This is the first time I felt the need to write a review about a cruise I took. I have taken 17 cruises on 7 different cruise lines with the first one on the Homes Line Oceanic in the late 1970's. For me cruising has always been an exceptional experience. You arrive to see a gorgeous ship just waiting to whisk you away on an amazing adventure to islands with unique beauty and diverse cultures. You unpack once and the rest of the cruise is suppose to be total relaxation and pampering. Well at least that's the way it use to be for the first 25 years or so that I cruised. I typically cruised with family but this last cruise on the Carnival Dream was with a group of 9 friends.

I had never sailed with Carnival before but from things I heard I knew that this would be a more economical version of cruising than I had experienced in the past. I have not cruised for almost 5 years and understand the economy and many unfortunate accidents and incidents have hammered the cruise market. In turn they lowered their prices to lure people back but boy did they cut quality and service at the same time. I will do my best to give an accurate account as to things I noticed both good and bad on this ship. Lets face it, anyone can moan about anything, the fact is, its simple hard to not have a good time on a cruise. But if you are looking to be pampered like a king or queen or have an upscale dining experience you are probably going to be disappointed. So lets get started.

The ship is large and has an unusual interior design. Decorations are sparse and the interior designer was big on unusual lighting designs and corridors and rooms seemed to depict a 1920 Great Gatsby feeling. Carpets, paint and other items are starting to show wear and tear, but I am told late in 2016 she will go into dry dock for a refreshing. As for outdoor activities the miniature golf course is one of the best I have seen at sea and a lot of fun. However the climbing walls, zip lines or splash parks for kids are not here. Read more