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First time cruisers Freedom Nov. 9th couple questions


KSUSHAQ
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My first post but first I have to say thank you to all of those out there that have provided a tremendous amount of valuable information for cruising. I still have a few questions that I could use some insight on. I had promised my wife for her 40th birthday that we would go on a cruise but finally with the hectic schedule of our family (5 kids ranging from freshman in high school to 2 1/2 year old) I now have it booked for Nov. 9th 6-day on the Carnival Freedom. This will be a kid less adventure for us but I have a feeling that we will enjoy this cruise and will be planning a family vacation on a cruise ship in the future. Anyway have a good friend that directed us to his PVP and through research I this site I hope that I am covering all of the bases for preparation.

 

We splurged on a balcony this time around and have a feeling that this will become a regular occurrence as we watch sunrises/sunsets relaxing on the balcony. Through recommendations it appears that deck 7 is ideal with rooms above and below but unsure about sea-sickness we were advised to get an aft/midship balcony. Unfortunately none are available on the cruise so we picked cabin 8420. According to the deck plans I hope that sitting under the pizzeria will be okay for noise rather than the aft pool and the middle of the night cleaning/deck chair noise. Anyone have any experience with this room or location?

 

We are flying in the night before departure and was going to book a hotel but unfortunately hotel rates are about double what they are right now so I was wondering if anyone had any good recommendations for a hotel that would be in decent proximity to the port/airport but would also have the convenience of liquor store/grocery store in proximity so that we may buy our wine/pop/water. I know there are plenty to choose from but I figure we are going to be more hyped for the cruise and getting ready for it more so than taking in the city of FLL. Sounds like the expense of taxi on the morning of departure is priority over some of the over-crowded hotel shuttles if you want to get there sooner versus later.

 

Considering purchasing the faster to the fun from Carnival but not sure of the complete benefits that this offers. I know that this allows you to get on the boat ASAP with immediate room check in and early delivery of your bags. You also have a priority line for help but was wondering does this prioritize you on port days in getting on/off the boat also? On return we have a noon flight home and wondering when the ideal time to leave the boat would be because I would rather be waiting on the boat eating a relaxed breakfast rather than sitting in an airport terminal? With this trip it is my understanding that we will have to take a boat at Grand Caymen into port and FTF would get your priority on this shuttle to and from? How early may you board with FTF versus how early can you board without? I would not mind getting there early on departure and starting the vacation?

 

CHEERS program---I know the constant question regarding should or should we not.....I am in the same boat and flip back and forth with what I am going to do. It is my understanding that the 6 day cruise price is about $293 per person for the cruise. My wife and I like to drink but aren't here to party. However I do like the freedom to purchase a drink without worrying about the cost....which is why some on board accounts grow. CHEERS includes up to 15 drinks each per day but not water/specialty coffee/fishbowls/etc., correct? Appears the average price for a drink seems to be in the $8-$9 range especially if you take advantage of buckets of beer. Concerns for me using the CHEERS program is that on port days we won't be as likely to take full advantage of this program because we will be drinking some at the ports....especially Cozumel day at Nachi Cocum since drinking is included. I am sure a couple of drinks at local bars portside also. Also figure the two bottles of wine we will bring will cut down on some drinking also. If this was just for myself it is a no brainer however not sure if wife will benefit from this program? What to do? It does include juice/pop all day that doesn't count against your 15 drink limit correct?? As for buying a bottle of booze and shipping to your room through the Bon Voyage program correct me if I am wrong but per oz. cost of liquor is not much savings over buying a drink at the bar? I am probably too old and mature (haha) to think about sneaking booze into the cruise ship but is it my understanding that you can bring alcohol back on the boat from ports and they will store it for you but bring it back to you the last night of your cruise to drink?? What you take home with you will have to go through customs and pay tax correct? Sounds like several stories of getting booze back into the boat after a port day seems to be easier than upon embarkation at FLL.

 

Looking forward to exploring the ship and from the reviews enjoying all of the 2.0 upgrades. Right now we have early dining since that might accommodate more freedom of an evening entertainment schedule but wanted to make sure that it isn't a rush to get to the dinner table after an afternoon of activities. I also like the suggestion of checking on your seating location at the arrival on the ship to make sure you like your location and if not change it before starting a dining plan.

 

Ports--Jamaica--consensus is that this is not the most desirable port but being the first time to visit we figure we will take in some of the attractions. Appears to also be the consensus to use a trusted touring company outside of the ship but anyone ever experienced not making the ship. Thinking about doing the Blue hole and taking in some local food/shopping excursion and skipping the more "tourist trap" Dunns falls? Someone had recommended using Marvyn's Paradise tours and appears to have great trip reviews. Porting in Falmouth creates more travel time but also gives the opportunity to see some of the island. I assume just keeping a close eye on time and not worry about missing the ship. Grand Caymen--So far it appears that Caymen is an expensive port but I believe we want to take the adventure to Stingray City and was wondering who to recommend for booking outside the cruise line. Would also like to snorkel some too and don't want to be stuffed on a tour boat with tons of other people. Cozumel-- Already booked Nachi Cocum for food/drinks/relaxation/massage/etc. Anyone experience this before?? Getting a cab here at Cozumel isn't a problem??

 

In navigating Carnival's website after booking....seems quite generic at finding information....kind of like tech support from Microsoft or something so I want to thank everyone again for taking the time to keep first timers like me informed. Looking forward to some answers to my questions and I can't wait til 87 days from now.

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Captain Marvin in Grand Cayman is a super nice company, used them many times. Adults and kids alike enjoy their tours and feel comfortable with the guides. The office is near the gate to enter/exit the tender area. When you exit the gate, turn left, go 1 block, on the right side of the street is the office and bus loading area.

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The Cheers program is soley a cost/benefit calculation. How much do you expect to drink/spend. Will the program save you money or not. Where is the break-even point And you make a good point that on port days, when you're off the ship, you can't cash in on your prepaid drinks.

 

I'll also put in a brief plug for Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman. You've already done your research and have a plan for what to do, so I won't try to talk you out of it. All I'll say is when we were on the Conquest a few years ago, the one day when we didn't book an excursion, the "free" beach day at Grand Cayman, was probably the best day of the cruise. We just took a cab to the beach, found a spot near an open air beach bar and public facilities and stayed there all day. It was within sight of the ships at anchor and was close enough that, if we'd had to, we could have walked back to the tender dock in well under an hour.

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I will be boarding the ship when you are coming back!

 

As far as hotels go; I like the 17th st area, which is near the airport and the cruiseport. Hyatt Place and Embassy Suites are very close to the Harbor shops which has a Publix and a wine shop, and lots of restaurants. Also there is Extended stay (very basic,2star, but supposedly clean and adequate), and Holiday inn Express on 17th st, also in walking distance of those shops. More hotels that I cant remember the name right now. I have seen lots of recommendations for a website called lastminutetravel club. You have to register/join up, and it was free when I did. They have some very good rates on there. Most if not all hotels in this area will have shuttle to from airport, and for a small fee to the cruiseport. But the cruiseport is so close, that I usually take a taxi, and pay less than 20.00 with tip.

 

there is also a sleep inn dania beach (not near the beach), but it has a walgreens next door. it also has an airport shuttle, and one to the cruiseport (small fee, I think for that).

Edited by SMSACE6
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I have not been on the Freedom (though I hope to next summer as it is coming to Texas in Feb). I have only left from NOLA & Galveston as I live in Texas but I can say from those ports with FTTF you are the first to board after wedding parties/plat/diamond as it's usually about a 10 minute difference in the two groups. Getting off we have always been the first to debark after the self assist guests, have always been in the car heading home by 9:15. In ports the only time you get priority getting off the ship is in tender ports (they take you to the front of the line).

 

We had our first balcony this summer on the Dream and I can't really see going backward....nothing better than sitting on my balcony with a drink! We had a Spa balcony and I am afraid that to has spoiled me! I think you being under the Pizzeria is going to be better than middle on this deck because then you would be under chairs and that would be bad (IMO).

 

We did get the Cheers this year and it was well worth it to us. And you are correct that it's 15 drinks pp per day and doesn't include the things you listed.

 

That's all I can anwer as I have never left from FL, sorry.

 

Go, have fun and don't stress. You will be on vacation on a cruise ship. Doesn't get better than that!

Edited by ginurse
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Just an FYI, I checked the rates at the Holiday Inn Express on the night before your cruise, their own website HieExpress, and they offer a rate of 144.00. This is a good rate for them, and especially on a weekend night. I have stayed there before. Nice breakfast included in price.

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We have been on the Freedom but it was last December before her upgrades...so Yeah you!

 

As far as your dining goes you really will not know if you like your location that much until you meet your dining companions. If you do not specifically request a table for 2 after boarding you will most likely be seated with others. They may turn out to be life long friends or the table mates from h***! Have your first meal and then see the maitre'd the next day if need be. It is all about the experience.

 

We have stayed at the Comfort Inn/Suites Airport/Cruiseport and have found some reasonable rates. They did include airport pick up and cruise port drop off at the time. We signed up for our cruise port shuttle when we checked in. They are close to a shopping center with a Total Wine and More Store and grocery store.

 

We have done Cheers and now with the new pricing like it even more! The new pricing puts a 6 day at 37.50 per day plus 15% gratuity. The break even point is around 4-5 mixed drinks a day depending upon your taste. The ability to just try something because you can introduced me to Tiramisu martinis. :D No need to worry about the sail and sign card! You can get soda at any time and it does not count towards your 15 drink total.

 

We have been to Nachi on our Freedom cruise and loved it! Everything included other than the cab ride to and from. I think it was about $8 each way. The beach is wonderful, the food really good, the service attentive, and since they limit the crowds, it is very peaceful. However they do offer other activities (for a price) if you want to be more active. We did not! ;)

 

Went to Jamaica on a different cruise. We did the zip lining and had a great time but I would have to say it was not my favorite port.

 

One of our all time favorite places on a ship has been the lobby bar where we ended almost every night on the Freedom!:p

Edited by Bookbug53
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I just recently booked an unplanned Freedom cruise for 11/29 (got a casino offer).

 

Check the Florida Departures Board. There are a some very useful threads. Since so many ships (various lines) sail from FLL, there are always many questions about where to stay, where to eat, where to purchase pre-boarding beverages to carry on.

 

I've stayed at the Hyatt Place in the past, but the rates for 11/28 are about double what they were when I stayed there post-cruise last November, so I'm still searching for something a little more reasonable. It seems several hotels that used to provide free airport and cruiseport shuttles now charge for the shuttle to the port, but it's very reasonable.

 

I can't justify the Cheers program. When in port, I'm always out doing something. On sea days, I don't drink a lot during the day (simply cannot sit out in the sun and consume lots of alcohol; gives me migraines and I am absolutely not going to ruin my cruise just for the sake of getting a buzz). And since I'm mostly a wine drinker, I can just carry on a bottle and buy a wine package. I like having both a bottle of red and of white waiting at the table when I arrive.

 

I'd be more concerned about getting my money's worth with Cheers than I would be with how much I'm spending without it.

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I'll say the 17th street area is good too. We stayed at a Comfort Suites there in June. They didn't have a breakfast but you could walk across the street to a Publix (grocery for soda/water) and there was a liquor store there as well as a McDonalds. So for last minute shopping and a quick bite to eat on the cheap it was good. We got there late enough that we didn't need dinner but I am sure there are some sit down restaurants there too.

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I see the advantages/disadvantages for the CHEERS program and see benefits to each side. If we decide to sign up the best time to do that is as soon as we board , correct?

 

Seems like some good hotel recommendations that will provide everything we need (shuttles, grocery store,etc.) With FTFF pass what time do we arrive at port and if we don't have the pass what time is recommended to arrive at port?

 

One other question for everyone....we frequent Vegas quite often and by no means are big gamblers but have made our home at Mandalay Bay. Since doing that they have been very generous with free rooms, food and beverage credits, etc. and therefore finding our return back to the same place and we are both happy. I know Carnival has the frequent cruiser type program but is it any advantage to buy their programs (cheers, excursions, steakhouse, etc.) with the anticipation that the money we spent increases the likelihood of our chances of receiving lower discounted future cruises, and more likely for on-board credit?

Wasn't sure if Carnival placed that type of emphasis.....I am sure that is something that happens with the gaming with their casino but our plans with this cruise was less focus with the gaming. Speaking of gaming I have heard that it is a little tighter on the cruise ship. What kind of limits should we expect on the table games?

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8420 is NOT a good location. Right outside the pizza kitchen

 

Pizza kitchen is opened 24 hours a day= the kitchen is right there at your door. People who scrape the chairs will be heard in your cabin. Pizza place is really crowded at 2-3am every night. There is nothing else available.

 

Move to the other side in cabin 8445 ( your cabin is also a connecting cabin)

if you have an older person in there that is hard of hearing you will be listening to their tv along with them. Or if you get a set of unruly teens--

8320 and 8316 is also available

You can and should ask your agent to move you

 

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Alright have moved to 8430 which isn't a great improvement to avoid the pizzeria but at least it isn't an adjoining room. When I go to search Carnival website no real improvements in location when searching for two people but when I search for 3 it shows availability in cabin 8374-80. The cabin I am in is a 3 person cabin also but wondered why they never have offered those cabins to me.

 

On a side note I tried contacting my PVP and could never connect....apparently that person is no longer employed since her extension was inactive. I have scared one off before I even stepped foot on a cruise yet. Any ideas who I should call regarding getting questions like these answered since the general line yesterday got me stuck with a customer service rep who wasn't very knowledgeable. Felt like I knew more about the Freedom because of cruisecritic.com and I haven't even cruised yet.

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We were on Freedom last October and used Captain Marvin's. We had a great time. They had a photographer that made pictures of your family (extra cost), but they also held the stingray for you to make your own pictures. The guide with us, jumped off the boat suddenly, while we were cruising back to dock, to bring up starfish for the kids to hold. Very friendly and went the extra mile. After we returned to the office area, each person was allowed one phone call back to the states to let your family know you were ok. We would definitely use them again.:)

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Just want to add my opinion here. It sounds like you are asking all of the right questions and researching the important things. You will enter this vacation informed and armed with all the right tools. Enjoy your cruise! I am confident that you will. We were on the Freedom in July and had an excellent time. She is a great ship with a great crew.

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