Carnival Dream Cruise Reviews - Reviews

What can I say, Carnival did it again. I have been on several cruises with Carnival and not one time have they let me down. All the crew are amazing, great food and entertainment as well.

I honestly don't see myself cruising with any other line.

The best part of our cruise was the shore excursions. Each port was fantastic. The ship was very nice although the hot tubs were often out of order or just not open, I later was informed the ship was going into dry dock in a couple weeks so I imagine the hot tubs would be fixed then. I would have liked a discount since it wasn't a fully functional ship.

We spent the night prior to boarding in New Orleans.  Highly recommend this experience.  The transportation to the hotel/port is a bit expensive, but providers are within $10 of each other.  The next morning it was a $20 (including tip) to the port. The embarkation process was smooth with Carnival personnel stationed everywhere to give directions (a nice change from our last port).  NOLA boards the VIFP card holders slightly differently than we have experienced before.  First the wedding party (this is the same), then milestone and diamond and then platinum.  We have not seen the diamond and platinum separated before and some platinum card holders were a bit upset. 

The ship is going into dry dock on Jan. 29th, yet she still was clean and well maintained by the staff.  Folks were always cleaning the stairways, hallways and chrome.  Newcomers in our group who have sailed another cruise line remarked favorably on this.  There was also some preliminary work for dry dock done on the balconies (sanding of rust spots and area primer added).

Our room steward, Linda was very attentive and asked if we want morning, evening or both room cleaning.  She was already marking both before we could answer. She made sure we had robes and ice when we needed it.  She gave us our new towel animal in the morning (a nice twist).

We were delayed in leaving because the loading was not done until almost 6PM.  I am not sure why this happened. We did have a beautiful sunset for our sail-away.

Jase, the cruise director was energetic and humorous. His staff was always busy.  The game "CLUE" was offered and while it was fun, I prefer the "Murder Mystery" that was offered before.

Sea days had "Oceanside BBQ" on the Lanai.  This is very tasty.  I do not know if this will still be available after dry dock since "Guy's BBQ is to be added to the dining offerings on this ship. The last day that was to have the "chocolate extravaganza".  I somehow missed it or they didn't do it (it was scheduled).

Smoking was in the usual places on the starboard side of the ship...except on the Lanai where the had it on the port side.  This was weird. We have managed to "train" ourselves to avoid the smoking areas, but were caught off guard on the Lanai.  The casino did not do a good job of separating the smoking and non-smoking machines.

Montego Bay:  We had planned to shop in the terminal building that was also had duty free shopping two years ago (our last visit there).  But there is no longer any shopping in the terminal building and only some local vendors off to the side of the building.  It would be wise to book a tour or use an authorized taxi.

Grand Cayman:  We booked the Amphibious bus land & sea tour. It was all we had hoped, it is a big yellow bus that drives around town with a guide informing you about points of interest.  Then it takes a turn onto a ramp into the Caribbean sea and becomes a boat.  There are underwater cameras and you have a TV screen showing what you are "driving" over.  Again your guide explains what you are seeing.  The adventure is capped off with a 20-30 minute stay on seven mile beach.

Cozumel:  Having visited here more than most places we decide to do another land and sea. but this time it was in two separate vehicles. We toured the Mayan Cacao Company where we learned about the making of chocolate.  Yes, there were samples of both the raw product (no very tasty) and the completed delightful product.  Items were for sale. We also visited a "tequileria" where we learned the process of making tequila. Samples were given and purchases were made. We the proceeded to the "semi-sub" which is submerged 4 feet with "windows" to view the coral formations and fish.  The boat made sure both sides saw things by turning around when necessary.  It was a bit rocky and some passengers had to go up-top. All in all a fun excursion.

The best part of our cruise was the shore excursions. Each port was fantastic. The ship was very nice although the hot tubs were often out of order or just not open, I later was informed the ship was going into dry dock in a couple weeks so I imagine the hot tubs would be fixed then. I would have liked a discount since it wasn't a fully functional ship.

Carnival does a great job with having fun.  Endless food and entertainment.  Staff is awesome and it is easy to meet people.  My favorite part of cruising are sea days when i do nothing but relax and enjoy the day

The cruise was ok. I didn't get the good service I'm used to getting. It may have just been a 'not so good day' for the staff or they were too busy for me. I'll probably choose another cruise line next time. I know it will be more expensive though.

We had a wonderful time. Everything was done with excellence in mind. We only wish we would have taken some other excursions but that was on us not the cruise line. We would definitely cruise again!

This was our third time on the Dream, and we are glad we gave them one last chance.  They have made some positive changes, especially at dinnertime (better portions, water carafe at table), but there is still progress to be made.  Our room steward was fantastic as was our head waiter.  The ship needs to be updated with the Hub App and the shows could use an update as well, but all in all it seems they are making progress.  

The cruise was great and I really enjoyed it as a first time cruiser. However, I expected the food to be a little better and more variety from day to day on the lido deck. The ship layout wasn't the best either, as it was difficult to get around. I did really enjoy all the entertainment on board, classes we attended, and the staff was beyond amazing!

Overall I loved my cruise.  I was a bit disspointed in the cleanliness of our room only because there was someone elses stuff in our room and the bunk beds smelled like urine.  Everything else was clean.

I was a little surprised at Belize.  There was a small amount of shopping and then outside of that it is very poor looking city.  And no beach. 

The crew and management on the Carnival Dream was excellent and well organized, and the food was good. In the dining rooms and steakhouse, the food was even occasionally surprising in its creativity and flair. We were disappointed in the quality of some of the musicians -- two of the five were "greatest hits" ensembles that had a deep and extensive songbooks of covers, but didn't offer much beyond that, giving us the feeling that Carnival thinks it's best to serve the common denominator instead of retaining truly interesting talent with unique skill or style. Also, the "shows" in the Encore theatre were inconsistent -- several felt like space-fillers rather than thoughtful offerings. Karaoke, which was the activity that interested me the most, often didn't start until 10pm -- making it inaccessible for me (who needed to rise early each morning, prior to excursions, to use the fitness center). But the worst part of our experience on this cruise related to some of our fellow passengers. I was looking forward to being on a ship with a diversity of age groups, young and middle and old. And that expectation was met. But cliques of young adults on the cruise nearly spoiled the whole experience for us. They would gather in public spaces for several hours, drinking and yelling and chanting. (I even heard from a crew member that there were "incidents" of fighting on board.) Late at night, roughly 50% of the time, our neighbors yelled in our hallway and through closed cabin doors, showing no consideration or respect for neighbors who might be sleeping. We were awakened and reawakened by cabin and balcony doors being carelessly slammed behind the exiting person rather than quietly shut -- sending vibrations as well as noise through the walls and floor. I know that a crew cannot control passengers' behavior (nor would I expect them to). But the "Fun Ship" branding and the "Cruise for All" motto has, apparently, created a culture in which some people feel that only THEIR fun matters. The only way I would consider sailing on a Carnival ship again is if I could book a cabin in a specially designated part of the ship that had firm "quiet hours" (say, from 11pm-7am), so we could at least be assured of sleep at night.

good food(not great) but plenty of it!!

the shore excursions are fun. carnival has bought out the locals and advertise "lowest prices on shore excursions"  the same zipline excursion I went on in 2013 was able to get it back then for 49$ and carnival wanted 59$.... now they want I think 79$ from cruise and on shore- because carnival bought them out:/

Was in 12216 which was on spa deck & front of the boat. Could easily walk to lido deck or out to the deck plus spa amenities were included. Our room was to come with Elimes products & they were nicely stocked on arrival but our steward would never replace them. I had to call to get shampoo & conditioner every time. When you are swimming daily, hair is washed daily but no replacements were ever placed. He would bring them when called however. I know probably not important to most but this just annoyed me. 

The steakhouse was amazing & the food in the dining room was good with great service. Our waiter Oliver was awesome & really took care of our table. 

Wish there were more ports as the sea days were kind of boring. 

The comedy shows were very good & overall the adult entertainment was good.

My husband and I went on the Carnival Dream in January 2016 for our honeymoon and had an amazing time! It was my second cruise and my husband's first. There were a variety of activities. Comedians were hilarious. The destinations were fantastic. The staff was helpful and friendly. And the food in the assigned dining was phenomenal. We will definitely be cruising again and we will not hesitate to go back on the Dream or another Carnival ship!

This was my husband and I first cruise together. I have been on others wit family and friends. It was experience I'm glad we shared together with carnival. Cant wait for the next one with the kids.

This was mine and my husbands first cruise, also our honeymoon. Unlike many reviews I've read, the staff was very catering and very helpful if we ever needed anything. The food was good, I'm a picky eater and they always had something on the dinner menu I would eat. I LOVED Diane ford in the comedy club, she was amazing. All in all, a great trip. Nothing I would have changed! 

This was my first cruise and it was fantastic. From start to finish, Carnival was on top of everything. The workers were amazing! I visited 2 ports, Costa Maya and Cozumel. Cozumel we loved, but Costa Maya not so much. We did an excursion in Costa Maya and it was very mis-leading. We did not get what was posted in there add. Other then that, the trip was amazing!

Only our second time on Carnival and it exceeded my expectations. Plenty choices of where to eat so lines weren't too long. Enjoyed playing bingo and trivia. The ship had activities for all our interest and quiet places if we wanted to read.

This was my 13th cruise. My 3rd on Carnival. Every time we go on Carnival we say, not doing this again. This time I left feeling the same way. The ship was nice. The staff was great! We loved our dining room waiters! The food was good. Not amazing or great by any standards. I like the desserts on Carnival more than the other cruise lines we have been on. 

I did not like that we had to choose between going to dinner at our assigned time or going to see a performance. I thought that was poor planning on Carnivals part. There was not a lot to do on the ship besides lounging in the pool or laying out. 

The ports of call were enjoyable. 

Overall we had a nice time. There were 14 in our party. We enjoyed our time together, but agreed to try a different line next time. 

The whole experience was SO FAR BELOW what I'm used to

when it comes to cruising. I NEVER complain, I always have

an amazing time. But they cut the staff, YOU CAN FEEL IT

EVERYONE IS TIRED, my room was never turned down

properly (dirty, BLOOD STAINED sheets left on my bed, SCORCHED

YELLOWED sheets on my friends bed. We were rushed out of our

room daily because the steward was "busy" the staff around the boat

in general didn't seem to want to help when asked a question, and

the waiters in the dining room were boarderline RUDE. This makes

me sad this has been my ONLY CRUISE LINE because I've never had issues

but after speaking with some of the staff, they have been "cut down" and now the 

remaining staff is overworked and tired...and you can FEEL IT. why would I want 

to give money to a company that does that to its employees.