Does Dream feel really crowded?

[RedSox68]

5) we ran into many celebrities on board. They were all very gracious and kind. We met a famous child actress, an Oscar winner, and a top ranking disney exec. They were all kind, talkative and welcoming! I am not sure who people were expecting, but so many interesting and amazing Disney people were on board. It was awesome!!!

Are you for real? You can't dump this kind of info and not provide names names names

 

[DindelsPA]

I am not so concerned about feeling the crowd on the ship (Disney's really good at dispersal MOST of the time) but moreso of the crowd at Castaway. I realize it received some major attention in preparation for the Dream and Fantasy...but am still curious to how crowded it felt.

 

[JsMom2]

my opinion is that everyone on here should calm down about all these trip reports from the Dream and whats wrong!! haha its the maiden voyage already and its the first cruise that the Dream was fully functioning at max capacity and doing everything. a ship wont be spot on 100% perfect for EVERYONE on the first fully fuctioning maiden voyage. this happens with all new ships. I am fully aware that there were kinks wrong with the Magic on its Maiden Voyage and looks how its turned out?

I think folks should be aware of what to expect when they sail. The ship was NOT at full capacity during our sailing. And the problems like the fact that you have to walk through the "Quiet Cove" pool area to get to the front elevators and the buffet restaurant to get to the back elevators will be there no matter how many voyages have been sailed. And I had yet to meet one adult who wasn't sorely disapointed in the adult pool area.

Hopefully they will expand the hours at Cabanas, so the fast food restaurants aren't so backed up in the afternoons, as that's something that can be easily fixed.

On a good note, the new Oceaneer Lab and Club are absolutely awesome! The teen club Vibe is amazing, although the teens onboard said that not all of the areas were available to them. My DD was in the tween club, and she thought it was boring after the first day. The Aquaduck was a lot of fun, and the new District for the adults is great. But folks should be aware that this ship is a lot larger than the other two, and you will be standing in lines more often.

We were on the 5th sailing of Allure of the Seas, and even though there were twice as many people on that ship, we didn't have to stand in the long lines that we found on the Dream.

Again, the Cast Members were fantastic!

 

[Debbru]

We also just got off the Maiden Voyage - I was told by a crew member that there were approximately 3100 guests on board - so it was not anywhere near capacity.

I would also like to say that we had a great time! There were some minor glitches - room phones & wave phones worked occasionally - the fire alarms went off sporadically one day for about 1/2 an hour - but these things had no effect on our enjoyment of this cruise. The crew members were wonderful & tried as hard as they could to please a very demanding & sometimes very rude crowd. Heard people complaining that they didn't get enough freebies, but we were thrilled with the Ducky Williams litho, the commerative Maiden Voyage menus from each of the restaurants, the "Making of the Dream" DVD, the Dream book & the final gift - a beautifully boxed bronze coin replica of the coin that was placed on the keel on 8/26/09.

Also, for anyone wondering about stateroom 5192 Cat 6B - we loved this room & would not hesitate to book it again. It was dead center on the back of the ship with an ENORMOUS verandah! The "white wall" was only about knee high & there was no problem seeing the water while sitting down. It was a little noisy when the ship was running at full speed (only the first night on the way to Nassau & the last night on the way home) but the sound of the wake was only heard on the verandah, not in the room.

All in all, it was a wonderful cruise and we can't wait for the Fantasy's maiden voyage.

 

[JsMom2]

Which sailing is this?

Not sure, I head it from one of the cruise staff. I THINK he said the cruise after the one leaving today. But I honestly didn't pay too much attention to the exact date.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

One of my favorite moments was when I was at meridians cigar verandah and someone opened the door for me. She was a brand new cast member and this was her first cruise ever. When she opened the door, she noticed the sunset...she was so sad she didn't have her camera as she has never seen a sunset at sea. She was marveling at it's beauty. I gently reminded her that she would see tons more of them and her smile lit up the dark sky. We offered to email a picture to her and she giggled and said that I was right, she would see many more!

Thank you for sharing this. thumbsup2and no lines to see the sunset)

 

[Stepht5]

Loved your *report*. As big as the ship is you probably didn't even run into any of the other Pirates!

Hi everyone! I'm here at Orlando airport waiting for our flight home. We just got off the Dream and had a fantastic time!!! A few comments about what people are saying...

1) we could not believe how many people were complaining about the silliest little things. For example...someone complained about a cast member NOT saying good morning. Also so many complaints about there not being enough "special stuff". Also the lack of celebrities...we heard so many comments about lines. We had lines to buy super special merchandise (duh) and lines to have ducky sign something (duh again) and lines to complain about tiny little things. Oh and the weather...really people???

2) I agree with pensfan8771, we went into this cruise expecting lots of mishaps. And yes, there were lots, such as getting appetizers and main course before drinks. And us not finding our dining table because the person seating us had the map upside down. But those mistakes were harmless and cute. We expected nothing less. One of my favorite moments was when I was at meridians cigar verandah and someone opened the door for me. She was a brand new cast member and this was her first cruise ever. When she opened the door, she noticed the sunset...she was so sad she didn't have her camera as she has never seen a sunset at sea. She was marveling at it's beauty. I gently reminded her that she would see tons more of them and her smile lit up the dark sky. We offered to email a picture to her and she giggled and said that I was right, she would see many more!

3) we were in sooooooo many places that had so much extra capacity. We kept wondering if the ship was at capacity. The sail away party (with free champaign) had so much open space...it was weird. My husband had to finish up some office work and came up as the party was starting and walked right up to us at middle center stage. Match your mate was almost empty! So many things to do...the shows had plenty of seating etc.

4) we did notice several cast members chatting in guest areas. Not normal and I am sure this will be corrected quickly as it was unusual for Disney and just a learning curve.

5) we ran into many celebrities on board. They were all very gracious and kind. We met a famous child actress, an Oscar winner, and a top ranking disney exec. They were all kind, talkative and welcoming! I am not sure who people were expecting, but so many interesting and amazing Disney people were on board. It was awesome!!!

6) In general, we had an amazing time, from the awesome sail away (especially all the people lining the canal waving Bon voyage), to our amazing meal at remys, to the amazing people we met. We were honored to have been on the maiden voyage and would do it again in a heartbeat!

 

[matrixband]

I bet after the newness wears off, that the larger ships will seldom sail at full capacity except for the most popular dates.

 

[DVC2009Michigan]

I think that the situation that will be present for the first 2 years will be that the boat will seem really full all the time. With the new boat everyone wants to try it, but that will change, juts like it did with the Magic over time. We have cruise the Magic twice and look forward to cruising the Dream, but we are going to wait till 2014 to let it cool off!

JW

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

We also just got off the Maiden Voyage - I was told by a crew member that there were approximately 3100 guests on board - so it was not anywhere near capacity.

I would also like to say that we had a great time! There were some minor glitches - room phones & wave phones worked occasionally - the fire alarms went off sporadically one day for about 1/2 an hour - but these things had no effect on our enjoyment of this cruise. The crew members were wonderful & tried as hard as they could to please a very demanding & sometimes very rude crowd. Heard people complaining that they didn't get enough freebies, but we were thrilled with the Ducky Williams litho, the commerative Maiden Voyage menus from each of the restaurants, the "Making of the Dream" DVD, the Dream book & the final gift - a beautifully boxed bronze coin replica of the coin that was placed on the keel on 8/26/09.

Also, for anyone wondering about stateroom 5192 Cat 6B - we loved this room & would not hesitate to book it again. It was dead center on the back of the ship with an ENORMOUS verandah! The "white wall" was only about knee high & there was no problem seeing the water while sitting down. It was a little noisy when the ship was running at full speed (only the first night on the way to Nassau & the last night on the way home) but the sound of the wake was only heard on the verandah, not in the room.

All in all, it was a wonderful cruise and we can't wait for the Fantasy's maiden voyage.

Ooh I like you info about 5192. I like that it's enormous. yay! LOL

 

[sayhello]

One of my favorite moments was when I was at meridians cigar verandah and someone opened the door for me. She was a brand new cast member and this was her first cruise ever. When she opened the door, she noticed the sunset...she was so sad she didn't have her camera as she has never seen a sunset at sea. She was marveling at it's beauty. I gently reminded her that she would see tons more of them and her smile lit up the dark sky. We offered to email a picture to her and she giggled and said that I was right, she would see many more!

I love this story! (And I love your attitude!)

Sayhello

 

[Futurist]

The lines and crowds are a big concern for me as well. My DH is still not sold on cruising. He went once. He agreed to do it again but he HATES crowds. Last night we were going out to eat. Every place we went had a wait. We ended up coming back home. Lucky for me, he can't just get off the ship but it surely put a damper on his experience - mine too because I have to hear it

My DW and I have cruised twice, both times with Disney, both times on the Magic. In both cases, it was a wonderful (or should I say "Magical") experience, and one that I would (and have) heartily recommended to friends and relatives.

The Dream is new, and there are going to be kinks. With so many new CMs, it's going to be rough in places, so if you are looking to win over people who are unsure about cruising, don't book the Dream until they've had some cruises under their belts. Go with the Magic or the Wonder.

As for my DW and I, we are going on the Feb. 6th Dream cruise. We're going with our eyes open, and prepared to be patient (although this isn't something I'm very good at). But we are eagerly looking forward to seeing the boat, which is why we're doing it.

If you're worried, go with the "classic" boats, or wait for the Dream crew to work out the kinks. It'll be fine, and your family and friends will love it.

Hope this helps,
Richard

 

[jmcdonnell04]

Just returned home from the Dream and my honest opinion, I was amazed on how much room there was on the new ship with so many more passengers. I ran into a travel agent on board and she was asking various questions and my # 1 surprise was the crowd/lines were smaller than anticipated considering the number of passengers.

The only long line was at Guest Services and I kept wondering what I was missing. I heard the many guests were complaining about other guests.

 

[catzle]

I wonder why they would be complaining about other passengers???

 

[princessheather]

on a bigger ship such as the dream did you feel like you were moving a lot or did you not feel it? (im thinking of people who get sea sick who are going in august and i keep reassuring them it wont be that bad lol so im hoping im not wrong )

 

[TheBeadPirate]

We had perfect seas every day and night on the MV (the ocean was as flat as a lake) so no way to tell how she does in weather

Sorry!

 

[Mineu]

We also just got off the Maiden Voyage - I was told by a crew member that there were approximately 3100 guests on board - so it was not anywhere near capacity.

I would also like to say that we had a great time! There were some minor glitches - room phones & wave phones worked occasionally - the fire alarms went off sporadically one day for about 1/2 an hour - but these things had no effect on our enjoyment of this cruise. The crew members were wonderful & tried as hard as they could to please a very demanding & sometimes very rude crowd. Heard people complaining that they didn't get enough freebies, but we were thrilled with the Ducky Williams litho, the commerative Maiden Voyage menus from each of the restaurants, the "Making of the Dream" DVD, the Dream book & the final gift - a beautifully boxed bronze coin replica of the coin that was placed on the keel on 8/26/09


Also, for anyone wondering about stateroom 5192 Cat 6B - we loved this room & would not hesitate to book it again. It was dead center on the back of the ship with an ENORMOUS verandah! The "white wall" was only about knee high & there was no problem seeing the water while sitting down. It was a little noisy when the ship was running at full speed (only the first night on the way to Nassau & the last night on the way home) but the sound of the wake was only heard on the verandah, not in the room.

All in all, it was a wonderful cruise and we can't wait for the Fantasy's maiden voyage.

Hi: Just wondering if you heard any noise from the nightclubs?

 

[Debbru]

Hi: Just wondering if you heard any noise from the nightclubs?

Actually, yes. I think we were right over Evolution & you could hear the bass thump, thump, thump until they closed at 2 AM. But it didn't keep me awake (but an army marching thru the room wouldn't keep me awake when I'm tired LOL).

 

[Mineu]

Thanks!

 

[Fatima1922]

My DW and I have cruised twice, both times with Disney, both times on the Magic. In both cases, it was a wonderful (or should I say "Magical") experience, and one that I would (and have) heartily recommended to friends and relatives.

The Dream is new, and there are going to be kinks. With so many new CMs, it's going to be rough in places, so if you are looking to win over people who are unsure about cruising, don't book the Dream until they've had some cruises under their belts. Go with the Magic or the Wonder.

As for my DW and I, we are going on the Feb. 6th Dream cruise. We're going with our eyes open, and prepared to be patient (although this isn't something I'm very good at). But we are eagerly looking forward to seeing the boat, which is why we're doing it.

If you're worried, go with the "classic" boats, or wait for the Dream crew to work out the kinks. It'll be fine, and your family and friends will love it.

Hope this helps,
Richard

Thank you Richard. Unfortunately it is too late to change our plans. We are booked for March 6. Besides, as much as I would LOVE to do a 7 night Magic cruise, there was no way I could convince my DH. We did the Wonder in 2009 and I was able to add a day with the Dream. I am very laid back so for me, I have very little worries. Just being on the Dream is going to be exciting. He and I will just have to have a conversation regarding patience. There shall be no raining on my parade