By Roy Witman

Carnival Dream lives up to its name from the moment you step aboard. The lobby features a soaring atrium that's sure to dazzle even the most seasoned cruise aficionado. Elegant dining rooms, trendy night spots, and flashy casinos share deck space with quiet adult-only lounges and day spas. And true to the Carnival name, kids have their own spaces and activities. The first of three ships of this class, Carnival Dream is everything you expect in a luxury cruise ship, and more.

Something for Everyone

In 2008, Porthole Cruise Magazine's Reader's Choice Awards declared Carnival the leader in onboard children's programs, and that holds true for their latest ship as well. From the littlest cruiser to seasoned veterans, Carnival Dream provides entertainment and relaxation for everyone.

The youngsters in your group will love Camp Carnival. This fully supervised activity center gives your two to 11 year-olds a place to call their own. They can enjoy fun arts and crafts activities, exciting toys and games, or cartoon time. Best of all, you get to spend some quiet time alone.

For older kids, the Circle "C" is the place to be. They can meet up with new friends, play games, or just hang out.

Teens will find Club O2 to be just the thing for alleviating that vacation-with-the-parents boredom. They're free to chat, listen to music, dance, or simply spend some time away from the grown-ups.

Serenity spa lives up to its name with a kid-free lounge, a relaxing whirlpool bath, and an attentive wait staff to fulfill your every wish. Add in spectacular - and calming - views of the ocean and it's obvious why Carnival calls this area Serenity.

For even more pampering, make a reservation at the Cloud 9 Spa. A hot stone massage is sure to work the kinks out of even the most uptight muscles. Or try the mineral-rich Thalassotherapy pool to experience the many benefits of a relaxing soak in warm seawater.

The Largest Floating Water Park

Carnival Dream sports the world's largest floating water park with three water slides, splash pool, wave pool, and more. The view from the top of the ship is spectacular, but you're not likely to see much while flying down the racing slide.

All This, and Nightlife, Too!

It wouldn't be a cruise ship without some rockin' nightlife, and Carnival Dream does not disappoint. Enjoy a stage show, head to the dance floor, listen to some cool jazz or relax with a movie viewed on the enormous screen at the Seaside Theater. Whether you choose to dress up or dress down, Carnival Dream has the perfect answer for your evening entertainment question.

Accommodations

Carnival's newest and largest ship has accommodations to suit every wish as well. You'll find room for more than 3,500 guests with staterooms ranging in price from oh-so-affordable interior cabins to the luxurious Cloud 9 Spa staterooms complete with private spa entrance and priority reservations. No matter which suite fits your budget, you'll enjoy the stellar service and attention to detail you expect from Carnival Cruises.

Christened in September 2009, Carnival Dream began her career with three cruises through the Mediterranean, then across the Atlantic to New York. She currently tours the Caribbean, where she escorts you to such phenomenal ports as Cozumel, Nassau, St. Thomas and others. Don't miss your opportunity to travel aboard this exceptional vessel.