by Camille Pepe Sperrazza 

So I was invited to a "christening" last night. 

But there was no baby. 

Instead, a 130,000-ton ship, the Carnival Dream, was welcomed into the world of cruising, and I was privileged to be among the first to be aboard this gorgeous mega-ship. 

Rather than cracking a bottle of champagne against the hull, the ship's godmother, Marcia Gay Harden, swung a bat signed by A-Rod, and confetti exploded from a larger-than-life size bottle of champagne. The festivities were in full swing. 

As Carnival says, "You won't have any trouble remembering this Dream." What a way to vacation. The ship is gorgeous, and the spectacular 11-deck atrium, with music, drinks, and entertainment pulsing throughout the ship, is this baby's heartbeat. Italian marble, polished copper, and glistening mirrored panels adorn this wide open space, which means you can be part of the excitement, from just about any level. 

I'm usually no fan of ship shows, but the production aboard the Dream is no typical Broadway-tune act. Instead, it's an urban, vibrant, hip, loud, nonstop jumpin', NYC-city, action-packed piece of excitement. I loved it, and from the crowd's standing ovation reaction, so did everyone else. When was the last time you saw that on a cruise ship? 

But the fun had only begun. There were two different comedians performing in the ship's comedy club, designed to look just like a club you might find in New York or LA, but much more spacious and comfortable. On this night, there were four different shows. Talk about choices; but even this is only skimming the surface. Throughout the day, the outdoor Seaside Theatre provided entertainment such as a Pink Floyd Laser Show, a Welcome Aboard Laser Show, movies, and concerts featuring performers such as Ray Charles, James Taylor, Tina Turner, and Pavarotti. 

Interactive activities such as Laser Tag, sing-alongs, and audience participation events abounded. The Caliente Dance Club was jumpin' with multicolored lights beneath the floor and LED displays creating an atmosphere that was mesmerizing. This ship holds 3,646-passengers, and there's truly something for everyone. 

Wait until the kids see the water slide. I'd be afraid to fly through this multi-winding extravaganza! But no doubt, the kids will be thrilled. Carnival says it's the longest waterslide at sea -- more than 300 feet, down four decks. Wow! 

The choices for dinner are just as extravagant. I enjoyed a scrumptious dinner of shrimp cocktail, Greek salad, lobster tail and shrimp. For dessert, it was Carnival's signature molten chocolate cake with ice cream and cappuccino. But there was everything you can imagine, and my tablemates and I devoured every drop. As is the trend with all cruises, dining choices abound. If you don't want to eat a big sit-down meal, grab some sushi at the sushi bar, enjoy a fabulous buffet, snack on sandwiches, pizza, an Italian pasta bar, gourmet ice cream, gourmet coffee, and more. It's all there. 

Staterooms are spacious, contain flat-screen televisions, and ample closet space. Some of the new deluxe ocean-view staterooms feature cabins with two bathrooms. A limited number of these can accommodate families of five, something that many passengers want, and Carnival has delivered. Beds are very comfortable. There's nightly turndown service, and you'll be greeted each evening by a friendly towel creature and a piece of chocolate. What a wonderful way to end the day. 

While we were honored to christen the Dream in New York City, our time with her in our neighborhood was short-lived. The Dream sails from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Caribbean. For itineraries, dates, and more information about this fascinating new ship, visit www.carnival.com. Then, call us to book your cruise adventure. Don't miss the boat! 

Those who attended the inaugural received Carnival souvenir blankets and pillows. I'm already dreaming about my next nights aboard the Dream. 

For more information or to book a trip, contact "Commodore" Camille today. 

This article was accurate when it was written, but everything in life changes. Enjoy the journey! 

Copyright: Camille Pepe Sperrazza