Port or Starboard? Dream

[Spiffy MacSpiff]

We've booked the same Deck 8 midship verandah stateroom on the starboard side four times; we liked it so much after our first cruise that we just kept returning (giving concierge a try this summer, though). We did get the notice to stay off the verandah during the fireworks, and to keep the doors closed. We complied although many of our neighbors did not. I've checked out the port side views but prefer starboard; here are a few of our photos: Nassau, Castaway Cay, and a random sunset.

 

[MomOTwins]

We were mid ship deck 9 (9594 and 9592) and received the notice.

Thanks! Annoyingly, we are a couple floors directly below this so sounds like we will get the notice too.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We did get the notice to stay off the verandah during the fireworks, and to keep the doors closed.

What room/ship was this?

 

[Spiffy MacSpiff]

What room/ship was this?

Dream, 8620. Sorry, should have named the ship but I thought this was a Dream-centric thread so I didn't.

 

[firstwdw]

I am soooooo confused!!!!! I don't know if I should switch or not! Is there much difference between deck 8 or 7? I"d be moving from deck 8 port to deck 7 starboard

 

[MomOTwins]

I am soooooo confused!!!!! I don't know if I should switch or not! Is there much difference between deck 8 or 7? I"d be moving from deck 8 port to deck 7 starboard

Basically the CC view is different on port versus starboard as shown by the above photos, so you just have to decide which one you prefer and if that matters to you enough to switch. For me that matters a lot because watching the family beach come into view from our room was pure disney magic. We also came back early from CC for our little one’s nap, so use our balcony more than most on that day.

 

[Ray LeBlanc]

I am soooooo confused!!!!! I don't know if I should switch or not! Is there much difference between deck 8 or 7? I"d be moving from deck 8 port to deck 7 starboard

Everybody has their own preference, and I don't think there's a definitive "best" choice. But I understand your concern; I agonize over booking decisions, too.

We sailed port last time, and it was fine. It was cool to see several ships passing in the night--not sure if that is more prevalent in the port side (sounds like it is from posts above). However, we preferred the starboard view of Castaway (from the sun decks) to the view from our room. I can see how others would like the port side, though, and do remember the CM's waving goodbye with the Mickey hands, which was pretty cool.

I also agree that 99% of your Castaway time will not be spent in your room, so I wouldn't worry about it too much (again, even though I am guilty of splitting such hairs as well).

Fireworks would only be an issue if you didn't make it up to 11/12 for Pirate Night, which I would recommend over your room anyway.

Since we did port the first time, our next cruise in February will be starboard to try it out. But if we did starboard last time we'd probably be doing port this time. I don't think it will impact your cruise at all. I prefer a higher deck, and while 7/8 is basically the same, I'd say stick with 8. But most importantly, don't worry about it!

 

[GatorMomInNC]

My first few cruises I was always port side, but I prefer starboard for the fireworks. Other than that, to me, there isn't much difference. And not a big difference between 7 and 8 (except maybe price?).

For the record, as far as starboard balconies go, we have stayed in Dream 6664; Fantasy 8676 and Magic 6608. We didn't receive any letters asking us to stay off the balcony, so not sure if some get it and others don't or if it has to do with the weather the night of the fireworks.

 

[Cruising Engineer]

Oops..

 

[wdwcp2001]

Going on our first cruise on the Dream next spring and I hadn’t even thought of this! We are mid-ship on deck 8 with a verandah on the port side. I will definitely try to switch if watching the fireworks from the room is an option- my kids are young and might not be up for a late night party.

 

[Cruising Engineer]

Going on our first cruise on the Dream next spring and I hadn’t even thought of this! We are mid-ship on deck 8 with a verandah on the port side. I will definitely try to switch if watching the fireworks from the room is an option- my kids are young and might not be up for a late night party.

It depends on the location of the fireworks mechanism. You certainly don't want to be under it while they are fired off. The firing noise, debris, and, smell should be considered. Does anyone know the exact location of the mechanism on the ships?

 

[OKW Lover]

Does anyone know the exact location of the mechanism on the ships?

I always thought it was from the middle funnel. Might be wrong on that.

 

[dcassetta]

I always thought it was from the middle funnel. Might be wrong on that.

I'm not sure either. On the classics, it is definitely toward the aft of the ship, because they close down the deck outside of Palo.

 

[Cruising Engineer]

I always thought it was from the middle funnel. Might be wrong on that.

There are only two funnels and the forward one is for the teen clubs. Maybe the fireworks are around the aft funnel where the engine exhaust comes out. That would make sense of the veranda closures on the starboard side mid to aft when the prevailing winds are off the port side of the ship (blowing the fireworks and smoke out to sea).

 

[mkh531]

Thanks! Annoyingly, we are a couple floors directly below this so sounds like we will get the notice too.

We’ve stayed on deck 6, room 6596, and did not receive a notice either time we stayed. I watched From the veranda while kids slept. I think you will be fine.