After reading the many reviews on the Carnival Dream, as I did prior to departing, one will easily come to the conclusion that it's a "love it" or "hate it" kinda ship. No real middle ground in the reviews.... Given that it was our first time cruising with Carnival and we were to be on board for two weeks doing a back-to-back East/West Caribbean sailing, it did have me a bit concerned and it led me to walk on board with a certain level of expectation. I'm happy to say that the ship and crew exceeded expectation in just about every way.
Embarkation was easy and facilitated by the Carnival shuttle from MCO right to the pier in Port Canaveral. Upon arrival at the airport we were directed to the Carnival shuttle desk and waited to board our bus for the pier. Once the bags were loaded on the bus, we didn't see them again until arrival at our stateroom later that afternoon. In about 30 minutes we went from standing in the security line outside the terminal to walking through the Dream Atrium. After our first lunch at The Gathering, our luggage was waiting for us when we first ventured down to the stateroom at about 1:30pm. Very efficient. We were lucky in that sense as it looked as if they were well into the evening delivering luggage.
The ship itself is huge.... It took a couple days to familiarize myself with the layout and the locations of the various bars, restaurants and activity areas. Once used to the size, movement about the ship became easy and I thought the variety of on board amenity impressive. The Lanai Promenade all around the circumference of deck 5 was a great -- and long -- evening walk enjoyed by many. Serenity is a great, sunny and private adults only spot as well.
9236 - Great location - one flight of stairs from the Lido deck and the Gathering Buffet. Quiet as there are staterooms above and below.