This was our eighth cruise, seven on Carnival and the second time on the Dream. We picked the Dream again because we only live an hour away and it is very convenient to get to Port Canaveral. The new terminal for Carnival is very easy and convenient with parking within walking distance.

I won't bore the readers with the usual comments about food and service and long lines. If you have sailed with Carnival before, you know how to cope with these factors. I will provide some new information to some of you hopefully.

We booked the FASTER TO THE FUN option and it was worth it. After the disappointment of finding out Carnival has changed their rewards program to make it harder to get to VIP status we almost switched to another cruise line. But the FTTF option was only $50 per cabin and it turned out to be worth it. This option gets you priority boarding and allows access immediately to your cabin...no waiting on Lido with your carryons. Plus your luggage is delivered priority so we were able to unpack leisurely and then head to Lido for lunch. We arrive at the port before noon because you never know when accidents on the Interstate will delay arrival. FTTF also gets you a special line at Guest Services (no Waiting) and priority debarking at ports and the final debark once the cruise is done. This was nice because we did not have to vacate our cabin and wait in the lounge for our number to be called. We just walked off the ship when we were ready to go. One more detail or tip for you is get a porter once you return to Port Canaveral because they get a special (shorter) line through Customs. Now FTTF is volume controlled so book your cruise early enough to get this option. Read more