148 Highlights 97 Differences 4 Reactions 0 Likes

Carnival Dream vs Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas: 148 Highlights & 97 Differences — So, Which Cruise Ship Actually Works Better

Want luxury or activity-packed fun? This comparison breaks down each ship’s major perks to reveal which might surprise you as the ultimate winner. From length overall, passenger capacity at double occupancy, show lounge capacity & beam to unique perks, this cruise ships comparison puts Carnival Dream vs Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas to the test with a travel-first mindset.

Supermod

Ineke C. S.

1997 Products

Moderator

Andini E. U.

478 Products

69 Points

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Dream

64 Points

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

162 Facts
4 Guides
0 Reviews
0 Discuss
1 Awards
37 Compare

Highlights ¹⁶²

No extras. Just what matters.

                                
                                                69
                                                
                                                    Points
                                                
                                        Carnival Dream
                                    
                                        vs
                                    
                                                64
                                                
                                                    Points
                                                
                                        Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Why is Carnival Dream better than Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas ?

General Information Dimensions & Tonnage Capacity Propulsion & Performance Safety & Regulations Dining & Cuisine Recreation & Wellness Entertainment & Excursions Technology & Connectivity Sustainability & Environmental Service & Operations Pricing & Value-Add

Scroll down for more facts

Recaptor

Summary served fresh by

Andhi E.

Carnival Dream vs Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas: A Detailed Ship Comparison

Both the Carnival Dream and Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas are iconic cruise ships offering unforgettable voyages, sharing core features such as diesel-electric propulsion, robust safety certifications, and extensive guest amenities. These vessels provide comfortable accommodations, diverse dining experiences, and rich entertainment options to satisfy various tastes and age groups. However, fundamental differences distinguish these ships: Carnival Dream shines with a more modern environmental profile and a higher public space ratio, while Freedom of the Seas delivers larger dimensions and more expansive family-friendly activities. Let's explore their critical attributes, from dimensions to technology, highlighting what makes each a unique option for your next cruise adventure.

Carnival Dream: Modern Eco-Friendly Comfort With a Spacious Feel

The Carnival Dream stretches 1004 feet in length with a beam of 122 feet, making it more compact than Freedom but boasting an impressive public space ratio of 4.71:1. This means more room per passenger in lounges, pools, and other common areas. The ship features 14 decks, 9 of which are dedicated to passengers, supporting a maximum capacity of 4,633 guests and a well-balanced 2.66:1 passenger-to-crew ratio, ensuring attentive service.

Performance-wise, the Dream boasts a max speed of 23.4 knots and a service speed of 22.5 knots, outpacing Freedom slightly. Its propulsion system of six Wärtsilä diesel-electric engines supports a large 700,000 gallons fuel capacity, optimized with LNG technology and shore power capabilities for enhanced sustainability. This commitment extends to solar panel usage, carbon offset programs, and a stellar A energy efficiency rating.

Dining aboard is elevated with 10 venues, including culinary classes and partnerships with chefs like Guy Fieri and Emeril Lagasse, providing unique flavor adventures. The extensive wellness facilities feature 10 jacuzzis, thermal suites, yoga studios, and an adult-only retreat area, offering a serene escape. Entertainment options include a larger theater with a 1,964-guest capacity and four live music venues, perfect for culture and performance enthusiasts. Technologically, Dream stands out with smart cabin controls and semi-automated bridge systems, enhancing the guest experience.

Freedom of the Seas: Grand Scale with Family Focus and Varied Entertainment

The Freedom of the Seas stands taller at 1,111 feet and wider at 184 feet, with a gross tonnage of 160,000, offering spaciousness on a majestic scale. Although it has more total decks (19), it provides fewer passenger decks (15) compared to Carnival Dream. The ship supports a slightly higher maximum passenger capacity of 4,829 and features 131 suites, more than double Dream's suite count. Cabins generally offer more space, accommodating up to 8 people per room, ideal for large families or group travelers.

In terms of propulsion, Freedom's six Wärtsilä engines deliver a total output of 76,800 kW, with a maximum and service speed of 21.6 knots. The ship carries less fuel (317,000 gallons) but extends its cruising range to 3,500 nautical miles, aided by hybrid fuel options. Although it misses shore power capability and LNG, its environmental certifications, like ISO 14001 and MARPOL, remain robust.

The dining landscape is notably richer here, with 16 dining venues, including 5 specialty restaurants and 10 bars and lounges, catering to a vast range of tastes. Entertainment is family-centric, featuring a rock climbing wall, an ice rink, virtual reality experiences, and nursery services to keep young guests entertained. While the theater accommodates fewer (1,400 seats), this is balanced by diverse entertainment options and multiple casual dining spots.

Technology remains fundamental, with ECDIS navigation and advanced radar systems, along with dynamic positioning capability, providing precise maneuvering. Though lacking smart cabin controls, it does support onboard apps and digital cabin assistants. With a medical team size of 4-6 professionals and a scheduled dry dock in February 2025, the ship ensures a well-maintained, safe experience.

Quick Take

Carnival Dream impresses with its spacious public areas, eco-conscious technologies, and luxurious amenities like extensive jacuzzis and culinary classes. Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas offers a grander scale cruise with more dining options, innovative entertainment like ice rinks and rock climbing, and suites suitable for larger families. Both ships stand strong in safety and guest service, appealing to different cruising priorities.

Bottom Line Recommendation

If you value a modern, environmentally friendly cruise with more personal space, higher speeds, and inclusive WiFi and excursions, the Carnival Dream is the better pick. On the other hand, if a larger vessel with a wider variety of dining and family-friendly activities, including unique entertainment features, is your preference, then Freedom of the Seas will serve you well.

Verdict

Winner: Carnival Dream - More advanced in sustainability, higher public space ratio, faster speeds, and included onboard extras make it ideal for eco-conscious and spacious cruising.
Runner-up: Freedom of the Seas - Offers more suites, diverse dining, and family activities with a large scale and rich entertainment options, but falls short on environmental tech and WiFi availability.

Comparisons ³⁷

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Price comparisons

Carnival Dream

Carnival Dream - Discover the Ultimate Cruise Experience with Gourmet Dining and Scenic Destinations Carnival Dream - Live Your Dream Vacation with Endless Fun and Relaxation at Sea Book affordable Carnival Dream at CheapCruises USA Plan your dream Carnival Dream with Cruise Nation USA Explore top-rated Carnival Dream at Cruises.com USA Explore and Book Carnival Dream Trips on Tripadvisor Find amazing Carnival Dream offers at iTravel2000 USA

Check prices in other stores, maybe you'll find a cheaper Carnival Dream

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Cruises Freedom of the Seas – Unwind and Explore Without Limits Royal Caribbean Cruises Freedom of the Seas – Feel the Freedom of the Ocean Royal Caribbean Cruises Freedom of the Seas – Boundless Fun Across the Seas Book affordable Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas at CheapCruises USA Plan your dream Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas with Cruise Nation USA Explore top-rated Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas at Cruises.com USA Explore and Book Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas Trips on Tripadvisor

Check prices in other stores, maybe you'll find a cheaper Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

^(✱) Prices may be changed at any time without further notice.

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Comparisons & Facts ¹⁶²

Side by side. The numbers. The features. No drama.

Not sure which cruise ship to go with? Our cruise ships breakdown of Carnival Dream and Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas highlights what makes one better for your next destination.

General Information ²²

Notable Event

What notable events have occurred with this cruise ship?

58 Carnival Dream 0 Votes Christened by Marcia Gay Harden

79 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes Fire in Mechanical Space Near Jamaica, Repositioned to Port Everglades

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Freedom of the Seas experienced a fire in 2015 near Jamaica, which led to a quick repositioning to Port Everglades for repairs.

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Score History

Ship Class

What is the ship class?

57 Carnival Dream 0 Votes Dream Class

60 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes Freedom Class

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Score History

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Country of Manufacture' on the following:

Country where the ship was built.

Dimensions & Tonnage ¹⁵

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Length Overall

What is the ship’s length overall?

1,004 ft 0 Votes

1,111 ft 0 Votes

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Length Overall

The Freedom of the Seas is longer at 1,111 ft compared to Carnival Dream's 1,004 ft, offering more onboard space and amenities. This difference of 107 ft (about 33 m) translates to a roomier experience for cruise guests, ideal for travelers valuing spacious decks.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Length Overall' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Length Overall' on the following:

Total ship length from bow to stern.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Beam

What is the ship’s beam (width)?

122 ft 0 Votes

184 ft 0 Votes

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Beam

Freedom of the Seas has a significantly wider beam of 184 ft versus 122 ft on Carnival Dream, enhancing stability and allowing for larger public areas and wider promenades. This 62 ft (19 m) difference creates a more spacious and comfortable onboard environment.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Indoor Promenade Length' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Indoor Promenade Length' on the following:

Length of the indoor promenade on the cruise ship unit.

Draft Depth

What is the ship’s draft depth?

27 ft 0 Votes

29.7 ft 0 Votes

Carnival Dream

This value seems incorrect for draft depth; typically, a cruise ship of this size would have a draft depth closer to 28-30 feet (~8.5-9 meters). A draft depth of 278 feet is unusually deep and likely a data error.

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

With a draft of 29.7 feet (9.1 meters), Freedom of the Seas can navigate shallow waters, which is crucial for port access.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Draft Depth' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Draft Depth' on the following:

Vertical distance between waterline and keel.

Hull Material

What is the hull material?

77 Carnival Dream 0 Votes Steel

43 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes Steel

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Maximum Passenger Capacity' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Maximum Passenger Capacity' on the following:

Maximum passengers with all berths filled.

Estela McNamara

114 Reactions

7 months ago

Freedom of the Seas has more cabins and suites, which is perfect for families or groups who want options. More space for everyone!

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Public Space Ratio

What is the public space ratio?

56 Carnival Dream 1 Votes 4.71:1

56 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes 3.1:1

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Public Space Ratio

Carnival Dream has a higher public space ratio of 4.71:1 compared to 3.1:1 on Freedom of the Seas. This suggests Carnival offers more room per passenger in public areas, beneficial for avoiding crowding.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Public Space Ratio' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

Freedom of the Seas allows up to 8 occupants per cabin compared to maximum 5 on Carnival Dream, making Freedom more suitable for larger families or groups traveling together in one room.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Max Occupancy per Cabin' on the following:

Maximum number of people per cabin.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Average Cabin Size

What is the average cabin size?

67 Carnival Dream 0 Votes 185-230

65 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes 200-250

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Average Cabin Size

Average cabin sizes on Freedom of the Seas range from 200 to 250 sq ft, slightly larger than Carnival Dream's 185 to 230 sq ft. This means guests may experience a bit more comfort and living space onboard Royal Caribbean.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Stabilizers' on the following:

Whether stabilizers are present to reduce motion.

Number of Engines

How many engines does the ship have?

97 Carnival Dream 0 Votes 6

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Life Rafts Count

How many life rafts are onboard?

29 Carnival Dream 0 Votes 8

87 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes 100

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Life Rafts Count

Freedom of the Seas is equipped with 100 life rafts, substantially more than Carnival Dream's 8 rafts, providing enhanced emergency evacuation resources to ensure passenger safety.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Life Rafts Count' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Life Rafts Count' on the following:

Number of inflatable life rafts.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Security Screening Facilities

What security screening facilities are present?

57 Carnival Dream 0 Votes X-ray, Metal Detectors, ID Checkpoints

Carnival Dream offers culinary classes onboard, which are not available on Freedom of the Seas, appealing to guests interested in interactive cooking experiences.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Culinary Classes' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Culinary Classes' on the following:

Onboard cooking classes or demonstrations.

Dining Venues Count

How many dining venues are there?

39 Carnival Dream 0 Votes 10

31 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes 10

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

The ship features 10 distinct dining venues, offering everything from casual buffets to fine dining.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Dining Venues Count' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Dining Venues Count' on the following:

Total number of dining venues available onboard.

Buffet Restaurants

How many buffet restaurants are there?

37 Carnival Dream 0 Votes 1

43 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes 1

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Buffet Restaurants' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Buffet Restaurants' on the following:

Number of self-service buffet-style restaurants.

Room Service Availability

Is room service available?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Whether room service is available for passengers.

Beverage Packages

Are beverage packages available?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Availability of pre-paid beverage packages.

Dietary Options

What dietary options are available?

34 Carnival Dream 0 Votes Vegetarian, Vegan, Kosher, Halal, Gluten-Free

29 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes Vegetarian, Vegan, Kosher, Gluten-Free

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Dietary Options' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Dietary Options' on the following:

Special dietary accommodations offered.

Gala Nights

Are there gala nights or formal dining events?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Gala Nights' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Gala Nights' on the following:

Carnival Dream offers a thermal suite as part of its spa facilities not present on Freedom of the Seas, enriching the wellness experience for health-conscious travelers.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Spa Facilities' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Spa Facilities' on the following:

Types of spa services offered.

Water Slides

Are water slides available?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Carnival Dream

With thrilling water slides, including the signature Twister slide, Carnival Dream ensures water fun for the entire family. Perfect for enjoying a splash of excitement on sea days.

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

The water slides, including the thrilling "Perfect Storm," provide high-speed fun for guests of all ages.

Availability of water slides or aqua park features.

Fitness Center

Is there a fitness center?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

The ship has a state-of-the-art fitness center, ideal for passengers who want to stay active during their cruise.

Availability of a passenger fitness center.

Sports Courts

How many sports courts are there?

72 Carnival Dream 0 Votes 1

13 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes 1

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

The ship includes a sports court for basketball and other sports activities.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Sports Courts' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Sports Courts' on the following:

Number of courts for basketball, tennis, etc.

Mini Golf

Is mini golf available?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

The ship features a mini golf course, perfect for a relaxing game while enjoying the sea breeze.

Whether a mini golf course is available.

Water Park Type

What type of water park is available?

57 Carnival Dream 0 Votes Aqua Park, Waterslides

66 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes Aqua Park, Water Coaster, Kids Pool

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Freedom of the Seas features a variety of water attractions, including a water coaster and a splash park for kids.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Water Park Type' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Water Park Type' on the following:

Type of water park or water features available.

Sauna & Steam Rooms

Are saunas or steam rooms available?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Availability of saunas and steam rooms.

Yoga & Pilates Studios

Are yoga or pilates studios offered?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Yoga & Pilates Studios' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Yoga & Pilates Studios' on the following:

Dedicated studios for yoga, pilates, or similar.

Running Track

Is there a running track?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Whether an outdoor runningjogging track is available.

Adult-Only Areas

Are there adult-only areas onboard?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Adult-Only Areas' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Adult-Only Areas' on the following:

Areas restricted to adults for relaxation.

Entertainment & Excursions ¹⁴

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Theater Capacity

What is the theater’s seating capacity?

93 Carnival Dream 0 Votes 1964

59 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes 1400

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Theater Capacity

Carnival Dream's theater capacity is much larger at 1,964 seats compared to Freedom of the Seas' 1,400, allowing for grander show productions and more guest seating per performance.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Theater Capacity' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Theater Capacity' on the following:

Seating capacity of the main theater.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Casino Presence

Is there a casino onboard?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

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Casino Presence

Both ships have casinos onboard, catering to adult guests seeking gaming entertainment, with no difference here.

Availability of a casino facility.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Ice Rink

Is there an ice rink onboard?

No 0 Votes ~~Carnival Dream~~

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

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Ice Rink

Freedom of the Seas includes a unique ice rink, not found on Carnival Dream, providing a distinctive entertainment venue and activities like ice skating performances for guests.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Ice Rink' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Ice Rink' on the following:

Whether there is an ice skating rink.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Virtual Reality

Is there a VR or arcade onboard?

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Private Island Access' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Private Island Access' on the following:

Whether the cruise line provides access to a private island.

Simulators & Lanes

How many simulators and lanes are available?

14 Carnival Dream 0 Votes 2

Is there a library onboard?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Availability of a library or reading lounge.

Expedition Gear Storage

Is there expedition gear storage?

No 0 Votes ~~Carnival Dream~~

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Expedition Gear Storage' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Expedition Gear Storage' on the following:

Facilities to store gear for expeditionactive travel.

Expedition Team

Is there an expedition team or naturalists onboard?

No 0 Votes ~~Carnival Dream~~

No 0 Votes ~~Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas~~

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Expedition Team' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Expedition Team' on the following:

Whether trained experts guide excursions.

Technology & Connectivity ¹²

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Smart Cabin Controls

Are smart cabin controls provided?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

No 0 Votes ~~Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas~~

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Smart Cabin Controls

Carnival Dream features smart cabin controls enhancing passenger comfort via technology, whereas Freedom of the Seas lacks this, possibly affecting the ease of cabin environment management for guests.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Smart Cabin Controls' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Smart Cabin Controls' on the following:

Smart features like app-based lighting, temperature, or keyless entry.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Radar Systems

What radar systems are installed?

60 Carnival Dream 0 Votes X-band, S-band, ARPA

58 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes X-band, S-band

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Radar Systems

Carnival Dream has integrated X-band, S-band, and ARPA radar systems, whereas Freedom of the Seas operates mainly X-band and S-band, possibly indicating more advanced navigational radar tech on Carnival's ship.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Radar Systems' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Radar Systems' on the following:

Radar technologies available.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Dynamic Positioning

Does the ship have dynamic positioning?

No 0 Votes ~~Carnival Dream~~

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

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Dynamic Positioning

Freedom of the Seas has dynamic positioning, allowing it to maintain position without anchoring, advantageous for sensitive marine environments or precise docking, a capability Carnival Dream lacks.

Ability to maintain position using thrusterspropellers.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Bridge Control Type

What bridge control type is used?

47 Carnival Dream 0 Votes Semi-Automated

0 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes Manual

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Bridge Control Type

Carnival Dream uses a semi-automated bridge control system, offering a balance between automated and manual handling, while Freedom of the Seas relies on fully manual bridge control, which may influence operational flexibility.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Bridge Control Type' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Bridge Control Type' on the following:

Level of bridge control automation.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Automation Level

What is the ship’s automation level?

47 Carnival Dream 0 Votes Medium

23 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes Low

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Automation Level

Carnival Dream's medium automation level contrasts with Freedom of the Seas' low automation, impacting operational efficiency and crew workload, potentially favoring Carnival for reduced human error and smoother sailing.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Automation Level' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Automation Level' on the following:

Degree of automation onboard.

WiFi Availability

Is WiFi available onboard?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Carnival Dream

With Wi-Fi available throughout the ship, passengers can stay connected, post vacation photos, or handle business matters even while at sea.

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

WiFi is available aboard for passengers who wish to stay connected while cruising.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'WiFi Availability' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'WiFi Availability' on the following:

Whether WiFi is available onboard.

Satellite TV

Is satellite TV available?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Carnival Dream

Onboard entertainment includes Satellite TV, allowing guests to enjoy live broadcasts, news, and entertainment programs, just like at home.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Satellite TV' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Satellite TV' on the following:

Indicates if passenger areas have satellite television.

Navigation System Type

What navigation system type is onboard?

77 Carnival Dream 0 Votes ECDIS

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Onboard App' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Onboard App' on the following:

Carnival Dream is equipped with shore power capability, allowing it to connect to port electricity and reduce emissions while docked. Freedom of the Seas does not have this, making Carnival a more environmentally friendly choice in port.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Shore Power Capability' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Shore Power Capability' on the following:

Ability to connect to shore-based electrical power.

Lillian Dennie

128 Reactions

7 months ago

Carnival Dream rocks with shore power capability, a big win for eco-conscious cruisers wanting greener sailing.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

LNG

Is the ship LNG or hybrid ready?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

No 0 Votes ~~Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas~~

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LNG

Carnival Dream is LNG-capable while Freedom of the Seas is not, indicating Carnival's advantage in using cleaner, alternative fuel reducing environmental footprint.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'LNG' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'LNG' on the following:

Capability of using LNG or hybrid propulsion.

Recycling Facilities

Are there recycling facilities onboard?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Carnival Dream

The ship includes onboard recycling facilities, ensuring environmentally responsible waste management during cruises.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Recycling Facilities' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Recycling Facilities' on the following:

Onboard systems for recycling waste.

Green Building Certification

What green certifications are held?

81 Carnival Dream 0 Votes ISO 14001

What is the ship’s energy efficiency rating?

97 Carnival Dream 0 Votes A

Who knows? 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas (Help us out by suggesting one!)

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Energy Efficiency Rating' on the following:

Overall efficiency class based on design index.

Ballast Water Treatment

Does the ship have ballast water treatment?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Ballast Water Treatment' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Ballast Water Treatment' on the following:

Indicates if ballast water is treated to prevent invasive species.

Single-Use Plastic Reduction

Does the ship reduce single-use plastics?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Turnaround Time at Port' on the following:

Average time required for disembarkationembarkation at port.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Maintenance Interval

What is the maintenance interval?

24 Months 0 Votes

60 Months 0 Votes

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Maintenance Interval

Maintenance intervals differ significantly: Carnival Dream undergoes maintenance every 24 months, while Freedom of the Seas has a 60-month interval, suggesting different upkeep cycles that might impact ship condition and downtime.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Maintenance Interval' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Maintenance Interval' on the following:

Interval between scheduled maintenance.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Dry Dock Schedule

What is the dry dock schedule?

Who knows? 0 Votes Carnival Dream (Help us out by suggesting one!)

71 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes February 2025

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Dry Dock Schedule

Freedom of the Seas has a planned dry dock scheduled for February 2025, while Carnival Dream's schedule is not specified, offering more certainty for bookings affected by maintenance.

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Score History

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Dry Dock Schedule' on the following:

Years between mandatory dry dockings.

Crew Nationalities Diversity

What is the crew nationality mix?

97 Carnival Dream 0 Votes Mixed

93 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes Mixed

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Crew Nationalities Diversity' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Crew Nationalities Diversity' on the following:

Diversity of crew nationalities onboard.

Crew Training Standard

What is the crew training standard?

72 Carnival Dream 0 Votes STCW, ISM

53 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes STCW, ISM

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Crew Training Standard' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Crew Training Standard' on the following:

Standard to which crew are trained.

Customer Service Desk

Is there a customer service desk?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Availability of a 247 guest services desk.

Housekeeping Frequency

How often is housekeeping provided?

67 Carnival Dream 0 Votes Daily

63 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes Daily

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Housekeeping Frequency' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Housekeeping Frequency' on the following:

Frequency of cabin housekeeping.

Home Port

What is the ship’s home port?

65 Carnival Dream 0 Votes Port of Galveston (Galveston)

69 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas 0 Votes Port Miami (Miami), Fort Lauderdale (Florida)

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Home Port' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Home Port' on the following:

Main registered home port of the ship.

Concierge Service

Is concierge service offered?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Whether a concierge service is available for passengers.

Pricing & Value-Add ¹⁰

Curated by Ineke C. S.

WiFi

Is WiFi included?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

No 0 Votes ~~Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas~~

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WiFi

Carnival Dream offers WiFi availability onboard, whereas Freedom of the Seas does not, a major factor for travelers needing reliable internet connectivity during the cruise.

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'WiFi' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'WiFi' on the following:

Whether WiFi is included without extra charge.

Curated by Ineke C. S.

Excursions

Are excursions included?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

No 0 Votes ~~Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas~~

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Excursions

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Whether complimentary or discounted upgrades are available.

Kids Sail Free Promotions

Are there kids sail free promotions?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Indicates if kids can sail free under special promotions.

Seasonal Discounts

Are seasonal discounts available?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

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Score History

Score info for Carnival Dream:

We base our scoring on 'Seasonal Discounts' on the following:

Score info for Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas:

We base our scoring on 'Seasonal Discounts' on the following:

Indicates if fares are discounted seasonally.

Early Booking Benefits

Are there early booking benefits?

Yes 0 Votes Carnival Dream

Yes 0 Votes Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

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Score History

0 Votes

Fair deal

0 Votes

Kinda pricey

0 Votes

Crazy expensive

0 Votes

Guides ⁴

Videos ¹

Carnival Dream Cruise Ship Overview

youtube.com

8 months ago

Files ¹

All About Carnival Dream Cruise Ship

carnival.com

8 months ago

Videos ¹

Royal Caribbean Cruises Freedom of the Seas Tour

youtube.com

9 months ago

Files ¹

Royal Caribbean Cruises Freedom of the Seas Deck Plan

cloudinary.com

9 months ago

Reviews ⁰

The good, the bad, and the brutally honest.

Average Rating

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Dream

0 / 5 0 Reviews

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

0 / 5 0 Reviews

Discussions ⁰

Thoughts, takes, and hot debates.

Awards ¹

Only the best made it here.

Peep the Winners

Collections ⁰

Treasures You’ve picked. No fluff, all fun.

More Cruise Ships ⁰

Unlock more awesome finds.

Other Carnival Cruise Line Cruise Ships ³⁴

65 Points

Carnival Cruise Line

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76 Points

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Celebration

72 Points

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Horizon

61 Points

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Vista

61 Points

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Conquest

Other Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships ²⁹

62 Points

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas

68 Points

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas

66 Points

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas

61 Points

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas

55 Points

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Dream

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Highlights 162

Why is Carnival Dream better than Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas ?

General Information

Dimensions & Tonnage

Capacity

Propulsion & Performance

Safety & Regulations

Dining & Cuisine

Recreation & Wellness

Entertainment & Excursions

Technology & Connectivity

Sustainability & Environmental

Service & Operations

Pricing & Value-Add

Why is Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas better than Carnival Dream ?

General Information

Dimensions & Tonnage

Capacity

Propulsion & Performance

Safety & Regulations

Dining & Cuisine

Recreation & Wellness

Entertainment & Excursions

Technology & Connectivity

Sustainability & Environmental

Service & Operations

Carnival Dream vs Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas: A Detailed Ship Comparison

Carnival Dream: Modern Eco-Friendly Comfort With a Spacious Feel

Freedom of the Seas: Grand Scale with Family Focus and Varied Entertainment

Quick Take

Bottom Line Recommendation

Verdict

Comparisons 37

Price comparisons

Carnival Dream

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Related comparisons 37

Majestic Princess vs Carnival Dream

Carnival Dream vs Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas

Carnival Legend vs Dream

Caribbean Princess vs Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Crystal Serenity vs Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise vs Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

Comparisons & Facts 162

General Information 22

Notable Event

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