The ship had a huge dance party on the pool deck for New Years! The big outdoor movie screen featured music and the Times Square New Years Eve countdown. As the big moment got close, it was time to lift the champagne glasses to toast your friends ,cheer and then kiss people you don’t even know! That was fun.

The weather for this entire cruise was excellent – clear sunny skies and the sea was calm for most of the trip. The group was fun and everyone really came together as one big SinglesCruise.com bunch. In St. Thomas the catamaran ride and snorkeling was great fun, and the Beach party in St. Maarten was a blast too.

The Carnival Dream is one of the newest ships in the Carnival fleet and it’s beautifully decorated. All the SinglesCruise.com events, games and parties were well attended and everyone had a lot of fun at all of them. I know we made a lot of first time singles cruisers believer’s when we said welcome to your new addiction, because I know they will be back.  We’ll be venturing onboard Carnival’s newest ship – the Carnival Breeze – on our 8-night Eastern Caribbean holiday singles cruise next December.  Please join us!

See you soon! Harvey

I’ll be honest, I had some anxiety about hosting our SinglesCruise.com group on such a big ship. I was concerned whether the group would stay together on such a large ship with so much to see and do. I can tell you–  I was so wrong!  There was no need for concern, this ship was perfect for our group and I’m sure will be for the future groups coming up this year.

 Embarkation was incredibly fast and my mouth dropped when I entered the middle of the large atrium!  I just cannot believe the size of it, I was stunned at first and then couldn’t wait to start exploring all the decks to see what this what this behemoth had to offer.  It may be big, but the way the ship is laid out with the elevator locations, and the intuitive placement of things, it seems you’re never far from what you want to do, or see. 

I have never seen a ship with so many people (6,500 passengers on the week we were there) be able to serve folks at the Windjammer for Breakfast and lunch without your having to wait in lines!  And the food was great!  You’re in and you’re out, so you can get to the things you want to do. Dinner in the three story dining room was great – the service was amazing and the waiters were so attentive.

After dinner there were amazing shows, super large casino, fun neighborhoods to walk thru and play, and then it’s into  the two story disco with a live band playing music that would make anyone get up and dance. This place rocks and rocked until the wee hours.

Gee it’s a sea day. Do I have to get up, run out and put towels on a lounge chair so I’ll have one? Not on this ship, it only has 9 swimming pools and half of them are fresh water, and more Jacuzzi’s then you can imagine. There are so many lounge chairs that you can take your pick at any time during the day in basically any section of the ship you want.

My favorite was the Solarium area, a TRUE ADULT only section, in the front of the ship on deck 16 and 17.  It had two super-sized Jacuzzi’s and a small but perfect pool in the middle for cooling off and relaxing, and two bars and a restaurant for serving breakfast and lunch, the menu is geared more toward the healthy side, and dinner is at a small cost but the menu is great and worth the charge.

The rest of the outdoor areas are large and offer an array of bars, pools and a children’s area that made me mad I was too old to get into it. Two super-sized climbing walls, two Flow riders for your surfing and wakeboarding pleasure, a zip line for the daring, a full sized basketball court, a really big mini golf course, and ping pong tables in a glass enclosed area.  No wind and having to chase ping pong balls that far, nice touch.  This ship could literally go out to sea, never touch a port and I think no one would be disappointed, it’s a destination on to itself. 

The specialty restaurants along Central Park are fabulous, the Boardwalk neighborhood with a Johnny Rocket’s, a free donut shop, an ice cream cafe, a Sea shanty seafood restaurant .  Nearby is also the Aqua theater where divers put on a diving show into this crescent shaped pool –  not that big , but deep, and was amazing to watch.  It was even more amazing that first night when the waves were 14 feet and the wind blowing according to the captain at 40 knots, that these champion divers could actually do the show, and one of the crew guys said to me that sometimes it has to be canceled because of conditions.

As for the cabins, they were comfortable and modern, and featured a nice bathroom size and shower area.  I was in a regular inside cabin with plenty of closet and drawer space.  After all that, the group was great, everyone had a wonderful time and we all hung out together and knew our designated meeting spots so the ship size was never a problem. 

I know this ship cost somewhat more to cruise on, and for some it does make the difference to cruise or not to cruise.  However, if at all manageable, and you have never been on this ship, try to put it together and join us at least once.  This ship belongs on everybody’s bucket list, it truly is special, an engineering marvel, and a vacation you won’t soon forget. 

 I just don’t know how I’m going to cruise on those small ships again   Check out our next 7-night singles cruise on the Oasis of the Seas coming up in April 2012.

 Harvey

With loads of fun activities packed into our schedule, we started the cruise off with our version of ‘Speed Meeting’ where each cruiser gets a moment to briefly introduce themselves to other cruisers in the group.  We advised the Captain that this would be taking place around 7pm so that he could arrange some ‘rocking and rolling’ in the lounge that would allow our cruisers to get up close and personal with each other.  Well… It worked!!  Thanks again, Captain!!

Fast friends and ready to take Nassau by storm, our cruisers first met for a quick trivia game.  The questions were REALLY tough so we decided to give all those that attended a prize just for showing up! That evening was a formal night on board and everyone looked amazing.  After dinner a lot of our cruisers decided to take advantage of the ship’s overnight stay in Nassau and closed the doors at Senor Frog’s!  Thankfully everyone made it back on board on time and were well rested for the next day’s activities!  Speaking of well rested, Greg MUST have gotten a good night’s sleep because he was one of the winners in our ping pong tournament and then went on to win the ship’s tournament as well!  Way to go, Greg!!

Our dance lesson, ice cream social, water slide races and trivia were all a blast, but I think the highlight of the day was the Battle of the Sexes game!  This is the game where the ladies dominated!  I’m totally lying here, the guys were REALLY the ones who took the crown.  What I want to know is how did Ryan know all those random answers anyway?  Ladies, you deserve credit too!  You tried your hardest to give them a run for their money, didn’t you?  Regardless, there was a LOT of laughter coming from the Shangri-La lounge!

Our final farewell party was Mardi-Gras themed and there were a LOT of pictures taken that night.  There were GREAT costumes and lots of beads being passed around the Xanadu lounge!  Although it was our final evening on board, I KNOW that the friendships made will continue on even though our voyage on the Carnival Imagination is over.  In fact, I overheard several conversations that evening at dinner discussing which singles cruise would be the next one that cruisers attend.  Which one will YOU be joining us on?  We have recently added several new 2012 singles cruises so be sure to check them out!

Halloween 2012 was THE BEST Halloween cruise we have ever had!  Our big Halloween costume party and contest was once again a highlight of the cruise.  I’m pleased to announce Carlos won the big prize for his costume of “Pinhead” in “Hellraiser.” Wow, he was definitely in character.  There were so many great costumes it was an absolute trip to see the creativity of our fun singles cruisers!

The weather on this cruise was perfect and the ports were a blast. We held our first party outside on the back deck and although we experienced steamy conditions, we were still able to dance the night away. We also had an awesome Crazy T-Shirt night. Believe it or not, I blushed several times as this group was risky!  The cabin parties were outrageous and a great chance for everyone to get to know each other. Dewey and Roger had corner cabins with wrap-around balconies and William secured the Captains Suite.  It was unbelievable, windows from floor to ceiling. Roger went all out and decorated his cabin in pure Halloween style, it was super cool.

Overall, there were a lot of new friends made and a lot of old friends reconnecting with one another. Regina splurged for a cabana on the beach in Coco Cay which became the official party station, thank you Regina!  All the ports of call were great and I think we saved the best for last as our get-together at Margaritaville in Grand Turk was amazing!  Singles singing, dancing, and having fun – the DJ was off the hook!  It really was the most successful Halloween singles cruise ever and we are already getting floods of calls for our October 27, 2012 8 Night Halloween sailing!  I hope you all plan on attending!

Shelby

10) Free drinks! Yes, I said Free!! (we know that will always get your attention!)

9) Where was the deck party? (Ummm, on the deck…)

No Casualties! Be back on the ship on time! (Yes, there were six people unaccounted for at that port stop but they were not with our group so all is well!)

7) It’s world famous Bob performing tonight! (I’m not sure who Bob is or what he does, but apparently he is world famous for something!)

6) I have to detox today…

5) Pictionary was a ball!

4) This Battle of the Sexes game is not fair!

3) Do I really have a New York accent?

2) Are today’s trivia questions going to have anything to do with farm animals?

1) Tara, I am having a really great time! (This was the best thing I heard on the cruise)

Thank you all for a wonderful trip! Do you have plans for New Years Eve? If not join us for an unbelievable party at sea on our 7-Night New Years Celebration Cruise!

 I think NCL did a super job.  I really love all their specialty restaurants and although I didn’t get a chance to sample them all I was lucky enough to be invited to their delicious steak house and the sushi was super!  A few of our guests dined at every single restaurant and they raved about the Churrasco restaurant!  Freestyle cruising from NCL is definitely a different style of cruising and the extra dining options are fantastic.   You do spend more money on these extras but as long as you are prepared with this knowledge, I think it’s a great option.

We had some very fun guests on this trip. Roxanne and Jackie were hysterical at our “Mardi Gras Party!” If you were one of the many partygoers that stayed up late to shut the disco down you were able to catch a glimpse of the “Betty and Kendra Show!” This was a highlight! 

But back to Bermuda, in short this island was pristine. Clean, FRIENDLY, historical, charming and absolutely delightful.  One of the main differences between Bermuda and any other island I have ever been to was that no one badgered you to buy anything. They didn’t build it up to a touristy t-shirt shop town. The locals were sincere and truly helpful. They were genuinely interested in your experience on their island and donations were not obligatory.

I visited St. George with our crazy Ozzy, and Andrew, and we all said it was like going back in time.  I implore you to visit this great island – It really is something special.  Once again, I have to mention that the group was amazing, thanks to Linda we finally made it to Bermuda! Our group had a blast and I was so fortunate to meet them all. Thank you Bermuda cruisers for sharing a fantastic week full of wonderful memories!  I hope to sail with you all again and please email me anytime.  We have a number of other Caribbean singles cruises coming up so be sure to join us!

Shelby

10) Is Jimmy Buffet playing at Margaritaville?…Yes he is! But, you have to be back on the ship by 5 p.m. so you are going to miss him…
9) What port are we at again?
Tara, where were you last night?…Really??…You don’t remember our conversation?..Really?….um…hmmm
7) I was wondering just how long the cupid shuffle was going to play?? It kept going on, and on, and on and on (Half Moon Cay)
6) Do you have your Fun Meter?
5) Yeah! No Casualties!
4) I’m buying drinks!…Yeah, that always gets your attention!
3) This game is not fair so if you get offended easily, please leave. I can be bought but I only accept cash! (Battle of the Sexes)
2) I laid down for 5 minutes so I left the door open….next thing I know, security was waking me up!
1) Does anyone know what I did last night?

BONUS STATEMENT: Tara, I am having such a great time!

Thanks for coming everyone – we look forward to having you onboard again soon! Don’t miss our next 7-night southern Caribbean singles cruise departing San Juan on September 4, 2011.

Judging by the energy level, no one would have ever thought the April 23, 2011 sailing was a singles 40’s plus group.

The Battle of the Sexes game was nothing short of a small riot!  Maria had the ladies all fired up and “took no prisoners.”   The “Grease” party was amazing with the Pink Ladies and Rizzo strutting their stuff along with the T-Bird’s swagger, everyone looked fabulous. There was even an Elvis sighting.

It was a huge success and many have already booked the November 12, 2011, 40’s plus sailing. We hope to see you there!

Once on board, we held our popular lock and key mixer to get to know one another and then visited the beautiful port of Nassau, Bahamas.  Our Woodstock dance party was HILARIOUS!  So many people dressed up, it was such a good laugh – Tony, Jesse and April were my favorites!

St. Thomas was a little cloudy but that was fine because a few of our guests were getting a bit too pink! They enjoyed our catamaran trip as it was so nice to be out on the water.   Ian and the “Jolly Mon” are too much fun!  St. Martin was by far our favorite day. Our beach party was a huge success and the sun and water were perfection!  Scott and I and few other friends had a fantastic trip back followed by fun on the back pool deck for sail away. It really was a great time had by all!

It’s true we had more men than women on this trip and that’s typical for our 20’s and 30’s cruises. Most of the other singles cruises have evenly distributed  gender ratio, so gals….now’s the time to book our next fall 20’s and 30’s singles cruise leaving November 11, 2011 for 3 nights on the Carnival Imagination.  Hope to see you there!

Shelby