This was the inaugural sailing of the Carnival Freedom and we had an absolutely wonderful time from embarkation to debarkation! We traveled to the pier via bus, the transfer was uneventful. Upon arrival at the pier we noticed it was quite a distance from where the bus let us off to where we actually entered the terminal building and then to get to the ship they shuttled us on a bus along the pier.

Prior to our arrival in Venice we completed our Fun Pass and being this was our 17th Carnival cruise we were able to check-in through the VIP line! We were on board the ship in no time at all! We booked a mid ship balcony cabin which was nicely furnished. The new "comfort bed" is a treat. Everything was so clean and new. Our cabin steward, Rickardo, was fantastic; the best we have ever had in the 37 cruises we have taken. He was very attentive, called us by name and always had a great big smile and cheerful greeting when he saw us.

The layout of the ship was familiar since we sailed on the Carnival Liberty last spring, this made getting around very easy. I like the public areas being centrally located on decks 4 & 5. Read more