This is the largest “fun ship” yet for this expansive cruise line and is the largest cruise ship yet built by Italy’s Fincantieri shipyards (its sister, due in 2011, is Carnival Magic). Although the ship’s bows are short, the ship’s profile is actually nicely balanced, with a rakish front and more rounded stern than previous Carnival ships. The propulsion system consists of the conventional twin rudder, with twin (six-blade) propellers.
There are numerous pools and open deck nooks and crannies. One thing that stands out, however, is the ship’s really big, and long Twister Water Slide – part of The Waterworks on pool deck. There’s also a Serenity adults-only, extra charge retreat, and numerous other features. However, the general open deck space is really not enough for the number of passengers carried, so your sunbed loungers will be packed in tightly.
Carnival Dream is the first (and only) Carnival ship to have a full walk-around open promenade deck, which is lined with deck chairs (which are sometimes challenging to walk round). Four scenic hot tubs are cantilevered over the ship’s side. Along the outdoor promenade, four “scenic whirlpools” are cantilevered over the sea, and provide fine sea views. Higher up, Lido Deck 10 offers the best open-deck area of any Carnival ship with a tropical, resort-style main pool complete with a giant Seaside Theatre LED screen for outdoor movies.
Most public rooms, lounges and bars are on Dream Street or Upper Dream Street. The stunning Dream Lobby is the connection point for ship functions and people and is the main lobby. Take the glass-walled elevators for a neat view – but you may need sunglasses.
The Piazza, a new feature for Carnival, is designed to be a comfortable place by day and a trendy entertainment venue by night. The indoor/ outdoor café and live music venue has a bandstand where a variety of musical genres will be showcased, and a large circular dance floor. A floor-to-ceiling curved glass wall separates the room, separating indoor and outdoor seating areas. An adjacent bar also offers espresso and cappuccino coffees, gelato ice creams, and pastries.
A wide variety of lounges, bars and nightspots, including a dance club with a twist, offering indoor/outdoor access, are accessible via an 11-deck-high atrium whose ground level has a neatly cantilevered bandstand atop a massive dance floor. The Page Turner (great name) is the ship’s library, while Jackpot is – you guessed it – the colourful, large, lively and noisy casino. Other rooms include The Song (Jazz Bar); Ocean Plaza (a sort of quiet area during the day, but lively at night with live entertainment).
Naturally, to get to the showlounge, you need to walk through the shops and casino. All in all, this is a ship designed to make you feel like spending money on all the extras you’ll need – especially if have children with you. But it’s all about having fun – and paying for it.
The ship’s homeport is Port Canaveral, and the ship operates year-round Caribbean cruises. The onboard currency is the US dollar, and gratuities are charged to your onboard account.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
