Here you go jojo check this site out. http://www.zydecocruiser.com/CarnivalDream/GrandMed/index.htm

This guy has been doing a great job with pictures of his trip and of the ship.

The blowdryers on the ship are horrible. Not much air and do not heat up enough for me. although you really won't use it a whole lot any way. I think I use it twice for the formal dinners, trust me between the pool and the sunbathing to excursions an air dry or ponytail or a ballcap works just fine.

 My wife bought a small travel hair dryer from walmart prior to our last cruise due to the negative reviews of the ships hair dryers....and they were all correct.  She was very happy that she spent $10 to be able to get her hair the way she needed it as opposed to being angry all trip due to the unusable one they provide. Just an idea.  Plus, dont forget your power strip and extension cord

hmmm, well, I might just bring mine then.  I will have to look for a powerbar.  Do you know of a good place to look?  We live in Canada.  How many plugs would be good?

I'm also wondering about shore excursions.  The six of us want to go deep sea fishing, and we have found some places not through Carnival, but we aren'tsure about the getting back to the Cruise ship part.  Have you ever done any excursions not with Carnival?

TJMal,

I have taken shore excursions on my first cruise and was not happy with them.  I tried them on the next cruise and the tour industry at that island was on strike.  What I found works for me is researching the ports online prior to leaving.  I print out all the information (I'll have it with me on the cruise and don't mind sharing) and then decide based on that and what is offered on the ship.  I found that finding a taxi and touring on our own has worked best for us and the websites usually give information on how to hire a licensed taxi and how much you can expect to spend.  For this cruise, only one port tenders, the rest dock at "touristy" areas and most stuff is accessible.  We've never had an issue getting back to the ship on time, but we usually only taxi around and walk.

 I've not seen any positive reports about the blowdryers on the ships.  However, I have thick shoulder length hair, and had no problems with the one on the Glory last year.  With the wind and casual atmosphere, will getting every hair in place be that important?  

My only advice would be to book your excursions early. I've noticed that there are some that are no longer available because they filled up.

I wan't overly concerned about getting it perfect, I just wanted to know if I shouldbring my own,  anyways, I do have another question,  What are the fitness facilities like?  Do they offer aerobic classed throughout the days?  I'm not too fitness obsessed, i just want to fight the inevitable bulge that will happen with all of the eating that will happen. HAHA,  My parents went this past January, and my dad gained 7 pounds,  I thought that was funny, he couldnt' do up his pants when they left their hotel after the cruise.  I just want to stay the same,  so, if anyone knows anything about fitness facilities or if they offer aerobic classes throughout, that would be great.

hi, I was just wondering if you or anyone is doing the "your time" dining?  We have chosen it, and I have read some horror stories about it.  I'm not worried, but I was just wondering what yours or anyones opinion about it was???  Also, is anyone going on the beach day to Tabyana beach in Isla Roatan???  We wanted to go, but we thought $35 was a little high just to go to the beach.  I know it includes chairs to sit on, and I've read that if you don't go with Carnival, you can't sit in their designated area, or the security gurads are quite mean.  Have you heard about this???  Have you been there before???

Hi TJMal, well to answwer your question the last cruise I was on was on the Splendor. The Gym was big with alot of treadmills and elipticals along with weight machines and free weights. I know you could sign up for classes but I dont remember what they were all about.

As for the Tabyana Beach break we tried to book it but it was no longer available. We ended up booking a beach trip with a local guide called Victor Bodden http://www.boddentours.com/ . I checked around and heard other people talk about him on Carnival chat sights. He charged $20 dollars per person to bring you to and from the beach. You don't have to pay in advance they take cash that day.

As for are dinning we went with the early dinning time. Thats what we had last time and felt that it was a good choice for us.

 I don't do anytime dining because it's kinda neat to see the same table mates each night and catch up on what you've done since the previous day.  I had horrible tablemates when I went to a seated lunch a couple times. I've not heard anything about mean security guards, but think $35 is a lot for a chair too.  My daughter and I are thinking about the excursion in Costa Maya on that Thursday to the beach.  It cost $40, guaranteed chair, and all drinks are included.  They have a restaurant, but it's not included in the cost.  We're not convinced it's worth it, but the excursion we wanted is already sold out, and not sure what to do. 

 everybody i've spoken too about that particular beach excursion said to watch out because the beach is INFESTED with sand fleas!!  I myself am allergic to fleas, so i wont be partaking in that one. 

Barbara....How have you been?  I still look forward to meeting you guys at Comfort inn friday evening.  Hope all is well

 Hey, steelermoose!  We're all doing well, hope you are also.  Hadn't thought about sand fleas...I'm guessing  they are in Costa Maya too?  Good to know, I'd hate to waste the money on something like that.   We're looking forward to meeting you and yours on Friday as well.  Only 55 more days!  

Hi, I have another question.  I found another tour company in Costa Maya, and it is half the price to see the Chacchenaba (sp?) ruins.  I was wondering if you or anyone has taken a tour through someone other than Carnival, and didn't have to sit through a time-share type speal?  Could anyone help me with this?

 i would recommend you be REAL careful when booking excursions that arent thru carnival.  Depending on which port you are in, the time we are there will be short, and if you are not back to the ship on time it WILL leave you.  Besides which, there is no timeshare deal to sit through....its an excursion you are paying for.