Carnival Freedom 8 Day Eastern Review

[findingnemoks]

Hello All,

I was lucky enough to travel the Carnival Freedom September 12-20. We had (and still do) a great roll call, WATPOPWUA! They are amazing people and I felt like a total rock star on the ship! Everywhere I went, I knew someone! If you haven't checked out your call for your cruise, go now! Stop reading and go do that! (This will take me quite a few posts anyways!)

Pre-Cruise
We flew into FLL on Friday and stayed at the Ramada Cruise Port Hotel. They had a free airport and cruiseport shuttle. It's not as nice as the pictures depict and the staff wasn't wonderful. When we checked in, we were told that our reservation had been canceled. The desk person asked, can it be under someone else's name and I gave her DH's name and she no, not there either. Since we booked with Expedia, she said to contact them. We called them and they were very nice, we put her on the phone with them and it was cleared up within seconds.

We had had an early flight (left home at 4 to get to the airport for a 6 am flight. Had been packing until 2 am!) so we opted to eat dinner at the hotel (good, a little pricey) and just go to bed. We were up early for our free shuttle, were loaded on and at the port within 15 minutes!

I love that first view of the funnel as you approach, but I didn't think I would be able to see it, so I didn't have my camera ready, so I missed that moment, but it was great to hear the excitment of my fellow cruisers (there were about 12 of us on the van) when it first came into view!

We were told to give our luggage to any porter, so we got in a line and waited. After about 10 minutes we weren't moving and we realized we were in line behind a large group that was waiting for the rest of their members. We went around them, gave our luggage to a porter (who asked for a tip! We were going to give him one anyways, but I couldn't believe he asked for one!)

We got in line (11 am) and let me tell you: It is HOT in Florida! And HUMID! DH had brought a small battery operated fan and that helped. But it wasn't too bad. From the time we got in line to the time we got in ship (11:50), it was about less than an hour, of that, only about 15 minutes was outside! The only time we stood in line was waiting to get in, from there, it moved VERY quickly and before we knew it, we were on the ship, at the bar, enjoying our first DOD's!

[findingnemoks]

After we got our first drinks, we went to the Lido for lunch and then headed up deck 10 to check out the view.

Around 1, we went to see if our room was ready and it was! Our luggage was there, except for 1 bag. We started to unpack (I need to put everything away right away!) and our steward (Ree) stopped in to say hi. This was a cruise to celebrate my birthday, so DH had ordered me a gift, a carnival bag (it came in VERY handy!)

After we unpacked, we hung out in our room, waiting for the muster drill. It was quick and painless!

Our roll call met to enjoy sail away together and we all just chatted and got to know each other, as we the ship sailed away from Florida, headed for paradise!

We checked out the action on the lido deck before heading to our room to get ready for dinner. We had early seating, 6:00.

We were at a table for 8 with another couple, Brandon & Savannah, who were very nice. Our head waiter was Arnold, his assistant was Jeffery and they were AMAZING! The drink person was Anda, and she was great too! DH requsted a Diet Coke a couple nights in a row, after that, she would have one waiting for him!

We went to the show, I don't remember what it was though. I went back to the room to get some sleep and DH checked out the night life!

[findingnemoks]

Some dinner pictures:

DH had pasta with sausage and I had the vegeterian Indian dinner, it was sooooooooooo good! Every cruise, I always try something new, something I probably won't get at home (although, I do love Indian food and can get it when I want it, this was the most unique item for dinner that night).

For dessert, I had creme brulee and DH had the melting cake.

[findingnemoks]

This was our first sea day and we decided to be pretty lazy, isn't that what a vacation is for?

I was up by 8 and went to the balcony and listened to my audio book and enjoyed the view while DH slept until a little after 9.

Our CD, Wee Jimmy (who we had on the Conquest and looooooooooove) hosts a morning show, so we made sure we were up in time for that! You can call in, so I called in to chat and tell him a joke.

We showered and got ready and were upstairs in time for lunch (we did lunch at the lido all week and it was always good! I usually ate at Tandor, the indian station, sooooooooooooooooooo good!!!!!!!!!!!!)

At 2, we had our Meet N Greet for the roll call. That was good times and open bar! I had a few too many and went back to my room for a nap! We spent the rest of the day just relaxing, walking around the ship and checking things out.

At dinner that night, there were 2 more couples, John & Jill and Monica & Tyler, so our table was full.

After dinner, we went to the show. While we were waiting, Wee Jimmy said "the first person to come up" and I BOLTED up there, taking out 2 other woman before I even knew what he was asking for! "and give me a kiss, wins a prize" I didn't get the kiss, but I did get a prize for my effort to make it up there! He was amused and I won a shore excursion (valued at $80) to the Baths.

After the show (again, I don't remember it, sorry), we checked out the nightlife and hung out. I went to bed early (as usual) and DH went to the Karaoke.

[findingnemoks]

Dinner tonight was Elegant, with Lobster & Shrimp! YUMMY!!

Appetizer was stuffed mushrooms, dessert was a layered cake and the last picture is a miami vice, BEST drink on the ship!!!

[findingnemoks]

We enjoyed another lazy day, as we weren't scheduled to arrive in San Juan until 6.

Our roll call had decided to do a tour together (Happy Tours-the one when you first get off the ship), so gathered as a group to head out. Traffic getting off the ship was CRAZY! That was the only time I was like "Wow, there are over 2500 people on this ship!"

We got out and get on our tour, only $10/person. It wasn't the best tour ever. They rush through the city so you can everything before it gets dark. We did a city tour, stopped at the beach (which was BEAUTIFUL), headed to the capital (which I could've done without) and then drove by the forts (it was late and they were closed. it was also dark, so we didn't see much) Then you had the option to be dropped off for shopping or to return to the ship. DH wasn't feeling well, so we went back to the ship.

There wasn't much going on, so we checked out Trivia and Bingo in the main lounge. I got to play trivia and lost by 1 question! When Tina (the assistant CD) was calling names, there was some hilarity! You put your own name in and someone had put in false names. I can't remember the first name she drew, but she said it several times before she realized it was a joke. The second name was Ben Dover (bend over), it was HILARIOUS! What are the odds that she would draw both, one right after the other!!

Then it was just hanging out and enjoying the night life, but we both went to bed early, because we would be arriving in St. Thomas at 7 am!

[findingnemoks]

Some shots of the beach, which was my favorite stop in San Juan!

The 3rd picture is El Morro (which someone from our group took as we sailed in)

The 4th picture is the capital building.

[lds26]

Omg this is a wonderful review!!!! So when you went to San Juan did u prebook that tour??? I am so excited to be doing this same route in a mere 35 days!!!! Oh gosh I am just about jumping out of my skin!

[chachi]

Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed review. I really want to try this itinerary. I am enjoying looking at all of your photos.

[tiggerman101]

I am enjoying your review. I am on the Freedom in 20 days (8 day Western Route). I loved that you "Took Out" two ladies to get to your prize! We had Wee Jimmy on our Victory cruise in March, but didn't pay a lot of attention to him since we were so busy on the cruise. Does he do the morning show on the big screen on the Lido deck? I liked that on the Valor last year. Also, I didn't realize that the Freedom now had the Tandor section. Did it also have the new burrito bar?

[findingnemoks]

LDS: We did not prebook the tour. They seem to be the only tour company once you get off the ship, they have a lot (at least 30) of buses/vans.

Tiggerman: The morning show was broadcast on your TV and on the big screen on the lido. They also have a camera that they could pan the lido crowd during the morning show. I don't think they have a burrito bar. They had the Tandor, a sushi place (on 5th floor), they mongolian BBQ (which always seemed to have a looong line, so I never tried it out).

[newlife_2010]

FANTASTIC review!! I am going on this cruise in January. I am enjoying your photos and thoughts. If you can give more advice about the excursions and what to do in each port that would be great!!!!

[newlife_2010]

oh yea, and what is the Carnival bag and what did it contain?

[findingnemoks]

St. Thomas was by far my favorite stop on the this cruise. The island is so beautiful!

We had booked all of our excursions on our own (thanks to research from Cruise Critic) and we booked a Island & Beach Tour (Package 1) with Air Force One Tours & Papa Bear. I can NOT say enough good things about this tour, Papa Bear was so knowledgeable and patient. He took time to answer all of our questions, explain things about the history of the island, and he took unique route that few guides take, enabling us to the see the island from many view points. Plus this tour is only $25, you see the island and you get beach time!

We started at 9:30, there were only 4 of us because a large group (10) canceled, so it was nice and intimate! Papa Bear drove us up the island, stopping to let us get various shots of our ship, pointing out local plant life and letting us sample fresh fruits (including soursop, stinky toe and fresh basil!). He was very through and you could see the pride he had in the island. We stopped at the Great House (because the Mountaintop burned down during the summer), which has the MOST AMAZING views of the entire island chain! They also have the world famous banana daiquiri, made with fresh bananas! There is also a natural trail, but DH and I shopped and drank instead!

From there we went visited a more more stops before heading to the beach. We had our choice of beaches and the other couple (who was from our roll call) wanted Magen's Bay and were fine with that. There is a $4/per person fee. Papa Bear dropped us off and allowed us to determine how long we wanted to be there (which we agreed on 2 hours as a group). The beach was really nice. It had restrooms and showers. You have to pay for chairs and umbrellas, which we didn't use, so I don't know the cost. We sat our stuff in the sand and just swam the whole time. There is a little bar/grill and we got hamburgers (slightly overpriced, but we were hungry), there is also a shop/souvenir place. You can snorkel at the beach (and rent equipment), but we didn't snorkel here.

Papa Bear was right on time to pick us up and we headed back to the boat with the option to be dropped at the shopping place (St. Thomas has a very nice shopping area and b/c it's US territory, you can take more back-your claim is like double or something). or be dropped at the ship. We opted for the ship, since we didn't want shop.

I had REALLY wanted to do the skyride and so asked about if it was worth the cost ($20) and Papa Bear explained that locals don't do the skyride, it's really just a tourist trap. He said you only get one view of the island and that he had taken us to much better view points. If you really want a Bushwhacker, or want to expereince the tram check it out, but if you're going for the view, I would suggest the Great House! (Which has a $12 entrance fee on your own, but it was free, part of our tour).

Back on the ship, we took a nap before dinner (sun and sand takes a lot out of you!), did dinner and the show that night and again, enjoyed the nightlife. But were in bed early, because Antigua was up the next day, with another early arrival!

[findingnemoks]

The pictures do NOT begin to do this island justice. It is just so beautiful and serene! I'm only posting a few as well, but you can click my link in my signature to see ALL 400 of my pictures from this cruise!)

The last picture here is of the "stinky toe" fruit. It did smell and I did not like the taste. It was very dry and stringy. It didn't have a bad taste, but it wasn't very good either

[AryMay]

Originally Posted by tiggerman101

I Also, I didn't realize that the Freedom now had the Tandor section. Did it also have the new burrito bar?

I will jump in here with my 2 cents...

We were on the Freedom in July and I waited until the last sea day to try out the Tandoor section and was truly sorry I hadn't checked it out sooner...it was yummy. And to make matters worse...after I sampled all of the food from the Tandoor I realized that the chocolate buffet was the same day and then was so full I only tried a couple of small items.

The Freedom didn't have the burrito bar, but they do have a Mexican "window" that is open each day. There never seemed to be much of a line. Each day there were only a few different choices...but they were tasty.

DH loved the Mongolian station...and was willing to stand in line for 30+ minutes to get his food. I tried it on the first day when the lines were short (not too many people realize it is there yet) and although it was good...it wasn't "that good". (Too many other good choices that did not require investing a half hour of my cruising time!)

[newlife_2010]

Originally Posted by AryMay

I will jump in here with my 2 cents...

We were on the Freedom in July and I waited until the last sea day to try out the Tandoor section and was truly sorry I hadn't checked it out sooner...it was yummy. And to make matters worse...after I sampled all of the food from the Tandoor I realized that the chocolate buffet was the same day and then was so full I only tried a couple of small items.

The Freedom didn't have the burrito bar, but they do have a Mexican "window" that is open each day. There never seemed to be much of a line. Each day there were only a few different choices...but they were tasty.

DH loved the Mongolian station...and was willing to stand in line for 30+ minutes to get his food. I tried it on the first day when the lines were short (not too many people realize it is there yet) and although it was good...it wasn't "that good". (Too many other good choices that did not require investing a half hour of my cruising time!)

I love Stir Fry but I am going to forgo it on the cruise because I can get that in the states. How is the Tandoor - what types of food do they have, I know it is Indian.

[findingnemoks]

Even though we arrived in Antigua early, our excursion was not until 10 am, so DH slept in while I enjoyed my audio book on the balcony again.

This time we had booked the EcoTour with Adventure Antigua. We had had SO MANY POSITIVE things about this tour on CruiseCruitic, we thought we would give it a try. It was $90/person and included lunch.

This excursion was amazing as well! We didn't get tour with Eli, the owner, but I think it was his son. There were about 12 of us on the tour (8 from the cruise and then 4 more we picked up at a resort). Again, it was very intimate!

We cruised around the island (I got SOAKED from the spray coming up from the boat!) Along the way our guide talked about the history of the island. We stopped at Bird Island for swimming, hiking and snorkeling lessons. Those that wanted to could stay on the boat. If you wanted to hike, you could go with the group. We chose to swim. The water was clear and calm and never more than 5 foot deep where we were at. The tour guide offered snorkeling lessons when he got back from hiking and we took part as we aren't very good at snorkeling yet!

This stop was probably my favorite part of the tour. We were the ONLY people on the beach and no showed up or sailed by. It was like our own little piece of paradise!

After that we cruised over to Hell's Gate. Here you could get off and swim over and explore the formation (it has underwater caves) or you could just swim/snorkel. I opted to stay on the boat. The water was about 10 feet deep and slightly wavy (mostly calm), but I'm not a very confident swimmer and stayed where I was at.

We want to the mangroves and saw a lot of starfish and jelly fish, but nothing else. I was a little disappointed that I never saw any sea turtles.

The guides provided a home cooked meal for us (made my neighbors of Eli). It was REALLY good. BBQ chicken, salad, pasta and banana bread for dessert, it's also all you can eat, so you get full! There drinks available the whole day. Local fruit punch, tea and "sky punch" (aka water, it was their little joke).

Lastly we went over to a reef to snorkel. Again,because I'm not the best swimmer, I didn't have a great time here. I tried it, but after about 15 minutes I just got back on the boat, the water was too choppy for me. But everyone else was fine and had a great time!

I would defintly recommend this excursion to anyone. Though, the guide did point out Prickly Pear Island, it's a family owned island and they prepare a lobster lunch. Carnival offered that as an excursion and that's where I'm headed next time!

Back at the port, we went to go shopping. The cendors were really pushy here. When people say that on cruise critic, I usually roll my eyes at their inexperience. But the vendors were really pushy here. This is also where we offered pot! It's not unsafe, just be prepared for an aggressive sales pitch.

Back on board, we were both a sunburned, so we took names and slept through dinner (accidently!), so we did the lido buffet. That night was the deck party and midnight Mexican buffet.

For the deck party you were divided up into colors based on your floor. You went to 3 different locations and did activites (karaoke, learnied a line dance and then dancing) before headed to the lido for a match up with the other 2 teams! We ened up losing, but we had fun all night! They had a really good mexican food buffet (and I mean good!! the shrimp quesadilla was awesome!) and then we eventually went to bed around 2 am!

[mosaic_mom]

I am really liking your review. It brings back memories of our cruise on Liberty. We did the Sunny Liston island tour and it was a lot of fun too.

Your pictures are wonderful too. I especially like the one of you standing in the water with the waves behind you.

Thanks for sharing.

[findingnemoks]

We didn't have plans for Tortola. Even though I had won the excursions to the Baths, we decided not to do it because we were told how tight some of the spaces can be while exploring.

Instead we got off the ship and joined a Island/Beach Tour. I don't know the name of the company, but our tour guide was CrabMan. DH & I dubbed this tour the "Laxative Tour" because it can scare the s**t out of you!! The roads are narrow and very curvy on the way to the top, what seemed like close calls to all of us (our fellow participants were all nervous too!) always got a reply of "Everything's alright" from Crab.

They filled up the open air bus before (about 20-25 people) and we were on our way up the island. Crab tried to stop a few places to let us get pictures. We stopped at a place called the Sky Bar. There you could go the top of the building. I didn't think the view was that great there. You also had to pay $1 to use the bathroom (on your honor) and there was a long line, despite that fact that is smelled like an outhouse! The smell was awful, but it was mostly clean.

It started to POUR while we were in line for the bathroom and DH walked out to see our bus leaving without us! Turns out he was only moving so people already waiting wouldn't get wet. We ended up getting SOAKED trying to catch our ride!

After that he took us to Cane Garden Bay. It was free to use the beach, but you had to pay for chairs and umbrellas. You could snorkel here, but we didn't. Someone's wife from our group snorkeled and he said she say 2 squid and some other stuff. We just swam here again. The beach wasn't the best, but any day on the beach is better than a day at work! We had about 2 hours at the beach and they headed back.

We got dropped off to do some shopping. That night was more shows and nightlife.

I went to bed early. While I LOVED LOVED LOVED that had so many stops on this cruise, having 4 back to back without sea days was exhausting! The next day is a sea day though, so plenty of time to relax!