We cruise a lot. At least 4 times a year and have done both the Wonder and Magic. When we received an invite for the Inaugural Benefit cruise we jumped on it. My wife and i organised three couples from work for what we thought was going to the perfect cruise.
Jokingly we said we hoped we would not be guinea pigs as they train the staff. Turns out we were. With 40 % of the crew being brand new they came from all walks of life. The ship itself is spectacular at all levels. The problems started at our stateroom. No electricity was not a good sign. They sent up a fellow that announced we were not wrong and he needed an electrician. No idea when he’d be around tested my nerves but we found a phone. It did not work so back we went to guest services. It took them a half hour but we did receive a great stateroom at the back of the ship with the largest balcony I've ever seen. Problems were the Wave and room to room phones did not work. They never did get them to work. Unlike other cruise ships we had one cabin steward and did she have to work. On the 8th floor I felt sad for her and worst of all she had no idea we were moved there till the second day when we came out of the cabin. As a result the first night no turn down, ice or anything we expected. Dining was a challenge. Animators Palate was a load of fun but once again two crew members for a load of tables. They got the orders wrong, drinks mixed up and the fellow dropped a pitcher of water all over the table. So much water we had to have them removed the table cloth and underpaid. At the Royal palace we enjoyed the setting and the food was good. Problem was our server disappeared for 20 minutes half way through breakfast. I summoned the Maitre D and apologized he assigned her elsewhere but she did not tell anyone that she had not finished service in our section. As we walked out the staff were following us with a tirade of apologies. Our final meal in the Enchanted garden was perfect.
What we found was a ship that was not ready for passengers. I'm certain they are short staffed as even the public washrooms were often filthy. Guest Services staff were always helpful but it took time for them to correct problems as they seemed to be always looking for permission to have a manager resolve concerns.
Castaway Cay had everything operating well but I'd guess that is due to their staff being trained real well
Our greatest regret was the evening entertainment The main shows were great. The 3D movie theatre incredible. The clubs a fiasco. Virtually no entertainment other then the Evolution bar and their DJ was right from high school. Loud and vibrating music. Hard to sit back and relax. Down the hall the karaoke bar ran one hour per night. The piano bar not existant. We asked the bar men where was the piano bar and he pointed to the tiniest electric piano in the corner and admitted they only saw the chap for a few minutes that night. What we discovered is a series of fancy bars loaded with adults and no entertainment where you could sit back and relax. Skyline was wall to wall people so we ever got a seat. Pink was elegant till the bar tender said he thought he made mistake coming over from Celebrity cruise line. We do have one great bar experience and that was at the main lobby. The bar tenders a joy and the atmosphere relaxing .
What I'd like to conclude this report is by saying the ship itself is worth seeing. If you are looking for a few days of first class cruising you will not find it right now. They seem to be adapting quickly but plainly the staff and crew need a lot of training. This really surprised us as we had been on the maiden voyage of the Wonder .We've returned several times. To this day those perfect experiences became the bar we use to compare all cruises.
Sad to say this time around the Disney " magic ' was lost on the Dream.
We are telling friends to wait a year and we'l all go back and try it again.
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