recently had a caribean cruise on carnival dream,which was absolutely excellent,so much so they we have already looked into booking our 2nd one!! we embarked at new orleans,which was very smooth,we had embarkment time of 12.30 -1.30..we were on the ship by 12.30!!so many good memories from start to finish..everyone is made to feel welcome,the ship is large,yet never felt crowded...lots of activities going on day and night..Gary the cruise director does an excellent job,as do all the staff on board.the ship looked beautiful,and was clean,food was hit and miss,seemed to be the same,each day in the buffet,and at best just warm.the main dining room(we were in scarlet)the food was a little more varied,though perhaps not as good standard,as other cruise ships i have been on..the waiting staff however were excellent and work tirelessly to ensure,evrything go well..they really do a great job.guys hamburger joint and pig and anchor,were excellent.most of the crew/staff we met we very courteous,happy and wanted us to enjoy every minute..we saw quite a few theatre shows..my favorite had to be the mr and mrs show,with audience participation..it was hillarious,and again Garry as well as participants were star of the show...deck parties were very good fun,as were dive in movies..the atrium on board is beautiful,and popular place to hang out ,have a drink and watch/join in entertainment the piano bar was good too..just loved,basically everything about the whole cruise,our room was port hole cabin,which was spacious enough for us 3 ladies...i would highly reccomend carnival dream cruise