As you guys know, we took the 10 year old on his first cruise. We took a 7 day cruise on Carnival Dream out of New Orleans, Louisiana.
My family, 4 women and the 10 year old, drove to New Orleans. We left TN at 5am for the six hour drive. Of course we packed snacks on top of snacks for the road trip. Actually we had three bags of snacks.
Way too much but we had them any way.
Arriving in New Orleans, we opted to park our car at the official cruise line pier. Two reasons: (1) it’s located right at the ship, (2) the parking lot is secure. The cost for parking is $16/day but definitely worth it.
Oh now the fun begins! We were already in cruise vacation mode but when you get there, the excitement is on 100.
The embarkation process can be overwhelming for newbies but the great thing about Carnival and most cruise lines, they have this process down to a science.
We arrived around noon & was on the ship headed to our cabin before 1pm.
Our Cabin: Stateroom 1381
We had a deluxe cabin that sleeps five! So that meant we had 3 lower beds and 2 bunks. And guess who had to sleep on the top bunk?
Oh don’t worry, the room wasn’t small. We had plenty of room and I actually liked the top bunk.
Every day and night, our room stewardess would come in and clean our room. At night she would leave us the next day itinerary and towel animals.
Camp Carnival
Once we got settled in, I headed to check the 10 year old in to his home away from home: Camp Carnival.
He enjoyed every minute of Camp Carnival. They have specialized groups based on age with daily activities for the kids. They could go as early as 7am and stay as late as 1am (additional fees required) in Camp Carnival.
They even had planned activities for parents and the kids.
Carnival Dream Food
I know you guys are saying “but what about the food?” The food was plentiful. You have several options of places to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
We opted for the Seaday brunch the days we were at sea. The Pork Chop was delish and the view was heavenly!
We ate at the early dining for dinner but for lunch you had several options for food on the Lido deck.
Oh but don’t forget about 24 hour room service. Let me just say: my folks ordered room service everyday!
Ports of Call
We had the pleasure of visiting 3 countries:
Cozumel
Belize
We really enjoyed Cozumel and Belize; however, the cruise informed us of the armed robberies taking place against tourist in Roatan. So we opted to stay close to the ship.
Now, let me tell you: each of these places were extremely HOT!
Life onboard Carnival Dream
No one and I mean no one should be bored on a cruise. There is an activity for everyone.
If you want to relax, you can do just that.
If you want to watch a movie, no problem:
Wanna play golf:
Need a massage, try Clud Spa 9
Watch an ice carving
Or just go for a swim
Really, there is so much going on, you can pick and choose to do a lot of activities or none at all.
My son had a ball! I had a ball. We all had a marvelous time. We are already planning next year cruise.
Have you and your family cruised together? Share your cruise experience in the comments below.
Dove says
Wait… movies, a water slide AND mini golf?? I have always been mortified at the thought of taking a cruise because Titanic, but this sounds pretty delightful!
Aliah says
What a beautiful trip with so much to do and see! We haven’t been on a cruise yet but my boys have the wanderlust and the passport stamps to show for it. I foresee a Carnival cruise in our future. Thanks for sharing!
Keisha says
I love cruising. I try and do it once a year because it is the best way to travel, imo. I frequent Celebrity Cruises but I’ve heard Carnival is a DREAM. Looks like you had a lot of fun too. I’ve got a cruise planned for March 2016…this just made me so excited!
Still Dating My Spouse says
We’ve cruised on Celebrity as well. We try to cruise yearly and actually looking to go on one for Christmas. Enjoy your cruise.
Still Dating My Spouse says
OH Dove, don’t think like that. You won’t even know you are on the water. It is so much fun and so much to do that you don’t have time to even think about the Titanic LOL
Sara Broers says
I LOVE this ship and Mahogany Bay. It’ too bad the thugs are getting in the way now. And because of you and this post, I’m now heading over to Carnival.Com!
Jessica Harlow says
I have yet to embark on a cruise, but it is on my bucket list! The food looks amazing, but the views are breathtaking! It truly looks like you had a great time with your family!
Lois Alter Mark says
My husband and I love cruising but have never been on Carnival. It looks like you all had a blast!
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
This looks like SO much fun and a perfect family vacation. Cruises have so much to offer! I really need to look into one soon for our family.
Amanda says
We are considering a cruise with our extended family. Looks like a great way to vacation!
Laura Funk says
What a great ship experience. I have never been on a cruise, but it is on my bucket list. The food looks fantastic and I too would have taken advantage of the room service
Nicole Escat says
I’m sure you had fun there, I love those Towel Animals. And I’m also dreaming to have a vacation in Carnival.
Emily says
This looks like so much fun! I have never been on a cruise and want to go on one. It looks like you all had a great time!
The Wheelchair Mommy says
We have yet to cruise. It’s still on our someday list, but it looks so overwhelming!