Carnival Dream Review
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This was our 11 Carnival cruise, and we made the trip to Florida specifically so we could experience Carnival's largest ship in the fleet. I was impressed with many aspects of this big ship, still, in the end, my expectations were not exceeded. On the plus side, there were many outside public areas with good shade and plenty of deck chairs where you could get away from the pool side masses and enjoy the outdoors without the noise and confusion around the pools and bars. Speaking of NOISE, the live poolside band on the Lido deck was a hideous, caterwauling, off key assault on the senses. No doubt, if put to a vote, they'd have been set adrift in a lifeboat, minus microphones and instruments (which would have already been comitted to de deep blue, or vice versa). Beyond being an incentive to drink yourself into a stupor, I don't understand Carnival's reasoning in employing such untalented "entertainers".
Food and dining: We ate every evening in the Crimson Dining Room. The first thing we noticed was far fewer large tables seating 8 to 10 guests. Instead, there were lots of 2 seat and 4 seat tables, with many 4 seat tables assigned to a single couple. This met our preference, but if you prefer the variety of dining with a table full of new friends, be sure and request assignment to a large table when you book. Otherwise, you can request a change from the Mait're De at 3:00 PM on departure day. The food in the main dining rooms was good, and in some cases, great. I noticed a significant improvement in the quality of the beef products. The last 2 or 3 cruises left a LOT to be desired in this department, so they must have changed suppliers. Our waiters were personable and attentive. Service was paced by the galley's ability to fill orders, but the delay was not objectionable and we were never in a rush to finish dinner and make it to a show or after dinner activity.
Lido Dining: This ship services twice as many passengers as a Spirit Class ship, and the Lido dining area is OVER twice as big. Some of the tables are a bit close together, but we consistently found a place to sit much quicker than on any other Carnival ship we have been on - and we have sailed on every class of ship in the fleet. If the first buffet line you come to is too long, move on to the next one. With 6 lines to chose from, one or more will always have a short que. For breakfast, they have improved the omelet lines, so what looks like a long line for omelets tends to move quickly.
Cabin Review
Balcony
We were in cabin 8378, which was offered up as a "Past Guest" selection.
Balcony Cabins: Chose carefully, then prepare to be disappointed. The balcony cabins from deck 6 through 9 overlook the Lanai Promenade on deck 5. The noise and light pollution from below are absurd and the view and sound of the sea are blocked by the Lanai deck which projects 25 feet or so from the side if the ship. We paid extra for the privilege of selecting a cabin directly above a hot tub and the outdoor bar area of the ocean plaza, both of which proved to be a great source of unwelcome noise. With all the outdoor public areas available, I will be booking inside cabins on Dream class ships from now on. The one possible exception may be the "Cove" balconies on deck 2. They have an unobstructed view of the ocean directly below and are shielded from all the noise and light pollution from the decks above. If you go with a cove, get one at least half way back on the ship to avoid ocean spray when running in seas over 5 feet.