We sailed on the Dream May 25 2013 Western Caribbean (Cozumel, Isle of Roatan, Belize, Costa Maya). We were a bit nervous because we have never been on a “big” ship. We usually stick to the fantasy and spirit class ships. With the Legend being our favorite ship so far. Plus we had another family coming with us who never cruised before so I was extra worried they would not like it. They seemed to like it but I could tell they didn’t get the cruise addiction most people get after their first cruise. Overall we loved the cruise and would sail the Dream again in a heartbeat but if we had to pick from the Dream or the Legend we would go with the Legend. Since the Legend is in Europe and then coming back to Tampa for a short while, then going to Australia next May time frame we are stuck with the Dream for our 7 day cruises unless we want to drive to Miami.

On the way out we got diverted by the coast guard to help with a fishing boat in distress. It was real cool to see. Once we found them we stopped in the water. They lowered a rescue boat into the water and went and got them. Another hour there boat would have sunk easily. They brought them back onto the Dream and after about two hours we stopped again and a coast guard cutter showed up and took them off the ship. http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20130528/NEWS01/130528005/Carnival-Dream-crew-helps-rescue-stranded-boatersWe decided to get an ocean suite again, mainly for the extra room you get with them. We settled for cabin 7358 in the Empress deck because when we booked there were only two suites left that would hold a family of 4. One in the middle of the ship and one in the back of the ship. It was a nice cabin we had no real problems with the room but a little let down that the balcony was really small. The Legend suite balconies are double the width) and not really that private when you look down and there was a Jacuzzi right outside your room. (Even with being two decks up). Next time we’ll do a cove balcony or try to go higher up on the ship and see if that helps. Course at night at around 8pm they close the Jacuzzi and drain and clean them. So not a show stopper, but wife didn’t like it much. Another issue we had with the room was. We thought the room had a pull down bunk but it didn’t. so that put us off but turned out to be ok because the couch turned into a double bed and DD and DS just shared the bed. Course the double bed took up the added space that comes with a suite. No big deal still had fun. The room stewards were always helpful and happy to see you as were the other crew members you ran into or interacted with. We had early seating for dinner in the MDR, here is an area that carnival seems to be fixing finally or we just got lucky or had an awesome wait staff (Richard head waiter). In the 3 prior cruises (Ecstasy, Legend, Legend) the wait time in the MDR was horrid. But this time it was great, food came out fast and hot and tasted great.

So here are some opinions or high lights: Read more