Picking the Best Cabins on the Carnival Dream

A deck-by-deck analysis of the Carnival Dream's best and worst cabins.

Looking for the best cabins on the Carnival Dream? Want to find the cabin with a little larger balcony than most? And what about staying away from undesirable cabins on the Carnival Dream? How do you avoid the worst cabins on the Carnival Dream?

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Carnival Dream Best & Worst Staterooms: Summary

Best Cabins on the Carnival Dream are staterooms and suites on Decks 7, 8, 10, and 12.

Cabins to be wary of on the Carnival Dream are staterooms on Decks 2, 6, 9, and 11.

Deck-by-Deck Breakdown of the Best and Worst Cabins on the Carnival Dream

Deck 1 -- Riviera Deck

Cabins on the Carnival Dream's Deck 1 have cabins above them, which buffer noise from public areas above. However, it's important to bear in mind the fact that the ship's engine room and propellers are beneath this deck, and this could cause noise and vibration issues in cabins in the aft section of Deck 1. With a bit of planning, however, it is possible to locate a nice cabin on Riviera Deck of the Carnival Dream.

• Forward on Deck 1 of the Carnival Dream, 1202 and 1201 port side and 1201 and 1203 starboard are Interior Staterooms with Upper/Lower Beds. These are small staterooms; each has 160 sq. ft. and port holes.
• 1206 and 1208 port side and 1205 and 1207 starboard are Porthole Staterooms. Each offers 170 sq. ft. and two portholes.
• With the exception of the cabins in the most forward area of Riviera Deck on the Carnival Dream, all of the exterior cabins are Ocean View Staterooms.
• Cabins 1327, 1333, 1404, and 1417 share wall space with elevators and are probably noisier than other cabins on the Carnival Dream's Deck 1.
• Between 1230 and 1232 port side and 1231 and 1233 starboard there are staff storage areas. Noise might be a concern when staff are busy.
• There is a crew area across the hall from 1373, so noise could be an issue in this Ocean View Stateroom as well as other cabins in that vicinity.
• On the Riviera Deck of the Carnival Dream, cabins 1400-1455 (in the stern / rear of the ship) may notice a bit of propeller vibration. 
• Aft on Deck 1 of the Carnival Dream, cabin 1438 has more space than average.

Related: Carnival Dream Riviera Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 2 -- Main Deck

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Some cabins on this deck with potential problems

Deck 2 of the Carnival Dream is right beneath several major public areas that include the main dining rooms, the ship's galley, and the main lounge. Consequently, this is not a deck that we would recommend for light sleepers. 

• Forward, 2204 and 2208 port side and 2203 and 2207 starboard are Interior Staterooms with Upper/Lower beds. Each of these offers 160sq. ft., and none will have portholes.
• Cabins under the Encore Main Lounge are Ocean View Staterooms 2212- 2242 port side and 2211- 2263 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 2214, 2218, 2215, 2219, and 2225- 2265. Noise during rehearsals and performances could be of concern in any of these staterooms.
• Port side, Ocean View Staterooms 2244 and 2246 are beneath public bathrooms. Noise, such as hearing water rush through pipes, could be an issue in either of these cabins.
• The Carnival Dream has Cove Balcony Staterooms (2248 through 2414 port side, and 2273 through 2441 starboard) on  Main Deck.
• Cove Balcony Staterooms 2248- 2258 port side and 2273- 2283 starboard are in relatively quiet areas on Deck 2 of the Carnival Dream, although there could be some noise from the elevators when the lifts are busy.
• Cove Balcony Staterooms 2260- 2330 port side and 2285- 2357 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 2266- 2328 and 2291- 2355 have the Dream Lobby, the Crimson Lounges, or the Crimson Restaurant above them. Noise could be especially troublesome in the inside cabins; neither can we rule out noise issues in the Cove Balcony Staterooms.
• Starboard, 2375 is across from the Self Service Laundry. Noise and heat could be concerns in this cabin when the laundry is busy.
• Persons in the staterooms that are under the galley on the Carnival Dream are most vulnerable to noise that can occur early in the mornings and very late at night. These are Cove Balcony and Ocean View Staterooms 2334- 2424 port side and 2361- 2449 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 2336, 2363, 2367, 2348- 2364, 2377- 2395, 2390- 2410, and 2421- 2433. Light sleepers may want to especially avoid reserving a cabin in this area.
• Interior Stateroom 2367 is also not a great choice because it is right by an elevator.
• Ocean View Staterooms 2428- 2476 port side through aft and 2453- 2501 starboard through aft, and Interior Staterooms 2422- 2466 and 2451- 2491 starboard are beneath the Scarlet Restaurant. Noise could be an issue when this venue is open, and when staff are cleaning.
• The exterior cabins in the aft of the ship (2472-2497) all have unique aft-facing views that are quite picturesque on the Carnival Dream's Main Deck. 
• Aft on Deck 2 of the Carnival Dream, cabins 2470 and 2495 are roomier than average staterooms.

Related: Carnival Dream Main Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 6 -- Upper Deck

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Some cabins on this deck with potential problems

Along the entire Upper Deck, be aware that the main drag of the Carnival Dream is right beneath you -- including some areas that stay fairly noisy into the wee hours. This includes the Disco, the Casino, the Video Arcade, the Teen Disco, the Main Lounge, and the Aft Lounge.

• In the most forward section of Upper Deck of the Carnival Dream, Interior Staterooms with Picture Windows 6206, 6204, 6202, 6201, 6203, and 6205, Balcony Staterooms 6208- 6220 port side and 6207- 6223 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 6218, 6217, and 6219 are in a relatively quiet area.
• Balcony Staterooms 6222- 6268 port side and 6225- 6271 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 6226- 6264 and 6229- 6267 are over the Encore Main Lounge. Noise during rehearsals and performances could be an issue in any of these cabins.
• Cabins that are above the Fun Shops on the Carnival Dream are in a relatively quiet area on Upper Deck. These are Balcony Staterooms 6270- 6298 port side and 6273- 6303, and Interior Staterooms 6288- 6300, 6291- 6301, 6360, 6362, and 6364. 
• Balcony Staterooms 6302- 6356 port side and 6305- 6363 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 6304- 6358, 6366- 6380, and 6307- 6361 are over the Jackpot Casino. Noise until very late at night could be an issue in any of these cabins.
• Past guests of 6334 have indicated actual vibrations as well as noise that they attributed to the theater on Deck 5.
• Balcony Staterooms 6390- 6426 port side and 6371- 6405 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 6386- 6416 and 6367- 6399 are above bar areas. Noise until late into the evening could be a concern in any of these staterooms.
• Cabins 6367, 6458, and 6445 are next to elevators on the Dream's Deck 6, and may be noisy.
• Staterooms in the aft of the ship (cabins 6446-6498 and 6433- 6485) might have significant noise coming from the late night action below. While we are not suggesting that this deck be completely avoided, some of the worst cabins on the Carnival Dream are on Upper Deck! If you are light sleeper, you may prefer a cabin elsewhere on the ship, or bring earplugs. You may also consider investing in a wave machine (a sound device available at a specialty retailer like Brookstone -- produces pleasant sounds that can wipe out the unpleasant sounds).
• Cabins 6484, 6490, 6471, and 6477 have the larger than standard balconies on the Carnival Dream's Upper Deck. These L shaped Balcony Staterooms also have interesting room configurations.
• 6492 and 6479 are Premium Balcony Staterooms that will each offer 185 sq. ft. with 75 sq. ft. of curved aft balcony space!
• The Aft View Extended Balcony Staterooms on the Carnival Dream's Upper Deck (6494- 6481) all have larger than standard balconies.

Related: Carnival Dream Upper Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 7 -- Empress Deck

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The Empress deck is without question one of the best decks on the Carnival Dream! This is where all the suites are located. There is also at least one deck of buffer both above and below this deck, so noise tends not to be an issue from common areas. Because Empress Deck is home to several luxury suites, many of the best cabin stewards are assigned to this deck! Thus, anyone seeking an Interior Stateroom will also superior service on Deck 7! Some of the best cabins on the Carnival Dream are on Empress Deck!

• Forward on Deck 7 of the Carnival Dream, 7208 and 7207 are Ambulatory Accessible Interior Staterooms with Picture Windows. The views from these windows are obstructed by a passenger observation area, which also could pose some privacy issues. Please note that the beds in these staterooms cannot be converted into king sized beds.
• 7206, 7204, 7202, 7201, 7203, and 7205 are forward facing Interior Staterooms with Picture Windows. The views from these windows are obstructed by the passenger observation area, which can also affect one's privacy in any of these staterooms.
• There are 38 Ocean Suites on Empress Deck of the Carnival Dream. Each offers 275 sq. ft. of living space and a 65 sq. ft. balcony.
• There are twelve Grand Suites on Deck 7, and these are the most luxurious suites available on the Carnival Dream. Each offers 345 sq. ft. with an 85 sq. ft. balcony. (Grand Suites can only be found on Empress Deck of the Carnival Dream.)
• In our opinion, the best situated exterior accommodations on Deck 7 are as follows. Port side through aft, we suggest 7214, 7230- 7258, 7284- 7330, 7348- 7360, 7390- 7410, and 7424- 7462. Starboard through aft, we recommend 7215, 7227- 7259, 7287- 7335, 7355- 7371, 7397- 7417, and 7439- 7467.
• Starboard Balcony Staterooms 7345 and 7347 are across the hall from the Self Service Laundry Room. Noise and heat could be issues when this laundry is busy.
• Interior Stateroom 7349 shares part of a wall with the Self Service Laundry, from which noise and heat could be of concern when this facility is busy.
• Interior Staterooms 7426, 7344, and 7349 are next to elevators and are likely noisier on Deck 7 of the Dream.
• Aft, Balcony Staterooms 7448 port side and 7455 starboard are L shaped. Each has a 75 sq. ft. balcony!
• Premium Vista Balcony Staterooms are 7454 and 7459. Each boasts a 75 sq. ft. wrap around balcony with a superb ocean view.
• On the Dream's Empress Deck, Aft Extended Balcony Staterooms 7456-7461 each have 60 sq. ft. balconies and highly sought ocean views. 

Related: Carnival Dream Empress Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 8 -- Verandah Deck

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Highly rated by our cruise experts!

Veranda Deck on the Carnival Dream also has the benefit of cabin decks just above and beneath it. Most accommodations on Verandah deck are standard staterooms, and all of the outside cabins have balconies. Deck 8 is an excellent location for Balcony and Interior Staterooms! 

• Please note that the Balcony Staterooms located in the most forward section of Verandah Deck are close to the bridge, so privacy on these balconies is compromised.
• In our opinion, the best located Balcony Staterooms on Deck 8 of the Carnival Dream are as follows. Port side, we recommend 8220- 8244, 8276- 8336, 8354- 8374, 8404- 8424, and 8440- 8472. Starboard, we suggest 8221- 8245, 8277- 8339, 8359- 8379, 8409- 8431, and 8447- 8479.
• Interior Staterooms  8351, 8352, 8355, 8438, and 8445 share walls with elevators. Noise could be of concern in any of these cabins when the lifts are busy.
• Aft, Balcony Stateroom 8462 port side and 8469 starboard are L shaped. Each has a 75 sq. ft. balcony.
• Premium Vista Balcony Staterooms are 8462 and 8469. Each boasts a 75 sq. ft. wrap around balcony with a superb ocean view.
• Aft View Extended Balcony Staterooms on Verandah Deck of the Carnival Cream are 8468- 8475. Each has a 60 sq. ft. balcony. Please note that while the ocean views are wonderful from these balconies, these overlook the balconies below and can be seen from balconies above.

Related: Carnival Dream Verandah Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 9 -- Vista Deck

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Some cabins on this deck with potential problems

While it's possible to find a nice cabin on Deck 9 of the Carnival Dream, keep in mind that two thirds of the accommodations on this deck are under very busy venues on Lido Deck. Light sleepers will likely be much happier in a stateroom or suite in the forward section of this deck.

• Forward on Vista Deck of the Carnival Dream, 9206 and 9205 are Junior Suites. Each has 275 sq. ft. with a 35 sq. ft. balcony.
• Forward and between the Junior Suites, 9202, 9201, and 9203 are Interior Staterooms with Picture Windows. The views from these windows are obstructed by a passenger walkway.
• Balcony Staterooms 9272 and 9271 are across the halls from staff storage areas. Noise could be on concern when staff are busy.
• With the exception of 9272 and 9271, the staterooms and suites that are located in the most quiet area on Deck 9 on the Carnival Dream are Balcony Staterooms 9206- 9296 port side and 9205- 9295 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 9204- 9262, 9211- 9261, 9286- 9298, and 9285- 9297. For anyone seeking an Interior Stateroom, this is the only area of Vista Deck that we recommend.
• Balcony Staterooms 9300- 9356 port side and 9299- 9357 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 9302- 9352 and 9301- 9353 are beneath the Waves Pool area. Noise while the pool is open and when staff are cleaning could be a problem in any of these cabins.
• Balcony Staterooms 9358- 9450 port side and 9361- 9455 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 9362- 9390, 9365- 9393, 9412- 9440, 9417- 9445, 9448, and 9453 are beneath The Gathering Lido Buffet. Noise could be an issue while the buffet is open, and when staff are cleaning, in any of these accommodations.
• Aft on Deck 9 of the Carnival Dream, Balcony Staterooms 9452- 9478 port side and 9457- 9481 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 9454- 9470 and 9453- 9471 are beneath the Sunset Pool and Bar area. Noise while these venues are open and when staff are cleaning could be of concern in any of these cabins.
• Premium Vista Balcony Staterooms are 9472 and 9475. Each boasts a 75 sq. ft. wrap around balcony with a superb ocean view.
• Aft View Extended Balcony Staterooms on Verandah Deck of the Carnival Cream are 9474- 9477. Each has a 60 sq. ft. balcony. 

Related: Carnival Dream Vista Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 10 -- Lido Deck

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The Balcony and Interior Staterooms on Deck 10 of the Carnival Dream have the advantage of cabins above and beneath that buffer noise from public areas. Another added advantage to these accommodations is their proximity to the Waves Pool, the spa, and the fitness center!

• Forward on the Carnival Dream's Lido Deck, 10206, 10204, 10202, 10201, 10203, and 10205 are Interior Staterooms with Picture Windows. The views from these windows are obstructed by a passenger observation area, which also could pose some privacy issues.
• In our opinion, the best situated Balcony Staterooms on Deck 10 are 10212- 10248 and 10282 port side and 10211- 10249 and 10283 starboard.
• Port side, 10262 is across from the Self Service Laundry. Noise and heat could be issues in this cabin when the laundry is busy.
• 10290, 10288, 10289, and 10291 are closest to the pool area. Noise could be of concern in these cabins.

Related: Carnival Dream Lido Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 11 -- Panorama Deck

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Some cabins on this deck with potential problems

While it's possible to find a cabin in which it will be relatively quiet on Deck 11 of the Carnival Dream, it's going to take some thought. The port side staterooms in the most forward section are beneath the fitness center, and the aft cabins happen to be under the Waterworks on Deck 12. 

• Forward through port side, 11202- 11236 and 11208- 11228 are beneath the fitness center. Noise could be an issue when this venue is open, and when staff are using this facility.
• On Deck 11 of the Dream, cabins 11278 and 11277 have balconies with partially obstructed views and may be a bit noisier than other Balcony Staterooms due to their proximity to the bandstand.
• The Cloud 9 Spa Suites on Panorama Deck of the Carnival Dream are 11206, 11205, 11215, and 11221 . Each offers 275 sq. ft. with a 65 sq. ft. balcony.
• Between 11246 and 11248 port side and between 11245 and 11247 there are staff storage areas. Noise could be of concern in these Balcony Staterooms when staff are busy.
• Balcony Staterooms 11260- 11278 port side and 11259- 11277 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 11268, 11274, 11269, and 11275 are beneath the Carnival WaterWorks. Noise could be problematic in any of these cabins while this venue is busy, and when staff are cleaning.

Related: Carnival Dream Panorama Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 12 -- Spa Deck

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Deck 12 only has Cloud 9 Spa Balcony Staterooms! All of these cabins feature private access and amenities, with priority spa reservations. 

• 12202 shares a wall with a staff area. Noise could be an issue as a result.
• 12201 is next to the coed sauna. 
• 12216 and 12225 are closest to the Waterworks, so noise could be a concern in these cabins.

Related: Carnival Dream Spa Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)