Booked our first cruise for 11/13/2011 on Freedom

[luv2beachkansascity]

Looking for any advice as we are first time cruisers. We have booked the Carnival Freedom in November 2011 and did the "your choice dining". Looking tips and comments about Freedom.

[6rugrats]

Then you may want to go over to the Carnival boards and read about it. Also, join the roll call for your sailing.

[cb at sea]

Just remember that this is a vacation! There's very little that you'll need on a cruise that you wouldn't need for any vacation to the same climate!

Do bring binoculars...there's alot to see out there!

[Goldmoon]

Looking for any advice as we are first time cruisers. We have booked the Carnival Freedom in November 2011 and did the "your choice dining". Looking tips and comments about Freedom.

 

I was on the Freedom last May and am going again this May. It is a beautiful ship with a nice color scheme. The entertainment in the main lobby was very good and had a lot of dancing going on, and the chairs were always full so everyone was enjoying it. I would have enjoyed a little more variety in the music all over the ship, but there were still a lot and very enjoyable. The food was fantastic in the mdr and the wait staff was exceptional. The buffet had a very good variety and was good (I ate at lunch time there and the mdr at dinner). I enjoyed the mini golf, the pools, serenity deck, hot tubs, casino, shows, comedians, etc. One comedian was better than the other, and they changed comedians mid cruise so we got a variety there (I don't know how often that happens). There is a lot of things to do onboard, so how busy you are is all up to you.. soak up the sun by the pool or keep busy all day.

 

Remember you can order more than one entree and more than one appetizer, desert etc... enjoy all yourself or order and share. If it is not a Carnival classic it will never be on the menu again... so if you want to try more than one be sure and order both. Be sure and bring 1s, 5s, and other small bills, for tipping room service if u use it, and off ship for the porters and your tips and shopping off board ship. I am trying ytd for the first time myself, but I have heard they have it down pretty good now and the wait is minimal most of the time, if you do have to wait at all. A light jacket might be needed for showrooms/and or the dining room, and also at night on deck.

 

Target/CVS/Wal-mart/K-Mart/krogers have a good selection of travel/trial sized items to take for the cruise, but take a full size bottle of sunscreen. Dollar stores are also great for the smaller bottles of stuff like tylenol, hay fever/sinus medicine..etc, and not cost an arm and a leg, and great for travel.

 

Like the other post said be sure and join the roll call for your ship and time... you will meet ahead of time people that will be on your cruise and find out a lot of info too.