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Even before its January 2017 makeover -- which welcomed Carnival favourites like Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, the Alchemy Bar, and Bonsai Sushi -- Carnival Dream had a lot to love. The ship is one of the biggest in Carnival's fleet (second to the line's Vista class), which means dining options abound, and you'll never be bored with activities ranging from themed trivia and charades to comedy shows and top-deck dance parties.
To balance this out, Carnival Dream offers something that can be hard to find on other ships of its size: a place to escape all the action. The Lanai Promenade, a wraparound exterior walkway on Deck 5, has ample seating (including a handful of deck chairs) and four cantilevered hot tubs, yet never seems to get crowded, even on sea days.
Carnival Dream is also full of "hidden" decks -- two of which offer some of the best views onboard. You'll find them all the way at the front of the ship, on Decks 6 and 7, through doors at the end of the cabin corridors. Elsewhere throughout the ship, you'll find slivers of deck space and seating nooks to accommodate the larger number of passengers onboard.
What truly sets Carnival Dream apart from other ships, however, is its service. The crew members seem genuinely happy and interested in making sure passengers have the best holiday possible. In addition, they go above and beyond -- whether that's having your go-to glass of lemonade waiting for you in the main dining room, or guiding you to one of the secret decks so you don't get lost. With this level of attentiveness, it's no surprise Carnival Dream has won the line's internal flagship award for best service, multiple years.
Between the friendly service and everything there is to do (and eat) onboard, Carnival Dream is one big happy ship -- and we have a feeling you'll quickly forget about any minor gripes.
Daytime: Casual is the name of the game on any Carnival ship. On most days, you'll see men in shorts and T-shirts and women in shorts and tees, capris, sundresses or swimming costumes with cover-ups.
Evening: Most nights people remain casual for dinner but on Cruise Elegant nights, you'll see women in gowns, sundresses and pants and blouse combos, while men don anything from tuxedos to full suits to trousers with button-up shirts (with or without a jacket and/or tie). You'll also see plenty of people who choose not to dress up at all.
Not permitted: On all nights, cutoff jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, basketball shorts, T-shirts, sportswear, baseball hats, flip-flops and swimming costumes are not allowed in the main dining rooms.
Encore, a three-deck-high theatre (Decks 3, 4 and 5, forward), is the ship's main show lounge. It's used for a variety of nightly entertainment, including song-and-dance revues, variety acts and audience-participation "game shows" like the gender showdown, game show mania, and the popular love and marriage show.
You'll also find bingo in Encore, both day and night, as well as the final sea day showing of Carnival Legends, which brings together the ship's professional dancers and special effects with audience members who have competed in nightly karaoke sessions for a spot in the final show. Early in the cruise, Encore is also the site of the cruise director's Fun Ashore & Fun Aboard port, shopping and ship talk.
On nights when a song-and-dance or variety act show is offered, two shows will be performed -- an early show for those who like to eat late and a later show for passengers who dine early. All other nights, offerings in the theatre change throughout the night, so you've only got one chance to catch each show.
Carnival Dream is jam-packed with activities during the day, even on port days. You'll find equal amounts of fun outside on the Lido Deck, near the main swimming pool, as well as inside (usually centred on the Deck 3 atrium or Deck 5 Ocean Plaza).
Outside is where you'll find the line's infamous Hairy Chest contest, pool games, as well as the once-per-cruise Red versus Blue mixologist competition, and lots of signature Carnival line dances.
A typical sea day starts off with the cruise director's morning show, bingo, several trivia sessions and art, and retail and spa seminars.
In the afternoon, look for yet more trivia and bingo, cooking or towel animal demos, charades, dance classes, pool and sport deck games, and more art, retail and spa seminars. A port day will have a little less action, but you'll still find trivia and spa seminars on your daily Fun Times schedule.
Evenings and nighttime are as busy on Carnival Dream as the daytime. One of the most popular evening and late-night options is the Punchliner Comedy Club (Burgundy Lounge, Deck 5, aft), where you'll find two comedians alternating routines most nights, including one or two family-friendly shows and three or more 18+ shows. Adult shows are typically standing-room-only; get there at least 10 minutes early if you want a good seat. A one-week sailing will usually play host to four comedians, two in the first half, and a second pair who come on halfway through the cruise.
Another popular nightspot is the Jackpot Casino (Deck 5). You'll find a multitude of chirping slot and electronic poker machines, as well as blackjack, craps, roulette, Texas Hold'em and Let It Ride poker tables. Poker tournaments are held most nights. The casino bar features a small stage for nightly live music. Smoking is permitted in the casino.
Other popular spots at night are the atrium, Ocean Plaza, (entertainment hub on Deck 5 for live music), Sam's Piano Bar for sessions of sing-along piano tunes, and The Song karaoke lounge.
One day-to-night spot that is popular with families is the Lido Deck, which transforms into Carnival's Seaside Theater around 7:30 p.m. (A more adult movie is sometimes shown at 10 p.m.) Films change nightly and are themed around action and adventure, drama, blockbuster, and comedy. Fresh popcorn from a machine is served during movies. The Lido Deck is also the spot for themed late-night dance parties, including the Mega Dance party and '80s Rock-n-Glow.
The Caliente nightclub (Deck 5) doesn't open until 10 or 11 p.m. (varies by night) and usually doesn't get grooving until after midnight, unless there's a theme like the '80s or country.
With nearly 10 bars and lounges, you'll find plenty of spots to grab a drink on Carnival Dream, though the emphasis throughout is on tequila- and rum-based cocktails. Wine and draft and bottled beer (including an IPA) are also available. Most of the ship's lounges are located on Deck 5, making it easy to move among them.
Alchemy Bar (Deck 5): Tucked away in a corner of Ocean Plaza -- yet still hard to miss -- this fleetwide favourite is the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks, while enjoying some live music. The fun, apothecary-themed bar only serves up handcrafted cocktails with unique ingredients (the Cucumber Sunrise is a must-try); zero-proof elixirs also are available. Hint: Bartenders allow you to customise drinks by replacing liqueurs or adding new ingredients. The Alchemy Bar is open from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Dream Bar (Deck 3): Carnival Dream's atrium bar, the Dream Bar is the spot to gather before or after dinner, as well as a place to sit and listen to live music during the day and in the evening.
Casino Bar (Deck 5): Located at the aft end of the casino, the casino bar is a place to grab a drink in between slot pulls and hands of poker and blackjack. It's the only bar on the ship where you can smoke. Carnival Dream also dubs this its sports bar (it features multiple TVs).
Burgundy Lounge (Deck 5): At first a bit perplexing, Burgundy's eccentric court jester decor makes sense when you remember the lounge is primarily used as the home of Carnival's Punchliner Comedy Club. (You'll find the occasional retail seminar in Burgundy on a sea day.) The drink menu at Burgundy, only available here, also reflects the lounge's use offering drinks with "funny" names like the zany zombie, screw looZe, sex on the stage and the witty margarita. Punchliner is popular, especially the late-night adults-only shows; you must arrive 10 to 15 minutes before show time to get a good seat. Burgundy is also where you'll find the once-per-cruise session of the very adults-only Quest scavenger hunt.
The Song (Deck 5): Tucked into a corner next to the Burgundy Lounge, The Song is the place to be in the evening for karaoke. Younger singers are welcome to join the fun during an earlier evening PG-rated session. It's lively and fun, but surprisingly competitive, especially in the early days of the cruise. That's because singers are competing to be part of the Carnival Legends stage show, in which select passengers get teamed up with Dream's professional dancers to perform in a full-stage production (with lighting and set).
Sam's (Deck 5): Carnival Dream's sing-along piano bar, Sam's is hopping most nights. The piano key-inspired bar surrounding the pianist is where listeners can sit and pass over requests. It fills up quickly, but there's plenty of seating in the rest of the bar. If you love to belt out the best songs by Elton John, Billy Joel and Neil Diamond, Sam's is the place for you.
BlueIguana Tequila Bar (Deck 10): Part of the Lido Deck landscape on most Carnival cruise ships, BlueIguana specialises in everything tequila, offering 10 varieties, as well as tequila-based cocktails and frozen drinks. You also can get buckets of beer or pitchers of hard lemonade or margaritas there (as well as at RedFrog).
RedFrog Rum Bar (Deck 10): Located across the pool from the BlueIguana Tequila Bar, the RedFrog Rum Bar serves up a selection of rum-based cocktails and frozen drinks (coladas, daiquiris, mojitos).
Sunset Bar (Deck 10): A poolside bar set next to the Sunset Pool; offers a variety of standard cocktails, beer and wine.
Serenity Bar (Deck 12): This tiny bar counter is solely for the use of passengers relaxing in the adults-only Serenity and has a limited selection of drinks.
Pools
Carnival Dream has two pools and 10 hot tubs. Waves, the main pool located on Deck 10, is one of the biggest social hot spots on Dream. On a sunny sea day, the pool is crowded with adults sipping drinks and kids splashing around. Throughout the day, the ship's entertainment crew hosts a variety of poolside games, contests and Carnival's signature line dances.
There's not a lot of open deck space, but that doesn't stop anyone from dancing. Live and DJ-led music fills the air during the day, as do showings of concerts on a large movie screen suspended above the pool. At night, the space transforms into the ship's outdoor Seaside Theater, with two to three movies (usually new releases) shown each afternoon/evening on the big screen.
A second pool, the nominally adults-only Sunset Pool, is located on Deck 10 at the back of the ship. It's a smaller pool, and you won't find live music or games played here, so it's a quieter place to lounge in the sun. On the flip side, its more intimate feel tends to draw a large crowd, so don't expect to feel worlds away.
Hot tubs are spread around the ship. You'll find two near the Sunset Pool, two in the adults-only Serenity area, four on the outdoor Lanai Deck (Deck 5, two portside, two starboard side) and two on Deck 11, midship.
The Waves pool is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., while the Sunset pool is open from 7 a.m. to midnight. Children must be potty-trained to use any pool. Sunset pool and Serenity hot tubs are open from 8 a.m. to midnight, while the Lanai Deck hot tubs are open from 9 a.m.
Food is plentiful on Carnival Dream, and one of the things we love most about the ship (and Carnival in general) is its variety of high-quality complimentary dining.
Food in the main dining rooms is good, while the buffet can be hit or miss. A few themed buffet stations -- including the Mongolian Wok and Indian Tandoor, which Carnival brands as separate venues -- are especially tasty.
Note: Dietary restrictions can be accommodated in the main dining rooms, and gluten-free pies are available at Pizzeria del Capitano. You'll find much less flexibility in the buffet, where nothing (other than sugar-free desserts) is marked as gluten-free, low-cholesterol, or low-sodium.
Free Dining
Scarlett and Crimson Restaurants (Decks 3 and 4, aft and forward): Carnival Dream's two main dining rooms (named for their red decor) are the "default" dinner options -- and passengers can choose between one or the other, depending on when they prefer to eat. Both offer set time, assigned-table seating at 6 or 8:15 p.m., but only Crimson is used for Your Time dining (no assigned tables or dining times). Note: If you don't get to the dining room within a half-hour of opening or more than an hour after opening, expect a half-hour or longer wait.
Dining is divided into two types of nights, American Table and American Feast. Most nights are American Table; tables have no tablecloths for a more relaxed feel, and the menus focus on modern American cuisine.
At least once per cruise, passengers are treated to American Feast nights (which coincide with Cruise Elegant nights), when the white tablecloths and beach-inspired silvery centrepieces come out. On these nights, waiters will pour your water for you; on other nights, you have your own carafe so you can refill your water glass as needed.
Menus on American Table nights feature several appetizers, salads, main courses, side dishes, and grilled items that are available every night; steakhouse selections -- lobster, New York strip steak, and grilled lamb chops -- cost extra.
Other than the everyday grill items (fish, beef, chicken, and pork) and the rotating, but repeating, side dish choices, menu items change every day. Examples of appetizers include prosciutto ruffles, chilled peach soup, shrimp cocktail, seared tuna, vegetable spring rolls, and fried calamari.
Main course options might include barbecue pork spareribs, braised short ribs, chicken Milanese, seared tilapia, veal Parmesan, and baked ziti with ham. Our favourite entree, by far, was the cinnamon pumpkin cheese pie -- basically a shepherd's pie with pumpkin filling.
At least two vegetarian dishes are available most nights. One is always an Indian dish like lentils with basmati rice, papadum and raita, while the others might include grilled tofu steak, quinoa-baked tomato, crisp portobello mushrooms, and vegetable lasagna.
You'll also notice a "rare find" dish every night, which allows diners to try something they might never have tasted before. Choices might include braised rabbit, escargot, and ox tongue, among other exotic dishes.
The last section, labelled as "Port of Call," includes a featured cocktail (for a fee) and an appetizer and main course that represent the day's port of call. On sea days, this section handpicks various dishes from the region, such as the Western Caribbean. In Cozumel, for example, our choices included a margarita, tortilla soup with braised chicken, and steak tacos.
Desserts also change every night, except for Carnival's signature (and delicious) chocolate melting cake, which is available every night. Other choices might include s'mores parfait, coconut lime cake, and passion fruit flan.
American Feast night menus are much smaller than American Table menus, with seven appetizers, 10 main courses (including the four everyday grill items), and the three extra-fee steakhouse selections. Options might include shrimp cocktail, New England clam chowder, teriyaki salmon fillet, grilled jumbo shrimp, dual of filet mignon and short rib, and an Indian vegetarian dish.
Scarlett also hosts breakfast on port days from 7 to 9 a.m. and Carnival's SeaDay Brunch from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sea days are the only time cruisers can get lunch items in the main dining room.
SeaDay Brunch menu items (all of which have fun, cutesy names) include French toast, pancakes (gluten-free available), eggs Benedict, omelettes, steak and eggs, huevos rancheros, a bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon, and cottage cheese with fresh fruit. If it's lunch you're hankering for, your choices include tomato soup, Caesar salad, pork chop, mac 'n cheese, pasta, and grilled salmon.
The "Port Day Express Breakfast" allows passengers to fuel up before getting off the ship, with quicker, more protein-filled options like avocado toast, a Spanish omelette, corned beef hash, egg white frittata, yoghurt parfait, and lentil and rice crepe. The avocado toast easily was a favourite -- served on whole-wheat toast with avocado spread (and topped with avocado slices) and poached eggs. The menu, which comes with the tagline "done fast, done right, in and out in 25 minutes," also has pastries and griddle options, a section with lighter fare, fruits and grains, and sides; vegetarian options are also noted.
Another dining experience held in Scarlett, only on sea days, is Tea Time. Open from 4 to 5 p.m., Carnival Dream's tea time is a throwback to the days of genteel Atlantic crossings. Waiters seat diners and offer up a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, and small dessert items (think a variety of desert biscuits and tortes).
Guy's Burger Joint (Deck 9): Helmed by Food Network personality Guy Fieri, this poolside grill serves up some of our favourite burgers at sea from noon to 6 p.m. The menu includes six different types of burgers, and each comes with a side of hand-cut fries. Diners choose a burger, then dress it to their liking at the toppings bar, with basics like lettuce and tomato, heavier flavours ranging from sauteed onions to bacon crumbles, and a variety of sauces (we recommend the chipotle mayo). There's almost always a line at Guy's Burger Joint (unless you go toward the end of the day, right before the first main dining room seating). Veggie burgers are available upon request.
BlueIguana Cantina (Deck 9): Across from Guy's, on the other side of the pool is the BlueIguana Cantina. This popular venue serves made-to-order burritos and tacos for breakfast (7:30 to 10:30 a.m.) and lunch (noon to 2:30 p.m.). When ordering a burrito, start by choosing a wheat or jalapeno wrap and a main filling (steak, chicken, or shrimp for lunch and chicken sausage, ham, or scrambled eggs for breakfast), then stuff it with as many ingredients as you like. The taco line moves a little quicker, as all diners have to do is choose between chicken, fish, or pork, and finish it off at the salsa bar. The salsa bar includes standard toppings like Monterey Jack cheese, onions, and cilantro as well as more unique options such as watermelon and jicama sauce and black bean and corn.
Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse (Deck 5): Another venue developed by Guy Fieri, this savoury spot is only open on sea days, for lunch (noon to 2:30 p.m.). Expect to wait in line, regardless of what time you show up (we recommend avoiding after 2 p.m.). The crowds are a testament to how delicious this newer venue is. Who can resist smoked meats, drenched in savoury sauces? Served buffet-style by attendants behind a small counter, Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse menu items include smoked andouille sausage, pulled pork, mac 'n cheese, and potato salad. The hand-washing stations came in especially handy here.
The Gathering Buffet (Deck 10 and Deck 11): Carnival Dream's Lido Deck buffet is appropriately called The Gathering, as that's where everyone gathers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Despite the large number of stations, the quality and variety of food in the main buffet section isn't always the best, and the lines at spots with the best food like the Mongolian Wok and Indian Tandoor reflect that.
The Gathering is most popular for breakfast and lunch, when, on a sea day, you'll often be hard-pressed to find a seat, despite the buffet's size.
Breakfast starts early with a continental breakfast of yoghurts, pastries, cereals, and fruits at 6:30 a.m. Hot dishes including eggs, omelettes, pancakes, sausage, and bacon are served starting an hour later, with the bulk of the breakfast service ending at 10:30 a.m. Late risers will find a smaller selection of food between 10:30 a.m. and noon.
Self-service breakfast beverage stations with orange and apple juices, as well as an orange punch, water, tea (iced and hot), and coffee are scattered throughout The Gathering.
The Gathering is at its most crowded during lunch, when the buffet is divided into several distinct sections. (Note that on port days, only half the buffet is open.) At the start of most stations, you'll find an array of salad fixings, as well as cheese and cold cuts. Other stations focus on specific types of foods, such as deli sandwiches and carved meats. There's also a dessert station, located at the back of the buffet (Deck 10).
Dinner in the buffet, referred to as Good Eats, is much less crowded, and the limited.
Cabins on Carnival Dream
Cabins on Carnival Dream are spacious and comfortable, which is no surprise coming from a line whose inside cabins (at 185 square feet) are larger than the industry average. The comfort level is enhanced by ample and conveniently placed storage space and a small touch that goes a long way—robes are standard in all cabins, not just suites.
There is enough standard (non-suite) cabin storage space to accommodate three adults. Each room has a desk/vanity with three drawers and a stool, and all but suites have three side-by-side closets, with two hanging sections and one with shelving. In suites, there are two larger-sized closets, as well as a walk-in dressing room with storage space. You'll also find two hooks on the wall for hanging jackets, sweatshirts, or hats. Ocean-view and higher-category rooms also have a coffee table and sofa; suites have an extra dresser for more drawer space. Two bedside tables with reading lamps have a small cabinet below.
Most cabins have twin beds, which can be combined to form a European king (slightly smaller than a U.S. king-sized bed). Some rooms have a single twin, with a pull-down bunk bed. There are also a few connecting cabins in various categories.
Amenities include empty mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and safes. All rooms also have hair dryers. On the TV, you'll find two free daily films (one family-friendly, one adult), basic network and news channels, information about shore excursions and onboard shopping, a live feed of Dream's Lido Deck, and a map of the ship's current location. The on-demand menu also lets you purchase pay-per-view films, buy shore excursions, or look up your onboard balance.
Bathrooms are comfortably sized for one person and have plenty of shelf space by the sink for everyone's toiletries. The showers feature a wall dispenser with generic shampoo and shower gel. Suites and deluxe ocean-view cabins have tubs with glass doors, while other showers feature shower curtains.
You'll ease right into your home away from home, as long as you don't mind quirks like outdated decor and a lack of outlet space. Interior, ocean-view, and balcony cabins have only two U.S. outlets and two European outlets: a 110V U.S. outlet and European 220V outlet by the desk and a 115-volt U.S. outlet and 230-volt European outlet in the bathroom; there are no outlets next to the bed. Higher-category rooms have an additional pair of outlets next to a second vanity. (Tip: Pack a power strip if you have multiple devices to charge. If you forget, your cabin steward might have one you can borrow.)
The general colour scheme is burnt-orange, burgundy, and brown with light woods, while Art Deco touches abound throughout. All balconies (even suites) have two plastic chairs and a small cocktail table; suites include one additional plastic lounge chair.
Rooms fall into one of five basic types, further subdivided by location, view, and size. Most sleep three to four, while some deluxe ocean-view cabins sleep up to five. Accessible cabins are available in several categories.
Interior: Carnival Dream's inside rooms are each 185 square feet. Most have two twin beds, some have a single twin and a pull-down bed, or two twins and a pull-down bed for a third occupant.
Ocean-view: Most Ocean View cabins (185 to 230 square feet) feature 4-by-3-foot windows (either with full or obstructed view), though a few have a porthole instead. Deluxe outside cabins are slightly larger (230 square feet) and can sleep up to five. These cabins have two bathrooms—one with a sink, toilet, and shower, and one with a tub/shower combo and sink.
Balcony: The 817 Balcony cabins are 185 square feet and have balconies of 35 to 75 square feet. Balcony rooms come in various configurations, sleeping two to four people. Cove balconies, located on Deck 2, have 45-square-foot balconies beneath the lifeboats, offering more privacy. Premium "vista" balcony cabins are located in aft corners with larger wraparound balconies, while aft-extended-view balconies at the back of the ship feature larger balconies, though not wraparound.
Junior Suite: The two junior suites feature 275 square feet of inside space and 35-square-foot balconies with two patio chairs and a small table. Junior suites have two twin beds that convert to a king and a sofa bed that converts to a twin. A full bathroom features a shower/tub combo and double sinks. Storage includes two large closets and a walk-in dressing area with a vanity table and chair. Passengers in junior suites receive priority check-in during embarkation.
Suite: There are two types of suites available on Carnival Dream—Ocean Suites (275 square feet with a 65-square-foot balcony) and Grand Suites (345 square feet with an 85-square-foot balcony). All suite passengers receive VIP check-in, priority embarkation, and a deluxe bathroom featuring double sinks and a whirlpool tub/shower combo with a glass door. Both have a large dresser, two large closets, and a walk-in dressing room with a vanity table and chair. Each Ocean Suite has a sofa bed that converts into a twin, while each Grand Suite has a sofa bed that converts into a queen. The largest cabin on the ship is a wheelchair-accessible Ocean Suite, with more than 400 square feet of inside space and a 110-square-foot balcony.
Cloud 9 Spa Cabin: A handful of spa cabins, available in several categories, are located on Decks 11 and 12, with easy access to the Cloud 9 Spa. They have the same furnishings as standard ocean-view and balcony rooms but feature Asian-inspired paintings. Perks included with a Cloud 9 Spa cabin are: priority check-in, upgraded towels, Elemis-branded shampoo, conditioner, lotion and soap, priority access to spa appointments, two free fitness classes per person, and free entry to Dream's thermal suite and thalassotherapy pool.
