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Disclosure: I was a guest of Carnival Dream. All opinions are my own. Please see site’s disclosure section for additional information.
When I travel with my family I want a combination of two things: Relaxation and Excitement. I’m not going to beat around the bush, I like my naps, especially on vacation. But when the sun goes down I like to enjoy local entertainment. During our recent cruise aboard Carnival Cruise Lines- Carnival Dream my family and I enjoyed all the entertainment options available aboard Carnival Dream.
Carnival Dream is in Carnival’s Dream Class which means she has a Carnival’s largest variety of activity, dining and entertainment options. With that in mind, your family is bound to find night-life family friendly and adult influenced.
Looking for your kids at night? You might find them in the game arcade. The arcade is open 24 hours a day and has an array of video games your children (or Dad) will love! You can use your sign and sail card to purchase tokens. Tips: Create a budget for your child so enjoy time in the arcade.
Don’t forget about The Page Turner Library! You can browse through the small quite library and enjoy reading while your kids hit the nightly Dive in Movie on the lido deck. This is a great option for those that are not into the hustle and bustle that the evening has to offer.
Speaking of Dive in Movies, every night Carnival Dream offers Family Dive in Movies at the Seaside Theatre. While some evening you might find your favorite chick flick playing, you will also find movies that are geared for the entire family. From Captain America, Divergent to your favorite animated classic you family will enjoy swimming while a fun movie is played on the outdoor screen. Can’t watch a movie without some popcorn? Don’t worry, Carnival has you covered. Every night, Carnival Dream has popcorn available on the Lido Deck.
Are you feeling lucky? Jackpot Casino wants you to take a chance on luck while cruising on Carnival. My husband and I spent a little bit of time at Jackpot Casino. I didn’t strike it rich but I did have fun at the slots one evening. The Carnival Dream’s Jackpot Casino is located on the Promenade Deck (Deck 5) and offers slots, blackjack, craps, roulette, Texas Hold’em poker and bingo. Carnival Dream has Texas Hold’em tournaments and also offers a Player’s Club. If you find your way into the casino, Good Luck!
Punchliner was one of our favorite after hours entertainment. With adult only shows and family comedy shows there is something for everyone. My family went to one of Punchliner’s family friendly shows as well as several adult only shows. Both were entertaining and hilarious! Comedian and TV personality George Lopez searches for talent all over the country for Carnival’s Punchliner Comedy Clubs. Comedians are rotated and repeat performances are offered in case you miss their 1st performance.
If you are looking to log into social media or send a few emails out, don’t forget to visit Carnival’s Fun Hub. Open 24 hours a day, Carnival’s Fun Hub is an Internet Cafe of sorts. The Fun Hub features private computer terminals and access to a printer where you and your family can surf the Web and send emails on your private account or visit your favorite social media accounts. You can also find various FunHub terminals throughout the ships but if you brought your laptop, mobile or tablet you can use the ship’s WiFi on board. You will need to purchase WiFi access which is available as a package or by the minute.
If you are looking for vocal entertainment you can visit the numerous lounges aboard Carnival Dream. From Karaoke at The Song where you can be a Diva for the night or the Nightclub where you can dance the night away to some of your favorite tunes. Carnival’s DJ’s are playing various music from Country, Dance, Pop and much more.
My personal favorite was Sam’s Piano Bar. My husband and I visited Sam’s Piano Bar on several occasions. Not only were the performers at Sam’s Piano Bar talented but we were able to make special requests. Be sure to order your favorite cocktail or mixed drink because the piano player will keep you entertained and your vacation worries (not that you have any) slip away. Sam’s Piano Bar is open from early evening to late at night. Perfect for before-dinner drink or in our case, in the wee hours of the evening.
Last but certainly not least, you have to stop by the Chef’s Art, Carnival’s Steak House where flavor and presentation is everything. The experience is an added cost per person but by far worth every dollar. The quality of each course is complimentary to some of our local New Orleans renowned restaurants and wine selection superb. My New England Crab Cake, Baby Leaf Spinach and Fresh Mushroom Salad, Spiced Rubbed Prime Rib Eye and Chocolate Sampler dessert was worth every calorie. Don’t forget to order your bottle of wine and enjoy your dinner, the kids will be fine at Camp Carnival!
If you are looking for live dancers and singer you will find it at Encore!, Carnival Dream’s two-level theater. Encore! seats 1,400 and presents two shows nightly. This allows you to enjoy dinner and enjoy a show before or after your dining time slot. Encore! features song and dance performances like their Dancin’ in the Streets show. The shows featured at Encore! are family friendly so if your family is like mine, you will enjoy the numerous talented singers and dancers showcased nightly. During the day, Encore! is used for bingo, trivia contests and game shows. Seats fill up quick so be sure to get their early for your desired seats.
For additional information regarding Carnival Dream or other Carnival Cruise Lines visit their website or visit their Facebook or Twitter accounts.
What do you look for when you think of cruise ship entertainment?
What do I look for? Well, I would just want a cabin with its own little deck where me and the hubby could just hang out for a romantic time.
Actually, all the activities look fantastic! I think it’s about time the hubby and I snuck away and enjoyed a cruise together. Carnival looks like the one that I would choose.
I am seriously dreaming of a cruise. It is something I want to get to in the next 5 years.
I definitely want to go on a Carnival Cruise this year, I’ve been saving up for a cruise for my family and I. We are looking forward to all the good food available 24 hours a day. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Looks like you had an amazing time.I have never been on a cruise but would love to some day. Thanks for sharing.
Well there’s certainly not a lack of things to do! I love arcades, so much.
We sailed on the Carnival Sunshine last Christmas and thoroughly enjoyed it. Can’t wait to try another one of their boats!
I’ve heard lots about Carnival Cruise Line and would so love to take a cruise on one of their ships. Looks like it will be a lot of fun.
What a great cruise! When my husband and I cruised a few years back, we made sure we went to all of the movies in the theater. It was fun and we saw movies that we loved that we would probably not have chosen to go to.
Oh wow what an amazing look place – I would love to go on a cruise one day I have to admit.x
I haven’t been on a cruise but i want to. thinking of a Disney cruise.
Wow, looks like a lot of fun and a lot of things to do!
Nice. They really look like they have everything.
That sounds like a good time. My kids would love those batman games in the arcade.
There’s lots of great night time activities to enjoy on the cruise ship. I’m impressed they have a library. I’d spend so much in there!
I would have to set a budget for myself if I can pay for the slots on the sail card, LOL!!!!
Great pictures, look like you guys had a blast!
I spent a whopping $10! lol
I haven’t been on a cruise since I was a teenager but this makes me want to go again! Thanks for sharing your adventures!
This……this is the time I look forward too! I love the dinner and wine picture.
What fun and how great they have a library! It looks like they have everything covered to insure that everyone has a relaxing great time.
We haven’t been on a cruise in ages! This is a great reminder to me that I should start planning one. One thing we look for is comfortable rooms – I hate being crammed into tight quarters with no windows!
WOW, I’m ready to board now!~ How cool, my family is headed on a Cruise this Nov. Love the pictures and the Piano Bar is soooo cool!!
I have never been on a cruise but i would love to someday. I would love the live music.
We’re going on a Carnival cruise in December and I can’t wait! We’ve been before and had a great time. There is definitely plenty to do (or not do) on the ship.
It’s been waaaayyyy too long since my last cruise. This ship looks like a good one to get reacquainted with cruising. Thanks for the info. BB2U