Carnival Dream Review

Best Carnival Experience Yet

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Dream
User Avatar
ranstar
6-10 Cruises • Age 60s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Oct 2012
Cabin: Premium Vista Balcony

LIke many other reviewers, we were very nervous after reading the summer reviews. I have a couple hypotheses. Perhaps Carnival has been reading them, as well, and they have taken some positive steps. Perhaps, some people see their role as critic as fault-finding. Our role is not as critic until we return. For 7 days we set out to have a great time, relax, and enjoy the time away. We succeeded.

We booked the trip via Marriott Rewards Points. I got a tip that the cruise certificate cost would go up in August from 145,000 to 195,000 points (for $1,000). I was able to pay for the cruise with points. Very nice. Its still a pretty good points value, but, 210,000 Marriott points can get you a week at a very nice resort (probably worth over $2,000).

Embarkation: We flew to Port Canaveral. Pro's: closer to port. Cons: the luggage express program only works with MCO. We rented a car one way to Port Canaveral. They will shuttle you to the port. I was the only renter that dropped my passengers and luggage at the port before turning in the car. No offense, but, each car seemed to have 4 passengers and 8 oversized bags, filling up the buses and forcing many to wait. I was allowed to get on a full bus, because I had no other people and no bags. Probably saved a half hour or more. Embarkation itself seemed pretty normal. A necessary evil made as painless as possible, but it still probably took about an hour. Did anyone else think the lady continually harping on the PA was incredibly annoying. I think she was the only person that enjoyed hearing her voice.

Cabin Review

Premium Vista Balcony

Cabin 9C

6485 is an aft extended balcony. We love this type of cabin. It normally adds about $100 to $150 to the cost (per cabin). We love sitting on the back watching the world sail away. I like to have a cigar on the balcony. This is the least windy balcony on the ship. On the down side, there isn't any coverage over this balcony, so, you can't sit outside if it rains. This cabin may actually be a couple feet larger than other balcony cabins. Plenty of room. Its as big as the Princess mini-suite we sailed a couple years ago. Difference is no bathtub. Great cabin. Decent service.

previous reviewnext review

Find a Carnival Dream Cruise from $434

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.