Just came off Carnival Freedom, any questions

[katcas]

I can try to answer any question you may have about the Freedom. Just ask.

Kathy

[dbrucern]

I can try to answer any question you may have about the Freedom. Just ask.

Kathy

We are scheduled to be on the Freedom Dec 6 2008, 9A aft, just interested in what you thought of the ship? We were in Cozumel on the Legend last week and saw the Freedom docked at another pier.

[CruzinCooks]

Check out the post I just put on about loud noises and the overall ship. How was your experience I would like to know your thoughts. I was Gloria in the Legends show. That was so much fun. Thanks!!!

[katcas]

Keep in mind, I haven't sailed in 15 years, for my anniversary, so things were quite different. I know everyone talks about the decor of the ship, it didn't bother me but again, haven't sailed in 15 years. I did not find it as bad as people have said.

As for the noise: We were on the Riviera deck, (yes, we are those people) near the back of the ship. I loved it here as it as so quiet except when we were pulling into port. At about 6:30am on port days, 5:30 on the last day)we were awoken to loud shaking noises which lasted about 10 or 15 minutes. None of us slept through it and there were 14 of us. I just figured it was because we were at the back of the ship on the bottom level. We didn't complain because it wasn't a big deal to us. On sea days, it was very quiet.

My kids and my sister's kids hated Camp Carnival. We had 5 9-11 year olds and 3 12-14 year olds and the yonger ones when once and called us after 45 minutes to come and get them. They found it very baby-ish. The never went back again. The disco for the older ones barely had anyone it it. The club of for the 15-17 year olds seem more crowded.

The pool on the lido deck was the most fun. There is always loud music there and lots of fun and games.

The worst part was the muster drill. Lasted too long and we stood there for about 1/2 hour before it started. Then, we were one of the last ones dismissed.

Also, if you are taking the Carnival transfer to the airport, beware! We sat on the bus for 50 minutes before it left and then had to listen to the bus driver yap the whole way about what was to our left and right. He barely spoke English so you couldn't understand him. Then, once at the airport, you had to sit on the bus for another 15 minutes while he took the luggage off. Next time, I would spent the money for a cab. We were off the ship at 8:30 and did not get to the airport until 10:40 for our 12pm flight.

As for the cuise itself, we loved it as did our kids. I thought the staff was very fiendly and never had a problem.

Anything else I can help you with, let me know.

Kathy

[katcas]

Keep in mind, I haven't sailed in 15 years, for my anniversary, so things were quite different. I know everyone talks about the decor of the ship, it didn't bother me but again, haven't sailed in 15 years. I did not find it as bad as people have said.

As for the noise: We were on the Riviera deck, (yes, we are those people) near the back of the ship. I loved it here as it as so quiet except when we were pulling into port. At about 6:30am on port days, 5:30 on the last day)we were awoken to loud shaking noises which lasted about 10 or 15 minutes. None of us slept through it and there were 14 of us. I just figured it was because we were at the back of the ship on the bottom level. We didn't complain because it wasn't a big deal to us. On sea days, it was very quiet.

My kids and my sister's kids hated Camp Carnival. We had 5 9-11 year olds and 3 12-14 year olds and the yonger ones when once and called us after 45 minutes to come and get them. They found it very baby-ish. The never went back again. The disco for the older ones barely had anyone it it. The club of for the 15-17 year olds seem more crowded.

The pool on the lido deck was the most fun. There is always loud music there and lots of fun and games.

The worst part was the muster drill. Lasted too long and we stood there for about 1/2 hour before it started. Then, we were one of the last ones dismissed.

Also, if you are taking the Carnival transfer to the airport, beware! We sat on the bus for 50 minutes before it left and then had to listen to the bus driver yap the whole way about what was to our left and right. He barely spoke English so you couldn't understand him. Then, once at the airport, you had to sit on the bus for another 15 minutes while he took the luggage off. Next time, I would spent the money for a cab. We were off the ship at 8:30 and did not get to the airport until 10:40 for our 12pm flight.

As for the cuise itself, we loved it as did our kids. I thought the staff was very fiendly and never had a problem.

Anything else I can help you with, let me know.

Kathy

[gumballz]

Hi Kathy....welcome home. :) Were there magicians onboard? Actually, do you have copies of the Capers you could share with us? I'd like to check out all the entertainment.

[DavidandPaula]

At about 6:30am on port days, 5:30 on the last day)we were awoken to loud shaking noises which lasted about 10 or 15 minutes.

 

We had 1291 on Riviera deck in July, it is about a third of the way back from the bow. We did not hear any of the noise on entering port. The couple we shared a table with in Posh were in an aft cabin on a higher deck and the vibrations really shook them up. We only heard and felt it one morning when we were in Posh at Open Dining Breakfast at docking time and the noise and rattling of crockery and cutlery was very loud.

 

Muster drill does drag on but once just about everybody is there they get through things pretty quickly. We had to stand at our station wearing lifejackets in summer in the Med for about 25 minutes, most of which was spent waiting for the tardy to arrive.

 

David

 

David

[kiffrig]

Hi Katcas-

 

Welcome home! We will be going on Freedom next November (a year from now). We have a large group of kids ranging in ages 4-17+ going with us. You mentioned your kids didn't like Camp Carnival because it was too babyish....can you give me some ideas of what activities your kids found to keep them busy and that they liked? I have been on many Carnival cruises, but we have never taken kiddos, so this will be a new experience sailing with them. In addition, we have convinced our entire family (and all the kiddos) to go, as well. For everyone else in our group, it is their first cruise, so I am trying to find out as much info to help them make decisions, etc, ahead of time to help set their minds at ease, a bit.

 

Any info you have on other kid-friendly activities around the ship would be terrific! THANK YOU!

 

-Karin

[jonsmom]

What itinerary did you sail? Eastern or Western? I am also interested in what the kids thought was babyish about Camp Carnival. I am sailing with two 10 year olds and an almost 14 year old next April.

 

How was the food?

 

If you sailed Eastern, what did you do in ports with the kids?

 

You said you were off the ship early, is that because you had a transfer to the airport? We also have a 12, now 12:20 flight back to Boston and we are just planning on taking a cab. We should have plenty of time.

[jljlinda]

Does the Legends Show include a "Garth Brooks talent?" Will the karaoke DJ, during regularly scheduled Karaoke events, spin Karaoke CD's brought on board by guests? We will be sailing on the Freedom next week (departing 12/01/07) and will be accompanied by a son (and DIL) who will likely try to qualify for a performance in the Legends Show. Thanks for your help!!

[bchbuumm]

Hi there.... was just wondering if the Freedom had irons in the rooms?? We are going on Dec. 8th in two weeks!!

[katcas]

Thanks for the welcome home although it was a bummer to come backt o 34 degrees.

Our kids kept very busy as they are all cousins and very close. They played mini golf, basketball, used the slide. They sometimes just wanted to hang in the room playing their game boys. We all went to bingo few times. They also have movies on deck at night. One night they watched Pirates of the Carribean. Keep in mind for the younger ones. Sleep is not something they get a lot of. The 11 year olds and the 10 and 9 year old where pooped at night. We had the 8pm dinner so by the time that was done, they just hung in the room a long. There are also movies you can order on the TV. They did that one night. Another night they had a party on the lido deck and everyone was dancing. The kids had a blast. The younger ones like to ride up and down the glass elevators. Odd, I know, but they loved that. Certainly have your kids try Camp Carnival, they may like it. Our kids tried the slumber party which is from 10-3am. You have to pay extra but they didn't like it because they are mixed in with the 2-8 year olds and it was just boring for them. It seemes there were more liitle kids there so the younger ones will probaly like it. We felt comfortable for them all to go off on their own as long as they had a buddy.

Just a tip I got from someone before I left, get wrist bands or neck bands that the kids can keep their sign and sail card on along with the soda cards if you get them one. They keep track of it this way and it was always with them. The soda card are $32. It was worth it for us because they could just get a drink when they wanted. You can go to the pursers desk and have a hole punched it the sign and sail card, the soda cards already have one in them.

Dress in the dining room:On the non formal nights, the boys wore nice pants and a collared shirt, either a button down or a polo type. There were a very few kids wearing shorts and flip flops and I think they looked out of place. I only noticed a couple. For the most part the boys looked very handsome. The girls wore skirts, dresses, capris. They were dressed petty much like girls and most of them liked to dress up a little.

On the formal nights, most boys, including my own, wore dress pants with a shirt and tie, a very few boys wore jackets but they certainly did not look out of place. The girs wore dresses, either long or short.

Adults on formal night: a couple of the older men wore tuxes. Most had on a suit. Women wore anything form short dress to long ones. A dress you would wear to a wedding would be appopriate.

I did not notice a magician and I read the capers everyday. I do not have a copy but for the most part it tell you every hour what is happening. The day before port days, someone give a talk about the islands your going to and what to do. There is bingo everyday a couple of times, there are games on the lido deck, like trivia games just for fun, there was a hairest chest contest, a horse race which was a lot of fun to watch, it is too complicated to go it to, but look for it. It tell you what movies are playing on the big scress on lido deck at night. On the Sunday night we were on they showed the football game, sometimes they have concerts like Tina Turner and U2. It tell you what shows are going on. We say Ticket to Ride which was a Beatles tribute type of thing, it was pretty good. The rest of the group I was with went to the R rated comic at midnight and said he was pretty funny. The tell you the drink of the day which was important. You get it at night for the next day so you can look through it before you go to bed.

Let's see, I thought our ship was fun, there was music most of the time on the lido deck, where the main pool was. It was a little too loud for my dad who is 74 so he didn't hang out here to much.

I can't think of anything else but any other questions, let me know.

Kathy

[chandom]

Hi there.... was just wondering if the Freedom had irons in the rooms?? We are going on Dec. 8th in two weeks!!

 

I can answer that one...

 

No irons in the room but each deck has a laundry room with an iron and ironing board.

 

Locations (Conquest Class): http://unofficialcarnivalwiki.com/wiki/Laundry_Room#Conquest_Class

[katcas]

You shoud have plenty of time to get to the airport taking a taxi. If you have a flight before 12, you get off the ship between 7 and 7:30. We waited on that stupid bus and it was horrible. You do have the option of taking you luggage off yourself but if you are traveling with kids it is easier to have them do it. You have to put your luggage out by 11 the night before so keep that in mind. We also went to Boston!

The reason they thought camp carnival was babyish was because they were playing kind of babyish games. Like, put the ball between your legs and walk around. Also, they were in with 2 year olds because at that time of night they group them together.

We did eastern, San Juan wich we didn't get there until 5. We walked aroung and did some shopping. We went into a shop so the kids could buy stuff and hanging on the walls were beach towels with naked women on them, so beware.

St Thomas we went to Coki beach. I must say it is beautiful but when you get out of the taxi, you will think you in the slums. My sister and I looked at each other and thought, what have we done. We were there early and not many people were there at first but then tons of peole came and the beach was crowed. If you are going to go there, go early. When you go there, people come up to you and sort of adopt you. They get go chairs and if you order a drink, get it from them or they will be upset. We upset Sacha, oops. They have hair braiding too.

In St Martin, which I loved, we did a snorkeling tour which was three hours long. We booked it from Ltd marketing on our own. They advertise it as a catamaran but when we got there it was a small boat, kind of dumpy but we made the best of it. It actually turned out great. It was just our group that we traveled with, 13 of us, my did did not go. They guy, Charles, was awesome with the kids and he let them drive it. We snorkeled until we were all tired. Then he dropped us at a beach which we had to swim to, not far, but no towels. It was fine, the beach was nice and it was just us. After we were dropeed a shore we did some shopping. I wish I saw more of St Martin because it was so beautiful. The shops are right by the boat so it was very convenient.

There are no irons in the room but each floor has an iron in the laundry room. I went there to iron and couple of times and never say anyone in there.

Have a great time. I wish I were going again.

Kathy

[jonsmom]

Thanks Kathy - it seems like it is such a long wait for that one week & then its over in no time.

[buuzz]

Hello, first time writing in! Be patient:) My DH and DS (4yrs) sailed on the Liberty April 07. DH and I enrolled DS in Camp Carnival and we could

not drag him away when it was time to leave:p . He loved it and we cannot say enough good things about it. He his looking forward to it again this March 08 on the Valor. Sorry if I got you sidetracked, but I had fun trying this.

DA

[buuzz]

test

[jljlinda]

Does the Legends Show include a "Garth Brooks talent?" Will the karaoke DJ, during regularly scheduled Karaoke events, spin Karaoke CD's brought on board by guests? We will be sailing on the Freedom next week (12/01/07 departure and will be with a son who hopes to qualify for the Show. Thanks for your help!

[CrazyKz]

Kathy ,thanks for your time ! I will be on the ship Dec 8-15 . Some of the noices maybe side thrusters moving ship into port in early morning. I sailed On the liberty Nov4-10 noy many noices at all. I have a lido deck cabin for this ship !!!!!!! Was the service Good, or GREAT!!!!!!!!! ???:D :D :D

[SunshneNC]

Hi Kathy....welcome home. :) Were there magicians onboard? Actually, do you have copies of the Capers you could share with us? I'd like to check out all the entertainment.

Chandom on our Roll Call for Carnival Freedom November 12, 2007 has posted all of her Carnival Capers.

[candrus03]

We leave in 20 days ..What is the one thing you would say we can't miss on the ship? We have 5 kids 13,12,9.9.7 My only girl is 12! How were the excursions?

[gumballz]

Chandom on our Roll Call for Carnival Freedom November 12, 2007 has posted all of her Carnival Capers.

 

Thank you for this info! I'm off to check them out now. :)

[chandom]

Chandom on our Roll Call for Carnival Freedom November 12, 2007 has posted all of her Carnival Capers.

 

http://gallery.mjcwebdesign.com/main.php?g2_itemId=2742 <-- Link for the lazy...

 

Just a FYI this was a 4 day cruise to Key West and Cozumel

[Steamboatin]

Will be sailing on the Carnival Freedom in April.

 

Question: Do they play that red, white and blue game (or whatever they now call it) amongst the passengers and tell the daily results at dinner on the Carnival Freedom?

[katcas]

Service was great for us. I know everyone has a different experience but ours was great. Our waiter, Kamsi, and his helper Juan were great, especially with our kids. Us 7 adults sat at one table and the 8 kids sat at the next and they were on their best bahavior. Even the helper at the next table would talk to them. One of the people sitting near us came over to us on the last night and commented on how good our kids were since they were a little nervous when they sat down the first night next to our kids. The cocktail waitress was great too. Her name, and I'm not kidding, was Supaporn, she said to call her Supa. We would run into her in the sports bar and casiino as well as the other because they move around once the dining room closes and they were always so happy to see us.

Our room steward was nice, always asking us how our day was. Everyone seemed so nice but I am sure there are some duds out there, we just didn't run into any, except on our flight home, American Airlines who lost half the planes luggage including mine. I got it back to day. One of the flight attendants was rude. Other than that, I loved the cruise.

I see new questions so I will answer them here. I never heard of the red, white and blue game. They never did anything like that at dinner.

The one thing not to miss would be a few things I guess. My husband would say not to miss the fish and chips place and the sushi bar. I would say don't miss the desserts at dinner. They are awesome. As I said before, the horse race was a fun thing to watch. Just check out anything that sound interesting to you. Chances are, you'll like it. The kids will enjoy 24 hours a day soft serve ice cream that they can get themselve all day.

Oh, the lounge chairs at the pool. People do save them. We did too but we always left someone there with them. We did see one big argument over chairs, it was pretty nasty actually. Entertaining to watch. We usually got out there around 8 or 8:30. A little tidbit, some people went up to the deck by the volleyball court and had chairs up there. I don't know if the chairs were up ther already or if they borught them up there but they seem quite comfy and there were not too many people up there. It is behind the big screen. To get away from all the noise, sit on the sides of the lido deck.

I'm sitll thinking so if I come up with any more advice. I'll let you know. As someone who hasn't cruised in a long time, I had a ton of question.