Just back - Freedom ..4/15 - 4/21 Fantastic! Quick Review

DH and I just got back from our 6 night Western on the Freedom. We loved ALL of it! We had such a blast and the Freedom exceeded our expectations. Here's some various things I'd like to mention, but please feel free to ask away.

Flew down on Spirit Air (no frills cheap airline..not bad but seats are too close together if you are a tall person).

Stayed at Days Inn Hollywood Airport South (about 10 minutes from airport and cruiseport. Low rates, clean and spacious room and comfortable. Free shuttle to/from hotel and even to the cruiseport. Denny's is right next door.

Embarkation... We arrived at 10:30 AM (confusion with shuttle van as to where he was to drop us off..cop was telling him he couldn't drop us off and to keep on moving..but to where? It was rediculous. Shuttle driver got disgusted and went in area where buses go and we got off there.

DH is disabled (we rented a mobility scooter from rental company Carnival recommended which was waiting for us in the cabin..only $175 for the week..same price as Carnival's rental fee for a wheelchair, so scooter is worth it). He was wheeled (me following) into the VIP area for checkin which is where all folks in wheelchairs are pushed to. Checkin took about 15 minutes as only one person at the desk. We waited about 30 minutes to board (another wheelchair pusher takes over as those in terminal are not allowed to board the ship) and about first ones on the ship. Room not ready til 1:30. Headed to Deck 10 by pool and ordered my pina colada...let the vacation begin!

Cabin..oceanview..room 2283 on Main deck..right outside of glass elevators..could see elevators from doorway of the cabin. Not noisy with people, but could hear the sound the elevator makes (like a doorbell sound when it arrives and doors opened). Still liked location and would book it again..got off elevator and always near somewhere we wanted to be.

Cabin was spotless and spacious..had sofa and table and bed so comfy. Steward was great and remembered our names right off the bat. Second to last day of cruise, he threw out all of my FunTimes!!! I saw him in hall and asked him why and he said he was told to "straighten the room". I told him people like to save those. He returned next morning will all missing ones that he threw out! Said other people complained about same thing and he had to replace them.

We had late seating in MDR...dress code enforced by matre'd. He got on microphone and went over all the dress code rules. I do have to say I didn't really see too many rule breakers if any at all. Lots of "formal" wear on elegant night which was very nice to see..alot of suits and ties, some tuxes, evening gowns. I was surprised to see it, and it was great.

We had wonderful table mates and we all got along great..all couples our age.

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Food in MDR was excellent..no complaints. Our waitstaff was the BEST! They were efficient, friendly and personable and took great care of us...very impressive. They ran out of alligator fritters. But had tons of lobster tails on elegant night...they put so many platefuls in front of us..we were stuffed!

Steakhouse...superb! I sat down by the window, looked out and saw the sunset! Food was excellent as was service. Well worth every penny. Actually worth much more than the $30 cover. This is like going to a high end restaurant, so do try it even for only one night.

Entertainment...Cruise director was Jaque..very funny and entertaining. comedians were fabulous...John Rathbone and CJ Jones..both funny (very different from each other).

The Big Easy...excellent..highly recommend. theme is New Orleans with a wonderful Mardi Gras Finale.

Ticket to Ride..top notch and noted to be the best show Carnival offers. We were lucky to see it...all Beatles tunes..costumes and effects were gorgeous. Everyone got glow sticks in the finale and we all sang with our glows sticks waving...just like at a concert...lots of fun!

Buffet...good food (some things I didn't like). Enjoyed the Mexican buffet one night. Missed the chocolate buffet (was too full from previous meal). Didn't like fish and chips. Don't eat Sushi so didn't try it. Had a small set up each night on promenade deck with snacks and fruits which was nice.

Room service...ordered breakfast a few times..came right on time and convenient if you have early excursion.

Waitstaff always helpful with DH in his scooter..always offering to find him a table in buffet area or to assist him with getting the food, etc.

Buffet area always kept clean/picked up.

It was school vacation week, but only 450 or so kids..not alot really (vs 900 when we were on Destiny) and those 450 were so well behaved.

Serenity area...enjoyed it very much...I LOVED falling asleep in the round one under the stars at night..could have stayed in it all night, but DH wanted to go back to room. One of these days I'll pull an all nighter on one of those loungers.

Had fun playing bingo (never won); bought free cruise raffle (didn't win) and various trivia / games in the lobby.

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Nice review! Would love to hear more!:)

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We used the self serve laundry. the dryer didn't work..had to reload in another one, but had less laundry to do when we got home.

At sea days... lots of fun out by main pool on lido..the usual stuff going on but still had alot of laughs. Beautiful sunny weather daily which was nice.

Excursions...

Key West..loved it. We did City View Trolley (purchased tickets on their website..much cheaper). DH took scooter as they do have a lift on their trolleys. This trolley tour is a hop on and off when you want. We went to higgs beach but it was loaded with sea weed..not a great beach but we did find it relaxing. Could have used more time to go in museums and see other things (will go back to KW some day for sure). Tried the key lime pie on a stick at Kermits...delicious!

People saw dolphins next to ship when leaving, but we were on other side, and I was mad I missed it.

Grand Cayman... tender port..(DH didn't use scooter as it excursion didn't allow for it and had a very tough time walking to excursion vehicle..and we did not see any other wheelchair runners (as they call them) here.

We did Stingray city...an absolute blast. The stingrays are a lot of fun. DH even picked up a live conch shell..highly recommend it and Rum Pointbeach . Rum Point is gorgeous..wish we could have spent more time here. I highly recommend it. We booked through Carnival, but there's many other companies out there.

Jamaica...(lots of wheelchair runners..they charge $5 each way, but worth it if you need it..very long pier). We did Bamboo Beach club. It was just ok. Beach is manmade..you sink heavily in the sand and beach has lots of coral in water. Water isn't the pretty clear turquois color. We were served lots of Jamican food (it was so so) and the Jamaican hostesses did some dancing. I probably wouldn't recommend this excursion. Would like to revisit and see more of island as I do like Jamaica and thought the island was very interesting.

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We did attend a future cruise meeting which was very interesting. They have some great itineraries coming out, and went over everything on the Breeze and what it has to offer. We did purchase a future cruise certificate for $100 (we have two years to use it) and will receive onboard credits. We are considering either the Dream or the Breeze. They were giving out neat prizes at this meeting (very small group). Did I win the $500 coupon for jewelry..no. Did I win the nice picture frame? No. Did I win the nice Carnival cooler? NO. I won the worthless 24K gold (as they refer to it as) plastic ship on a stick! LOL! DH gave it to a cute little boy who was tickled to have it.

I also met the captain and some of his crew on the evening of "captain's introductions". He was a quiet, short little Italian man. He looked extremely tired and really didn't say much (probably bored from having to do this week to week). I had my picture taken with him.

On both elegant nights, a fantastic latin band played by the casino on promenade deck. If I knew how to rhumba, I would have danced, but they sounded great and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to them...while sipping on my martini.

Our cruise director was very funny. He saying "please call me Jaques...do not come up to me and say "Hi Jack" on a cruise ship!

I also really liked the sound track they played out on lido deck/pool area in the morning. Very relaxing and nice way to start the day. We always found a seat/table to eat our breakfast out there.

I didn't see any chair hogs. There always seemed to be plenty of loungers. I like the shade anyways and always found one easily in shady areas.

Saw two very lucky people almost miss ship. Ship was actually in motion turning around in GC. It came to a stop. We saw tender bring two guys to ship and they got on. Unbelievable!

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disembarking... first let me say we had an 11 AM flight out of Ft Lauderdale. I was nervous about making this flight. I was told to go to guest services during the cruise to let them know. They advise you to disembark when they call zone 2 and give you blue luggage tag, but they also said we do not need to place luggage outside cabin night before. We decided to do self assist and went out into hallway on deck 3 at 7:30 AM and it was mobbed already. We waited only 5 minutes or so and were given the ok to proceed. (wheelchair pushers were waiting for us as soon as we got down the gangway, but they were short of pushers although we got first wheelchair as we were first in line for one). Line moved pretty good through customs, despite they didn't open separate line for wheelchairs or scooters which they sometimes do. We got right in a cab. At airport we got wheelchair assistance for DH. By time we got to the gate, we still had about another one and half hours to wait for flight.

Flew home on Airtran which we liked..comfy seats.

We miss the Freedom and our cabin. We had the most wonderful time..one of best cruises I've had. I HIGHLY recommend the Freedom. For those of you going on her..you'll love her!

Feel free to ask me any questions.

Great review can't wait for the rest to be posted.

We were on the same cruise and had a blast!!! This cruise also exceeded our expectations as well. Plan to write a letter to Carnival for such a great cruise. Glad you had a fantastic time as well.

We were on the same cruise and had a blast!!! This cruise also exceeded our expectations as well. Plan to write a letter to Carnival for such a great cruise. Glad you had a fantastic time as well.

 

 

 

Glad you loved it too. Are you also from Massachusetts? We are. There were quite abit of folks from Mass. last week. DH ran into people who know his mother or who live a few houses away from her!

We cannot wait to cruise again. Would love to try the Dream or the Breeze.

Glad you loved it too. Are you also from Massachusetts? We are. There were quite abit of folks from Mass. last week. DH ran into people who know his mother or who live a few houses away from her!

 

We cannot wait to cruise again. Would love to try the Dream or the Breeze.

We're doing the Dream again this upcoming August again. Great ship for kids. I highly recommend it. We met a few people from MA too.

Thanks for the review. Hubby and I are on the Freedom this Sunday. Can't wait!!!

I'm on the Freedom this Sunday... just wondering if you know which of the 7-day menus isn't served in the main dining room?

Thanks Lynn: Hope to be on the Freedom in Dec. for a 9 day to San Jaun. Looks good now with a good price.

Can you please tell me where you rented your hubbys scooter? That was my only hold up booking couldn't find a med supply store on line for the scooter. We have been going out of the cape because I know where to call there. :) My DH also needs one. It sure makes cruising a easy vacation when they can get around with out us now & then.

Thanks Char

clvince127@yahoo.com if you want to email it.

Thanks for the review Lynn! We cruise the Freedom again in 78 days and can't wait!

I'm on the Freedom this Sunday... just wondering if you know which of the 7-day menus isn't served in the main dining room?

Sorry..not sure which one ISN'T. Enjoy your cruise..feel free to ask any other questions.

Thanks for posting your review...great job!!! We are on her in August. Do you plan on uploading the funtimes? If you weren't would consider emailing them to me (nyracballer@gmail.com)?

Thanks for the review Lynn! We cruise the Freedom again in 78 days and can't wait!

You'll love it! Be sure to see Ticket to Ride show ..it's a lot of fun.

So glad to read this review! We're taking this same cruise in October and cannot wait. It will be DS's (6) first cruise. He's really excited because he "can eat whatever he wants and mommy doesn't have to pay". :p

Thanks Lynn: Hope to be on the Freedom in Dec. for a 9 day to San Jaun. Looks good now with a good price.

Can you please tell me where you rented your hubbys scooter? That was my only hold up booking couldn't find a med supply store on line for the scooter. We have been going out of the cape because I know where to call there. :) My DH also needs one. It sure makes cruising a easy vacation when they can get around with out us now & then.

Thanks Char

clvince127@yahoo.com if you want to email it.

We used one of the two scooter rentals that Carnival's website recommended. It was special needs group dot com. The scooter was waiting in the cabin and you leave it in the cabin on day of debarkation...very easy. You can get wheelchair assistance for him at airport. When you get to ship terminal, go to the VIP checkin lin (you'll see it from the outside of the building) which is where the wheelchair "greeter/pusher" (they wear red shirts) will place him in wheelchair (you will accompany him). Have your passports and boarding passes ready. He will wheel him to the check in desk to get sail and sign card. He will transfer to another wheelchair (terminal wheelchairs cannot go on the ship) from ship itself and be pushed by ship's crewmember as terminal pusher cannot. he will be brought onto ship, but will need to get out of wheelchair. You can wait in lobby for awhile if room isn't ready. If room is ready, he may be pushed in wheelchair right to your room (which is what they did for my DH when we were on the Destiny). When you disembark, leave wheelchair in cabin and ask for wheelchair assistance (just go to guest services on any given day on the ship to go over what you are to do, when to call, etc.) The process is same when disembark. Always tip wheelchair pushers (around 3-5 dollars or so...but in Jamaica at the pier they require $5). It is not scooter friendly in Jamaica...DH took scooter off ship just to go down the road to Harley Davidson store and back to ship..he said there were no breaks in sidewalk to get off or on sidewalk. People walking stopped to help him.

Some tips: Get a three wheeled scooter as they fit through cabin door of any standard cabin..no need to get handicap cabin. He can pull straight in to the back wall of any elevator..leaves enough room for other people on either side of him. For serenity deck..To go to deck 12 of serenity deck...take forward elevator to deck eleven..switch to the smaller elevator near the spa (it's off to the side and for wheelchair/scooter use)..this will take you to deck 12. Also, Scooter will make it over most doorway stoops except it gets stuck on the metal doorway stoop on deck 11..on the side (the door right behind the set of stairs that leads to first level of serenity deck)..you just need to give it an extra push and he may need to get out to do so if he can.

For the MDR...it's a tight squeeze with scooter in MDR. If he can get out and walk to the table, he can "park" the scooter (keep the key though) against he wall across from bottom of either wheelchair ramp at entrance of MDR. DH found a small corner to the right side near men's room.

Getting through buffet area...you may need to push some chairs around or ask people to "move in" sometimes if he cannot squeeze through some isles. Carnival crew are always on the lookout for those in need of assistance. I had DH get in buffet line behind me. I handed him utensils (he put it in his basket) and I took care of my plate of food and his plate of food. He would tell me what he wanted, but like I said, crew will also assist getting food too and even help finding a table.

Victoriana lounge..there's spots for wheelchairs and scooters on bottom level on right hand side..you can sit next to him. Or..at top level on deck five..there's a spot for him right against glass as soon as you enter the showroom. A decent view, but you are at the very top (two chairs are next to handicap spot).

In the cabin.. we kept scooter next to desk so it could be charged at night as outlit is right there on desk. It may block your mini bar fridge, so if you need to open it, just back scooter up to get in it. We had to push the small table right up against the sofa so we could get around the scooter but it is do-able.

I hope this info helps...feel free to ask me any time.

So glad to read this review! We're taking this same cruise in October and cannot wait. It will be DS's (6) first cruise. He's really excited because he "can eat whatever he wants and mommy doesn't have to pay". :p

You can eat whatever you want..and as much as you want, including in MDR. Feel free to order more than one appetizer or entre, etc.

Thanks for posting your review...great job!!! We are on her in August. Do you plan on uploading the funtimes? If you weren't would consider emailing them to me (nyracballer@gmail.com)?

I'll see if I can scan the funtimes over the weekend and email them to you (I'm bad at uploading things to these posts). When I have time, I'll see if I can even post some pics to share.

Did you go to the piano bar?

I didn't stay at piano bar, but did walk by it a number of times. There were always people there and looking like they were having a great time. I definitely have it on my "to do" list for my next cruise. I always hear people having fun there.

Thanks Lynn : Had all that info as we have been renting one the last few cruises. They do it the same at the cape. Although the shuttle driver called & they were waiting in the parking lot for us with a chair. There they let the guy push him all the way to the pursers desk, that is where they left his scooter.

I have had a real problem getting on to that site so maybe you can remember the name of the company so I can call them? The med supplier .

Thanks Char

Hey Lynn just sat down & said I can do this I FOUND IT :eek::D:D.

Will now book our cruise on the Freedom for Dec 1 st. It is a 8 day & sounds good.

Thanks again

Char