Carnival Freedom 12 Day Repo Cruise with tons of pictures

[goofycruiser]

We were on the cruise with you. I really enjoyed your review and the pictures. It brought back a lot of great memories! I agree with you that the staff was amazing, they went above and beyond what I expected. We had Anytime dining but went at 6 every night, never waited for a table. The food in the MDR was not as good as I remembered from past cruises, not as much selection, some repeats as well. The menus need to change! The Sea Day brunch was very good, we also enjoyed afternoon tea. Of course the ports were what made the cruise! What amazing places! We did not get the Internet plan but had no trouble finding WiFi in the ports for free or for a nominal fee. In Curaçao we got free Wi Fi all day in our cabin and on the balcony! That Texas tax on liquor was annoying, we usually buy a couple of bottles of rum from the islands but the tax made it not worth it. Looking forward to more of your review!

[maggiepie11]

Were there only adults in the aft pool on the Freedom?? Been on Magic and there were more kids in the aft pool than adults.

 

 

There is no "adults only" pool on the Magic, so her answer wouldn't be relevant to your experience. Frankly, if they were to prohibit children somewhere it should be from the main pool where drunk girls or women clinging to girlhood are giving mid-day bikini lap dances to hairy old men. To each his own!

[Jenny in TX]

Can't wait to read the rest of your review! The Freedom is now in my home port and we can't wait to sail on her. I am hoping to do so in October or November.

[Rpt_crt]

There is no "adults only" pool on the Magic, so her answer wouldn't be relevant to your experience. Frankly, if they were to prohibit children somewhere it should be from the main pool where drunk girls or women clinging to girlhood are giving mid-day bikini lap dances to hairy old men. To each his own!

Actually asking about the Freedom adult pool, not the Magic aft pool.

[EAZYLIVING]

We left dinner around 8:30 p.m. so we had just missed the 80's Pop to the Max show. We saw one comedian, Jim Brick, and then went back to the room to change. We then went to the outside decks and DH got pizza.

 

Thanks for the pictures lovestocruise19! Finally, I've found someone with recent pictures of the Freedom. :D

 

I'm still contemplating if I should choose the Freedom for Nassau or RCI Navigator for the ship.

Edited February 18, 2015 by EAZYLIVING

[deedle7544]

We were on the Freedom last year, and aside from kids being around to get pizza, the pool and bars were kid free.

[iheartmarshall]

My husband and I were on the Freedom's repo cruise from Feb. 2-14. What an amazing cruise! The ports were breathtaking and although my husband and I could have done without so many sea days, we had a blast. I think near the end we were getting a little homesick. Who knew how hard it would be to make it home...you'll read about that nightmare at the end of my review.

 

A couple of points before I start. I was a little disappointed with the MDR menu, but I'm picky. Although hubby was disappointed too. There really wasn't a lot of different chicken or pasta choices which is what I like and there was the same type of meat over and over, which is what DH likes. Perhaps this was because the cruise was so long. We ended up eating on the Lido buffet for quite a few nights. Even there I didn't see much chicken, so I ended up eating salad, potato salad, a roll and cheese. Lol. But that saved room for dessert!

 

Another point is that the crew on the Freedom is awesome! One time I was trying to pick up a bowl, cup and mug all at the same time and a crew member who was working the buffet noticed my struggle and helped me by taking one of the cups to my table. I noticed this happen to another lady as well. So thoughtful and really going that extra mile.

 

Okay, just wanted to put those two points out there. Now onto the good stuff: The pictures!

 

We flew from MHT to FLL with a connection in Tampa. We called for a shuttle to the Rodeway Inn which took about 25 minutes. The check in line at the hotel was really long and slow. We signed up for a 9:15 a.m. shuttle to the port for just $2 per person. There was a complimentary shuttle at 10:30 a.m., but we like to get to the port early. We ate supper at Marina 84, the restaurant connected to the hotel. They were having a Super Bowl buffet party for $30 per person, but we just wanted to eat so they had an option of us being able to order food in the breakfast area. DH had a marina burger and I had a chicken sandwich. We watched the Super Bowl on the hotel's old boxy, fuzzy TV. Lol! Patriots WON!

 

The hotel had two queens (it was cheaper than a king) so DH and I each got our own beds. Lol!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So excited to read your review! We'll be sailing on the Conquest out of FLL in December and I can't wait.

 

I'd like to ask -- how did you like your stay at the hotel? It looks very nice, which is not something I'd expect from a Rodeway Inn (bad prior experiences). How was the food at the restaurant? And I see online that they have a gift shop connected where you can get snacks. Did you all stop in the gift shop? If so, how were the prices? I've been looking at hotels near a Publix for cruise snacks but this may be just what we need.

 

Sorry for all the questions :)

[Rpt_crt]

We were on the Freedom last year, and aside from kids being around to get pizza, the pool and bars were kid free.

Thanks!!!

[WindsorFred]

Finally a review from this cruise, we were on the Freedom also but I don't have time do do a review. Looking forward to the rest. Agree that the Freedom is awesome, great ship and crew. Like others have said the MDR food was not as good as it has been in the past. We did the steakhouse one night, comped by the casino, and it was excellent. Weather was great as were the ports, all of which we have been to before. Going to miss the Freedom unless they come up with some different ports.

[lovestocruise19]

Keep up the good work! I'm loving your review!!

Thanks!

[lovestocruise19]

Were there only adults in the aft pool on the Freedom?? Been on Magic and there were more kids in the aft pool than adults.

The Freedom is a Conquest Class ship and all the aft pools in that class are adults only. The Magic is in the Dream Class. There was even a sign saying 18 and up.

[lovestocruise19]

We were on the cruise with you. I really enjoyed your review and the pictures. It brought back a lot of great memories! I agree with you that the staff was amazing, they went above and beyond what I expected. We had Anytime dining but went at 6 every night, never waited for a table. The food in the MDR was not as good as I remembered from past cruises, not as much selection, some repeats as well. The menus need to change! The Sea Day brunch was very good, we also enjoyed afternoon tea. Of course the ports were what made the cruise! What amazing places! We did not get the Internet plan but had no trouble finding WiFi in the ports for free or for a nominal fee. In Curaçao we got free Wi Fi all day in our cabin and on the balcony! That Texas tax on liquor was annoying, we usually buy a couple of bottles of rum from the islands but the tax made it not worth it. Looking forward to more of your review!

I'm surprised you got in right at 6 p.m. with Your Time Dining. Every night except the very first night we had to wait to be seated. We actually ate at the buffet quite often because the selection of food in the MDR didn't appeal to us. We probably won't do YTD again.

[lovestocruise19]

Thanks for the pictures lovestocruise19! Finally, I've found someone with recent pictures of the Freedom. :D

 

I'm still contemplating if I should choose the Freedom for Nassau or RCI Navigator for the ship.

Glad I could help!

[lovestocruise19]

So excited to read your review! We'll be sailing on the Conquest out of FLL in December and I can't wait.

 

I'd like to ask -- how did you like your stay at the hotel? It looks very nice, which is not something I'd expect from a Rodeway Inn (bad prior experiences). How was the food at the restaurant? And I see online that they have a gift shop connected where you can get snacks. Did you all stop in the gift shop? If so, how were the prices? I've been looking at hotels near a Publix for cruise snacks but this may be just what we need.

 

Sorry for all the questions :)

The Rodeway was decent enough for a one night stay. The TV was old and fuzzy, but it had beds and a bathroom which was all we needed. There was a gift shop connected to the lobby which had quite a bit of stuff in it including snacks and drinks. I tried to go there to get soda, but it was closed. So I'm not sure of the prices, but they did have vending machines which was 1.75 if I remember correctly.

[lovestocruise19]

So excited to read your review! We'll be sailing on the Conquest out of FLL in December and I can't wait.

 

I'd like to ask -- how did you like your stay at the hotel? It looks very nice, which is not something I'd expect from a Rodeway Inn (bad prior experiences). How was the food at the restaurant? And I see online that they have a gift shop connected where you can get snacks. Did you all stop in the gift shop? If so, how were the prices? I've been looking at hotels near a Publix for cruise snacks but this may be just what we need.

 

Sorry for all the questions :)

Oh, and the restaurant food was good.

[lovestocruise19]

Finally a review from this cruise, we were on the Freedom also but I don't have time do do a review. Looking forward to the rest. Agree that the Freedom is awesome, great ship and crew. Like others have said the MDR food was not as good as it has been in the past. We did the steakhouse one night, comped by the casino, and it was excellent. Weather was great as were the ports, all of which we have been to before. Going to miss the Freedom unless they come up with some different ports.

Good to hear your opinion of the MDR food. I wasn't sure if it was just us being picky or not.

[MisterMom]

Subscribed!

[lovestocruise19]

I woke up a little after 8 a.m. and showered. Went to Lido for cinnamon buns and honeydew, my breakfast of choice. Brought DH back some cinnamon buns, but he was still sleeping.

 

 

 

 

The TV was all staticy the night before so I called guest services. Our steward Ronald came to look, but couldn't figure it out and was going to send someone else. DH stayed in the room and I went to the lobby and saw the strawberry tuxedo making demo. They had three volunteers try out their skills. One person lost the stem of the strawberry while dipping it and Jen laughed and said it was an epic fail. Lol!

 

 

[lovestocruise19]

Back in the room, the TV was still broken and DH was still there. I told him he didn't have to stick around because I was sure the TV guy could let himself in.

 

DH and I went up and played mini golf. It was windy and we didn't even keep score, but I'm sure I probably lost. On the last hole my ball fell down to the volleyball court! Oops! I'm pretty sure it didn't hit anyone and a guy handed it back up to me.

 

 

 

 

I love this pic I took because you can see the wake in DH's sunglasses!

[lovestocruise19]

DH and I wandered around Deck 5 and 4 and then went back to the room. Our TV wasn't static, but it still wasn't a clear picture. I told DH I was hungry for lunch and we were just about to go up when the TV repair guy came. All he had to do was tighten a wire in the back. He said sometimes the housekeeping staff jiggles the wires loose while cleaning.

 

Victoriana Theatre:

 

Cigar Bar:

 

New space for Club 02 on Deck Four:

 

I had a deli sandwich for lunch and DH had a Guy's burger. DH had ice cream for dessert and I chose chocolate cake and a lemon brownie. The cake wasn't good, but the brownie was surprisingly delicious. It was chocolate, but must have been flavored with lemon while it was baked. We went back to the room to relax and the next thing I know I've taken a 2 1/2 hour nap! Must be that Carnival comforter!

 

We ended up going up to the Lido buffet for supper because we didn't see anything we liked in the MDR. We then went to the Heart of Soul show. The singers were actually good which goes a long way in making it an enjoyable show. We then headed to the comedy club and saw Michael Macy. I put the room service door hanger out. The next day was St. Maarten!

[lovestocruise19]

Oops, forgot to post our towel animal, which looked suspiciously like the previous night's towel animal...

 

 

We got our cinnamon buns via room service at 7:18 a.m. We had a private tour book with Bernard's and I was so nervous about it. My biggest fear while cruising is missing the ship. There was a little bit of a line getting off the ship, but it went quickly. We went down the long pier toward the yellow building/statue. We looked around and then asked a security guard where Bernard's Tours was. She pointed us in the right direction and we followed some others to a parking lot. We paid our balance (credit cards accepted) and got a Tour One sticker. Even though there were a lot of vehicle and people, Bernard's people kept pointing us in the right direction.

 

We had Ralph as our tour guide and only 10 people (which included us) on the small tour bus. We were going to wait for more people, but he just decided to get going. He told us about the French and Dutch sides of the island.

[lovestocruise19]

We had some photo stops and he pulled over to show us iguanas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[lovestocruise19]

 

 

We were in Marigot for an hour. I bought a magnet from the craft vendors and we went to Sarafina's French Pastry Shop where I bought a lemon macaroon. It was good!

 

 

 

 

[lovestocruise19]

 

 

 

 

[lovestocruise19]

We then went to Maho Beach which was the reason we booked this excursion. Carnival didn't have any excursions that went to Maho. We saw a few small planes land and shortly after arriving we hit pay dirt-a larger United plane. So cool!