Carnival Dream 2024 6-Day Caribbean Cruise Review
Day 1 Part 1 Galveston, Texas
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Click Any Photo To Make It Larger!
Day 1 Part 1 Galveston, Texas
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Click Any Photo To Make It Larger!
Welcome to my Carnival Dream 2024 cruise review of the May 12th voyage scheduled to sail to Costa Maya, Belize, and Cozumel. As a spoiler alert, the wind & waves were not cooperative on our cruise and the stop at Costa Maya was cancelled. However, it was still a great cruise!
Cruise Morning:
The morning of the cruise had finally arrived and I woke up around 4:15am. I got ready and finished packing in order to head out early for Galveston. By 5:30am we were in the car and making our way towards Galveston. When we arrived in Galveston we drove on Harborside Drive by the Carnival Dream to take a look at the ship before heading to McDonalds for breakfast. It was probably about 7:15am and no guests were getting off the ship from the previous cruise yet. McDonalds was good and afterwards we walked along Seawall Blvd for a little while before heading back closer to the cruise terminal.
Cruise Morning:
The morning of the cruise had finally arrived and I woke up around 4:15am. I got ready and finished packing in order to head out early for Galveston. By 5:30am we were in the car and making our way towards Galveston. When we arrived in Galveston we drove on Harborside Drive by the Carnival Dream to take a look at the ship before heading to McDonalds for breakfast. It was probably about 7:15am and no guests were getting off the ship from the previous cruise yet. McDonalds was good and afterwards we walked along Seawall Blvd for a little while before heading back closer to the cruise terminal.
Carnival Dream Docked In Galveston
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Carnival Dream
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Pleasure Pier Along Galveston Seawall
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We paid for parking at EZ Cruise Parking and decided to drive by to check if the lot was open yet. Unfortunately, it was not but the worker told us to come back around 9am to check-in for cruise parking. To save time later we dropped off our luggage at the cruise terminal and then circled around to look at the Harmony of the Seas which was docked at Cruise Terminal 10. On the way back towards the Carnival Dream we stopped by Pier 21 to look out at the Carnival Dream docked.
Carnival Dream - View from across Harborside Drive
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Pulling Into Cruise Terminal 25's Driveway
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Carnival Dream
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Parking At EZ Cruise Parking:
For this cruise we parked at EZ Cruise Parking and did the Park & Walk special. This allowed us to save some money on parking since we would not use the shuttle. When we pulled in we were directed to the check-in counter. Our reservation was verified and then we were directed to park. Since we had already dropped our bags by the cruise terminal we were able to quickly and easily walk to the cruise terminal from the EZ Cruise Parking lot. There is a crosswalk to the cruise terminal on Harborside Drive, which is located near the Port of Galveston's garage. Cruisers coming to and from the terminal were waiting to cross so when the signal changed a large group of people crossed the road. We had a great experience with EZ Cruise Parking and I would definitely park there again!
For this cruise we parked at EZ Cruise Parking and did the Park & Walk special. This allowed us to save some money on parking since we would not use the shuttle. When we pulled in we were directed to the check-in counter. Our reservation was verified and then we were directed to park. Since we had already dropped our bags by the cruise terminal we were able to quickly and easily walk to the cruise terminal from the EZ Cruise Parking lot. There is a crosswalk to the cruise terminal on Harborside Drive, which is located near the Port of Galveston's garage. Cruisers coming to and from the terminal were waiting to cross so when the signal changed a large group of people crossed the road. We had a great experience with EZ Cruise Parking and I would definitely park there again!
Carnival Dream Above The Cruise Terminal 25
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Arrival Appointment Signage Outside The Cruise Terminal
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Check-In and Waiting Inside The Cruise Terminal:
Cruise Terminal 25 was renovated before the Carnival Jubilee's Galveston arrival in 2023. This meant the entire process in the cruise terminal had changed since the last time we sailed from this terminal. The building's interior is nice! When the doors opened we were directed to check-in with one of the cruise terminal employees. She looked at our passports, scanned them into a computer, and then gave us instructions for the embarkation process. This was quick and only took 5 minutes. Next we were directed through a security line. This took a few minutes because the people in front of us were stopped and needed additional screening. After going through security we went through the canine that was sniffing for drugs.
Since we are VIFP platinum guests after going through security we were directed upstairs to the Captain's Lounge. The Captain's Lounge was used for VIFP Diamond, Platinum, and Suite guests. This lounge had numerous couch seating and the chairs were very comfortable. In a few places there were charging areas for phones and devices that utilize USB ports. I was able to charge my phone while waiting which was great! Overall, the check-in process was quick and easy. The updates to cruise terminal 25 are nice and the Port of Galveston really improved the cruise terminal.
TIP: There is a good amount of walking in the cruise terminal during the check-in process. I recommend you wear comfortable shoes that will help you walk easily when navigating the check-in process and then when it is time to board the ship.
Cruise Terminal 25 was renovated before the Carnival Jubilee's Galveston arrival in 2023. This meant the entire process in the cruise terminal had changed since the last time we sailed from this terminal. The building's interior is nice! When the doors opened we were directed to check-in with one of the cruise terminal employees. She looked at our passports, scanned them into a computer, and then gave us instructions for the embarkation process. This was quick and only took 5 minutes. Next we were directed through a security line. This took a few minutes because the people in front of us were stopped and needed additional screening. After going through security we went through the canine that was sniffing for drugs.
Since we are VIFP platinum guests after going through security we were directed upstairs to the Captain's Lounge. The Captain's Lounge was used for VIFP Diamond, Platinum, and Suite guests. This lounge had numerous couch seating and the chairs were very comfortable. In a few places there were charging areas for phones and devices that utilize USB ports. I was able to charge my phone while waiting which was great! Overall, the check-in process was quick and easy. The updates to cruise terminal 25 are nice and the Port of Galveston really improved the cruise terminal.
TIP: There is a good amount of walking in the cruise terminal during the check-in process. I recommend you wear comfortable shoes that will help you walk easily when navigating the check-in process and then when it is time to board the ship.
Captain's Lounge
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Captain's Lounge
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Charging Port
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Boarding Process:
Getting on the Carnival Dream was done in a controlled process that was strictly enforced by the cruise terminal employees. First guests who were VIFP Diamond were allowed on, followed by suites, and then VIFP platinum guests. The Captain's Lounge was cleared before Faster to the Fun guests were allowed to board. After Faster to the Fun guests, the zone number on boarding passes was called starting with A01. The zones are assigned when checking in online for the cruise based on your arrival appointment time. Since we were VIFP Platinum guests we got up when we were called. Our boarding passes were scanned and then we were directed to the gangway. We were onboard the ship within 10 minutes from the time we were called over the cruise terminal loudspeaker.
Getting on the Carnival Dream was done in a controlled process that was strictly enforced by the cruise terminal employees. First guests who were VIFP Diamond were allowed on, followed by suites, and then VIFP platinum guests. The Captain's Lounge was cleared before Faster to the Fun guests were allowed to board. After Faster to the Fun guests, the zone number on boarding passes was called starting with A01. The zones are assigned when checking in online for the cruise based on your arrival appointment time. Since we were VIFP Platinum guests we got up when we were called. Our boarding passes were scanned and then we were directed to the gangway. We were onboard the ship within 10 minutes from the time we were called over the cruise terminal loudspeaker.
Carnival Dream In The Background - Approaching The Gangway
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Looking Towards The Side Of The Carnival Dream
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Crossing Onto The Carnival Dream
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Lido Main Pool Area
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Finally Onboard The Carnival Dream:
The gangway was connected into Deck 3 of the Carnival Dream so we entered in the lobby of the ship's atrium. Crew members were standing in the atrium directing guests to the front elevators. I got on the stairwell and walked up to the Lido Deck (Deck 10). Cruise Review Note: The Carnival Dream's decks have numbers and names. When I have done previous reviews, I have tried to include the name & number of the deck, but onboard the Carnival Dream they are almost only referring to decks by number. I will mostly use deck numbers, but may occasionally refer to the two commonly used names which are the Lido Deck (Deck 10) and Promenade Deck (Deck 5). |
First Lunch on Carnival Dream:
The Carnival Dream's Lido buffet is called "The Gathering" and this venue is located on Deck 10 near the middle & back of the ship. The Gathering has 4 main lines. At lunch, the front two lines serve food that rotates each day. Today's lunch was Italian on these two lines. The back two main lines were called "Good Eats" at lunch and served a rotating selection of comfort food at lunch. Each of the four lines served salad bar offerings that were identical. The Gathering also is home to the Carnival Dream's Mongolian Wok which is located near the front of the buffet and near the back is home to the Carnival Dream's Deli. Other venues available for lunch included the Blue Iguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint near the Lido pool, the Pizzeria Del Capitano and Seafood Shack (extra cost) near the back of Deck 10, and the Captain's Pasta Bar located on Deck 11 above the buffet. Carnival Dream also has a venue called Guy's Pig & Anchor BBQ located on Deck 5 outside on the ship's Lanai that serves BBQ.
Below are some pictures of the salad bar offerings of the day. Please note, this was scaled down compared to the offerings available on some of the later days of the cruise.
The Carnival Dream's Lido buffet is called "The Gathering" and this venue is located on Deck 10 near the middle & back of the ship. The Gathering has 4 main lines. At lunch, the front two lines serve food that rotates each day. Today's lunch was Italian on these two lines. The back two main lines were called "Good Eats" at lunch and served a rotating selection of comfort food at lunch. Each of the four lines served salad bar offerings that were identical. The Gathering also is home to the Carnival Dream's Mongolian Wok which is located near the front of the buffet and near the back is home to the Carnival Dream's Deli. Other venues available for lunch included the Blue Iguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint near the Lido pool, the Pizzeria Del Capitano and Seafood Shack (extra cost) near the back of Deck 10, and the Captain's Pasta Bar located on Deck 11 above the buffet. Carnival Dream also has a venue called Guy's Pig & Anchor BBQ located on Deck 5 outside on the ship's Lanai that serves BBQ.
Below are some pictures of the salad bar offerings of the day. Please note, this was scaled down compared to the offerings available on some of the later days of the cruise.
Lido Buffet - Salad Bar
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Lido Buffet - Salad Bar
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Lido Buffet - Salad Bar
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Lido Buffet - Salad Bar
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Lido Buffet - Salad Bar
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Lido Buffet - Salad Bar
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Lido Buffet - Salad Bar
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Lido Buffet - Salad Bar
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Lido Buffet - Salad Bar
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Lido Buffet - Salad Bar
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Lido Buffet - Salad Bar
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Below are some pictures of the Italian Food that was being served in The Gathering:
Lido Buffet - Chef's Choice Italian Line
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Lido Buffet - Chef's Choice Italian Line
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Lido Buffet - Chef's Choice Italian Line
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Lido Buffet - Chef's Choice Italian Line
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Lido Buffet - Chef's Choice Italian Line
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Lido Buffet - Chef's Choice Italian Line
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The Carnival Dream's lido buffet has a dessert station located near the back of the buffet (across from the deli). Each day at lunch a variety of cakes are served. The flavors rotate and rarely repeat so if you see some cake you want you should get it when you see it! Also, daily at lunch Carnival had cookies, jello, and fruit available for dessert. Ice Cream and frozen yogurt machines were available during lunch at the front of the buffet on each side.
Dessert Station
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Dessert Station
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Dessert Station
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Dessert Station
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Dessert Station
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Dessert Station
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Dessert Station
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Dessert Station
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Dessert Station
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After Lunch Walk Around The Ship:
After lunch I wanted to walk around the Carnival Dream. It had been 4 years since I last sailed on the ship so I was curious to see if anything had changed. My walk started at the back of Deck 12. This area is home to the Carnival Dream's jogging track.
After lunch I wanted to walk around the Carnival Dream. It had been 4 years since I last sailed on the ship so I was curious to see if anything had changed. My walk started at the back of Deck 12. This area is home to the Carnival Dream's jogging track.
Looking Towards Cruise Terminal 28
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Deck 12 - Jogging Track
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View Of Galveston From Deck 12
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There are two stairwells at the back of Deck 12 that lead up to a back part of Deck 14. This area is home to the ship's basketball court. I walked up to take a look. The basketball court was fully netted to keep the basketballs inside.
Deck 14 - Basketball Court Area
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Deck 14 - Basketball Court Area
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Deck 14 - Basketball Court Area
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I walked back down onto Deck 12 and after going a little ways came to the mini golf course. Carnival Dream's mini golf course has 18 holes. The golf balls and putts were available by the mini golf course.
Mini Golf Course
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Mini Golf Course
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Mini Golf Course - Balls & Putts
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I continued walking towards the front of Deck 12. As I walked I had a view of the Lido pool and noticed the lines for Guy's Burger Joint and the Blue Iguana Cantina were long. Carnival Dream's outside area of Deck 12 is home to the WaterWorks and I will show pictures of this in later parts of the review. From Deck 12 I walked up stairs to Deck 14 to the lower level of the Serenity Adults Only Retreat.
Jogging Track
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Walking Along Deck 12 - Lido Pool Below
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Deck 14 - Serenity Adults Only Retreat
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The Serenity Adults Only Retreat is an area of the Carnival Dream for guests that are 21+ years old only. On the Carnival Dream the Serenity Adults Only Retreat is located on a small part of Deck 14 at the front and then on Deck 15. Between both decks of the Serenity Adults Only Retreat there are numerous padded deck chairs, clam shells, and chairs. The Serenity area has hottubs on Deck 15.
TIP: The main elevators do not go to the Serenity Adults Only Retreat. If you ride the fwd elevators to Deck 12 and enter the Cloud 9 SPA area you can access an elevator by a spiral staircase that goes to the front of Decks 12, 14, and 15.
Below are some pictures of the Serenity Adults Only Retreat on Decks 14 and 15.
TIP: The main elevators do not go to the Serenity Adults Only Retreat. If you ride the fwd elevators to Deck 12 and enter the Cloud 9 SPA area you can access an elevator by a spiral staircase that goes to the front of Decks 12, 14, and 15.
Below are some pictures of the Serenity Adults Only Retreat on Decks 14 and 15.
Deck 14 - Serenity Adults Only Retreat
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Deck 15 - Serenity Adults Only Retreat
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Deck 15 - Serenity Adults Only Retreat
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Deck 15 - Serenity Adults Only Retreat
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Deck 15 - Serenity Adults Only Retreat
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Deck 15 - Serenity Adults Only Retreat
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After walking around the Serenity Adults Only Retreat, I went down to Deck 12 and walked into the Fitness Center (gym). It was hard to get good pictures, but I did manage to take a few while walking around.
Fitness Center
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Fitness Center
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Fitness Center
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I also managed to take a couple of photos of Deck 14 on the SPA. The Fitness Studio is located on the Deck 14 level of the SPA.
Deck 12 - SPA Area Looking Towards Spiral Staircase & SPA Elevator
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Deck 14 - Fitness Studio
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Deck 14 - Fitness Studio
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Next, I decided to walk down to Deck 5 to take a look around. I stepped into the Caliente Dance Club (nightclub) to take a few pictures. The venue was not being used at this time of the afternoon, but is used in the evenings for the nightclub and then sometimes during the daytime for art exhibits & auctions.
Caliente Nightclub on Deck 5
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Caliente Nightclub on Deck 5
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Caliente Nightclub on Deck 5
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