We just came back from a 7 day Cruise aboard the Carnival Dream. We got a Junior Suite and enjoyed it very much. My only complaint if any was it seemed like the nightly menu in the dining room was almost the same other than a couple of entrees were changed. I have been on Carnival over 10 times and am a Platinum member. I can honestly say this was the only time I was dissatisfied with the waiter. Other then taking our order he always seemed like he was in a hurry and never took the time the entire cruise to chat with us. Now that may be because they may have too many table to take care of but I felt for the price paid we should get a little more attention. Our cabin attendant was great, staff in the Casino was great also. The ship overall is pretty nice and the boarding and leaving process was painless. I sailed Carnival only for about 8 years and then switched to Royal Caribbean. I have sailed Royal Caribbean for the past 8 years and we are Diamond Members but thought we would give Carnival another shot because of the better price and the new ship Dream. I didn't like the new way Carnival is doing the tips and putting it on your sail and sign card without asking you. I would rather give the people money myself.
I must say Carnival is coming up with a "few" new things for Platinum members but nothing like Royal Caribbean offers their past cruisers.
Ports of call were the normal ports and we didn't have a problem.
Paid a lot extra to get a Junior Suite but we certainly enjoyed it. Lots of room, lots of storage space. Will probably try and get one the next time we go if we can afford it.