Disney Dream Questions for the Experienced Ones

11 posts / 0 new

Sun, 06/24/2018 - 17:27

JeffC

Offline

Joined: 09/12/2010

Posts: 4704

Disney Dream Questions for the Experienced Ones

Looking into possibly doing a 3 night cruise next March and found some options on the Dream. I have a few questions for anyone who's been on or knows people who have been on.

Since we've never cruised before and have no idea if we will like it or have any sea issues, it would be a simple 3 night Bahamian cruise out of Port Canaveral.

Questions:
1. For 2 adults who like quiet, especially at night, what decks would be best? My limited research suggests 9. We don't want to be too near a lot of activity areas, !ik e pools, lounges, etc.

2. Is there less ship movement felt in the mid section rooms versus either end?

3. I would splurge for a deluxe oceanview stateroom with verandah. I need space and after reading one of Kristen's reviews of the smaller inside deluxe rooms from a few years ago, as well as the post about whether to verandah or not to veranda, we would verandah

4. Is there any particular benefit to being on one side of the ship versus the other? I'm guessing since it's an out and back trip you'll eventually see both sides of the ocean. But that's just a guess.

Welcome any feedback and advice!

Sun, 06/24/2018 - 21:32

Kristen K.

Offline

Joined: 09/01/2011

Posts: 23803

JeffC wrote:

Looking into possibly doing a 3 night cruise next March and found some options on the Dream. I have a few questions for anyone who's been on or knows people who have been on.

Since we've never cruised before and have no idea if we will like it or have any sea issues, it would be a simple 3 night Bahamian cruise out of Port Canaveral.

Questions:
1. For 2 adults who like quiet, especially at night, what decks would be best? My limited research suggests 9. We don't want to be too near a lot of activity areas, !ik e pools, lounges, etc.

I like Deck 6 personally. We were Deck 8 forward (directly under the bridge) on our last cruise and the noise from above drove me nuts. I can say for sure that the 9 forward area gets a lot of foot traffic coming and going from the bridge. Being towards midship or aft might not be as bad.

JeffC wrote:

2. Is there less ship movement felt in the mid section rooms versus either end?

Mid section, and lower on the ship, is generally believed to have the least movement. There are different kinds of movement to consider. I don't have issues with the motion of the ocean, but I do have a big problem with the subtle vibration from the engines. I tend to stay away from the aft of the ship because of that. On the other hand, Becks swears by her room that's 6 aft looking off the rear of the ship because of the huge balcony.

JeffC wrote:

3. I would splurge for a deluxe oceanview stateroom with verandah. I need space and after reading one of Kristen's reviews of the smaller inside deluxe rooms from a few years ago, as well as the post about whether to verandah or not to veranda, we would verandah

If you can verandah - do verandah. So worth it.

JeffC wrote:

4. Is there any particular benefit to being on one side of the ship versus the other? I'm guessing since it's an out and back trip you'll eventually see both sides of the ocean. But that's just a guess.

Yes! When you pull into Castaway Cay, the Starboard side (right side when looking forward) of the ship has better views of the island. Especially if you are in the midship or aft area.

Sun, 06/24/2018 - 23:47

JeffC

Offline

Joined: 09/12/2010

Posts: 4704

Thank you so much, Kristen! This info is incredibly helpful

Thu, 01/24/2019 - 01:44

JeffC

Offline

Joined: 09/12/2010

Posts: 4704

Well I did it! I booked a cruise on the Dream for Joe's 40th birthday. He does not know yet.

March 1-4. Cabin 7624. I took as much of your advice as possible within the short booking notice. I think we did ok.

Now to figure out just what the heck I did. And how/when I tell Joe!

Thu, 01/24/2019 - 02:48

JMed

Offline

Joined: 02/16/2014

Posts: 3849

Oh how exciting!!!! I can't wait to hear about the reveal! I am still trying to figure out how to fit one in this year.

__________________

"I do not like the cone of shame."

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell."

"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

Jennifer Huotari | Create Your Badge

The Huotari's Disney Adventures | Promote Your Page Too

Fri, 01/25/2019 - 15:08

Kristen K.

Offline

Joined: 09/01/2011

Posts: 23803

You guys are going to have a great time, and I am way jelly. You'll have to send some of that Carbibean sunshine my way.

Sun, 02/24/2019 - 03:12

JeffC

Offline

Joined: 09/12/2010

Posts: 4704

Wow, this came up fast! We set sail in 6 days. Super excited.

I told Joe a few weeks ago (I went with 2 scrolls that I stuck in empty bottles - ha!) and he seems pretty excited.

No excursion booked or planned - will play it by ear and see what he wants to do. I had reserved snorkel gear but after researching the weather and water temps I'm pretty sure Joe will not want to go in the water much, if at all..I will go on for sure though.

I think we will at least get off the boat at Nassau and explore the Festival Place and maybe the immediate area. I noted the state department has a Level 2 advisory to exercise increase caution. So we won't go far.....I'm not that adventurous on a first visit.

We'll do the Castaway Cay 5k on Sunday morning then enjoy the beach, maybe rent bikes. And just have a great time.

I ordered him a special celebration cake for delivery on his birthday Saturday. He found out about it though so no surprise. I tried to order a custom magnet for the door but he caught me designing it and put the kabosh on that (doesn't want the attention, unlike me, who demands attention....hahaha.)

I asked for a private table for the rotational dining - will be curious to see if they accommodate. I had to promise to not specifically call out his birthday at dinner (but I might see if they can do a Happy 40th Birthday to Joe announcement of some sort on his birthday).

I plan to sneak my pirate Mickey ears into the suitcase for pirate night on Saturday!!

It's about 2 and a half hours from our house to Port Canaveral, and we are boarding the dogs at a place about 15 minutes beyond Disney but right on the way to the port. I'm allowing 3 hours minimum, but probably will leave 3 1/2 hours before our port arrival window of 12:15-12:30.

And I took off this Thursday so just 3 days of work!!!!

Cannot wait!!!!!

Sun, 02/24/2019 - 03:57

Spook

Offline

Joined: 04/27/2012

Posts: 2786

How exciting!

Sun, 02/24/2019 - 20:17

JMed

Offline

Joined: 02/16/2014

Posts: 3849

Sounds wonderful!!!! Playing by ear is a great first time idea.

Nassau - Be prepared to be bombarded. We stay on board at this point. You can't walk 2 feet without someone trying to sell you something or go on a tour. Be prepared for that. Just keep walking!!

They normally are pretty responsive to the tables for 2, I've even seen them move people to a different table. You can check when you board to make sure and if they didn't, ask again.

Pirate Night is great, we see people dressed up and some who don't do a thing. They do leave bandanas in your room for it too!

Port is great and really easy to navigate.We always park there, just so much easier Gotta pay to park no matter where you do, we spend a little extra to be there and in our own car as soon as we are back.

I think you will love it! Can't wait to hear your thought ans see a pic or 2!!