Carnival Freedom 8 Day Eastern Caribbean Review 09/10/11 - 09/18/11 LOTS of PICS

[Cricket63]

Great review!! Thanks for sharing!!

[Let'sDoThisCruiseThing]

Hi everyone,

Don't worry! I have a lot more to post. I am typing it up and preparing my pictures first so that I can post easier.

 

More to come very soon ;)

[Let'sDoThisCruiseThing]

█▓▒░★ Sea Day ★░▒▓█

 

Sunday, September 11, 2011

 

 

 

Today was a sea day and we had breakfast in the buffet, walked around the ship and relaxed all day. We discovered almost immediately that there were rude passengers on board. People would pull the chat-n-cut in lines and bump into you and not say excuse me. We chose to ignore this and proceed with enjoying our vacation.

 

We decided to go to Name that Comedy trivia. We have seen a lot of comedy movies and thought that we would be pretty good at this game. I think that the girl doing the trivia game was Cindy. She would play a clip from a comedy movie and you would write down the name of the movie. We got 22 out of 30 answers correct. The winners were a family of about 9 people who got 29 out of 30. They won 2 ships on a stick for their efforts. We had some drinks of the day, walked around the ship and played in the casino today. I will do a separate post including pics of the drink of the day cups. Today, Jacques acknowledged the fact that it was the anniversary of September 11th. We were asked to take a moment of silence and there were groups that got together during the day to observe the day.

 

This was also the first day that we took Dramamine. The sea was really rough and the boat was rocking a lot more than the day before. We did not take Dramamine every day, but your body will tell you when you need it. I would suggest that you bring some just in case. We tried to take non-drowsy Dramamine so that we would not get sleepy when we drank alcohol, but it still made me sleepy the first time that I took it during the day. My tip to you is to take it at night if you are able to.

 

On this night the seaside theatre was playing the following:

8:30pm Rango

10:30pm Mars needs Moms

 

We watched Rango. It was pretty good. I think the best part was watching it at sea in the open air. We stayed for a few minutes of Mars Needs Moms, but it wasn’t that good. It was really nice watching movies at the seaside theatre. We really enjoyed it. The weather was perfect and there was a nice breeze on the deck.

 

Cabin Noise level: As I stated before, we were in Aft cabin 8450. The only noise that we ever encountered was a few random dragging of chairs on the Lido deck above. There was never any noise from any of our neighbors and we never heard any music from any of the decks….even when there were parties. Due to the fact that our cabin was at the back of the ship, we never had any noise from the hallway because there were no cabin doors across from us.

 

Helpful hint: We asked our cabin steward Ray to empty our mini-fridge so that we could use it to chill our wine, redbull and water. They will empty it for you so that you are not charged for anything during your stay and to allow you have access to use it. We used it for our extra drinks and we put some desserts in there from the buffet for eating later.

 

Isn't the wake beautiful?

 

 

 

There's no sunset like a sunset at sea!

 

[Blondie008]

Thanks for fab review and pics:)

I have your exact cabin on Freedom on a B2B. On the 2nd leg I have a suite, but none available for the first as yet. I am however in two minds about moving to a suite even if one does become available. On one hand, the privacy factor bothers me, BUT on the other hand, the view of the wake is just beautiful....

Was there a table out on the balcony? For us, we d rather lose the lounger and have chairs and a table? Seems a bit crammed with all that furniture going on? I do know 8450 is bigger balcony than the other afts, just wondered about the table set up? I dont know..perhaps fate will decided for me anyway, and my suite still wont come available (means we have to change rooms midway on our B2B), but if one does come available..stay or go??? :D

How bad was the lack of privacy factor? I dont like if people can see us from above?? Is it only when one stands right at the railings??

Many thanks, great review!!

[gail811]

Blondie....I would hold on to the aft cabin if I were you. They are great cabins and doing a B2B is a great opportunity to try one out! The balcony should have at least one small table, sometimes 2 if it is a larger balcony.

Edited September 21, 2011 by gail811

[gelo7]

-:¦:-•:*"'"*:•.-:¦:-•*More pics – Embassy Suites*•-:¦:-•:*"'"*:•.-:¦:-

 

Bedroom 1:

 

Bedroom 2:

 

Bathroom:

 

Balcony:

You have sold me on the Embassy Suites on 17th st' date=' thanks for sharing.[/b']

[Let'sDoThisCruiseThing]

Thanks for fab review and pics:)

I have your exact cabin on Freedom on a B2B. On the 2nd leg I have a suite, but none available for the first as yet. I am however in two minds about moving to a suite even if one does become available. On one hand, the privacy factor bothers me, BUT on the other hand, the view of the wake is just beautiful....

Was there a table out on the balcony? For us, we d rather lose the lounger and have chairs and a table? Seems a bit crammed with all that furniture going on? I do know 8450 is bigger balcony than the other afts, just wondered about the table set up? I dont know..perhaps fate will decided for me anyway, and my suite still wont come available (means we have to change rooms midway on our B2B), but if one does come available..stay or go??? :D

How bad was the lack of privacy factor? I dont like if people can see us from above?? Is it only when one stands right at the railings??

Many thanks, great review!!

Hi Blondie,

 

Yes, there are 2 chairs, 2 loungers and 1 table on the balcony for cabin 8450. There is more than enough room for you to move around with all of this furniture there.

 

Yes, the balcony is bigger than all of the other aft balconies with the exception of the mirror image on the other side, cabin 8455. So, there are only 2 of these balconies available 8450 & 8455. I posted a pic earlier in my review where it is very clear to see the dividers are bigger on these balconies.

 

The wake is priceless and you don't get that view anywhere else. I think you will really enjoy it.

 

The only privacy concern that I had was when you are standing at the rail. Anyone else that happens to be standing at their rail enjoying the wake will see you and you will see them. Also, when you are at the rail, anyone above that is sitting at a table can see you, but only when you are at the rail. When you are sitting....there are no concerns for privacy. There are no open decks above where anyone can see you.

 

Thank you

[luv2beachkansascity]

Love your review and all the details!!! We sail on Freedom November 13th on the Western Carribean and you have given us great tips to use before we sail.

 

We are also from the Kansas City area I am a little nervous we fly in the day we set sail . . . still debating on changing our flight and going in to Ft. Lauderdale the night before :eek:

[Blondie008]

Hi Blondie' date='

 

Yes, there are 2 chairs, 2 loungers and 1 table on the balcony for cabin 8450. There is more than enough room for you to move around with all of this furniture there.

 

Yes, the balcony is bigger than all of the other aft balconies with the exception of the mirror image on the other side, cabin 8455. So, there are only 2 of these balconies available 8450 & 8455. I posted a pic earlier in my review where it is very clear to see the dividers are bigger on these balconies.

 

The wake is priceless and you don't get that view anywhere else. I think you will really enjoy it.

 

The only privacy concern that I had was when you are standing at the rail. Anyone else that happens to be standing at their rail enjoying the wake will see you and you will see them. Also, when you are at the rail, anyone above that is sitting at a table can see you, but only when you are at the rail. When you are sitting....there are no concerns for privacy. There are no open decks above where anyone can see you.

 

Thank you[/color']

 

Many thanks! I am kind of leaning towards staying put, it does seem such a lovely cabin, and that wake is pulling me:)

Incidentally, we have stayed in the Embassy suites a few times too, its fab huh!! :) Your pictures brought me back many happy memories especially as this has been the location for me to re unite with my daughter twice (she lives in the cayman islands), in fact, shed a wee tear :( Still remember running across the embassy atrium for one of those hugs I miss every day of life!

Thanks again!

[Blondie008]

Blondie....I would hold on to the aft cabin if I were you. They are great cabins and doing a B2B is a great opportunity to try one out! The balcony should have at least one small table, sometimes 2 if it is a larger balcony.

 

Yup, I agree... if not, I will always wonder???? This way I get the best of both worlds, as I say, chances are our actual suite is not going to come available now anyway, and it would only be if the actual one we have booked for the second leg became available we would be tempted ....but..cant help hoping it doesnt ;)

[ncb106]

Hi Blondie' date='[/color']

 

Yes, there are 2 chairs, 2 loungers and 1 table on the balcony for cabin 8450. There is more than enough room for you to move around with all of this furniture there.

 

Yes, the balcony is bigger than all of the other aft balconies with the exception of the mirror image on the other side, cabin 8455. So, there are only 2 of these balconies available 8450 & 8455. I posted a pic earlier in my review where it is very clear to see the dividers are bigger on these balconies.

 

The wake is priceless and you don't get that view anywhere else. I think you will really enjoy it.

 

The only privacy concern that I had was when you are standing at the rail. Anyone else that happens to be standing at their rail enjoying the wake will see you and you will see them. Also, when you are at the rail, anyone above that is sitting at a table can see you, but only when you are at the rail. When you are sitting....there are no concerns for privacy. There are no open decks above where anyone can see you.

 

Thank you

did they has a latin band onboard

[Let'sDoThisCruiseThing]

did they has a latin band onboard

Yes, they did and they were playing in front of the casino on numerous nights. People were having a great time dancing...they were great!

[Missiowa]

Great review! I enjoyed it. Keep it coming. I am sailing Sunday, I am hoping we get to stay eastern too. Ophleia is on her way. Keeping my fingers crossed. Just think of those that skipped out on there cruise and found out later is stayed Eastern. hee hee.

[MamaParrotHead]

Loving your review. As you can see, I have a bit of time until it's my turn. :D Can you tell me how your Hilton Honors membership got you a discounted rate on the Embassy Suites? I'm an HH member, I didn't know that it afforded me discounts (though I've only used it a few times).

 

We're also destination cruisers. This cruise, our fifth, we're not even planning to hit the MDR more than once or twice. We really enjoy the steakhouse and the menu in the MDR isn't worth the hassle and packing space for nice dinner outfits to us.

[Let'sDoThisCruiseThing]

Loving your review. As you can see, I have a bit of time until it's my turn. :D Can you tell me how your Hilton Honors membership got you a discounted rate on the Embassy Suites? I'm an HH member, I didn't know that it afforded me discounts (though I've only used it a few times).

 

We're also destination cruisers. This cruise, our fifth, we're not even planning to hit the MDR more than once or twice. We really enjoy the steakhouse and the menu in the MDR isn't worth the hassle and packing space for nice dinner outfits to us.

Hi MamaParrotHead,

 

Love the name! We used our HHonors by booking online directly through the Embassy Suites website. You would need to sign in using your username/HHonors# and your password/pin. After you are logged in and begin to select the hotel of your choice, you will see the discounted rate. If you do not login using your information first, you will see what the regular prices are.

 

Thank you!

[ibcnusoon]

fdajdfk;asdfjasdjklsdajkfsdk UGHH!

 

I'm looking at a Freedom sailing for a specific week in 2013 that my family can attend together and 8450 is available!!!

... BUT...

 

We are also destination cruisers also but this sail goes to Key West, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios. Ugh, that's my least favorite itinerary, not to mention we've been to all of them!

 

Lovin' your review. I was hoping the week we have available would have been your 8-day cruise!

[Let'sDoThisCruiseThing]

Love your review and all the details!!! We sail on Freedom November 13th on the Western Carribean and you have given us great tips to use before we sail.

 

We are also from the Kansas City area I am a little nervous we fly in the day we set sail . . . still debating on changing our flight and going in to Ft. Lauderdale the night before :eek:

Hi Luv2beachkansascity,

 

Yay! A fellow Kansas Citian! I know exactly how you feel. I felt the same way and then we decided on the side of caution and fly out the day before. I'm so glad we did because we were able to get a good night of rest in a comfy bed, enjoy a bit of Ft Lauderdale and stop by a store for our carry on drinks before the cruise. We didn't want to rush around the day of and hope that there were no airport delays or any other roadblocks that would prevent us from getting on that ship.

 

I know that many people fly out the day of, so either way you should be fine.

 

Let us all know how your cruise went when you get back! Have a great time!!

[whendoweleave?]

Ok, don't have time to read this now, but I love a detailed picture review! I'm subscribing so I can read later! Thanks for the effort! I know it's alot!

[Let'sDoThisCruiseThing]

█▓▒░★ Sea Day ★░▒▓█

 

 

Monday, September 12, 2011

 

 

Today was another sea day. We spent another day relaxing “our way”. We decided to go to the main dining room for dinner. This was the one and only time we ate at the main dining room. We had anytime dining and all anytime dining passengers are in the Chic dining room. There was a table number on our sail and sign card (777), but when we got there the maitre d asked for our room number and then asked if we wanted to be seated at a table for 2 or a group table. We opted for a table for 2. Our head waiter was Dante. He was great and very personable. We had a nice dinner and around dessert time, we heard someone say “SHOW TIME”. At this time, the entire wait staff put on ruffled sleeves and started dancing to a Flo-rida song….”Low”. It was hilarious! I have to say, you couldn’t tell by looking at Dante…but he had some sweet hip hop dancing skills!

 

 

 

 

 

We went to the seaside theatre again. Tonight they were playing Hop at 8pm and Green Hornet at 10pm. When we got there, they were already playing Monday night football. It was the Miami Dolphins/New England Patriots game. This made DB extremely happy. We stayed and watched the game. There were commercials during the game for the next game which was the Denver Broncos/Oakland Raiders. There was mass disappointment when they skipped the football game and started showing Hop. We left when they started playing Hop.

 

Seaside theatre at night:

 

Seaside theatre during the day:

 

Side note: The Carnival beds are NOT comfortable. It felt like I was sleeping on a large rock (slight exaggeration, of course). I kept thinking that we would get used to it, but never did. Also, the Carnival room towels are rough! Beach towels are nice and soft. I would be willing to pay extra if they would just add a little bit of fabric softener in the wash. I guess they have to do that to ensure that they are disinfected. Now that I think about it, I probably should have just used the beach towels after showering. The cabin steward would replace them if he knew they were used…Duh! I will have to remember that for next time. :o

 

Next stop.....St Thomas!

[ATL2LAS]

This is a great review. Loving all the photos. This will tide me over for 4 days till I get to my cruise. Thanks for posting:D

[Let'sDoThisCruiseThing]

█▓▒░★ St Thomas ★░▒▓█

 

 

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

 

 

 

When our itinerary was changed back to the Eastern Caribbean, all of our pre-purchased shore excursions were rebooked for us. Our tickets to all of the excursions booked through Carnival were delivered to our cabin on the first night. We arrived at St Thomas at 7am and had to be back on the ship at 5:30pm for 6pm sail away. The Dream arrived shortly after we did and parked right behind us and docked right next to Senor Frogs.

 

 

 

Senior Frogs:

 

 

Panoramic Views:

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Let'sDoThisCruiseThing]

-:¦:-•:*"'"*:•.-:¦:-•* St Thomas Continued *•-:¦:-•:*"'"*:•.-:¦:-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Let'sDoThisCruiseThing]

-:¦:-•:*"'"*:•.-:¦:-•* St Thomas Continued *•-:¦:-•:*"'"*:•.-:¦:-

 

 

 

Our first excursion was Captain Nautica’s Ultimate Snorkel Expedition booked through Carnival. This excursion was around 3 ½ hours. We met Lucas at the dock at about 8:15am and all passengers had arrived and were ready to go by 8:30am. He was holding a sign that said “Captain Nautica” on the dock close to the ship and really easy to find. It was overcast and it looked like it was going to rain at any moment. Rick was our captain and he was hilarious. He was a fun guy and showed us all a good time.

 

 

The boat "Ocean Rider": (See how close the Freedom is there in the background? Not a long walk at all.)

 

 

 

This is Rick:

 

 

 

Rick and Lucas:

 

 

 

 

See you later Freedom: :)

 

 

 

 

[jmcancruise]

I would highly recommend this hotel! We read on Cruise Critic that we could sign up for Hilton Honors and get a discount on our room. We signed up for Hilton Honors and this saved us $50. It was $125/ night after this discount and WELL worth every dollar. We made our reservation about 4 months in advance. On our reservation request' date=' there was a comment section. In this section we requested the highest room possible facing the cruise port and this is exactly what we got! We were in room 1218. [/color']

 

Thanks for the wonderful review. We have been tentatively planning on staying at the Embassey Suites also. Curious how you booked. We signed up for the Hilton Honors program, but don't see how we can use it to get a discount. Any help would be appreciated.

[Let'sDoThisCruiseThing]

Thanks for the wonderful review. We have been tentatively planning on staying at the Embassey Suites also. Curious how you booked. We signed up for the Hilton Honors program, but don't see how we can use it to get a discount. Any help would be appreciated.

Hi jmcancruise,

 

Go to www dot hilton dot com. Sorry, you can't post websites on cruise critic unless you spell them out like that.

 

There is a toolbar at the top of the page, just select the Hilton Honors link.

 

Click on the blue Join button at the top of the screen.

 

Enter your information, click on the box that says "Send me a one time enrollment confirmation email with my HHonors account number and pin. You will receive an email shortly that includes this information. Click on Create Account.

 

 

When we received our account # and pin, we booked online directly through the Embassy Suites website. You would need to sign in using your username/HHonors# and your password/pin. After you are logged in and begin to select the hotel of your choice, you will see the discounted rate. If you do not login using your information first, you will see what the regular prices are.

 

I think the key is to book early. You will definitely receive a room at a reduced rate.

 

I hope this helps!