Freedom 8-Day Western 12-20 February

[Ken076]

Freedom 8-Day Western Itinerary, 12-20 February 2011

We drove from Tampa to Ft Lauderdale for a pre-cruise day in Hollywood Beach at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, did the Freedom Colon, Limon, Cozumel 8-Day Itinerary, then drove to Key West for two nights at the Hyatt Sunset Harbor in Old town. The original itinerary order of Cozumel, Costa Rica, then Colon was reversed, as announced several months in advance.

PRE-CRUISE: In Ft. Lauderdale we stayed at the Crown Plaza in Hollywood on A1A about 10 minutes south of the cruise port. The hotel is directly on the Waterway and across A1A from the Beach. The hotel rooms are large, have a balcony, contemporary furnishings and include a desk with office chair, a wet bar with sink, coffeemaker, microwave and refrigerator and a large comfortable bed. The hotel (and restaurant) is pricey but offers Internet specials and a Florida Resident Rate. Self-Parking is an additional $15 per day. There’s a spacious pool patio directly on the waterway with bar service. There’s a 7-11 adjacent, a WalMart several blocks away and an I-Hop and Denny’s on Hallendale at I-95. We ate at CheeseCake Factory in the upscale Aventuras Mall a few miles south – there’s a Food Court and several upscale restaurants in the Mall. The GulfStream Casino is also several miles South.

CRUISE PARKING: We used Park-N-Go just outside the Port entrance – they’ve been offering an Internet Special for $6.99 per day payable at the end of the cruise (versus their normal $12/day rate and the Port Everglades parking rate of $15 per day). We arrived earlier than planned (about 10:00AM), parked and were whisked off to the Cruise Terminal where they dropped us off right in front of the Porters (where there was a separate Special Needs and VIP entrance). The driver gives you a slip with the number to call when you return and your parking slot number. On return, there was (coincidentally) a van already waiting outside the Baggage claim. On exiting, they even gave us a cold bottled water each!

CHECK-IN and BOARDING: We were about 10th in line and the doors opened at about 10:40 and we went thru check-in very quickly. We each carried a bottle of wine, an 8-pack of Cokes, a wine corkscrew and several phone and camera chargers in backpacks with no problems. Check-in was quick and we were assigned a Boarding Zone. The seating filled pretty quickly and there were a number of passengers standing. Boarding began about 11:40AM and we were on the Lido deck by Noon.

By Noon the Buffet was CROWDED – there was literally no one upstairs at the Fish & Chips station where we lunched in quiet.

THE CABIN: Our Riviera cabin was accessible at 1:30PM as announced. The Shower has a Soap and Shampoo dispenser. On the sink were sample packs (two each) of razor, tooth whitener and hand cream. The bathroom shower curtain doesn’t extend below the lip of the shower and there’s often water on the bathroom floor. There was an (inadequate) 1200 watt hairdryer built-in the dressing table in the room, a safe (will not hold a laptop), a Liter of bottled Water and a locked minibar. We found that (contrary to the instructions) the safe CAN be locked/unlocked with the S&S Card; rebels that we are, we used the S&S card to open/close the safe for the entirety of the cruise.

The TV is a Zenith flat screen with rear connectors: CableIn and Red/White/Yellow RCA connectors, that look difficult to access. There are no front jacks. You can view your Folio and book excursions and order movies via the TV.

One electrical outlet at the Dressing Table – I don’t recall an outlet in the Bathroom. You can set an automated Wake-Up call via the in-room phone system.

THE FOOD: The first nite dining was announced as “come as you are” for the MDR.

We were seated in the aft POSH dining Room, under the balcony overhang – I’d have much preferred to have been in the center of the dining room in a larger table. We thought the portions a bit small but they were very well-presented and adequately filling. Our servers were quite busy but made time to chat and kid with each Table. Most nites the servers sang several songs – there was dancing several other nites and the conga line one nite.

The buffet food was varied and very good (the omlette station was excellent and the Deli was decent – you still have to go thru other lines for salad and fries) but the buffet was crowded and noisy during “prime time”. We generally ate breakfast in the MDR where the food (and omlettes) were better than I remembered – this is also an opportunity to meet new friends and exchange cruise and excursion experiences! We used Room Service (which was very punctual) for Continental Breakfast for the three early morning excursions. Tea was served at 3:00PM in the Posh dining room on a number of the sea days.

IMO the cocktails were decently made, decently sized and were not unreasonably priced.

THE SPA EXPERIENCE: There were the usual sailaway Spa Tours and in-port specials, as well as a number of Nutritional, De-Toxification and Acupuncture seminars. We attended two informative Nutritional and De-Toxification seminars presented by enthusiastic, muscular Steiner Spa Trainers which both centered on the theme of a balanced program of proper nutrition, exercise and the elimination of nasty toxins from the body. This led to a $50 couples “consultation” where one of the trainers assessed lifestyle, habits and measured body fat percentage, body muscle percentage, etc., with an EKG-like machine, which quickly led to the “recommendation” (pitch) for a European, industry leading Algae-based de-toxification program for 9 months at $171 per month per person. That quickly concluded the Spa experience and was exactly the amount that we overspent our S&S Account targeted amount!

RANDOM RAMBLING:

· Our Gov’t Fees and Taxes had substantially increased from the time we booked, but we were not charged the increase.

· There were repeated reminders that cabins would not be accessible until 1:30PM and that was the case. Our luggage was delivered (each piece at a different time) by 5:00PM.

· The Panama Canal Tour was sold-out (740+ participants) by dinner the first nite.

· The ship DOES wait for late-running Carnival-booked excursions; our Canal Excursion was 90+ minutes late; the Tour Guides continually reassured us that they were in communication with the ship and that the ship was waiting for us.

· On several nights there was SuperStar Karaoke in the Lounge, where the traditional CD’s were replaced with Kristina and the Superstar Live Band – this was a standing room only best-seller.

· The showroom pretty much filled 30 minutes prior to showtime; we generally went directly from first-seating dinner to the showroom to get a good seat. The Lounge filled-up at least 15-20 minutes before the comedians and the Superstar Karaoke (which was a standing room only, bestseller).

· There was noticeable aft vibration – not bad, just noticeable.

· The shows were: a first night Welcome Show (introducing the Cruise Director and staff, the band and dancers, and the current two comedians), The Big Easy, Jump, Jive and Wail, MoTown Classics, Legends, and Ticket to Ride. We felt the shows were EXCELLENT.

· One invite per person to the Past Guest Party was left in the Cabin.

· Previous Freedom assistant-CD “Dan” is currently filling-in for the vacationing CD and will probably return to Freedom Assistant CD on his return. The very funny & personable Assistant CD “Calvin” is scheduled to move to the Splendor to work with John Heald – what a pair that will make.

· There is a HUGE space for displaying Photos, whioch looked to remain on display most of the cruise. There were NO last-minute sales.

· For (Monday) Valentine’s Day, the Maitre’D personally delivered a red carnation to each Lady at each table.

· We used Room Service on the morning of Excursions - Morning Room Service was always within 5 minutes of the requested time. We tipped $2 for rolls & muffins for two.

· The ship stayed on Ft. Lauderdale (EST) time for the cruise.

· Our pre-paid excursions were charged on the S&S Account, then immediately credited . Our pre-paid gratuities did not show-up on the S&S Account; (I thought) it used to be that they too were charged then immediately credited.

· The first elegant Night was on the first full sea day. The second Elegant night was for some reason moved to the final port night at Cozumel.

· Comedians Hank McGauley & John Rathbone performed I n the Welcome Aboard Show and then two nights in the International Lounge. There were two Family shows and two R-Rated shows each nite in the International Lounge. Comedians Al Katz & Derrick Eason performed two nights. There were two Family shows and two R-Rated shows each nite in the International Lounge. IMO All the comedians were funny, the R-Rated shows filled quickly and IMO were not “excessive”.

· (Albeit only two live musicians) there was IMO adequate “Island Music” at sailaway on the Lido (Noon to 6:00PM with breaks) and on Sea Days (generally 11:30 to 5:30 with breaks).

· The FunTimes on Port Days lists contact info for Carnival’s Port Agent; it’s a good idea to keep this info in cell phone and/or wallet.

· Luggage Express: Participating Miami Airlines are American, United, continental, AirTran and Delta. Participating FLL Airlines are Delta, US Airways, AirTran, continental, jetBlue, American and Southwest. $20pp charged to S&S in addition to airline’s checked Baggage Fees.

· Port shopping Buyers Guarantee: “Shop with confidence at each of the recommended stores. All stores listed on the map have paid a promotional fee and given Carnival Cruise Lines' guests a Buyer's Guarantee valid for 30 days after purchase. This guarantee is valid for repair or exchange. Please note the following conditions that apply to the guarantee: Guest negligence or buyer's regret is excluded. • Only appraisals from independent, accredited graduate gemologists not affiliated with any retail jeweler will be considered. • Price paid for merchandise or verbal claims or agreements between merchant and guest will not be grounds for returns. • Electronics and watches requiring service must be returned by the consumer to the respective manufacturer. • All purchases, including fragile items, must be checked before leaving the store. • Do not mail merchandise without prior authorization. • Guests are responsible for postage and appraisal costs. The PPI Group, 4517 NW 31st Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309-3403 • Customer Service: 1.888.774.4768 or 954.377.7777 • email: CCLService@ppigroup.com “

·

TRIP INSURANCE: As we were driving to the CruisePort and the Hotels could be cancelled up to several days prior to arrival, we did not purchase Trip Insurance but instead relied on the (minimal) Cancellation/Baggage Protection under our World MasterCard and for Medical coverage under our Blue Cross Blue Shield “Out-of-Country” medical/Transport coverage.

COLON, PANAMA – (CARNIVAL) PANAMA CANAL TOUR: The 740+ passengers assembled in the showroom at 7:00AM and took 45-60 minutes to board the busses – many disregarded the CD’s repeated “orderly” boarding instructions, which was irritating. The busses were clean and air-conditioned. Our Ferry was clean, wasn’t overcrowded, there was plenty of room to maneuver to take photos and there was plenty of food & drink for all the passengers. The lunch buffet was Franks in BBQ sauce, TriColor Pasta, Pineapple & Watermelon slices, and a wrapped Muffin (there was plenty for everyone): bottled water and local soft drinks were complimentary.

Tips to the Bus Tour Guide, the Bus Driver, the Ferry Crew and the Ferry Narrator who announced himself as not covered by the crew tips.

We personally did not enjoy the Excursion, probably due to the delays in boarding busses, the delays in waiting for the locks, and the “transit” just not being as exciting as we’d anticipated – the day was very long. It WAS interesting to view the locks form “below” in the Ferry as opposed to viewing them from “above” from the decks of a cruise ship.

LIMON, COSTA RICA – (CARNIVAL) WHITEWATER RAFTING EXCURSION: This was an EXCELLENT experience, provided by Rios Tropicales (website of the same name). We had two busses of participants. Our bus was clean, air-conditioned and had a bathroom “for #1 but not #2”. We had a scenic drive inland during which the guide provided a lot of local info and then prepared us for the rafting as we approached the company’s “Operations Center” on a side road in the middle of nowhere. The Operations Center had parking, a large, modern changing area with showers and a very nice covered area with picnic tables, serving counters and beverage dispensers for the buffet that followed the rafting. The bus served as the “locker” for storing back-packs and such during the rafting. After bathrooming and changing there, we re-boarded our bus to the launch area where we were met by our raft guides who assisted us with lifejackets, helmets, oars and boarding the rafts – 6 to 8 rafters (plus guide) per raft. The guides were experienced, friendly, and enthusiastic in initially instructing us and in telling us when to paddle, which side to paddle on, when to duck for cover, and how to attack the other rafts in calm water. The run was very scenic and filled with rapids with not too many calm sections – no one wanted to end! The busses were waiting for us and took us back to the Center to change and for a Buffet lunch of salads, black beans & rice, “Caribbean Chicken”, plantains and soft drinks (included in the excursion). Tips to the Bus Guide and Bus Driver, the Raft Guide and the Serving Staff at the Buffet.

We thoroughly enjoyed this excursion; the drive thru Costa Rica was scenic and informative, the transportation, facilities and equipment were all clean and in very good condition, the excursion was very well organized, the personnel were all very friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and the rafting was GREAT.

COZUMEL, MEXICO – (CARNIVAL) CHANKANAAB CLEAR KAYAKING & SNORKELING EXCURSION: The ship docked at Puerta Maya and we met the reps at the far end of the Pier in the Excursions area. The reps walked us thru the shops to the Rental Car and Taxi exit and packed us into Taxi vans (with a Voucher to the Driver) to transport us to nearby Chankanaab Park, where our guide met us. We walked to the Kayak area where we were briefed, fitted with life vest and loaded into two man clear “kayaks” (clear to allow viewing reefs as we passed over them) in a small, shallow cove. We then paddled as a group over several coral areas. Only criticism was that the pace was a little more than many expected and one older couple balked at the paddling. We returned to the cove where we were then fitted for fins, face masks and inflating snorkeling vests and given a lesson on snorkeling in the cove, then headed out for about 45 minutes of reef snorkeling in 10-15 foot waters. After a brief time to change, snack or shop, we were loaded into Taxi Vans and returned to the Port (we had to show Ship’s S&S Card to re-enter the port) for some shopping then re-board the ship.

We also enjoyed this excursion. Again, the excursion was very well organized, the personnel were all very friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The pace of the kayak paddle might have been a bit much.

DISEMBARKATION: Customs Forms/Instructions and Disembarkation Instructions and Zone Tags for Luggage were left in the cabin the final night. Disembarkation Zones were 1 – 32, usually called 3 zones at a time; the final zones were called at about 10:15AM. Early Breakfast was available in the MDR and in the Lido.

POST-CRUISE: After disembarking Sunday morning, we drove (Use the Florida Turnpike to connect with Hwy 1. Note that the Toll Roads no longer accept cash and automatically bill your tolls to your License address) to Key West for two nites, about a 4 hour, very scenic drive. There is a Water Show on Islamadora Island if you want to stop.

On Key West, Most of the attractions/eateries are in Old Town near Mallory Square so it’s more convenient to stay (and park) in that area and walk locally – it’s extremely congested, particularly when the cruise ships are in port. We stayed at the Hyatt Sunset Harbor Resort next to the Westin at Mallory Square; this is a Hyatt Vacation Club that also “rents” studios (a bedroom and separate bathroom with spa tub, similar to a hotel room) for about $236/nite plus $15/nite Garage Parking, which is a bargain in Old Town. Within several blocks are Mallory Square (and the nightly sunset celebration), the Truman House and several Museums – Duval Street is only a few blocks away. You can tour the town with the Conch Train or the Hop-On-Hop-Off Old Town Trolley or you can rent Scooters or Bikes.

Sunday nite We raced the crowds from Mallory Square Sunset and ate at Margaritaville on Duval St – EXCELLENT Hamburgers, Onion Rings and Drinks and Sounds and Atmosphere!

Monday we took the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson Ferry Tour ($165 per person) the Yankee Freedom II to Dry Tortugas Ft Jefferson National park, about 70 miles west of Key West. A civil war era Fort built (but never completed or activated) on an island to defend the sea lanes into the Gulf. The fort Tour is very interesting and there is a beach for sunbathing and several snorkeling areas. The Ferry provides a Breakfast enroute and on-board Buffet Lunch (and Bathrooms – there are none on the island). After returning to Key West we ate at the (pricey) Meson de Pepe Cuban & Island Food at Mallory Square. The menu seemed limited, the drinks contained zero alcohol but the ambience is great.

There IS fast food, Pizza Hut, I-HOP, Fridays, etc. and slightly less expensive lodging across town.

 

Scans of FunTimes and miscellaneous documentation will follow!

 

ken

[jxd]

Thank you for your review...I like the way you presented it...very easy to read, to the point and complete.

 

You mentioned that the ship stays on EST...what was the local time when you docked in Limon? We have a non-ship excursion and Carnival says we dock @ 10:00. Is that local time or ship time? I presume ship time.

[Ken076]

thank you for your review...i like the way you presented it...very easy to read, to the point and complete.

 

You mentioned that the ship stays on est...what was the local time when you docked in limon? no idea - i was oblivious to the day of the week, let alone the time!!! we have a non-ship excursion and carnival says we dock @ 10:00. Is that local time or ship time? i'd assume ship's time! I'd contact the excursion company to see what time zone they're in - they usually adjust for the ship's arrival at their port. i presume ship time. this was a really relaxing cruise, specifically chosen for the larger number of sea days! We thought the shows were most excellent - get there early for decent seating! Even if not a karaoke person, checkout the superstar karaoke!

 

ken

[jolyroger]

I'll agree your report was great... Loved the layout which made is so easy to ready ....Any pics??

[Ken076]

I'll agree your report was great... Loved the layout which made is so easy to ready ....Any pics??

 

Some Pics to follow! I'm trying to figure outwhere to post .pdf's of FunTimes?

 

ken

[mwb826]

Some Pics to follow! I'm trying to figure outwhere to post .pdf's of FunTimes?

 

ken

 

Can't wait to see the FunTimes. Doing this cruise in August. Seeing FunTimes will help so much for planning. Loved your review!!!

[squares]

Once again Ken 076 - this was a fantastic help. Trying to go in July 2011.

[navybaby1113]

Thanks for your review. We're looking at taking the 6 day cruise on the Freedom.

[mkitchy]

Great review Ken. One question. On the Panama Canal tour, did they serve or have alcoholic drinks for sale? Thanks.:)

 

Mike

[Bsetter]

We did the Dry Tortugas National Park and Fr. Jefferson day trip with Yankee Freedom in February. One of the best day trips we've done - Even though we were visiting Key West and not cruising - the islands were great - not crowded, and the snokeling was spectacular!

[LBumb]

great job

[lesleyswimcoach]

Great reveiw!

[Ken076]

Great review Ken. One question. On the Panama Canal tour, did they serve or have alcoholic drinks for sale? Thanks.:)

 

Mike

 

On our Canal Ferry there was a small bar I think on the top, canopied deck, that had sodas and beers in coolers, I'm pretty sure they also had mixed drinks.

 

Interestingly, all the canal Ferrys may not be equal - the one ahead of us looked smaller and more rickety and may well not have had a bar. In other threads there were parties that were split across two different Ferrys with totally different experiences.

 

ken

[Ken076]

Can't wait to see the FunTimes. Doing this cruise in August. Seeing FunTimes will help so much for planning. Loved your review!!!

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1375154&highlight=

 

ken

[Ken076]

We did the Dry Tortugas National Park and Fr. Jefferson day trip with Yankee Freedom in February. One of the best day trips we've done - Even though we were visiting Key West and not cruising - the islands were great - not crowded, and the snokeling was spectacular!

 

Absolutely one of the best day trips / excursions we've taken. The crew were all friendly and very knowledgeable, and FT Jefferson itself is really amazing and there's a small sand beach and several snorkeling areas. At the rate they are progressing, the restoration probably has about 20 more years!

 

Key West is really nice and deserves about two full days to see - all the Tourist areas are in Old Town and it's really worth the extra cost for a Hotel at that end where you can pretty much walk everywhere. Hotels and eateries are pricey.

 

ken