News - Carnival Dream

2009, January 30

O Captain! DREAM Captain!

Captain Carlo Queirolo

Senior cruise director, and all-around Carnival historian, John Heald takes a cruise down memory lane with Captain Carlo Queirolo. John and the man who will be at the helm of the brand new CARNIVAL DREAM talk about the past, present and what the future holds aboard this phenomenal floating resort. Enjoy.

Captain. Very soon you will be the master of our largest vessel. What a wonderful journey you must have been on to get this far.....so, I wonder if you can tell us about your life at sea? I graduated from Camogli Nautical Institute "Cristoforo Colombo" in 1977 and spent a few years on a cargo ship as deck officer. In 1985, I started as junior officer on the former Carnival ship, the TSS Festivale. Then my career moved quite fast with this great company. I was promoted staff captain in 1991 on the Jubilee, since retired. In 1994, I was the staff captain and helped launch the Fascination in Helsinki. In 1996, I was promoted captain on the Ecstasy and in 1997 I commanded the world’s first Azipod-equipped cruise ship, the Elation. As captain, I was also in charge of the Paradise and Carnival Glory. Therefore, this magnificent ship, the Carnival Dream will be my fourth newbuilding for Carnival.

Captain Carlo Queirolo (circa 1985) as seen in his credentials from the TSS Festivale.

You and I have been friends for a long time and together we have seen many changes. Can you tell us what it was like to be a young deck officer and some of the duties and experiences you remember? When I step on board the TSS Festivale, I was assigned right away on duty at the gangway in Miami during embarkation. And with my poor English at that time, what I learned right away was the words "pursers’ office,” which was my answer to almost all answers from the passengers. I had many different experiences, I’ve worked hard but I have also a lot of fun.

And so on to today. Can you tell us where you are currently serving as captain and the ports you visit? I heard cruise with some bad weather and a missed port......can you share with us what happened and what decisions you had to make. Right now I'm the captain of the Carnival Freedom, and her itinerary is simple beautiful. I love the eight-day eastern Caribbean run from Port Everglades to San Juan, St. Thomas, Antigua, Tortola, and Nassau. The six-day western Caribbean run includes Key West, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios. Then we do an eight-day exotic western Caribbean run featuring Cozumel, Limon (Costa Rica) and Colon, Panama. Yes, sometimes during hurricane season we have to change the itinerary or skip a port for the safety of our passengers, crew and ship. It is not an easy decision for a captain, because we always try to give the best to our guests. But I can tell you by experience that when I take this type of decision with professionalism. I always take some of my time to personally explain it to our guests, they are always are understanding and they support it, because their safety is my number one priority.

Once again congratulations on being chosen to be the master of the Carnival Dream. .......so, a simple question........how do you feel? I'm simply proud to be the first captain of the largest ship of our Carnival fleet. There are still many dreams which I want to fulfill, but for sure the Carnival Dream is one of those.

From what you have seen about the ship what are you most excited about from a Captain's perspective? The whirlpools on deck 5 -- just kidding. There are many features which I like about this ship. The Carnival Dream has a beautiful stern, the size and the dimension of the ship are a nice challenge, but with the new power plant, thrusters and new steering system I cannot wait to park this magnificent ship in some beautiful port.

You will soon be heading to the shipyard and therefore I thought it would be great for the bloggers to read about what a captain's involvement is during the ship's construction? The captain is fully involved with the last stage of construction. We have newbuilding team working on site all the time, but already captain and chief engineer (my friend Stefano Gazzolo) are reviewing ship's plans. A few months before the delivery of the ship, the captain and chief engineer move near the shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy with their team and start to follow the last inspections of the ship and prepare the ship for our guests and crew. Furthermore during the construction our team goes through many different training classes to familiarize themselves to the latest technology on board.

In April the ship will start her sea trials. Can you explain what this involves and what your involvement will be? The sea trials are the most interest side for me of the entire new building process. Why? Because it is the only time you can test everything of the ship, and test each equipment at the extreme condition. As a sample, the Crash Stop, which means we run the ship at maximum speed ahead and then stop to check to see how much time and distance we need to stop the ship. Our team is also checking all of the different equipments on the bridge, fire suppression system, life saving equipment, etc.

This may sound a silly question but I am sure its one that many of us don't know the answer to. What are the challenges to navigating and docking a 130,000-ton ship like the Carnival Dream compared say to a Spirit class or Fantasy class ship. It is only a matter of experience. For sure, the first few maneuver I'll be little bit more slower than normal, because I have to learn and memorize the size of the new ship and the response of the new power plant.

And now............as is tradition here on the blog thingy, it is time for you to choose your ultimate Captain’s Table. Let’s start with the menu using your favorite items from our brilliant dining experience.

APPETIZER: Shrimp salad

CHOICE OF two MAIN COURSES: Surf and Turf - Lobster

DESERT: Tiramisu

THEN YOUR TABLE

Someone from the cruise industry: Micky Arison

Someone to make you laugh: John Heald

Your favorite actress: the one who John always promised to me as godmother in the past: Sharon Stone

Your favorite actor: Richard Gere

A musical guest: Madonna

Someone from history you wished you had met: Pope John Paul II

Thanks Captain.

Posted: Jan 30 2009, 10:06 AM by Andrew | with
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2009, January 16

With a lot of hard work, DREAMs can come true!

The Carnival Dream is almost complete and we're ready to share her with you. Here are some exclusive images to give you a great look at how things are coming along.

Carnival Dream Cruise Ship

The Carnival Dream calls Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy home. But go ahead and book your "Fun Ship" vacation because it won't be long before she sets sail.

Carnival Dream Cruise Ship

The Carnival Dream...She is an engineering wonder all her own.

Carnival Dream Cruise Ship

Never stop dreaming. We haven't and look what has happened. She will be the largest ship in our fleet set to take guests on their dream vacations.

Carnival Dream Cruise Ship

The Carnival Dream is in "ship shape" and just about ready for her maiden voyage.

Carnival Dream Cruise Ship

Recognize this? It's the Carnival funnel atop of our dream ship. It symbolizes, "Fun for All. All for Fun."

Carnival Dream Cruise Ship

We're lovin' the Lido deck for the Carnival Dream. Check it out. It will host lots and lots and lots of Carnival guests and parties as it sails the seas.

Carnival Dream Cruise Ship

This is an outside view of the staterooms that are currently under construction, showcasing the private balconies attached to each one.

Carnival Dream Cruise Ship

Talk about fun in the sun! This is the beginnings of Carnival’s trademark Twister Waterslide.

Posted: Jan 16 2009, 4:12 PM by Andrew | with
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2009, January 16

Renditions of a DREAM V -- Relax. You're on Cloud 9.

The whole point of a vacation is to forget about everyday life for a while and simply enjoy yourself. In other words, relax. Once complete, CARNIVAL DREAM will be the second ship in our fleet of "Fun Ships" to feature the Cloud 9 spa. With state-of-the-art relaxation facilities, including: a thalassotherapy pool, thermal suite and VIP treatment suite; this is one spa you'll be dying to tell all of your friends about. Just don't be alarmed if your vocabulary is reduced to oohs and aahs.

Spa Carnival – Carnival Dream cruise ship

Cloud9 Spa: Two spectacular levels of pure bliss featuring the newest health and beauty therapies, as well as a complete fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment and classes such as yoga and Pilates.

Carnival Dream Spa Pool

THALASSOTHERAPY POOL: Invigorate your body with massaging jets of ionized seawater.

Spa Carnival – Carnival Dream cruise ship

THERMAL SUITE: Features four oh-so-soothing heat chambers for your rejuvenation – Laconium, Tepidarium, Oriental Steam Bath and Aroma Steam Bath.

Spa Carnival – Carnival Dream cruise ship

VIP TREATMENT SUITE: Enjoy a soothing massage together in one of the VIP treatment suites exclusively for couples.

Posted: Jan 16 2009, 12:11 PM by Andrew | with
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2009, January 07

Renditions of a DREAM IV -- Youthful Exuberance

Our cruises are designed for people who can appreciate the value of fun. And who appreciates a good time more than kids? That's why we make sure that from toddlers to teens, all of our youngest cruisers have plenty of fun-filled things to do on their cruise. Here's an exclusive look at the spaces aboard CARNIVAL DREAM that will be designed with their happiness in mind. Don't forget the video camera, because your family vacation on this "Fun Ship" will make the highlight reel.

Carnival Dream - Camp Carnival

CAMP CARNIVAL: From finger painting to cartoon time, the little ones will also have a blast at this supervised camp for kids 2-11.

CIRCLE "C": Young teens 12-14 can chill and connect with fun activities just for them in a space all their own.

Carnival Dream ClubO2

CLUB O2: The place to be for teens 15-17. They can enjoy their own cool parties, movies and shore excursions.

Posted: Jan 07 2009, 10:41 AM by Andrew | with
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2009, January 02

Renditions of a DREAM III -- Endless Entertainment Options

What's the common denominator between all of our guests? They love to have fun. That's why we're building CARNIVAL DREAM with a huge variety of entertainment venues designed to accommodate each and every one of you...no matter what your idea of a good time might be. So here’s a first look at some of CARNIVAL DREAM'S future hot spots. Because when the sun goes down, the fun gets turned up a notch.

Carnival Dream - Caliente Danceclub

CALIENTE – DANCE CLUB: Put on your dancing shoes because this club is always hot.

Carnival Dream - Atrium

THE DREAM LOBBY: Marvel at this spectacular atrium that will delight any dreamer.

Carnival Dream - Dream Bar

DREAM BAR -- ATRIUM BAR: People-watch at the bar or watch the piano man tickle the ivories, whatever you fancy.

Carnival Dream - Main Lounge

ENCORE -- MAIN SHOW LOUNGE: Sit back and enjoy the performance, where every night is an extravaganza.

Carnival Dream - Casino

JACKPOT CASINO: Is there a more exciting sound than the ka-ching of the casino…Turns out, Lady Luck likes to cruise as well.

Carnival Dream - Casino Bar

JACKPOT CASINO BAR: Celebrate your winnings, cheer your home team to victory or enjoy the live music.

Carnival Dream - Rendezvous Lounge

RENDEZVOUS -- CLUB LOUNGE: Slip off to this intimate, cozy lounge for a nightcap.

Carnival Dream Piano Bar

SAM'S -- PIANO BAR: Join in around the piano bar and sing along to a familiar tune.

Carnival Dream - Scarlett Lounge

BURGUNDY LOUNGE -- AFT LOUNGE: Be courageous with karaoke or just be entertained by the hilarious comedians.

Carnival Dream - Jazz_Club

THE SONG -- JAZZ BAR: Sway along to the cool jazz tunes.

Carnival Drema Promenade

UPPER DREAM STREET -- INTERIOR PROMENADE: Watch the world go by or re-group with the family at this social hub.

Posted: Jan 02 2009, 10:14 AM by Andrew | with
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