Will a loyal RCI/Celebrity Cruiser like the Freedom?

[Lazz]

With all the other cruise lines leaving the Carribbean for the summer, I have been looking at the Carnival Freedom 8 night Southern Carib. for July 2012. It has been years and years since I have been on a carnival (last one being on the Pride when it was non smoking). My wife and I our experienced cruisers, with our first cruise in 1982. We have been on numerous RCI and Celebrity cruises, with our last one this past June on the Serenade. We our non smokers. In fact, my wife has bad reactions to even latent smoke. We do not mind children (we are parents of a grown child and I am a teacher), but will retreat to adults only sections or our balcony if the kids get a bit too active. We like on board activities from trivia to dancing, but our not the type to party till the sun comes up. The thing that bothered me the most about our last Carnival cruise was the constant sale of bingo being thrown in our faces all the time. The best thing I like about Carnival is how far my dollar will go in selecting a room. In all honesty, I would like opinions on whether the Carnival Freedom would be a good choice for our vacation dollars. The other oprions we are considering will be an island beach vacation. Thanks in advanced for you help.

[04cruises]

Being diamond on RCCL,I think you would enjoy the Freedom.We did that trip 2 years ago and was very satisfied.Ship is comparable to a Radiance class.Smoke is not a problem except in the normal areas on all ships.

You'll have fun.

[firefly333]

Its a newer ship, so I would think it would do just fine.

 

btw it was Paradise that was the only nonsmoking ship. (not pride). pride is a spirit class ship and much nicer than the ship you were on.

[Lazz]

Its a newer ship, so I would think it would do just fine.

 

btw it was Paradise that was the only nonsmoking ship. (not pride). pride is a spirit class ship and much nicer than the ship you were on.

 

At least I got the first letter correct!:o

[taszmom]

Carnival did implement a new smoking policy. Its not allowed in the cabins anymore and they will charge a $250 cleaning fee. Guest can smoke in designated areas like the casino and open deck areas port-side only and out on their balconies.

 

IMHO, the food on Carnival in the MDR is better than RC, of course compared to Celebrity - no comparison. The decor is very flashy and loud on Carnival while RC/Celebrity is very elegant. Yes they push drinks and make announcements about Bingo and other things and yes it is livelier than RC/Celebrity especially around the main pool area.

 

With that said, I chose the Freedom 6 day for the itinerary because we don't have a lot of choices in the summer out of Florida. I am a big fan of Celebrity myself, but not and option and RC was completely sold out on the Allure and Oasis.

[firefly333]

Im doing Oasis next, and I love RCL, though havent yet been on Celebrity.

 

I think you would have fun on Carnival Freedom. Its one of Carnival's newest ships.

[JoeMissile]

With all the other cruise lines leaving the Carribbean for the summer, I have been looking at the Carnival Freedom 8 night Southern Carib. for July 2012. It has been years and years since I have been on a carnival (last one being on the Pride when it was non smoking). My wife and I our experienced cruisers, with our first cruise in 1982. We have been on numerous RCI and Celebrity cruises, with our last one this past June on the Serenade. We our non smokers. In fact, my wife has bad reactions to even latent smoke. We do not mind children (we are parents of a grown child and I am a teacher), but will retreat to adults only sections or our balcony if the kids get a bit too active. We like on board activities from trivia to dancing, but our not the type to party till the sun comes up. The thing that bothered me the most about our last Carnival cruise was the constant sale of bingo being thrown in our faces all the time. The best thing I like about Carnival is how far my dollar will go in selecting a room. In all honesty, I would like opinions on whether the Carnival Freedom would be a good choice for our vacation dollars. The other oprions we are considering will be an island beach vacation. Thanks in advanced for you help.

You may not like it. I recently cruised on the Freedom (last week) and while at a comedy show, a couple sat with us that had over thirty cruises on RCI, Princess, and Celebrity. They pretty much bashed Carnival the entire time making numerous comments as to how much better the other cruise lines are. I was glad when the show started so they would stop talking. Frankly, I wasn't sure why they were on the ship at all the way they talked. From their perspective cruising on CCL was a definite step down for them.

 

I can't make any comparisons between the lines, but Yes, the CD is a bit obnoxious with all the salesy stuff ranging from Bingo, Park West "Art" sales, inch of gold, blah, blah, blah. They also had the sound cranked up high enough on Lido you could hear all about the hairy chest contest, hot dog eating contest, etc. from the Serenity deck.

 

If you're expecting the same experience as your last CCL cruise you may not get it. Carnival is a bit different from the NS Pride days. Anyway good luck!

[myfamilyluvs2cruise]

We have cruised on the Freedom of the Seas and the Serenade of the Seas as a family and loved every minute! Our only CCL experience was on the Elation for a quick trip over spring break. That was our first cruise, and while we loved the ship- it was way too crazy for us as we had small children. The epitomie of our experience on that cruise was when two gentleman wearing nothing but speedos and sunglasses tried to get in the dining room on formal night completely hammered. Entertaining for sure, but not cool.

 

After that, we went on 2 RCI cruises and thought they were a better fit. They seemed much more family friendly compared to our 1 CCL experience.

 

However, I am planning a surprise 50th birthday cruise for my husband on the 8 day Freedom next year. I have 48 people signed up so far (half adults, half kids). I went with Carnvial due to itinerary and the cost factor- as it was important to me that people could come- and RCI is SO expensive in the summer.

 

I have been watching the boards and reading everything I can get my hands on to make sure that I made a good choice. Many of our guests are first time cruisers, and some are quite affluent, and some are not. I want everyone to have a great time- so I will be glad to see everyone's responses!

[LBumb]

i will let you know in a couple months

[just G]

Years ago, I was a Celebrity snob. My TA, who was a good friend, told me I would never like Carnival because I had sailed on Celebrity several times.

Well, I did finally sail on Carnival, and I love it. The Freedom is a fantastic ship. I don't think you'll be disappointed.