We had a fabulous time. We were so relaxed, we could practically fall asleep anywhere. Can't wait to go back.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
It was a VERY smooth embarkation, but I was conumfused why they needed to take our pictures at the check in counter and before boarding (not the fun pics) when we had done the verifly thing. It seemed odd.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Overall, the food was good. There were several options to keep me happy, but there definitely were some shortcomings.
I ordered a Ruben from the Deli twice. The first time, it tasted good, but was not at all toasted. The second one, I requested extra crispy. It was toasted perfectly, but the meat was so tough, I couldn't eat it.
Most of our group ordered the prime rib during the first elegant night in the main dining room, and they all said it was VERY tough. I ordered the salmon. It was very dry, like over cooked.
Guys burgers, especially the nacho burger, were fabulous.
The Blue Iguana breakfast burritos and huevis rancheros tacos were delicious. I ended up having breakfast burritos 3 mornings in a row.
The etouffe and gumbo at the buffet was DELICIOUS!
All of fish offerings in the buffet that I tried were cooked perfectly.
The frog legs in the main dining room were very good as was the steak on the 2nd elegant night.
The coffee bar was delicious. It is an extra charge, but better taste and similar prices as Starbucks...a but cheaper I believe.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
There were ao many activities and shows. We were busy doing so many things and having an absolute blast.
Jacky Tang was a fabulous cruise director.
When we weren't at an event or show, we enjoyed the pool or hot tub. We played on the water slides for a short time. Mostly we watched the wake or the sunrise/sunset.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The shows in the Encore Theater were FANTASTIC. We thoroughly enjoyed all of them. The comedy shows...well, we went to one of the late shows in the Encore theater. That was interesting to say the least. This happened to be the show that the comedian ended up being fired from. Keon followed that train wreck of a show and was EXCELLENT! We watched one comedian in the Punchliner, and love him too. That show was the pg13 offering.
The stealdrum player was absolutely my favorite. Sitting by or in the pool listening to pop hits on the stealdrum was incredible.
I do wish less country and more Caribbean music had been played overall.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Every staff member we saw was incredible. Always offered a greeting and a smile. We could not tell the ship was short staffed.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The Dream is an "older" ship, but still beautiful. Some repairs and updates were happening while we were on board, but didn't interfere with our fun at all.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We were very comfortable in our cabin. It was just myself and my hubby in our cabin, but the amount of storage was impressive.
My mom surprised us with the anniversary package, so the room looked fabulous!
Ship tip
Take the negative reviews with a grain of salt. Your cruise will be what you expect of it. We heard some very negative things about The Dream before we cruised, but we knew that no matter what, we would have a fabulous time being able to unplug and be away from reality.
We experienced none of the negatives we had heard prior to our trip.
We did the cave tubing and dry cave discovery with lunch. The cave was incredible. Our tour guide, Dennis, was fabulous. Our guide on our bus, Jade, was full of so much information about Belize. The "park" where the cave is could have been better. Basically the requirement to pay $10 to rent a locker (in addition to what we had already paid for the excursion) was not communicated. Thankfully we had money with us, but almost hadn't taken any as we were not planning on having time to shop. Also, the "fruit punch" that came with lunch was served in paper cones, so you couldn't set your drink down and eat. Not ideal, and also not communicated. You could by a bottled soda for $5 each. Alcoholic beverages were no less than $14. Just be prepared. Also, the gift shop at the park is VERY expensive. The shops at the pier are cheaper, by about half in most cases.
I'd tour/tube the cave again in a heartbeat though. And lunch was DELICIOUS.
We did the "give back with a purpose" excursion. Our tour guide, Chris, took is to a local market full of meat and fish and other goods.
Then we toured a church that is doing so much to give back to the community. The atmosphere around the church property was so peaceful.
The next stop was the orphanage. It was a lovely place. The few kids we met as they were on their way to school (others were already at achool) were so happy and so sweet. The homes, despite nit having air conditioning were a comfortable temperature. The property was very nice and calming. I could have sat in the courtyard all day.
Our last stop was a local restaurant. We had a lovely meal. The restaurant doubles as the owner's (and family) home. Before the restaurant opens, the living room furniture gets moved out and eestaurant furniture moves in. Then vice versa after the restaurant closes for the day. It's a lot of work, but sounds kind of cool too.
If they have it on the menu, ask to buy thr flan for dessert. It is absolutely heavenly.
We rented a golf cart and drove to a beach where we had lunch. First we stopped by the Mahahual lighthouse. So pretty, and the few locals we met were so kind. It was fun. The beach had more of a sandy lake type feel, but it was a quite relaxing place.
Appreciate your feedback. I often have a picture taken during check in. It is because they want a photo of how you look now for your sail and sign card. It could be a simple as your hair is longer/shorter (or in my husband’s case a bit more gray). It makes it easier for the security folks when you get off and on at the ports. Glad you enjoyed your cruise.
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