I have cruised with Carnival 12 times prior to sailing on the Dream. This ship is huge! That was my first impression. Because we are VIP's we dont have to wait in any lines to get on the ship ( yeah right). First off, Carnival employees are not allowed in the security area and we had to fend for ourselves once we entered the VIP line. 2 lines merged together and it would appear to the other line that we were "cutting" the line. Anyway, upon entering the VIP lounge we let them know that about the line situation and was told about the security not allowing them in that area.The VIP line needs some tweeking in order for it to truly be a perk for VIP's. The ship although beautiful, was not as clean as the other ships we have sailed on ( Glory, Liberty, and Celebration). I was a bit shocked about this because the workers were always working and they work hard! I feel like maybe there wasnt enough staff. Our cabin steward was excellent and the cabin was always kept immaculate. Only thing was the air ( ventillation smelled like cigarette smoke at times). I found out that people can smoke in their cabins and I was shocked , I think this is a fire hazard! Excursions desk should not allow senior citizens to take excursions that they are not able to physically do. I was told they cant deny anyone as long as they pay. Well, 2 senior attended the same Jeep excursion as my husband and I and they were not both able to get in and out of the jeep without assistance! One person was 70 and the other was 80!!!! The lido deck is gorgeous as well as the spa deck. Dining rooms are ok. Dining rooms, buffets, pizzeria, and grill were not equipt to handle all the people on this ship....such long lines were not fun on vacation. My husband and I enjoyed the gym, but once again not enough equiptment for all that wanted to use them. In this case I will have to say that bigger is not always better. Dream was mediocre and all the hype was overated. All and all we did enjoy our cruise, we were just expecting spectacular and were disappointed.