We left Newcastle and were impressed with the check in. The just over 8 hour flight was good and on time and we were taken straight to the buses on arrival.
The actual boarding of the Dream was quick, carried out in one of the large port buildings so nothing fancy or frilly but quick and efficient. As we boarded at deck 4 I immediately noticed a smell which I can only describe as foisty - like a wet cloth left to dry. However, the staff immediately showed us to our cabin 7020, and although the cabin was okay, there was the same smell from a door which had a mat up against it which was staff only. The cabin was clean and basic but we only needed it to sleep and shower and change in. It was dated and some of the carpets on deck 7 were worn and stained which they shouldnt be but we decided not to let it affect our holiday as I was already suffering from seasickness and thought Id made a massive mistake....I hadnt as............
all staff but for us Aram, Eri, Nilo, Ruswandi, Hazel and others whose name I cant remember (sorry) were fabulous. I was a little disturbed to hear from some staff that they work long hours but if this is the case nearly all are fantastic. The food and entertainment are very good; I have read some people say that this isnt the case but I honestly cant understand what they are moaning about. We sampled the food in the Orion Restaurant - superb service and the Lido both inside and out and the Siren eateries and were never disappointed. The waiters are constantly clearing and asking if you would like drinks. The entertainment in the Broadway Lounge was mostly very impressive and there are masses of other types of entertainment day and night if you feel like it.