We recently had the opportunity to see Carnival’s newest ship, the Carnival Dream, while in Port Canaveral. The ship was built in Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and is impressive at 130,000 GRT with a double occupancy capacity of 3646 guests. As you board the ship, you immediately notice a new concept with the Lobby bar (the Dream Bar). The lobby is wider and the deck above is significantly wider adding to the space of the atrium. The main feature is the back lit antique mirror panels, walls and ceilings which have never been used on such a scale.

The atrium houses a new feature on this ship – the main staircase. The main staircase is made into a gleaming spiral of stainless steel with clear glass steps. Attached to it and flying over the Dream Bar is a stage which will be used for various entertainment. Since it is centrally located and at mid-height, it basically transforms the main lobby into a theater for performances.

The ship also features many of Carnival’s staples on their new ships such as the supper club, wine bar, and sushi bar but also has some unique areas and amenities of its own. The two level Serenity area, Carnival’s Seaside Theatre, the Ocean Plaza, and the FUNHUBs are of particular note. The Serenity area is an adult’s only area filled with ocean views, whirlpool, and lounge areas. The Seaside Theatre will feature movies under the stars and the Ocean Plaza is an indoor/outdoor café which is available for at leisure dining throughout the day and evening. Carnival’s interactive FUNHUB is the cruise industry’s first on-board social network. There are 36 FUNHUBs on the ship where guests can check on the evening’s entertainment, dinner menus and actually interact with each other by sending messages and photos. FUNHUB sites are accessible via your own laptop or you through the 10-inch netbooks which are available for rent onboard. The Carnival Dream also has bow-to-stern wireless access.

Another feature of the Carnival Dream is the addition of Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms and Suites which feature private access, special amenities and priority reservations to the luxurious Cloud 9 Spa. The Cloud 9 spa also features a Thalassotherapy Pool and Thermal Suite. Spa enthusiasts will enjoy these added amenities and this is an obvious plus for the corporate and incentive market.

Speaking of meeting and incentives, the Dream also features two annexes to the main dining rooms which will allow for private meetings and dining. The Crimson Lounge I and The Crimson Lounge II both are adjacent to the Crimson Restaurant and seat 30 and 38 respectively. The Chambers is Carnival’s first dedicated conference center and can be split in to 3 separate rooms or used as one large room. Each division is adequately appointed with drop screens, lighting and microphone plug ins. This is a huge plus for meetings as it can accommodate over 230 attendees.

As the ship was in port during a cruise and we where doing a client walk-around, we were unable to see the staterooms. Carnival does boast some of the largest staterooms at sea for big ships and the Dream is no different.

• The Penthouse Suite is a comfortable 430 square feet including balcony.

• Standard Suites are 340 square foot including balcony.

• Balcony staterooms are 230 square foot including balcony.

• Standard ocean view and inside cabins remain at 185 square foot.

The Carnival Dream offers year-round 7 and 8 day cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral.
 

Report submitted by Leon Banossian - 11/20/2009

The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of WWTCA.