NCL DREAM--New Ports of call from NOLA

[joebat1]

Received a Latitudes mailing today that list the NEW ports of call for the NCL Dream beginning in November 2003.

They include Cancun, Roatan, Belize, and Cozumel departing NOLA. To me this is soooo refreshing to add some new ports besides the traditional Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozmel for the Western Route.

 

[Jim]

Joe, we will be doing the SEA out of houston on the smae itinerary....if you have NEVEr snorkeled, pls consider trying it in Roatan...Water is not too deep, coral and fish will blow you away!

 

[agreene]

Thanks Joe,
I'm considering taking this ship or the Carnival Conquest during spring break 2004 with hubby and kids. Im having a hard time deciding. I like this itinerary better as I did the other on the Inspiration but my kids really want Carnival due to the "kid friendly" atmoshphere although they have never sailed NCL. I live in Mississippi and its good there are choices close to home.

 

[Nanni-B.]

I am struggling with your identical dilemma agreene. We did Inspiration in 2002, Grandeur 2003 and now we are trying to decide Conquest or NCL. I do like this new itinerary but the freestyle cruisng aspect is making me nervous and I don't know what kids programs/pools are like on this NCL. Conquest looks marvelous in that aspect, but I vowed never to do the "mega ship" thing. I like to feel like I am on a ship, not in a resort, ya know? I have not checked out price differences yet either. Need to find out more on this NCL ship, including some pictures.

 

[agreene]

Hello Nanni,
I think Carnival has better kids programs but I like the ports on the Dream better. I have not been to 3 of them. I have done the Grandeur also. As far as the freestyle concept, the closest thing that I have experience like it is personal choice on Princess. I really liked that a lot not only for the flexibility of eating times but I was able to meet more people. Im trying to find out more about the kids programs on NCL also.

 

[Nanni-B.]

Keep me posted on any info you find on the NCL Dream/kids program and any pool info you may also find out (sounds silly but that was my son's biggest complaint, only 1 pool for kids on the Grandeur) via this thread!! I searched a few sites without alot of luck. Hubby and 11 year old son are big snorkelers and the Dream itinerary looks very snorkel friendly! Daughter and I are pretty easy going and are just happy hanging out at the beach. Good luck!!

 

[joebat1]

We sailed on the S.S. Norway 2 summers ago, and the parents and kids we met LOVED NCL kids program.

We sailed the July 4th week, and the ship was FULL of kids..... The only time you saw them was at diner time, or at the evening shows...OR went to their area, which was beside the afternoon Ice Cream tasting, and High-Tea area. I peeked in several time and there were "THOUSANDS OF KIDS" :lol and they were all having a ball. From the lack of kids running wild on the decks, I can only surmise they were having so much fun in their programs they choose not to leave.

I'm sure many parents can give you some valuable first hand advice on the kids program on NCL.

 

[Izzy Bee]

We booked last November for the first Dream Cruise out of New Orleans. The Dream booked fast!!! We also live in Mississippi and couldn't resist the new ports of call. We have only sailed CCL, Celebration, Inspiration and Conquest. I will post a review when we get back.

 

[pridevacation]

I am aiming for cruising on Dream in Jan, just waiting for the TA rate to be announced.

Darrell

 

[JohnG]

It was because of these ports we chose Dream for our annual December anniversary cruise. Going down to NOLA two nights before to enjoy NOLA and food, and sailing on the Dec 14, 2003, sailing. This will be my first NCL cruise and first Freestyle Dining experience. Hope I like it. Hated Personal Choice on Princess. I, too, like the smaller, older ships to the mega ships.