The World's Longest Carnival Freedom Pictorial Review! Feb. 13-21

[Nicole721]

There's nothing quite like that feeling when you're walking up that gangway about to get onto the boat...when you hear that first ping of your S&S card...when you get your first glimpse of the lobby and take your first ride up the elevator. I have to admit, it was REALLY odd being on a boat that wasn't the Miracle. Our last non-Miracle trip was in May, 2008 on the Glory (which is the sister ship to the Freedom). Since we've been on the Glory (and the Liberty, as well), we were familiar with the ship's layout. That isn't saying much, though, since I find the layout of the Conquest class ships highly confusing (and I've spent...I think...23 days sailing on them) and I kept getting lost all week. In terms of ship layout? I'll take the Spirit class any day of the week.

 

We made a beeline for the Lido deck restaurant for lunch to grab a table. See, the longer you explore and wait, the less of a chance there is that you will have a table and the higher the likelihood you will need to ask a total stranger if you can crash their table. The fact of the matter is that within a half-hour, the Lido restaurant was a total zoo. I hated the layout of it. Despite the fact that there were two lines for everything (two stir fry lines, two Taste of Nations lines, two Rotisserie lines and two dessert lines), everything was just so poorly laid out. For example: on the Spirit class ships, there's a separate area for the salad bar. On the Freedom, the salad bar was at every line in both stations of the Rotisserie and Taste of Nations. This meant that if you got your salad at Taste of Nations and you wanted something from the Rotisserie, you needed to wait in line behind everyone taking their salads and it just took forever. You'd think that having two lines for everything would cut the lines, but the lines just seemed longer than anything I'd experienced on my past two Miracle cruises. Oh, and they took away mine and Stephanie's favorite station, the Oriental station. They're currently transitioning it into a Mexican station (burrito bar? I don't know. The ship maps we got said Mexican on them). As I found the Lido food generally abysmal during the week, that one fewer station weighed a bit heavier.

 

On the plus side, though, the Freedom did have more options than most of the older ships. There's the Tandoor (which I tried for the first time later that week), the stir-fry bar (which we'd tried on the Liberty) and the usuals (grill, pizzeria, Taste of Nations, Rotisserie, Fish and Chips and deli). We started with the stir fry since we were on early and there was no line. I knew if we wanted stir fry, now was our chance because we'd never find it without a line later in the week. I was disappointed by the lack of veggie selection (no mushrooms, no water chestnuts, etc). The protein selection changed daily (a seafood, a chicken and a meat...this day it was shrimp, chicken and steak. Another it was clams and mussels, chicken and pork. It varied every day) and they only had three sauces. I went for the medium one (the thai barbecue) and it was entirely too spicy for me (and this is coming from the girl on the hot nut mission).

 

 

 

 

 

 

I didn't care for anything at the other stations so I went for old faithful: a hot dog and fries. These hot dogs are as far away from Chicago dogs as you can get, but there's something innately distinctive about them that says "Hey, you're on a cruise!" The difference this time, though, is that you can't serve your own fries. They aren't at the self-serve station with the rest of the food anymore. You must now ask for them when you order your hot dog/burger/chicken sandwich/veggie burger/etc. So the bacon police? Now there's fry police, too. Kind of annoying when all you want is a plate of fries and you have to wait in line for 10 minutes, but in the grand scheme of things? Meh.

 

[Nicole721]

So the grill and the Tandoor are outside stations near the main pool. The pizzeria is, oddly enough, in the back of the pool where the adults-only pool is. Not really ideal placement for keeping it kid-free, but I never once saw any kid in that pool (a first), so snaps for Freedom deck security. It was roofed on this day because it was so cold, but it was also roofed on many of our days and someone would need to find deck security and ask them to retract the roof. While the solarium feel is nice, sometimes it was just grating wanting to swim beneath the heat of the sun and feeling like you're in a hotel pool.

 

 

 

The Freedom is the first ship we've ever been on with a Serenity area, so after we ate (and since we still weren't allowed in our rooms), Stephanie and I headed up there to check it out. I thought the area was beautiful, with plenty of seating and cool things like private hot tubs and hammocks and cushy-looking lounge chairs. Of course, we never really got the opportunity to use this area because the chair hogs were out in full force (but we'll get to that later), but it was nice to scope it out and we actually came back for sailaway.

 

 

 

 

[Nicole721]

In another oddity, the children's splash pool is located directly next to the Serenity area (which is, coincidentally, located next to Camp Carnival). I took a picture for anyone who wants to know what it looks like. I also spotted a sign making it explicitly clear that non-potty trained children in any type of diapers are not allowed. I found signs like this all over the pool areas (and much clearer adults-only signs at the aft Lido pool), so perhaps Carnival is trying to be louder without actually having someone speak. I still think pool security would be a better idea.

 

 

 

From deck 11, we also spotted our first glimpse of the Oasis of the Seas. For all it's hype, it's still a ship. A big ship, but still a ship. A ship that I had wanted to consider sailing at some point before this Freedom trip, but considering the crowding and spacing issues we encountered throughout the week, I don't think a bigger ship is in my future anytime soon.

 

[Nicole721]

At 1:30 pm, we were allowed to go to our cabins and we got our first taste of the interesting location we chose. We had rooms 7203 and 7205, which are as far forward as you can get. Since everything on the ship was pretty much aft, we did a LOT of walking. The positive, though, was that we did have a window and a private deck in front of our room that we could use. The bridge was right above us, but we never heard any noise from it.

 

While the room grew on me throughout the week, I was not a fan of the room we were in. I was happy to be on a cruise, but this was our first cruise without a couch and that extra space. If you know how much luggage I bring, you know I need as much space as possible. This room was tiny, it was cramped and it was much smaller than any other room we'd been in. It took a lot of getting used to. Mom and grandma quite enjoyed their room, which was obviously much more spacious since it was an accessible cabin.

 

7203 (regular cabin)

 

 

 

 

 

[Nicole721]

7205 (accessible cabin)

 

 

 

 

Stephanie and I left Mom and grandma to get settled and we went to get extra keys made. See, to get us the best rate, our PVP booked Stephanie and grandma in one room and Mom and I in another. So, Stephanie needed a key to her room, Mom needed a key to hers and grandma and I needed keys to each others. Yeah. I think that's right. We got that done and went up to the Chic restaurant to confirm a table for four (it's nice to meet people and chat, but we prefer to keep meals to ourselves). We got that done quickly but there was a long line and a lot of unhappy people. Our dining (the 6:00 pm traditional seating) was full, but everyone wanted it. I guess a lot of people didn't want open dining or the late seating and the poor Maitre'D and his hostesses were just dealing with a LOT of angry people. We've been lucky...aside from our first cruise, we've always had our preferred dining confirmed.

 

I sat in the lobby for a little while to take it all in while Stephanie went to get some brochures from the shore excursions desk. I love how grandiose the lobbies of the Conquest class ships are. They truly are magnificent. I love the use of color in all of them and how the colors constantly change. There's always something to look at. While we were perusing the new drink menus, we met one of the dancers, Jai, who was a member of the Welcome Aboard team handing out maps, Capers and answering questions. He came over and chatted with us and offered us his drink suggestions and throughout the week when he'd see us at shows, he'd give us a wink or a subtle wave or he'd come dance with us. He reminded me of one of my dearest friends and it was kind of fun.

 

 

 

After some lobby staring and shore excursion discussion, we headed back to the rooms to Mom and grandma to get ready for muster.

 

And that ends part 5.1!

[jsd4224]

Nicole - Thanks for the offer on the phamplet info. We are looking at the Embera Indian Village Experience (my & DDIL) or the San Lorenzo & Gatun Locks (DH & DS choice) in Panama. My son is a history buff and this is his first cruise so he will probably win out. Not sure what we are doing in Costa Rica yet.

[Nicole721]

Great pics so far, keep 'em comin!!!!;)

 

Glad you like 'em! :)

 

Nicole - Thanks for the offer on the phamplet info. We are looking at the Embera Indian Village Experience (my & DDIL) or the San Lorenzo & Gatun Locks (DH & DS choice) in Panama. My son is a history buff and this is his first cruise so he will probably win out. Not sure what we are doing in Costa Rica yet.

 

I'll check to see if I have the Embera pamphlet, but Mom and I actually did the San Lorenzo and Gatun Locks tour and I really can't recommend it enough. It's almost like a private tour because you're broken up into groups of 10-15 or so. The San Lorenzo fort is GORGEOUS! And we got to see a ship pass through the locks and explore the area a bit and our tour guide was amazing, stopping on the side of the road when he'd spot sloths or monkeys so we could take pictures and such. But yeah...highly recommend that tour :)

[enchanted61]

I am really enjoying your review and look forward to the rest of it. I am going on the Freedom in May and will be driving to the port. You said you parked at the port. Was it easy to find where your ship was docked? Also how far was it from where you parked to the entrance of the terminal?

[Litewait]

We are going in August, new ship and new ports. We are soo excited!!

[mlzangel78]

we are going first week of NOvember cant wait.. lovin this review!!!

[jsd4224]

Hey Nicole - A couple of questions on excursions. Do the pamphlets you mentioned give more detailed info than online and are there more excursions available at the excursions desk than are shown online. If so, thinking maybe it would be better to wait to reserve until we get onboard.

[sailingawaysoon]

Hi Nicole,

 

Thanks for the latest installment. I hope no one steals your pics because you do have some incredible pictures. I'll be looking forward to reading more tomorrow. I know, you'll probably be busy with American Idol tonight, so we can't expect you to stay up all night posting for us...haha.

[rs12065]

Went to Part 1 to read a review of a cruise and after scrolling waaaaaaaaaaay down I finally gave up? A cruise review of a Carnival cruise would be nice. An in depth review of the OPs life is just to much to even read.

I know people might say that if this is too long of a post, then don't read it, which is exactly what I ended up doing.

[AfterTen]

@rs12065,

 

Why post flamebait, snarky comments like that? You do realize that where she really is posting this is her personal blog?

Hmmm, maybe that's why you get "An in depth review of the OPs life"

IT'S A BLOG ABOUT HER LIFE!

The reposts here are a courtesy.

 

I would add to...

"if this is too long of a post, then don't read it" -

"if this is too long of a post, then don't read it and keep quiet cause NO ONE wants to here you whine."

[LATK]

Nicole, I love following your reviews. You have a wonderful gift of storytelling and I always look forward to your reviews. You should work for Carnival and review all of the ships!

[mlzangel78]

Went to Part 1 to read a review of a cruise and after scrolling waaaaaaaaaaay down I finally gave up? A cruise review of a Carnival cruise would be nice. An in depth review of the OPs life is just to much to even read.

I know people might say that if this is too long of a post, then don't read it, which is exactly what I ended up doing.

 

Perhaps you didnt read the TITLE it states worlds LONGEST review.. and its not even on HERE! its on her own personal blog, i do not for the life of me understand why you had to even comment... YOU chose out of your own free will to click on the outside link.. no one made you do it... she states that when she got to the cruise PART of it, she would post that review in section on here... SHEESH

 

IF YOU DONT have anything nice to say dont say it at all...

 

I for one LOVE the blog! My brother who is fresh out of the airforce is now in the peace corp in Mumbai india, and i love reading his blog every day, even the long parts about how he had a cup of coffee in a new cafe...

 

Keep it up Nicole we all love it, ot you wouldnt have had so many reviews and wonderful comments :)

[Sabreshockey32]

I am of the opinion that the longer the review, the more pictures, THE BETTER... Can't wait for 5.2

[jsd4224]

Perhaps you didnt read the TITLE it states worlds LONGEST review.. and its not even on HERE! its on her own personal blog, i do not for the life of me understand why you had to even comment... YOU chose out of your own free will to click on the outside link.. no one made you do it... she states that when she got to the cruise PART of it, she would post that review in section on here... SHEESH

 

IF YOU DONT have anything nice to say dont say it at all...

 

I for one LOVE the blog! My brother who is fresh out of the airforce is now in the peace corp in Mumbai india, and i love reading his blog every day, even the long parts about how he had a cup of coffee in a new cafe...

 

Keep it up Nicole we all love it, ot you wouldnt have had so many reviews and wonderful comments :)

 

Amen - Keep the review coming!

[goscudder]

I love your review!! We're on the Freedom in a little over three weeks and I'm getting so excited seeing all your pictures!! Thanks for all the effort you put into your review:)

[newporttngirl]

Sorry, I just started reading your blog. I started laughing at the nuts part. HOT PEANUTS are at every gas station in East Tennessee. :D I love them too.

[frazzledrazzle16]

Haha well I guess I found my entertainment to read during by break today!! :D

 

A cruise review of a Carnival cruise would be nice. An in depth review of the OPs life is just to much to even read.

 

Thats funny, I didn't realize a week and a half of vacation constitutes an in depth review of her entire life. I'm sorry, but doesn't a cruise (or any vacation for that matter) involve actually traveling to the destination??? It just so happens that ours was unexpectedly long due to incliment weather. Most people planning a vacation would find that information helpful... just because it is not useful to you doesn't mean that it is not for others. No one is forcing you to read it or leave snippy comments.

[Chrisp414]

Haha well I guess I found my entertainment to read during by break today!! :D

 

 

 

Thats funny, I didn't realize a week and a half of vacation constitutes an in depth review of her entire life. I'm sorry, but doesn't a cruise (or any vacation for that matter) involve actually traveling to the destination??? It just so happens that ours was unexpectedly long due to incliment weather. Most people planning a vacation would find that information helpful... just because it is not useful to you doesn't mean that it is not for others. No one is forcing you to read it or leave snippy comments.

 

 

You tell 'em Stephanie! I, for one, enjoy reading about Nicole's adventures and like getting an insight into her personal life as well. I give her family credit for being so close and enjoying each other's company so much. That is so rare nowadays. Keep it coming Nicole (and Stephanie)

 

Chris P

[Chrisp414]

Alright...let's see how this in-thread posting goes!

 

A note- I've had issues before with people stealing my pics and posting them as their own and as such, I had to tag my pictures. I didn't tag them this time because it distracts from the picture and I have some really gorgeous ones, but please don't steal my pics without my permission.

 

Okay. Onto the review :D

 

So we woke up around 8:00 am. It was pretty early considering the port is only, like, ten minutes from the hotel but we like to get an early start. We had a quick breakfast of something or another in the room (I want to say Vitamin Water and mini muffins, or something like that) and got our luggage all together. For whatever reason, there were no bellhops at the hotel and we had to bring the luggage down ourselves. No biggie. We borrowed a luggage cart from the front desk, loaded it up, brought it down and loaded up the car. We noticed that it was absolutely FRIGID outside. Much colder than I can ever remember being in Florida (except for maybe the time I went to Magic Music Days at Disney World with my high school choir...night time in Orlando in late-February is downright chilly). By 9:15 am, we were on our way to the pier.

 

 

One of the reasons we like staying in Plantation is its proximity to the pier. It's far enough away from Fort Lauderdale to be a bit quieter, but still so close to the pier. The ride from the hotel to the pier was literally less than 10 minutes. And, of course, we were looking for that first whale tail sighting the entire drive.

 

 

Port Everglades was actually having a pretty busy day. There were many ships in port, including the Oasis of the Seas. Thankfully, because we arrived early, we didn't encounter much of a line a the first security check point and we were quickly on our way to the parking garage and seeing our first up-close view of the boat.

 

 

 

The downfall, of course, of arriving early is that the ship is still disembarking. There weren't any porters to take our luggage and we didn't want to be those first people who drop off their luggage and risk it getting lost. So instead, we circled a few times and then parked in one of the corporate lots for about a half-hour before dropping off our luggage and parking.

 

We dropped Mom off with the luggage and Stephanie, me and grandma went to park the car. Stephanie and I got everything situated with the car, helped grandma into her chair and went down to meet up with Mom. From there on in, check in was pretty flawless. Because grandma is special assistance, they put us through the VIP line (as they have in every other port). In this port, though, after we went through security, we were escorted into a special assistance lounge, which was actually a large room separate from the main room with seating and a desk of helpful people who checked us in and got our keys for us. Since we were so early, we actually sat there for a good while, which was fine because it was pretty comfortable. Around 11:45, they called us and someone wheeled grandma onboard for us. We got our S&S pics taken, took our family pic and we were up on the Lido deck by noon. Not bad, eh?

 

 

 

 

Hey Nicole! Glad to see you are feeling better. I hear ya on "friggid" weather in Florida this past February. Actually, Dec., Jan. and Feb. had record breaking freezes and registered coldest weather ever in Florida. I actually live 35 NW of Orlando so it was very, very, cold here a lot of the time. It reminded me of being back home again in Massachusetts (been here in Fl for 3 years). I felt bad for the company that came to visit us from back home. I did tell them to bring their "hats and mittens". Well, glad to be reading about your adventures again.

[travlngrl1996]

Went to Part 1 to read a review of a cruise and after scrolling waaaaaaaaaaay down I finally gave up? A cruise review of a Carnival cruise would be nice. An in depth review of the OPs life is just to much to even read.

I know people might say that if this is too long of a post, then don't read it, which is exactly what I ended up doing.

 

I for one enjoy reading your blog, Nicole. I 'm that you are back and writing about your experiences. I love your reviews and your experiences, so I agree...

 

Keep it coming:D

[Jeans*Fanatic]

Went to Part 1 to read a review of a cruise and after scrolling waaaaaaaaaaay down I finally gave up? A cruise review of a Carnival cruise would be nice. An in depth review of the OPs life is just to much to even read.

I know people might say that if this is too long of a post, then don't read it, which is exactly what I ended up doing.

 

I normally don't comment to rude stuff...but this is just a bit ridiculous... You noticed from the get-go that... her thread started with "The World's LONGEST..." Longest being the KEY word!

You need to get a life! :rolleyes:

Now Nicole, thanks for an awesome awesome review again!!! I never get enough... sometimes I find myself repeatedly reading your reviews... he he he... Keep up the good work hun!:D