We had a good time on our cruise- first time cruisers! We probably would not go on another for a few years, we learned we like having our time where everything is not scheduled for us. The food was okay but we were really disappointed on the smoking areas Carnival allowed and the drink package we paid extra for was definitely not worth the extra money since most of our drinks were hot and water downed.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
The buffet was as expected. I thought the main dining room food started of great the first 2 days but after that the choices were more limited, i would have thought it would have gotten better as the week went on. I liked how you could order as many entrees as you would like. I did not like the soda package, it was not worth the money, the drinks were canned drinks and the cans were hot, they did not even refrigerate the cans so by the time they poured your soda in your cup of ice, the ice would melt and it was very watered down- Not worth the extra money!! The soft serve ice cream machine was our favorite!
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
This ship was very limited as it was an older ship and doesn't have as many extras as maybe some of the newer ones do now. We did the putt-putt but that was disappointing because they only had 3 golf balls, limited putters and the lighting at night was not well lit. The pools were small and the smoking section at the main pool was absurd and should have not been allowed. They should have other designated areas for smoking, not areas where families, kids and the biggest pool and entertainment areas are-definitely not impressed that Carnival allowed the smoking to be so close to such public areas.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The newly wed game was the BEST!!! The comedians were great as well. I was disappointed that the bingo was extra money and a good bit to get a decent package and the first night they act like its a great deal and you can win a good amount but since we don't have the itinerary for the week they actually have Bingo every night.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
The design is where its lacking, its just older and not updated. The cleanliness was amazing!! the crew was always cleaning something and i was very impressed on how much they did clean while on board.
We took into account the hot weather we were in with the drinks (sodas) being watered down but even in the dining room when they opened the cans of sodas that had not been refrigerated and poured them into the ice it immediately melted the ice and became watered down. I am posting my review in case anyone was on the fence about the Soda package. The frozen alcohol beverages were great but the sodas were not worth it for us. (we purchased the soda package because we do not drink a lot of alcoholic beverages) @katemccue
Just throwing it out there - the "watered down drinks" could be due to the fact that you are in 98 degree weather.... I've always found them to serve awesome drinks!
Well we don't smoke but in the past we have just avoided going through or to the smoking areas on the ship people have a choice and if they choose to smoke well that's is why they have designated smoking areas... too each there own enjoy your cruise 18 cruises have never had an issue have been to great places and have amazing memories.. don't let anyone put you off before you even go... just chill and go with flow your on vacation hope you get hooked as we are 🎣60 days until we leave Australia for our back to back magic Etc.... enjoy🍹😎
I also have asthma and cannot tolerate smoke which is why i was so disappointed that Carnival allowed the smoking to be in such a high traffic area but nice to know other boats have other options.
Luckily on the Dream it's up a deck and away from the main pool. You can pretty much avoid it if you want. As someone with asthma and allergies it's more than just an annoyance. It takes a very minimal amount of the nastiness to make me start wheezing and have to use a rescue inhaler.
The main pool has lounge chairs around it and then a shaded area with tables that you can sit at which is right behind the lounge chairs to the pool, a lot of people were smoking in the covered area. It was so bad that i had to get up from the lounge chair that i had and go to the other pool at the back of the boat. You also have to pass this area to get to the buffet as well, i just wish the designated smoking areas were away from main public areas. aside from that we had a great time! Hope this helps!
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