Have you sailed on the NCL Dream in 2006?

[MaryM]

We are traveling on NCL Dream in April. We were wondering if the ship has had any problems lately? (engine problems, missed ports, AC trouble)
Also, if anyone has some suggestions on beaches for the ports. We do not plan on taking the cruise ship excursions due to the package and price. We just want to go to the beach.
(Roatan, Belize, Cozumel, Cancun)
Thanks MaryM

[Ron Clark]

The Dream's diesel was repaired last November.

It's been going to every port execpt Cancun since then. Cancun hasn't been reopened yet. It could reopen this month.

[Cruiser86]

Is the Dream still going to Roatan? According to some searches I've done, it's not going there when we're planning to cruise in November. Does anyone know why they've changed the itinerary?

[CRUISEMAMA]

Here go with the NCL Dream issue again. the Dream did not make it to ANY of the scheduled port stops (Cancun, Cozumel, Belize, Honduras) late October 2005 and we spent 5 days at sea floating in the middle of nowhere. We ended up in Veracruz Mexico which was the worst port stop I've ever seen after 6 cruises - and then Progreso Mexico - Progreso was AWESOME, though!The ship is badly in need of an exterior paint job - it goes to show NCL's lack of respect for these beautiful ships (including SS Norway) and 2 of their engines wasn't working at all...the fastest we could go was 10-12 knots. Everybody tried to make the best of a bad situation - I was just happy enough to NOT have to be at work!!!

[MaryM]

NCL Dream was a "good" vacation. We were on the ship in April 2006. The ship was in great shape but the ongoing maintenance seemed excessive. Painting all of the time everywhere hull to pool area. The service was wonderful (great people) but the food selection was boring! A lot of the same every night. We did not like the freestyle dining.

To rate the stops; Roatan, Honduras was the best! Grabed a cab at the island after getting off the ship (this was not pre purchased on the ship) The driver was awesome. He took our group of 8 for a tour of the island, to the Iguana Farm, and to a resort on the beach (no cost to enter. The beach was clean, uncrowded and enjoyable. At the end of our day as we headed back to the ship we stopped at a market to pick up a few items. The people were friendly and not pushy at all.

Belize was postcard beautiful. ALthough a stop only for shoping, a tour or to go snorkling or diving. We took a local water taxi to Caye Caulker only to find out about a local swimming hole. The beach was more clay like than sand and trash was prevelant along our walk. The water taxi ride back was like riding in a refugee boat. Would not have been bad for a short ride but for the 45 to 60 min we spent on the taxi it was a little long. People on the island were nice but a little pushy but hey we all have to make a living.

Cancun was closed and according to the news reopend the day after our planned stop. Missed this one.

Cozumel - been here and done it before. Still a good stop and the local taxi's are great. Always a good stop. We went to the beach for the day on an all inclusive. Drinks, non-motorized water equipment, water trampoline and a climbing iceburg were part of the package.

Although we liked our vacation and made the most of it we likly will not cruise with NCL again with all of the other choices.

Note: October is still Hurricane Season!