Atlantis is amazing. We swam with the dolphins there--absolutely a bucket list item, and another must see is an underground aquarium called "The Dig". We had a knowledgeable driver to Atlantis who pointed out several points of interest on the 20 minute bus ride there. The group of shops right outside our dock were pretty bad, a glorified Flea Market, and we didn't get to do much shopping otherwise. 


Nassau

We liked St. Thomas a lot. We did a deep sea helmet dive there, and most of what we saw on the way was interesting. Again, not a lot of time to shop, although there were a number of nice stores within walking distance of the ship. 


St. Thomas

Our best day on the trip (that is, until we got caught in traffic in Philipsburg and almost missed the boat!). There are a lot of beautiful beaches, interesting restaurants, and a bustling downtown area. We chose to rent a car, and if you can do that, it's positively the best way to see the island--just make sure you make enough time to turn in the car and get back to your ship). We found the French side much prettier and cleaner than the Dutch side. If you have children, beware the clothing-optional beaches on the French (north) end. 


St. Maarten

This was our departure point. It's near Cape Canaveral, obviously, but there isn't much to do otherwise. Restaurants are limited as well. Your best bet is, if you stay at a hotel the night before your cruise, to grab a taxi rather than the shuttle (we stayed at Radisson on the Port). It was also somewhat of a pain to rent a car after the trip. 


Port Canaveral (Orlando)

Fairly large room, quiet location (deck 2), great balcony view, beds were comfortable, room was very clean and well tended. Ample closet and drawer space. Very nice!

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With a ship this big and this new, there were certainly a few problems, but I have listed what I feel are the pluses and minuses of our Carnival Dream voyage: 
PLUS: *Very attentive, friendly staff on our deck and at dinner *Exceptionally fast room service *Good luncheon variety *Very clean and modern facilities *Nice, comfortable room *Dining rooms with tables for two and four rather than group seating (a personal preference) *Smooth check in and check out 
MINUS: *WAY too many people—long lines for virtually everything *Not as much onboard shopping as I had hoped for *The sit down dinners were underwhelming at times *Not nearly enough entertainment for a 12 year old boy (aside from the arcade and mini golf) 
All in all, we had an excellent time and the Dream is an outstanding ship with a few growing pains which I'm sure will be ironed out.The "nightclub" for 12-14 year olds (called Circle C) wasn't nearly as nice and didn't offer nearly as much for kids as the 15-17 year old hangout (Club 02) 
We had some great excursions: swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Cay in Atlantis (Nassau), Helmet diving in St.

Carnival Dream Review

Huge and Luxurious--with room for improvement

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