Carnival Freedom Review
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I really wanted to take this cruise because I had never visited Antigua and Tortola before. Because I could not convince anyone else to go I decided to go by myself. I read up on cruising solo on Cruise Critic and decided why not try it. Well once I tried it, I don't think I ever want to travel with a roommate again. I did exactly what I wanted, when I felt like it. There was no pressure and it was the best cruise I have ever taken. However, Carnival charged me double. When I booked, they told me I would be able to add someone else up to 2 weeks prior to sailing. Being charged double was the only downside.
I also had to do the plane fare watch. Usually I book departure and return flights separately to get the best price but that was very hard this time. I can usually get to Ft. Lauderdale for less than $250 round trip but this time I had to go two days early to get a good deal and wound up paying a total of $400. Up until 2 weeks before I left, I thought I was going to have to get Greyhound back to NY! Plane fares have really gone up. If they would do 7/8 day cruises leaving on Tuesday or Wednesday, we could get a better deal on plane fare.
Now for the good points. I spent two relaxing days at Embassy Suites in Fort Lauderdale. They have smoking suites available, it only costs $8 to get the shuttle from the airport, they offer free hot buffet breakfast, free happy hour, and right out the back door is a shopping plaza, the Harbor Shops. I saved 40% on food at Duffy's Sports Bar in the plaza. Just have to sign up for their MVP card, eat between 2 and 4 pm, Monday through Friday. So I just ordered enough for lunch and dinner and did take out. The frig in my hotel room helped a lot. Only spent about $12 both days which included delicious Key Lime pie for dessert. Then on to Publix to pick up last minute items and a case of water which I checked through on the ship as luggage. Had a delicious Smoothie right near Publix and then called for the hotel van to pick me up. Van ride was free, the concierge just told me to tip the driver.