We were generally disappointed with our cruise. The overall attitude of the crew seemed bland and complacent. They did their jobs -- made the drinks, served our food and made the towel animals but we never felt like anyone was making an effort above and beyond. I think in this case it starts at the top. On past cruises every day the captain would come on the ship intercom to make his daily announcements with a great deal of personality, as if they really enjoyed their job. That attitude was then shared with the entire staff. The captain on the Dream would come on every day and methodically relay basic information (location, heading, speed, weather) in a very unenthusiastic monotone voice. And again the attitude of the captain seemed to carry through the staff. We seldom got more than a forced smile from anyone. So here's our lengthy review broken down into sections.

Hurricane Ernesto

Before we left Port Canaveral every weather forecast agreed that the hurricane would make landfall between Belize and Cozumel late Monday. Carnival decided to sail us to Cozumel anyway. (The Disney Fantasy left right behind us and changed their itinerary immediately to go to the Eastern Caribbean.) After Cozumel, Carnival sent us to Progreso which is due west of Cozumel. Of course west is the direction the storm was moving. When we left Progreso we sailed through the north edge of the hurricane overnight. It was ridiculously rough. Many crew we talked to told us it was the roughest seas they ever sailed through. There was absolutely no reason for Carnival to sail us toward the projected path of a hurricane and then keep us in the area. I have contacted Carnival and the only response I received was "sorry but weather happens". Based on their response we will never sail Carnival again. Read more