Just Off the Freedom

[Djptcp]

DH and I have cruised 72 times since 1994. We are 4* Mariners on Holland America and Diamonds on Carnival. This was our first time sailing on the Freedom and we have both positive and negative comments.

Positive: ship was in good condition; our ocean view cabin seemed larger than on other ships - I use a rollator and could push it through the door without having to fold it up; the Captain's Diamond cocktail party with officers was very nice with great appetizers; huge smoking area on Deck 10; friendly crew; embarkation and debarkation were a breeze.

Negative: Diamonds could not go to their cabins upon embarkation and there was nowhere to sit and eat in the Lido area; food overall was the worst we have ever experienced on any of our cruises and sometimes inedible; Steakhouse food was just so-so; a lot of rude people insensitive to me using a rollator - people didn't look where they were going and constantly tripping over the rollator (even out of their paths) and knocking into me in the casino.

 

While there were many positives, we will not be sailing on the Freedom again. The main reason being the awful food. We had sailed on Holland America twice just before this cruise and the food on Holland is always superior so it could very well be the Freedom, and Carnival food in general. just horribly paled in comparison.

[mz-s]

I was on the Freedom in 2021 just as it was getting fired back up for cruising, back when we had to wear masks all the time - and the food was okay then.

Carnival's food has declined severely in quality since then, and I think it's a fleetwide issue.

[Bostwick girl]

We were on the April 1 cruise, #43 for us. I had no issues with anything. We had the absolute best cabin attendant, Viktor! Our group of 6 found the food was fine, and the steakhouse was very good! Food is always subjective I suppose.  Far as going to your cabin on embarkation, until 1:30 no one can go to their cabin; however as Diamond, you are allowed to drop off your carry on luggage and go do other things until 1:30.  Lido is always very crowded on embarkation day until the cabins are available. Sorry you couldn’t find a place to sit. I feel your pain with the rollator as we have a mobility scooter so know how rude people can be! The majority are very nice and polite. Also bear in mind it’s still Spring Break for some people.  We are going on Freedom on May 13, so hope we still have a good experience.

[Djptcp]

Our boarding passes said that Diamond members could not go to their cabins until 1:30pm. That is the first time we had seen that note on the boarding passes. Although on our last Carnival cruise, don't recall which ship, we went to our cabin upon boarding and no keys were in the mail box by the cabin. DH hunted down our room steward who gave us the keys but said no entering until 1:30. We thought it was a one time thing, I guess not.

 

We also did not receive a gift, first time ever. Not that we wanted fanny packs, but it's the principle of the thing.

[DenaInWyo]

I agree with everyone saying the food quality has gone down.  I'll be on the Panorama in two weeks and yes, I'm doing the thing they're hoping we'll all do and sticking mostly with specialty restaurants.  Next cruise is on the Celebration and I'm hoping I'm right that they're mostly invested in their bigger and newer ships.  Doing a lot of specialty dining on that one too.

 

I avoid the buffet in general because it's gone downhill so badly, but I DEFINITELY avoid it on embarkation.  In fact, I stay away from the Lido entirely other than a little time spent for sailaway.  Everyone gets on the ship and heads straight there and it's a circus.  Find out what other areas you can get lunch and drinks that are NOT on the Lido and you'll be much better off.  

[Bostwick girl]

11 hours ago, Djptcp said:

Our boarding passes said that Diamond members could not go to their cabins until 1:30pm. That is the first time we had seen that note on the boarding passes. Although on our last Carnival cruise, don't recall which ship, we went to our cabin upon boarding and no keys were in the mail box by the cabin. DH hunted down our room steward who gave us the keys but said no entering until 1:30. We thought it was a one time thing, I guess not.

 

We also did not receive a gift, first time ever. Not that we wanted fanny packs, but it's the principle of the thing.

Did you go to Pixels to get your gift and ship pin? These are no longer delivered to your cabin.

 

[Frank12]

We've sailed Freedom twice in the past year and enjoyed most of our meals.  Maybe you just hit a bad week?  I will admit the food on Carnival is not what it used to be, but it was still decent.

I do agree with you on the Freedom's steakhouse.  To say we were less than impressed would be an understatement! 

[dolphinsfan246]

15 hours ago, Djptcp said:

Our boarding passes said that Diamond members could not go to their cabins until 1:30pm. That is the first time we had seen that note on the boarding passes. Although on our last Carnival cruise, don't recall which ship, we went to our cabin upon boarding and no keys were in the mail box by the cabin. DH hunted down our room steward who gave us the keys but said no entering until 1:30. We thought it was a one time thing, I guess not.

 

We also did not receive a gift, first time ever. Not that we wanted fanny packs, but it's the principle of the thing.

You have to go and pick up all your freebies now. I really don’t know why they haven't resumed delivering to the cabin. Probably so they can save some money on people like you that didn’t know. 

[icft]

I have gotten the impression that Carnival does make special efforts to have better food on its big new ships. We haven't been on one of those but overall the reports are of good food on them.

 

On the other hand the overall reports of food on their other ships is bad. We have seen it steadily decline on our eleven cruises since reopening. Yet I continue to hear some folks say the food was good on older ships. I have decided that there are areas in the United States where terrible food is the norm. My mother always told me that, but I didn't believe her. She said they call it New England for a reason; things carried over from England, including the food. Having spent some time in England I do know their food sucks (other than fish and chips) unless you go to an Indian, French, or other such restaurant. They conquered much of the world to get away from bad food and in search of decent food.

 

So, to those who think Carnival food is good, I say stay away from south Louisiana because you will be miserable with the food back home for the rest of your lives.

[mz-s]

7 hours ago, icft said:

I have gotten the impression that Carnival does make special efforts to have better food on its big new ships. We haven't been on one of those but overall the reports are of good food on them.

 

On the other hand the overall reports of food on their other ships is bad. We have seen it steadily decline on our eleven cruises since reopening. Yet I continue to hear some folks say the food was good on older ships. I have decided that there are areas in the United States where terrible food is the norm. My mother always told me that, but I didn't believe her. She said they call it New England for a reason; things carried over from England, including the food. Having spent some time in England I do know their food sucks (other than fish and chips) unless you go to an Indian, French, or other such restaurant. They conquered much of the world to get away from bad food and in search of decent food.

 

So, to those who think Carnival food is good, I say stay away from south Louisiana because you will be miserable with the food back home for the rest of your lives.

 

I'm sure they are giving their better crew and better food to the newer ships. But I have to say judging by the videos I'm seeing on YouTube from people who have been on Mardi Gras or Celebration lately, the buffet food looks like the same slop they put out on the Sunshine last year that was for the most part absolutely disgusting.

 

Some people may like eating a third of a chicken thigh or some "fish" served on top of nasty dried out chafing dish rice with a can of Hunt's tomatoes poured over top. Not me.