs

Kids did not leave the room to go to club.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

I felt so sad and entitled. The workers busted their humps and I think the pizzeria guy either works 24/7 or has a clone. Same guy every time. Did we cruise on a slave ship?

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

It was alright.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

It was fine.

Ship tip

Don't do it.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Galveston, Texas

3 out of 5

The terminal needs to be thought out better.

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5

I wish that we weren't hearded through the gift shop like cattle. It's hard to board the ship when people are making purchases in the terminal. Our excursion was great. We did the Atlantis Submarine tour of the reef.

Disembarkation

1 out of 5

Horrible backed up mess.

15 Comments

Fiesta83 4 years ago

Better luck at Disneyland on your next family vacation 😭😭

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Nautigirl04 4 years ago

First, your kids missed out on some great times if they were forced to stay in the cabin. Carnival has awesome activities for all ages in their camps. My kids have made some lifelong friends. I have a child with Aspergers and even he enjoyed the teen programs and begged to go back. Second, I hate my job some days too (and I’m self employed). Not every day will I smile as I deal with jerks or work even when I’m tired. I work 7 days a week too. The employees know what their job will entail before they sign their contract. All of them miss their family back home and everyone struggles with being homesick at some point. It’s only natural. Yes, they work hard but I don’t believe they are slaves. We show them kindness and also tip extra because just about all of them are working to provide for family back home. Their stories are always interesting. If you would have asked anyone about embarkation then your questions could have been answered and stress could have been eliminated. I do research so I can know what to expect and avoid anxiety. I hate when people scream troll or say cruises aren’t for you when you have a negative experience, but unfortunately maybe a cruise isn’t for you or your family. My family of 6 (kids 19 to 3) love it and try to squeeze as many as we can in each year. You have two options; you can stick to land vacations for the land lover you claim to be or you can try another one, do your research, ask for help using a PVP and learn to relax. Also, allow the kids to be kids and get them involved in some way.

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Mydogluke 4 years ago

I feel very sorry for you. It must be terrible to wake up every morning and be you. Love the Dream and Carnival

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jojo625 4 years ago

I guess that's why your ID is LandLover....Like some people say, either you love cruising or you hate it. We're in or 60's + 70's and absolutely love it. We've had a blast on every cruise we've been on, and party with the best of them.

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sassy1969 4 years ago

Troll ... they have no cruise history

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Tiger3096 4 years ago

My wife and I went our 1st cruise in 2018 on the Valor for Christmas and loved it. Then went on our 2 cruise on the Vista for 7 days in Sept of 2019 and had fun. We are going on a 5 day cruise on the Dream this July. We plan of going on a cruise every year just to get away to relax and have fun.

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AuntPinkie 4 years ago

Sorry you didn’t enjoy your cruise! As others have said, “ cruising isn’t for everyone”. You have to find what you enjoy and do that. Too bad you didn’t talk to a crew member that enjoys their situation. Many of the crew have several contracts under their belt and like meeting guests.

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CruzeFan 4 years ago

Definitely sounds like cruising isn’t for you. Most people love it, but it’s not for everyone. We find it very relaxing and enjoyable and never feel rushed.

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cruisereckoning 4 years ago

I guess cruising is not for you. We have always found the staff to be very happy and like to engage in conversation with you. We have been cruising a couple times a year and it works well for us.

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conner425 4 years ago

Some people just can’t be pleased..... not naming an names but..... YOU! Lol

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terriesanchez 4 years ago

It's also sad that you found nothing for your children on the ship. They stayed in your cabin... Why?

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Cruiserike0322 4 years ago

Sorry you didn't like it. As for the people who work on the ships, you would be surprised. I have had many conversations with them. Most are grateful for their jobs. Of course they get homesick and miss their families. But as a whole I have found they like their jobs. I have even corespond with one. For my wife and I cruising is so wonderful.

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DebandMarkC 4 years ago

When it comes to cruising for you, JUST DON'T DO IT!! You must have been such a joy to be around.

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manwithnoname 4 years ago

Most of the International staff are probably using this as a way to America legally.. All of the ones we have met over the years have been very friendly and personable. We have always treated them with the utmost respect and have always had a great time on our cruises!!! Sounds like you should stick to land vacations..

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jordanaire 4 years ago

Sounds like cruising is not for you. Me, on the other hand, absolutely loved the 26 cruises we taken so far!

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