Robpuffdaddy Posted June 26, 2012 #1 Share Posted June 26, 2012 OK, here I go with my first review. I am warning you know that I am going to be as detailed as possible. Let me start off by giving a little background. My name is Rob and my wife's name Jennifer. This is our fourth cruise (Regent Sun, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Valor, and now Carnival Freedom). We are from the Tampa Bay area, so we like the convenience of being close to the ports. We have 2 boys, 14 and 10 years of age. We love our boys very much and have gone on a cruise with them before, but this time we went without them. We sent them off to Boy Scout Camp and we had a vacation all to ourselves. On a previous cruise we left out of Miami, and the drive to Miami was not bad, but the drive home after the cruise was a killer. I was so relaxed and tired that I was so ready to fall asleep after driving across Alligator Alley that I had to let my wife drive for a bit to give me a break. So I did not want t make the same mistake on this cruise so I decided it would be cool to take the train from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale. We left on Friday afternoon and took the Amtrak to Fort Lauderdale. My wife knew we were taking the train but I did not tell her that I had reserved a private roomette sleeper car for us. It was great to have our own room and be able to spread out a bit. The train ride took about 5 hours. It included lunch and drinks. So far I am a fan of Amtrak, got to relax and leave the driving to someone else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robpuffdaddy Posted June 26, 2012 Author #2 Share Posted June 26, 2012 I am new to downloading pictures. Please tell me if the pictures are seen. If not, can someone tell me what I did wrong or what I need to do. I have set up a Picasa account. Should I use Photbucket instead? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cushing985 Posted June 26, 2012 #3 Share Posted June 26, 2012 Hi Rob...no joy on the pictures. I can't figure it out either but some people seem to have no problem posting great pictures. They'll be checking in soon and should be able to help you out. Looking forward to the review though!:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robpuffdaddy Posted June 27, 2012 Author #4 Share Posted June 27, 2012 OK, let us try this again. <a href="http://s1154.photobucket Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robpuffdaddy Posted June 27, 2012 Author #5 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Ok, let me try again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robpuffdaddy Posted June 27, 2012 Author #6 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Here are a few more shots of the train station in Tampa. The inside In Tampa, the train has to actually back into the station. My wife Jennifer enjoying our private room: The train finally in Fort Lauderdale Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunshinecruiser62 Posted June 27, 2012 #7 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Loving it so far. Can't wait to read the rest and see your pix! We will be on the freedom next May!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vivavegas Posted June 27, 2012 #8 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Loving your review! Looking forward to reading more!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizaMM Posted June 27, 2012 #9 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Thanks for posting and figuring out how to do the photos !!!!! YEAH PHOTOS!!!! I loved the Freedom - I thought the decor was pretty cool and I really enjoyed looking at the smallest details such as the ceiling art which added to the theme of each area. Hoping to sail her again one day soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robpuffdaddy Posted June 27, 2012 Author #10 Share Posted June 27, 2012 After we got to Fort Lauderdale, we grabbed a cab and headed over to the Embassy Suites for the night before the cruise. The cab ride was about $15.00. Let me say that I had read a lot about how great the Embassy Suites was on this message board and also on the Florida Destination portion. Because of that we decided to stay here for the night. What did we have to lose, it was only one night and we were going to be on a cruise ship the next day so I would have been happy to sleep in the park that night. Well let me tell you that they were right. This place was great. It wsa so close to so many dining options and there were so many stores to get things needed pre cruise if needed. The hotel was beautiful. The staff was very friendly and helpful. I had requested at time of booking to have a high level room facing the port and they hooked me up. We were on the 8th floor with a view of the port. The room was huge. IT had a large seperate living area with a dining room table, couch, flatscreen tv, wetbar area with a fridge and sink. The bedroom was also large with a king size bed, large dresser, another large flatscreen tv. and a large bathroom. It also had a sliding glass door that I could open to step out to a small step out balcony. Lobby Atrium Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robpuffdaddy Posted June 27, 2012 Author #11 Share Posted June 27, 2012 When we booked our cruise we joined the roll call for our cruise and started to post with several people. After a month or so, we decided to also start a Facebook page and then it the pre-cruise planning and conversation got started. We started to talk to and to get to know several people prior to the cruise. We found out that there were several of us were all staying at the Embassy Suites the night before and decided to meet up by the pool area that night. Every night the hotel has a Manager's Reception and they have an open bar. So we had several drinks and got the party started. We then decided to move the party to across the street and we all went to the Southport Raw Bar. We had a great dinner and a few more drinks. This place was right on the water and it was a real busy place with a party crowd and good times to be had by all. Great way to get the vacation started. We were there for a few hours and then all decided to head back to the hotel and crash for the night. SOUTHPORT RAW BAR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robpuffdaddy Posted June 27, 2012 Author #12 Share Posted June 27, 2012 I got to end my post for the night. I will start off with embarkation and all those details tommorrow. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask away and I will be more that happy to help you out and pass on what I know to make your cruise better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palmist Posted June 27, 2012 #13 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Hi Rob, We sail on Freedom July 28. Your review will be helpful. Keep it coming. Myrna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRVEGAS711 Posted June 27, 2012 #14 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Looking forward to your review! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antywarbuc Posted June 27, 2012 #15 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Can't wait until you get back!!! Nice review Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robpuffdaddy Posted June 27, 2012 Author #16 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Cruise Day: I am an early riser, and was really looking forward to going to the port but 5:30 was still to early. I looked out my room window and was surprised that I woke up the same time the Freedom was coming into port. Great way to start the day. We then went down to the Atrium and had a great breakfast. They have a made to order omelet station. They also have scrambled eggs, pancakes and French toast available. They had a large solection of cereals, danishes, bagels etc. You get the idea. We met up with a couple that we met on the Facebook page and met in person the night before at the Manager's reception. We decided that we would head to the port at the same time. We went to the lobby around 9:45, the plan was that we were going to grab a taxi and head over because we have been told that if you take one of the shuttles they provide that yoou will have to go to each pier and it could take awhile till we got to the Freedom. Well since we were there so early and there were plenty of shuttles out there waiting we were able to get a shuttle for just the four of us and it took us right to the pier. It cost $7.00 per person for the shuttle which would have been the same cost as a taxi. It took us only 5 minuutes or so to go from the ES to the cruise ship. Breakfast area at the EMbassy Suites The best view in the world. The first shot of the ship as we arrive at the port. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robpuffdaddy Posted June 28, 2012 Author #17 Share Posted June 28, 2012 Embarkation: If I had to give a word or a few words to describe embarkation. It would be, piece of cake. Like I had said that we had decided to get to the port as early as possible. We had a suite this week and so we had V.I.P. embarkation and our friends were platinum level so they had V.I.P. status too. When we got to the pier the shuttle dropped us off right near the building and the porters were right there to take our checked luggage. Make sure you have your tags on them when you arrive at the port. It will save you time. We had folded them as descibed and wrapped them in clear packing tape and punched a hole in it and used a zip-tie and attached them to the luggage handle. We then took our carry on baggage and headed into the building. Since we had got there so early there was no one in line waiting. They had at least 3 lines where you go and present your ID and your passport/birth certificate and show your boarding pass. After that we made our way to the xray/scanning area. We had seen so many post lately of them being really tough on what you bring on the ship I know the policy that you can bring on 12 non- alcoholic bottles per person (water/soda). The size is to be no larger that 20oz each. One bottle of wine per person. So in my bag I had 12 bottles of water, they were actually 24oz size bottles, one bottle of wine, and I actually also had a large bottle of pineapple juice in my carry-on to go with my RR's that I had in my checked in bags. I was worried that they would not let me take the pineapple juice due to the size of the bottle. I also had heard that they have gone thru the bags and seperated the water bottles and to check to make sure that the water had not been replaced with another clear liquid. Someone said they had actually taked the bottles out of the shrink wrap and opened a few bottles and actually smelled the bottles. So I was ready for the drill, to my surprise I put the bags inside the scanning machine, I walked through the metal detector and was ready for them for me to open my bag and they did jsut let me go without looking in the bag. We then went to another line where there was no one waiting and there were like 10-15 staff members behind the counter waiting to help people. Here is where you give them your paperwork again and get yoour Sail/Sign card. They give you some more paperwork and a deck plan. After that we proceeded to the waiting area to be allowed to board the ship. Total time from arriving at the port, turning in our luggage, going thru check-in to waiting to board the ship, 10 minutes. Like I said arriving early is so much better. Since we had V.I.P. status were were escorted up an elevator to the 2nd floor waiting area. There they served us a nice lunch and free drinks. Just kidding, I wish. There was a large sitting area with restrooms and water available. We waited in the area with a wedding party of about 15 people and about 25 other people. We waited there for a bit and we were allowed to board the ship by 11:00 A.M. Let the cruise begin!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robpuffdaddy Posted June 28, 2012 Author #18 Share Posted June 28, 2012 We boarded the ship on the Lobby Deck and was surprised that there were no ship photographers there to start the onslaught. They got us later, but more on that later. We made our way up the elevator to the Lido Deck to get this thing started and we were so surprised to see that we were the first guest on the deck. We felt like the ship was ours. Did not last long, but we enjoyed it while it lasted. We knew that the lines at the Mongolian Grill would get longer as the week went on so I went there first. They had a ceremony for me as being the first guest in line for food. Ok, kidding again. But it was cool being first. We then made our way to a table on the Lido Deck and had our first DOD. Life is good!!! Mongolian Grill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunshinecruiser62 Posted June 28, 2012 #19 Share Posted June 28, 2012 I got to end my post for the night. I will start off with embarkation and all those details tommorrow. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask away and I will be more that happy to help you out and pass on what I know to make your cruise better. I was wondering, how much did the hotel room cost for the night, if you don't mind me asking? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robpuffdaddy Posted June 28, 2012 Author #20 Share Posted June 28, 2012 We sat there for an hour or so had some food and had a few drinks and I made my way back to the Lobby Deck and went to the Shore Excursion Desk, I wanted to go on the Behind the Fun Tour (ship tour) on the last sea day (Saturday). I knew that the tour is only for 16 people so it is first come first serve. It cost $95.00 per person, It was so worth it and I will explain that tour in detail later. But my suggestion is to book as soon as you get on board. They had signs on the doors heading to the staterooms that they would be ready at 12:30. Sure enough, they were. We made our way to our Suite on the Empress Desk to drop off our carry-on and go walk off lunch. Views of our Sweet Suite Flowers that I had delivered to my darling wife. .. Ok got to end it here for the night. Much more to follow. So stay tuned Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robpuffdaddy Posted June 28, 2012 Author #21 Share Posted June 28, 2012 I was wondering, how much did the hotel room cost for the night, if you don't mind me asking? No problem, I had a goverment rate and it was $110.00 for the night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaniceB Posted June 28, 2012 #22 Share Posted June 28, 2012 Enjoying your review so far. I didn't know FL had a train between Tampa and FL. What itinerary did you take? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robpuffdaddy Posted June 28, 2012 Author #23 Share Posted June 28, 2012 Enjoying your review so far. I didn't know FL had a train between Tampa and FL. What itinerary did you take? The train goes from New York-Washington DC-Carolinas- then to Jacksonville, Orlando, Lakeland, Tampa, then back to Lakeland, then south to West Palm. Fort Laduerdale, then ends in Miami. Then there is a train that leave Miami at noon and goes back the other way. If you mean my cruise Itinerary it was 8 Day Ft Lauderdale, Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Martin, St. Thomas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sailingawaysoon Posted June 28, 2012 #24 Share Posted June 28, 2012 So far, so good! I can't wait to read more. Love the pics too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robpuffdaddy Posted June 29, 2012 Author #25 Share Posted June 29, 2012 Well after soaking up our new home away from home, we decided to go for a walk to get the lay of the land before the muster drill. We went on the Carnival Valor back in 2006 and it is the sister ship of the Freedom, the design is basically identical, but it was nice to see the way the ship was decorated. I had seen where people had complained that the decor is gaudy and the lighting is so 1970's, but in my opinion I loved the 70's when I was a kid so I dealt with it. We went to the muster drill right before sail away. It was nice that we did not have to wear our life jackets like we had done in the past. I thought it was funny how people were complaining of the muster drill and that we were crammed onto the decks near the life boats and thinking that these would be the same people that would complain if there was an emergency during the cruise and there was no order in place. After the muster drill, our Roll Call/Facebook group had made plans to have a meet and greet at the Aft-Lido Bar. It was great to finally meet everyone. We met some great people and we enjoyed spending the time we did during the cruise and look forward to reamaining friends with them after the cruise. One of the couples Kevin and Dianne were celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary and had made arrangements before the cruise to have the Port Everglades Webcam do a close up on our group. They made a banner and we all went up to the rail on the Panorama Deck in the aft of the ship and had our Webcam moment. Lido Pool Promenade Deck Casino Lido Buffet Roll Call Meet and Greet Leaving Fort Lauderdale Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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