This is only our 2nd cruise, so we don't really have anything to compare this with, but we thoroughly enjoyed our time on the Dream and didn't really want to leave it!!
I know a lot of people say the ship is old or tired, but actually she is still a really lovely vessel. She is very comfortable - we had an outside plus cabin and I have to say it was worth it. The cabin was very spacious with lots more storage than I was expecting, a queen size bed (slightly bigger than a UK king size) which was incredibly comfortable. You even get a sofa!! All in all, a really nice place to come back to of an evening.
The food was very good - lots of it and plenty of variety. We used Sirens for breakfast as you could see the port from there of a morning. Then the Lido buffet for lunch and some evenings, but the Orion was a particular treat for evening dining. The waiters down there are incredible.
Well worth the xtra we paid. Very spacious with a lovely comfy queen size bed - made getting up for the excursions a bit challenging! And did encourage early nights as well, but we made ourselves go to the entertainment anyway!