Carnivl freedom 6/27--7/3

[daveotto]

CARNIVAL FREEDOM 6/27/-7/3

Background: MWC 40/50 and 17y/o Autistic son. More than 18 cruises, Costa, Carnival, RCCL. Live in Florida this cruise was planned by my brother’s family as a 6 day family cruise that we joined in on. Total of 14 from 6 – to 70--of which 2 cruised 1 times rest were newbie’s. We are in Sunny Florida, 420 friendly- Email- daymar97@comcast.net for addl info or questions-. As usual did tons of research on CC and other boards-

Drove to FTL about 2 hours on Friday 6/25 booked at Hampton Inn on Stirling Rd FTL—Cruise and Park package included 2 nites stay,-free parking for 9 nites, full breakfast Eggs, Omelets, waffles and lots more stuff.—1 bedroom suite, living room and separate bedroom king bed with a full kitchen, shuttle for 3 to port,-Great deal would stay again anytime. for about $259 for all. Lots of shopping and food all around 10 mins to port-

We are very Picky, I am a Pro Musician, and retired Banker and have traveled 1st class to NO CLASS BY-bus & Hostels and this Cruise exceeded all of our expectations that are not easy to do—Best Cruise in the Past 10 years!!! I FEEL WE GOT REAL LUCKY WITH OUR FIRST CLASS SERVER EKA--

Embarkation—arrived at port 10:45 on Lido deck at 11:40 best embarkation ever thanks Carnival and Port Everglades. Went to Fish & Chips—was just OK did not go back all week but we all had regular buffet --- no lines as we were early-all food was very good.

Lido: we eat early 7—8 breakfast and 11:30 lunch no lines and no line cutters—but by 9:00 and again after 12 noon very long and confused lines—This problem will not go away paln accordingly--

MDR: early 4th floor-- Eka was our Server—best ever!!!- she was great and helped the little ones a lot -- we left her the biggest extra we have ever done as she really exceeded our needs--early dining and did several b’fast and lunch at MDR.—All meals and service for all 14 of us were great- best on any Carnival, better than RCCL and very close to the high standards we love on Costa . We did 2 starters each and split 3 mains most nites. Veggies were just Ok-

Deli and Burgers very good—Pizza just OK—

The Band Music Broadway was very good - as a Pro Musician and producer I saw a lot of talent and prep. In their act.—They did Oldies, classic rock, Motown, disco, Santana and yes they did a lot of Beatles. The other shows were Ok-did bingo for 1st time man next to me won $1k!!

Cabin 6456 Aft Balcony- read a lot of reviews and was a bit concerned—but we had very little vibration and shuttering--when porting and heard very little muffled sounds from below that was over by 11:00pm—View was great from a large Aft Balc.—but yes cabin is 12”smaller and you do feel it with 3 in a cabin—For 2 would be great deal.

Our room was kept very clean—but we never in 6 days saw or met or room person??????I brought a small cooler and it was kept full of ice for our diet sodas and mixers. First time that has happened--- one party in our group had to sign that they met their room person??

Serenity and chair hogs as stated some time ok sometimes crowded—

OOPs I did spill some cranberry juce !!!!!!!!

Yes, we did smuggle—rumrunners in checked bag-- both Vodka and Southern Comfort but had a $459 Bar tab—So please no flamers—No one checked our carry on we brought on our allowed 2 bottles of wine 1 in our group had 6 in his carry on again no look--?—Casino was a break even did slots, roulette and some others up 5 6 hundred and give back and up and back??

Key West been there many times did the on/off trolley was great for most as the driver would tell you what was at each stop and another trolley came every 15 mins.--Had Conch Fritters and Key Lime on a stick at some road side stand was very good.

Grand Cayman—been there many times did the Glass Bottom Boat at the Atlantis pier—Not the Sub--Just walk out to the main road and turn right 5 min. walk-- –Very good and worth the price—A/C nice and Cool a bit of a challenge for some to climb up and down the steps are steep but again worth it--do the early trip 9:00 as the latter do get very crowded got good pics and video well worth the price!! Most of our group did sting rays with Moby Dick 2 in our group were bit as the squid food was small no blood just a small bite mark--

Jamaica—Our Favorite Port – been there 6 times and love it all—Yes there is poverty and aggressive vendors but a simple no thanks and keep walking - Never felt in danger at any time this trip or any other. Mark Morris our 3rd time with Mark—have used most other guides in the past all the ones on this site are good--but in our opinion Mark Morris has always allowed us to custom our tour to what we wanted to do and in our opinion is the best- A real gentleman- eager to please well spoken-and well prepared to meet the needs or all 14 in our group. Mark picked us up in a very clean and comfortable LARGE Van from 8:00 to 2:30- Bathroom stops, add’l needs all kept in mind by Mark very reasonable $$

Blue Hole= one of the best ever stops- could have stayed all day it is a 30 min drive but Mark had Red stripe, soda and water and gave a great talk on Ocho Rios and Jamaica as we sang native songs through the hills – his dtr came with us—Next-- Fern Gully—with a few stops to sample native herbs, spices, fruits etc—wow a great time had by all--loved it and than the Town Jerk Center for lunch- The Jerk chicken is great enough for 2 so order lite.

Down towne shopping, the straw market and Shaw Park for Pics---Great day very reasonable

Debarkation we were in Group 2 called at 8:00 and in Cab by 8:30 –Home before 11:00--WOW no lines no stopping

PS: Do lots of research on your cruise and your ports. Our PVP was useless had to rely on CC for details read the cabin selection and search the forums for cabins, ports etc.—read cruise confidential you will appreciate how hard they all work. We viewed many cabins as we were early and yes there are many cabins that are much bigger than stated in the carnival web site or quoted by the PVP’s—and some like ours are smaller we did measure--

I enjoy casual but do dress on dress up nites—-- baseball caps and t shirts/shorts--??? on dress up nites and did see them turn back some with sleeveless shirts, shorts- and caps on these 2 nites.

Daymar97@comcast.net will post pics latter-

planning for this Fall/Winter

[sandybeach]

did they allow cigars inn the habana cigar bar?

[Sherrybaby412]

Damn dude. That font's too small. There are people over 40 on here.

[daveotto]

No, had to go to Sports Bar next to Casino.

[daveotto]

CARNIVAL FREEDOM 6/27/-7/3

Background: MWC 40/50 and 17y/o Autistic son. More than 18 cruises, Costa, Carnival, RCCL. Live in Florida this cruise was planned by my brother’s family as a 6 day family cruise that we joined in on. Total of 14 from 6 – to 70--of which 2 cruised 1 times rest were newbie’s. We are in Sunny Florida, 420 friendly- Email- daymar97@comcast.net for addl info or questions-. As usual did tons of research on CC and other boards-

Drove to FTL about 2 hours on Friday 6/25 booked at Hampton Inn on Stirling Rd FTL—Cruise and Park package included 2 nites stay,-free parking for 9 nites, full breakfast Eggs, Omelets, waffles and lots more stuff.—1 bedroom suite, living room and separate bedroom king bed with a full kitchen, shuttle for 3 to port,-Great deal would stay again anytime. for about $259 for all. Lots of shopping and food all around 10 mins to port-

We are very Picky, I am a Pro Musician, and retired Banker and have traveled 1st class to bus & Hostels and this Cruise exceeded all of our expectations that are not easy to do—Best Cruise in the Past 10 years!!!

Embarkation—arrived at port 10:45 on Lido deck at 11:40 best embarkation ever thanks Carnival and Port Everglades. Went to Fish & Chips—was just OK did not go back all week but we all had regular buffet --- no lines as we were early-all food was very good.

Lido: we eat early 7—8 breakfast and 11:30 lunch no lines and no line cutters—but by 9:00 and again after 12 noon very long and confused lines—This problem will not go away paln accordingly--

MDR: early 4th floor-- Eka was our Server—best ever!!!- she was great and helped the little ones a lot -- we left her the biggest extra we have ever done as she really exceeded our needs--early dining and did several b’fast and lunch at MDR.—All meals and service for all 14 of us were great- best on any Carnival, better than RCCL and very close to the high standards we love on Costa . We did 2 starters each and split 3 mains most nites. Veggies were just Ok-

Deli and Burgers very good—Pizza just OK—

The Band Music Broadway was very good - as a Pro Musician and producer I saw a lot of talent and prep. In their act.—They did Oldies, classic rock, Motown, disco, Santana and yes they did a lot of Beatles. The other shows were Ok-did bingo for 1st time man next to me won $1k!!

Cabin 6456 Aft Balcony- read a lot of reviews and was a bit concerned—but we had very little vibration and shuttering--when porting and heard very little muffled sounds from below that was over by 11:00pm—View was great from a large Aft Balc.—but yes cabin is 12”smaller and you do feel it with 3 in a cabin—For 2 would be great deal.

Our room was kept very clean—but we never in 6 days saw or met or room person??????I brought a small cooler and it was kept full of ice for our diet sodas and mixers. First time that has happened--- one party in our group had to sign that they met their room person??

Serenity and chair hogs as stated some time ok sometimes crowded—

OOPs I did spill some cranberry juce !!!!!!!!

Yes, we did smuggle—rumrunners in checked bag-- both Vodka and Southern Comfort but had a $459 Bar tab—So please no flamers—No one checked our carry on we brought on our allowed 2 bottles of wine 1 in our group had 6 in his carry on again no look--?—Casino was a break even did slots, roulette and some others up 5 6 hundred and give back and up and back??

Key West been there many times did the on/off trolley was great for most as the driver would tell you what was at each stop and another trolley came every 15 mins.--Had Conch Fritters and Key Lime on a stick at some road side stand was very good.

Grand Cayman—been there many times did the Glass Bottom Boat at the Atlantis pier—Not the Sub--Just walk out to the main road and turn right 5 min. walk-- –Very good and worth the price—A/C nice and Cool a bit of a challenge for some to climb up and down the steps are steep but again worth it--do the early trip 9:00 as the latter do get very crowded got good pics and video well worth the price!! Most of our group did sting rays with Moby Dick 2 in our group were bit as the squid food was small no blood just a small bite mark--

Jamaica—Our Favorite Port – been there 6 times and love it all—Yes there is poverty and aggressive vendors but a simple no thanks and keep walking - Never felt in danger at any time this trip or any other. Mark Morris our 3rd time with Mark—have used most other guides in the past all the ones on this site are good--but in our opinion Mark Morris has always allowed us to custom our tour to what we wanted to do and in our opinion is the best- A real gentleman- eager to please well spoken-and well prepared to meet the needs or all 14 in our group. Mark picked us up in a very clean and comfortable LARGE Van from 8:00 to 2:30- Bathroom stops, add’l needs all kept in mind by Mark very reasonable $$

Blue Hole= one of the best ever stops- could have stayed all day it is a 30 min drive but Mark had Red stripe, soda and water and gave a great talk on Ocho Rios and Jamaica as we sang native songs through the hills – his dtr came with us—Next-- Fern Gully—with a few stops to sample native herbs, spices, fruits etc—wow a great time had by all--loved it and than the Town Jerk Center for lunch- The Jerk chicken is great enough for 2 so order lite.

Down towne shopping, the straw market and Shaw Park for Pics---Great day very reasonable

Debarkation we were in Group 2 called at 8:00 and in Cab by 8:30 –Home before 11:00--WOW no lines no stopping

PS: Do lots of research on your cruise and your ports. Our PVP was useless had to rely on CC for details read the cabin selection and search the forums for cabins, ports etc.—read cruise confidential you will appreciate how hard they all work. We viewed many cabins as we were early and yes there are many cabins that are much bigger than stated in the carnival web site or quoted by the PVP’s—and some like ours are smaller we did measure--

I enjoy casual but do dress on dress up nites—-- baseball caps and t shirts/shorts--??? on dress up nites and did see them turn back some with sleeveless shirts, shorts- and caps on these 2 nites.

Daymar97@comcast.net will post pics latt

[carsaw]

Thanks for the review. Me and my husband (around the same age) decided to give Carnival a try this September (same cruise). We have been on Royal Caribbean and Princess and have a Celebrity Europe cruise booked. I was a little apprehensive about trying Carnival but your review makes me very optimistic that we will have a great time. Carol:)

[Mary49]

Thanks for the great review on the Freedom and especially thank you for posting about "Music Boardwalk". They are my favorite group and I hope I see them next year. They are very talented guys and I haven't seen much talk about them on this board. Thanks again....

[steveaaaaa]

Thanks for the review. Me and my husband (around the same age) decided to give Carnival a try this September (same cruise). We have been on Royal Caribbean and Princess and have a Celebrity Europe cruise booked. I was a little apprehensive about trying Carnival but your review makes me very optimistic that we will have a great time. Carol:)

 

 

We are around the same age as well and was on this sailing a month ago.Have also sailed Royal and Princess and wish we had this time.Out of the 26 cruises I have been on,this one was at the bottom. We are not even booking another caribbean cruise for a long time now.When we do,it will be Royals Oasis. If you have sailed a Royal Voyager class you will notice the difference. CCL is the Walmart of the seas. They put out an affordable product for the masses,decent product for a decent price but they are the economy line and they always advertise how cheap per day they are.

 

Steve

[cherjoe5]

We are around the same age as well and was on this sailing a month ago.Have also sailed Royal and Princess and wish we had this time.Out of the 26 cruises I have been on,this one was at the bottom. We are not even booking another caribbean cruise for a long time now.When we do,it will be Royals Oasis. If you have sailed a Royal Voyager class you will notice the difference. CCL is the Walmart of the seas. They put out an affordable product for the masses,decent product for a decent price but they are the economy line and they always advertise how cheap per day they are.

 

Steve

steve...........i don't know why you hang around the carnival forums, as you never have nothing nice or helpful to say........i don't usually respond to negative posts but i have to admit you are one depressing person...........i also have cruised on rccl,celebrity, ncl and others.......i find the cabins, food and service on carnival to exceed these other lines..........INMHO

now back on subject........... i am doing a b2b on the freedom in oct, so i appreciate

this review, reading all the info on cruise critic makes my wait easier.............

cheryl

[LBumb]

thanks for sharing even though small print

[renza]

Steve, I too have sailed Royal Car. Freedom of the Seas. I cant tell you how disappointed I was with the food, and service, and room size. I paid over $1500 pp, over $5000 for a week for 4 of us. I got the worse service and food ever on that ship. I could have cruised carnival for half the cost and my food and service would have way succeeded RRC.

Thank you for your review, I have sailed the liberty and sailing Freedom in Feb. Cant wait, and nothing like paying $1200 total for hubby and I for a balcony room.

[steveaaaaa]

Steve, I too have sailed Royal Car. Freedom of the Seas. I cant tell you how disappointed I was with the food, and service, and room size. I paid over $1500 pp, over $5000 for a week for 4 of us. I got the worse service and food ever on that ship. I could have cruised carnival for half the cost and my food and service would have way succeeded RRC.

Thank you for your review, I have sailed the liberty and sailing Freedom in Feb. Cant wait, and nothing like paying $1200 total for hubby and I for a balcony room.

 

 

One thing I find interesting here is what you and CherJoe5 above have stated. Both of you made an almost identical comments regarding food,service and cabin.

All 3 of those mean very little to me. What you expect for service and what I do are probably miles apart.We eat in the Buffet allot and the cabin is just where we sleep considering we are up into the wee hours of the morning.

What is important to us is the activities and the ports themselves.But you are right about the pricing,we have sailed CCL the most as a means of transportation for all our scuba gear to dive in each port.We have no problem with an inside cabin but will get a balcony if its cheap enough.

 

But you two have pointed something out to me that I will preface any comment I make in the future with "depending on what you are looking for in a cruise ship"

 

Out of curiosity? Did your kids like Freedom of the seas?

 

Steve

[steveaaaaa]

steve...........i don't know why you hang around the carnival forums, as you never have nothing nice or helpful to say........i don't usually respond to negative posts but i have to admit you are one depressing person...........i also have cruised on rccl,celebrity, ncl and others.......i find the cabins, food and service on carnival to exceed these other lines..........INMHO

now back on subject........... i am doing a b2b on the freedom in oct, so i appreciate

this review, reading all the info on cruise critic makes my wait easier.............

cheryl

 

I am bored and have done too many cruises I guess so I have seen the decline of things over the years yet like the additional venues on newer ships.I am always looking to be occupied every minute of every day and if that is not there, I am not happy.:)

Even at home,I need to be occupied all day.Which is hard to do sometimes.

 

Steve

[evergladesgator]

Hey Steve,

 

Steve stated

" What is important to us is the activities and the ports themselves."

 

I never realized that ccl went to DIFFERENT ports other than the other cruise lines. Just wondering what ports were so GREAT and DIFFERENT than the ones that ccl goes to ?????:confused::confused::confused: Last cruise on RC, i ate pasta for almost the whole cruise cause the food was so bad.

thanks

[steveaaaaa]

Hey Steve,

 

Steve stated

" What is important to us is the activities and the ports themselves."

 

I never realized that ccl went to DIFFERENT ports other than the other cruise lines. Just wondering what ports were so GREAT and DIFFERENT than the ones that ccl goes to ????? Last cruise on RC, i ate pasta for almost the whole cruise cause the food was so bad.

thanks

 

The ports themselves are not important as long as they are not the Bahamas or Key West.There is diving at all the others.

Its the time at sea that activities are important and I prefer more active activities. I don't mind the food on any ship I have been on and I also don't care a whole lot about the cabin either.I have gone bunk beds all the way up to the owners suite. The service is what I don't understand.What service? What am I missing here? What is so great that it makes or breaks a cruise?:confused: The steward does just an OK job,our maid/cleaning service does a much better job and does not cost that much more for the 3 days a week.The waiters are no different than at the country club.They try and learn your likes and dislikes but all they want is a tip in the end.(and a Christmas bonus)

 

Steve

[bluefintuna]

Yes, you can get jaded, but we have been on 28 cruises over the last 20 years and the anticipation and excitement is still there. We find the changes on all the lines to be quite minor and our expectations are usually surpassed. They can't screw up a sunset or sunrise, it is free...enjoy. Most cruise ship staff bend over backwards for passengers, but you can please some of the people some of the time, not all the people all the time.