Carnival Dream

Carnival Dream is the namesake of Carnival Cruise Line's Dream class. Ocean Plaza provides an indoor gathering and entertainment space on the Promenade deck, while the Lanai takes that part of the ship outdoors with seating and whirlpools.

This gives you a choice beyond spending the whole afternoon around a pool. You could check the activities in Ocean Plaza, walk outside along the Lanai or head up to Lido for a swim.

Main dining room meals and the Lido buffet form the core of the included dining. Guy's Burger Joint adds burgers and fries, BlueIguana Cantina serves Mexican breakfast and lunch dishes, and Pizzeria del Capitano offers pizza. Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que provides an included barbecue lunch when operating; check the onboard program for its serving days and hours.

The steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi and Seafood Shack are separate-cost choices. A casual counter and a specialty restaurant serve different purposes, so decide which meals you want to make an occasion of and leave room for the included options on other days.

Standard coffee and tea, lemonade, iced tea and non-bottled water are included in the dining rooms and Lido restaurant. Cocktails, sodas and specialty coffees cost extra unless covered by your booking or an applicable package. Drinks ordered at a bar are not included simply because nearby entertainment is complimentary.

Choose among interior, ocean view, balcony and suite accommodations, then check the particular room's bed arrangement and view. Cove Balcony cabins sit closer to the waterline; Aft-View Extended Balconies provide more outdoor space facing the wake. Certain Deluxe Ocean View cabins accommodate up to five people and include a full bathroom plus a separate washroom.

Cloud 9 Spa cabins add benefits beyond the room itself. Qualifying thermal-suite and hydrotherapy-pool access applies to the first two adults in the cabin, with these spa facilities restricted to guests 18 and older. Other guests need a pass, and treatments remain paid services. A spa cabin is worth comparing with separate passes if repeated use is part of your plans.