MANDALOUWHO Posted March 18, 2013 #1 Share Posted March 18, 2013 We got in late last night from our Spring Break cruise aboard the Freedom and had an absolute blast! I had a hard time finding a lot of reviews with pictures of the Freedom, especially this itinerary, so I had decided before I left that I would post a detailed review. Plus they just seem so fun to do! I am downloading the 1200+ pictures I took tonight when I get home- back at the office already - and will begin the detailed review then. But wanted to take a minute to start the thread and give some background info and introduce us all. We had 10 in our group total spread out between 3 cabins. Me (Amanda), my hubby Mike, and our sons Tyler (10) and Talan (6) had a Balcony room on the 8th deck. This was our third cruise as a family our other 2 were on the Fantasy. We like to have fun and went non-stop our entire vacation. We try and make the best out of everything, but I will mention some criticisms I do have just to be fair. We did everything from trivia - we took home like 20 ship on a sticks between the 10 of us. I am trying to figure out creative decorating options involving them. Lots of karaoke - yes my son is the one who accidently said the F word during a karaoke song I am that mom lol. Casino, spa, dancing, piano bar, we did it all on this ship! Overall we loved it and it was our best cruise to date. None of the critiques are major or detracted from our vacation in any way. The others in our group were my sister, Amber, and her boyfriend, Joe, (21 and 23) had an interior of Deck 2. This was Amber's second cruise and Joe's like millionth. Ok, not a million but he has been on a ton. My mom (51) and 3 siblings Maria (15), Carly (14), and Cameron (12) had an ocean view on Deck 2. This was their second cruise. Because of the age range, 6-51, we did a lot of different things so I will give you all the feedback from everyone on everything so there will be a lot of details and as many pics as I can post. We did Cheers and FTF so let me know if you have any questions on the ship, ports or those things. I will get to detailed reviews of each, but feel free to ask away. I am hoping this post can live on for a few months so I can relive our vacation until it gets closer to our next lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deedle7544 Posted March 18, 2013 #2 Share Posted March 18, 2013 Really looking forward to your review!!!! I hate it when work interferes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheckersMidwest Posted March 18, 2013 #3 Share Posted March 18, 2013 Work always gets in the way of my fun.:rolleyes: Can't wait to read your review. We sail the Freedom in May. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare CruzerDeb Posted March 18, 2013 #4 Share Posted March 18, 2013 Can't wait to read all about your super cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qbanrican84 Posted March 18, 2013 #5 Share Posted March 18, 2013 Looking forward to it! We'll be sailing on the Freedom for my bday next month :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncletr21 Posted March 18, 2013 #6 Share Posted March 18, 2013 We did Cheers and FTF so let me know if you have any questions on the ship, ports or those things. I will get to detailed reviews of each, but feel free to ask away. Thank you for posting. What time did you arrive at port and when could you board? Was there a seperate line to check in with FTF? (I don't even know if Diamond members have their own lines.) Did you have lines for baggage scan and getting seapass cards? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battchief1 Posted March 18, 2013 #7 Share Posted March 18, 2013 Can't wait for the full review with lots of pics, love the pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deedle7544 Posted March 18, 2013 #8 Share Posted March 18, 2013 And food porn, I am hoping for food porn...and pictures of the ship...and everything :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MANDALOUWHO Posted March 18, 2013 Author #9 Share Posted March 18, 2013 No problem. See below :) Thank you for posting. What time did you arrive at port and when could you board? Got to port around 10:20, line took about 15 minutes, on the boat by 11:30ish room was ready right away Was there a seperate line to check in with FTF? Yes, you go through baggage scan and go to the left. We accidently went to the VIP line on the right, which is different so our lady had to walk to the other side to get our S & S cards. No big deal. The lounge was crowded. I did not think FTF got to go into the lounge but we did and so did my Mom's group who also did FTF. My sister did not and she was in group 9. She was on about an hour or so after us, but got to the port at the same time. (I don't even know if Diamond members have their own lines.) Did you have lines for baggage scan and getting seapass cards? No for scan, yes for cards.Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FloridaGram Posted March 18, 2013 #10 Share Posted March 18, 2013 Signing on for the fun! We were on the Freedom last August so I will enjoy the walk down memory lane. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbt7244 Posted March 18, 2013 #11 Share Posted March 18, 2013 We are sailing the Freedom Saturday! Can't wait to read the rest of your review. What ports were part of your cruise? Do you have the fun time? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travlngrl1996 Posted March 18, 2013 #12 Share Posted March 18, 2013 Nice start. I'm looking for ideas for our next spring break cruise and am anticipating the rest of your review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jessiesgirl2013 Posted March 18, 2013 #13 Share Posted March 18, 2013 My husband and I are renewing our vows on the Freedom for our 20th anniversary. We are leaving in 26 days. I look forward to your posts :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KirkNC Posted March 18, 2013 #14 Share Posted March 18, 2013 Thanks for the report! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksmom09 Posted March 18, 2013 #15 Share Posted March 18, 2013 Looking forward to pics! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmoczygemba Posted March 18, 2013 #16 Share Posted March 18, 2013 We just got off the Freedom yesterday. This was our first cruise with Carnival. We have been on seven others with RCCL/Celebrity. Based on this forum I purchashed the FTTF package. It was a wise investment. We arrived at the port at 10:40. We were given a Priority Card in the beginning, directed to the front of the check-in counter, then escorted to the lounge. We joined the other priority members to board early. We were in our cabin at 11:30am. Our room was prepared and our luggage had already arrived. We went upstairs to the Lido deck for the buffet and started our cruise. Nice deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beagleluv6107 Posted March 18, 2013 #17 Share Posted March 18, 2013 I look forward to your pictures and details about the cheers program. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare APDMOM Posted March 19, 2013 #18 Share Posted March 19, 2013 Subscribed :D Can't wait to board Saturday. We got FTTF also... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boaterette Posted March 19, 2013 #19 Share Posted March 19, 2013 Looking forward to more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uprivermama Posted March 19, 2013 #20 Share Posted March 19, 2013 Yay! A Freedom review! We're doing the same itinerary on the Freedom in June, so I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for you to get started....Go ahead...I'm waiting...:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nylori Posted March 19, 2013 #21 Share Posted March 19, 2013 Don't leave us hanging! Going on Freedom in August. Doing the Cheers! Possibly the FTTF. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nylori Posted March 19, 2013 #22 Share Posted March 19, 2013 Mexican Station? Never had a ship with one, info please!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BETH_M Posted March 19, 2013 #23 Share Posted March 19, 2013 Question - What time were people called to leave the ship? We are on the 4/20 saling with the same ports and I am trying to figure out if we can make a 10:15 flight vs. hanging out until 5:45 or paying alot higher price in between. We would take our stuff ourselves and would even buy FTTF if it would help. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MANDALOUWHO Posted March 20, 2013 Author #24 Share Posted March 20, 2013 We did FTTF and were told to meet at 7:30 in the dining room. We were let off first and were in the customs line with our 12 (yes! 12) bags by 8:00am. We then got a shuttle to our hotel in Plantation and were on the road home by 8:30am. You will be cutting it close if everything goes smoothly, but I would think it could be risky if the ship takes longer to clear? We would have made a 10:15am flight, easily. Question - What time were people called to leave the ship? We are on the 4/20 saling with the same ports and I am trying to figure out if we can make a 10:15 flight vs. hanging out until 5:45 or paying alot higher price in between. We would take our stuff ourselves and would even buy FTTF if it would help.Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MANDALOUWHO Posted March 20, 2013 Author #25 Share Posted March 20, 2013 It was at migdnight the night of the deck party. A full-on Mexican buffet. It was yummy for sure but eating Mexican that late did not sit well with our tummies lol I believe the buffet was the night of Tortola day before our last sea day. Mexican Station? Never had a ship with one, info please!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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