A fabulous cruise with Carnival Freedom by
Larry C from San Bruno, CA
Sailing date: Jul 2009 Pros:
Definitely the Cruise Director, John Heald. So hilarious, you laugh most of the time forgetting the stress and hardship of the daily life inland to survive in this very tough economic situation. The lavishness of the food available 24 hours with unparallel service, cleanliness of the room.
Cons:
Cruising on summertime because of the heat and undiscipline kids onboard.
Nothing but praise. It's like a floating hotel or community. They maintained cleanliness at all times. The service employees moves constantly yet, able to observed friendliness, hospitality.
Ship Quality
Dining/Food
Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activities Definitely, the Cruise Director, John Heald, the heart of the entire cruise. He reminds me of Jay Leno, so quick when it comes to hilarious jokes and phrase. You'll forget the problems and stress of life inland.
Collapse List of Ports
Key West, Florida Don't miss having a picture at the most southern tip of the USA
Don't Miss: Southern most tip of USA landmark, Duval Street,
George Town, Grand Cayman Not much places to see
Don't Miss: Beaches
Ocho Rios, Jamaica Not much time allotted, missed some good places. Don't miss Mystic Mountain, the best view of the bay on top of the mountain while in a swimming pool, water slide and bobsled.
Don't Miss: Mystic Mountain
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
Partly Disappointed by
PB from Atlanta, GA
Sailing date: Mar 2009 Pros:
Beautiful ship and curteous staff.
Cons:
Short period of time at each port.
The itinarary didn't clearly explain the short period of time at each port and the fact that you have to take excursions at each stop. The ports are far from the cities and although beautiful they are not safe to go on your own. Once you realize this and try to book an excursion, all of them are booked. The food was not great and not much choice after dinner or late evening, Only Pizza or Room Service sandwiches. The entertainment staff didn't do much to entertain. We have been at resorts with wonderful entertainment staff that really set the mood.
Ship Quality Very beautiful ship and clean.
Dining/Food
Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activities
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
Good Cruise by
KT from Florida
Sailing date: Apr 2008 Pros:
Weather
Cons:
Too many people
The ship was nice but a bit too big even for me. There were too many people for my taste and long lines to do everything. But it was beautiful with plenty of things to do.
Ship Quality
Dining/Food The Supper Club was world class!
Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff Quality
Collapse List of Ports
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas Don't Miss: Cuzzins Restaurant in downtown st. thomas.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
8 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
Perfect Freedom by
Eric M. from West Chester, PA
Sailing date: Mar 2008 Pros:
Attention to detail and passenger comfort
Cons:
Club arnival activities for the 9-11 year old group could benefit from some additional outside activities
Just returned from a Spring Break cruise on the Carnival Freedom with my 9 and 13 year old son's. As a first cruise for all of us we were unsure what to expect and as a single dad I had brought along numerous items to keep my children from becoming board. No worries on this score as Carnival has done a fantastic job of catering to just about every taste, style and desired activity.
The size, layout, and maintencance of the staterooms was first rate and the boys came to wait each day to discover what new animal had been fashioned out of towels for bedtime by our cabin steward. The only drawback to the bathrooms is that the soft shower curtain does tend to result in the bathroom floor becoming wet for the second or third to get out of bed.
As a frequent traveller I've seen the entire gamut of food quality from no star to 5 star. The food selection on board the Freedom was of high quality and in abundance with a willing staff seeking to address special requests. Given that we were three "bachelors" on this trip we had little interest in the "Casual Elegant" dress nights in the formal dining rooms but for those who are interested there are ample opportunities to dress up with a spouse or significant other.
Shipboard entertainment was blnced for all age groups with everything from Bingo for a more sedentary crowd to Vegas style dance shows. Nightly movies and music concerts on the big topside screen provided a relaxing way to hang with friends while enjoying a cocktail.
A critical issue for me on sea days was to find activities for my boys as sitting by the pool is not their style. Carnival has done a generally good job to create age appropriate acitivities for younger guests. My 13 year old would beg to escape to the Carnival Circle Club after breakfast and it took tremendous effort (accompanied by begging and threats) to get him to return by curfew. My 9 year old had a good time but found that some of the activities (dancing lessons with the ship's professional dancers or ice cream eating contests) either appealed mostly to girls or were a bit geared to younger guests. All in all however they still felt that the trip was awesome.
Ship Quality
Dining/Food
Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activities My only suggestion would be that a singles meet and greet might be useful on the first night of the cruise.
Children's Programs My impression from watching various age groups is that the activities for 2-8 year olds and 12 - 17 year olds were varied and great. My 9 year old had a good time but did sometimes feel that he'd like activities a bit more advanced than seen in his group.
Collapse List of Ports
Cozumel, Mexico My kids and I loved going to the Mayan Ruins of Tullum. They found the associated history lesson and view tremendous
Don't Miss: Ruins of Tullum
George Town, Grand Cayman Kids loved seeing the green turtle hatchery and while nervous about being surrounded by stinrays enjoyed the experience of swimming and playing with them.
Don't Miss: Stingray City swimming with the rays
Ocho Rios, Jamaica This was my kids favorite port. My 9 year old just shouted awesome after getting out of the enclosure with the dolphins. They also liked the thrill of climging to the top of Dunn's river falls. I would warn parents that you absolutely should have watershoes for the kids since some sharp underwater rocks will otherwise do serious damage to feet. The side of one of my boys water shoes were ripped open (better a shoe than a foot).
Don't Miss: Swimming with dolphins and Dunn's River Falls
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
Carnival Freedom - Western Carrib by
Jeff W from Brunswick GA
Sailing date: Dec 2007 Pros:
Service was especially good, food in the main dining room was fabulous. There were several food stations including: Sushi, Chinese, Deli and Thai. The wait for fresh Thai was 35 minutes. Pizza and Burgers too. Room was very nice with floor to ceiling window on the 11th deck, room 1106.
Cons:
Need an adult only pool. Long lines at the food.
Very nice ship with excellent service. Very friendly staff - caught one show in the amazingly decorated Victoriana and it was terrific. Deck plan very easy to navigate. Average casino - very smoky at night. Nice selection of night clubs. "Energy" on the ship is very high with lots of activities as well as quiet spots.
Ship Quality Brand new, enough said.
Dining/Food Many food choices although the buffets were a bit cafeteria like. Sushi bar, chinese wok, deli bar, burgers and thai wok. Wait for the thai was about 35 minutes. Pizza was a bit slow too but always fresh. The main dining room experience was fabulous, table 202 - waiter was Savio and Javier. We chose to eat at the main dining room for breakfast on most days. We had terrific table mates with lots of lively converstation.
Stateroom Quality Salon level, 11th deck, room 1106. Floor to ceiling window, close blinds in the day as the large window heats up the room. Pullman bed from the ceiling for kids. Nice sheets and comfortable bed. Very nice room stewards.
Ship Staff Quality Friendly, knowledgeable, very helpful. Good bartenders.
Entertainment & Activities The usual stuff. BUT - had hoped to use the fitness center but it was small and always busy. Some of the treadmills gave out after a day or two. I suggest removing the locker room and adding more fitness equipment as there is not enough to satisfy current needs.
Collapse List of Ports
San Juan, Puerto Rico Tour operator canceled our Bacardi Experience at the last minute. Still had a fun walk around the town and ate out in a Tapas rest.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas Toured the island for photos. Caught a tour outside the port that was the same one offered by the ship but half the price. Some shopping. Thought about renting a car but the traffic on the island is horrendous. Left side driving and lots of turns along very high mountain roads with lots of 'island' traffic.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten Catamaran ride and Snorklel at Shipwreak cove tour was a bust. Not much to see in the water, just a few fish. Ribs and rice pilaf was kind of icky and took a long time to cook so there were lines. On the beach the young man who operated the beverage hut where there was all you can drink rum was rude, obusive to the guest and used alot of loud obscene language. In the group was a large contingent of guys and gals from Phili. I was surprised a fight did not break out. Vibe from the catamaran crew was a bit strict. Alot of don't do this and don't do that.
11 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
CARNIVAL FREEDOM by
A Traveler from Rochester,MN
Sailing date: Nov 2007 Pros:
Purcey Cruise II comedian and Daniella at the front desk.
Cons:
grumpy, not friendly staff, ugly atmosphere, highschool talent shows, and very slow wait staff at the restaurant dinner sitting.
I have been on cruises before just not on the Carnival, but my mother has been before and she was very excited about the trip. She was very dissapointed, and would never go on the Freedom again. I don't think I would go on Carnival again, but she did tell me that other Carnival ships are much different with friendly staff, excellent food( no need to go to the Supper Club) and tastefully decorated. My mother got very sick from the food not being cooked fully at the buffet and we disliked the shows, especially since it was the same group all week. Everyone that we talked to did not like THE FREEDOM CARNIVAL CRUISE and I would never recommend it to any of my friends, family and co-workers. Daniella at the front desk was wonderful and very helpful. She made my B-day very special. I am sorry that I only have negaitive comments but we just had such bad experiences on this very special trip for my mother and I.
Ship Quality the hot tub in front of the tv screen where all the activities were is very badly located. Also, our room had a full bed for my mother and I, we had to really push to get separate beds. The young man did a bad job cleaning, he'd forget the dirty rags on our sink, forgot to close the door, and other mishaps.
Dining/Food we did not get the same treatment as the other tables, and we had to wait so lond for a refill on water, we never got offered crushed pepper and cheese after the first night and if we had to ask for anything we felt like we were intruding.
Stateroom Quality very loud
Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activities
Collapse List of Ports
Cozumel, Mexico
George Town, Grand Cayman
Ocho Rios, Jamaica The Margaritaville bartendar was wonderful and the staff made the cruisers have lots of fun activities. Full of smiles and they weren't doing any paiting like on the ship(that could be done after or before departure).
0 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
Wonderful, will book again... by
T & M from Poughkeepsie, NY
Sailing date: Sep 2007 Pros:
The ship was spotless and our inside cabin was comfortable and roomy - wonderful room stewards
Cons:
The food in the Lido buffett Restaurant is very avarage, but the fine dining was nice (although too many dishes had creamy sauces)
Wonderful new ship. Overall a wonderful place to vacation. Although the design details of the ship can be very loud, the overall stylistic effect is harmonious with the excited atmosphere of a cruise. All the staff were helpful, especially our room stewards. My husband and I thought the inside room was large enough to be comfortable in. Bathroom larger than I expected. Although I would not choose deck 8 right under the Lido dance area (mid ship) again. The two times there was a large party on the Lido deck you can hear the dancers stomping above your head and watch them dance on the live channel on the television in the room. So we were rather forced out of our room for a half hour to go watch it live one floor up. The restaurant waiters were friendlier to our dinner companions who ordered wine with every meal though. But they were still attentive. The port of calls were top. And Carnival is excellent at moving large groups of people off and on the ship. I heard cruise shows were horrible, but on the Freedom, the shows were above my expectation with nice talent, lighting effects, and choreography. We sailed on Sept. 10. Best time to go if you dont want too many kids on board but still want perfect weather - sunny, warm enough to sunbathe on the Lido deck but not too hot in the ports. The cruise before us had 230 kids, we had 23 kids. Most of our cruise was made up of older married couples and newlyweds. Perfect for us. I hear from the cruise director (John Heald - the best) that the cruise after us is mostly very old people, not too many laughs and fewer newlyweds because it is farther from summer.
Ship Quality
Dining/Food
Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activities
Collapse List of Ports
Barcelona, Spain See the Gaudi dragon house. Expensive, but a must see. Lots of photo opportunities inside and on the roof.
Don't Miss: la bancaria - try to get a seat, its almost impossible with all the locals gathered in the three bars in the market. But the cooco covered chocolate balls in the back of the market are to die for.
Cannes, France We did Cannes in the morning, Nice and Eze in the afternoon. Would have loved to just spent all day on the free public beach in Cannes - very beautiful. The beach in Nice is more beautiful, but it is a rock beach not sand like in Cannes. Ouch to your feet and bottom. Eze is very small but has excellent views.
Don't Miss: Spend a few hours sunbathing and dipping your toes on the beach in Cannes.
Dubrovnik, Croatia My favorite port. Go early before the huge crowds arrive. Silent streets waking with locals. Sleepy cats sunning themselves on the steps of houses. At 9am you get the Old town wall all to yourself. Better picture opportunities. Lovely seafood lunch in the old town.
Don't Miss: Find the crack in the wall and follow it out to a cliff bar where we sunbathed had a cold beer and I swam in the Adriatic sea. Perfect.
Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy Not enough time!! We saw Michelangelo's David and the Uffizzi Gallery, but a reservation is a must!! Even then a short wait. It feels like the staff is surprised there is a long line. There was just a youth at the Accademia manning the door. Two dont miss sites though.
Don't Miss: Go see the San Marco museum where you can view Fra Angelico's frescoes in the small monk cells. Wonderful!! (Closes for an afternoon siesta though)
Naples, Italy Must see Pompeii and Herculaneum. We took the Circumvesuviana train to both sites, easy and safe in the mid morning (when we took it). Then a MUST stop is Da Michele pizza restaurant back in Naples before returning to the ship. My Italian American husband said he is forever ruined for American pizza now.
Don't Miss: Pompeii in the morning - no crowds, you get the whole site to yourselves and only a few others.
Messina, Sicily Spent the day inTaormina, lovely small cliff town. Could not find the way down to the beach though. The cable car was not working that day. Walking from the town to the bottom is not really doable.
Don't Miss: Greek theater, Sicilian meatballs.
Venice, Italy Getting to Piazza Roma from the ship was a little difficult and confusing. No signage. Venice is of course beautiful. After doing some touristy things for a few hours go out to the narrow edges of fown, get lost. We found a lovely square for lunch. Mostly locals there. Kids playing soccer before the church, bells ringing at the half hour.
Don't Miss: Get Lost - its safe, if you're worried, do it only in the daylight hours.
25 out of 32 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
