Carnival Freedom Review
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Embarkation--Decided this trip that instead of paying for the parking garage I had my mechanic drop us off at the port and have him do some repairs to the Suburban. We arrived at the pier at 11:00 with bags all over the place, no one helping you and they had them separated on carts by decks. They just told you to leave them there and they would get them. Not sure why we tipped them. VIFP checked in and we were on the ship by 11:15. Check in was quick, actually the VIFP lines were longer than the regular lines so we worked our way back into those lines. Sail & Sign card photos were done on the ship which slowed the process down a little. We went right up to the Serenity deck where we were both presented with a rose, nice touch. This ship strictly enforced the adults only rule and the new, "no chair saving" rule was also in place. 40 minuets with a vacant chair and the belongings are removed to the towel hut. This cruise was a little strange, not a lot of people on the deck or by the pools. Very few children and an older crowd.
Room-- Our room was clean and very well maintained. Our steward, Houston, was very friendly and always seemed to be around. He took very good care of us. Once we found out that you now have to request ice he had it filled all day. I would say he was the best we have ever had. The room was made up soon after we left each day, turned down at night and a towel animal greeted us at bedtime. Be careful with deck 6 rooms as the deck 5 noise could keep you up if you go to bed early. It was quiet at 11 to 12 when we went to bed.
Entertainment-- We have now traveled 14 times with Carnival and had seen the same shows over and over. They are always good and they maintained a 10 piece live band for the shows. The comedy club is awesome and we caught several shows each night there were comedians on board. The live band by the pool is gone. There is a DJ that plays music that we like better. When we arrived on the lobby deck there was no live music, a DJ. The usual entertainers on deck 5 are gone. Just one live band by the casino bar.
Cabin Review
Balcony
We booked a balcony on the 6th deck port towards the back of the ship. Our cabin steward, Houston, was outstanding...the best we have had in 16 cruises. Remember, you now have to ask for ice. The room was great and we enjoyed it very much. Houston was on the ball with taking care of us and our needs. He seemed to almost always be working our section of the hallway and always greeted us by name and engaged us in conversation. Be careful of the noise from deck 5 in the late evening. Where we were located there was some noise from the comedy club area and the bar/music just forward of the club. It never kept us up as it was quiet when we went to bed at from 11 to 1. Deck 7 seems to work better since you have a deck of rooms above and below you.