The Stardust Lounge is the major entertainment area. The area is open and large, but has a major problem with seating. Small bucket shaped chairs are packed closely to each other and therefore limited leg room. Many times seats were unavailable since passengers had moved the chairs and blocked others from using them. The Dream management should correct this problem immediately for the comfort and safety of the passengers. The stage is large and has a great staff in setting up the stage, between acts and show venues. The sound is good, and if NCL would straighten out the seating problem, the viewing experience from the seats to the stage would be much better. The Jean Anne Ryan (JAR) Company is the contracted entertainment dance group that plays the NCL ships. They are great, and this week we had two outstanding performers/dancers from the Ukraine. A husband and wife team. The magic show was weak, and the comedian was ok. The highlight on this cruise was the JAR dancers and shows. Three major shows in the Stardust Lounge, by JAR with the last show the best. Music in Lucky's Bar and Observatory Lounge. Dancing in Dazzles. Entertainment every night in Stardust Lounge. Programs were well planned and always on time.
Shopping on the Norwegian Dream
On board shopping small and limited. Gift shop for sundries, and snacks etc, very low product choices. Always a deal when you shop at the end of your cruise. For shopping on this cruise, get off the ship. No problem in bringing back your own soft drinks. One of our party brought back a bottle of Pineapple Rum from Belize with no problems and NCL did not require the bottle be held to the end of the cruise. The bottle was never opened during the cruise.
Norwegian Dream Stateroom
Our stateroom (5023) was ample for two adults. Father (82) had an inside cabin (5126) as a single. It was great for one person. Other guests in cabin 5029. Showers were great, but small as usual. We had an unobstructed view outside from Deck 5 mid ship and nice sized window. Beware of "upgrades" to Deck 7. The windows in these staterooms have obstructed views since they are on the Promenade Deck. They offer no privacy. Promenade walkway is in front of these rooms. Room offered older outdated TV, very limited choices for American TV lovers. Ample storage for clothing and window area acted as great place for odds and ends. Under the bed storage for suitcases was great. The beds were VERY comfortable and the pillows were outstanding. Great service from the housekeeping staff. Outside staterooms great for 2 people, inside staterooms for one or two max. 4 people in an inside stateroom room is not recommended. All staterooms have easy access to the lifts or elevators. The lifts are small and hold 5 people comfortably, after that they are too cramped. Muster drill was not comfortable. Lots of passengers "cramped" into a small outside promenade area on Deck 7.
Norwegian Dream Shore Excursions
A lot of excursions were offered for several diverse pleasures. Diving, Mayan Ruins, shopping, water sports, beaches. There's plenty of off ship venues to choose from.
Medical Staff on the Norwegian Dream
We did need medical assistance for my 82 year old father. The service and response was quick. The nurse and ships Dr., Jefferson Loyd was in the cabin within 5 minutes. Great service. Nurse even followed up.
Overall Summary of Norwegian Dream Cruise
This was another great cruise experience for us and NCL. My 82 year old father a first time cruiser, had a great time. He is very critical of everything at this age, and was very impressed with the overall cruise experience. Captain Nenad Mogic and his staff/crew provided a fun week and very good cruise experience for the 1st timer or the experienced repeat cruiser.
I would highly recommend that you consider this cruise itinerary on the Norwegian Dream. A great cruise at a value price. Soon the schedule will change. From the Port of Houston, it's an outstanding cruise value for the "bargain hunter" cruiser.
For us, we will be on the new NCL Norwegian Pearl from Miami, Feb 2nd, 2007, and then once again for Alaska on Aug 5th, 2007. Discover NCL for a great "value" cruise. We are glad we did.
