Navy reunion

Carnival Dream Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

ratpackevents

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 22

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

6 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 31, 2024

Ship: Carnival Dream

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 2204

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 months ago

Review summary

Beverage Package issues were frustrating as a F&B manager of a busy convention center: Turns out issues were kid related…Kids and non drinkers having to wait at bars for usually highly intoxicated guests to get their custom blended drinks didn’t seem very “family friendly” and created very long waits for for the bubbles package. Kids sitting at bars most of the cruise taking up space traditionally for adults getting beverages and creating longer waits was an on going issue. Also it was obvious that the bartenders often didn’t appreciate soda duty no matter how hard they smiled through the pain. Honestly I hated taking them away from adult beverage service to get me a can and other guests who needed to take advantages of their bartending skills…Lastly getting rid of straws (which are part of your typical dining experience) but printing up receipt paper for every can of soda is hypocritical at best. *thought it was a bit weird at best asking an 8 year old for a tip given the details of the bubbles package.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Smooth

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Very nice. Little bland but that’s expected in mass feedings

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

We enjoyed

Entertainment

4 out of 5

We enjoyed

Children's Programs

1 out of 5

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Beverage Package issues were frustrating as a F&B manager of a busy convention center: Turns out issues were kid related…Kids and non drinkers having to wait at bars for usually highly intoxicated guests to get their custom blended drinks didn’t seem very “family friendly” and created very long waits for for the bubbles package. We Didn’t appreciate kids sitting at bars most of the cruise taking up space traditional for adults getting beverages and creating longer waits. Also it was obvious that the bartenders often didn’t appreciate soda duty no matter how hard they smiled. Honestly I hated taking them away from adult beverage service to get me a can…Lastly getting rid of straws (which are part of your typical dining experience) but printing up receipt paper for every can of soda is hypocritical at best.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

2nd time on this class ship

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

It was fun and very spacious. We had fun creating different bed scenarios as a couple in this figure 8 shaped room. Wish it were a little closer to a lift to get to sunlight.

Ship tip

Think carefully about Belize excursions. Places were amazing but hour after hour of buses crowding and more waiting

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Galveston, Texas

5 out of 5

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico Did not visit port

Crews company did their best to keep safe and entertain

Thumbs Up 0

Belize City, Belize

3 out of 5

Might be a good day to enjoy the boat if you don’t like crowds and multiple long waits and packed bus rides.

Thumbs Up 0

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

We always grab a cab and head to “Mr. Sanchos” 60.00 all inclusive food and cocktails day at the beach. Best Deal of any cruise we’ve been on

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

Why is it easier to enter the US than to travel state to state is all I’ve been thinking since getting off the boat. Nothing was needed or asked for we just got off the boat and we were on the street.

Traveler Photos

Too many kids at bars because of bubbles package

7 Comments

Sogmoore 7 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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lsbs 7 months ago

Thanks for the review

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jallaway 7 months ago

True, requiring all to get sodas at busy bars is a common complaint and should be a concern for a family oriented cruise line. I'd share that complaint with John Heald and push for a response

Thumbs Up 1

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cruising2004 7 months ago

Thanks

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Gwbigdog 7 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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javawoody 7 months ago

Thanks for the review

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HeavySeas 7 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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