I arrived in FLL the on Saturday one day prior to the cruise, and stayed at the Days Inn Ft. Lauderdale-Oakland Park. The hotel provided free shuttle from airport and to cruise port terminal. The cost was very reasonable (under $75). The room was clean and the hotel also provided a continental breakfast. Not bad for less than $75. On Sunday the shuttle was a little late because Interstate 95 was blocked for a charity motorcycle run. There were several couples going on the Carnival Freedom and we were dropped off at the ship by the shuttle at 11:30 AM. The lines at embarkation were a lot longer than expected, but they moved rather quickly. Had a chance to meet some very nice people from Michigan, Ohio and other places. By 1:15pm I was onboard the ship and having lunch with Dave & Denise (Stirboo) and their friends from the United Kingdom. My friend Greg missed his flight from Little Rock and would be arriving on a later flight. After having lunch with Stirboo on the Lido Deck, my cabin was ready and I was able to take a quick nap, since rest was the main purpose for the cruise. The room steward stopped by, introduced himself and all during the trip he was very efficient and pleasant. The Coast Guard muster drill was quick and it seemed as if most passengers were present and accounted for on time. Cabin: Because this was a time of rest and a time to catch up on some writing I booked the least expensive cabin. But I was very impressed and pleased with the size and the decor. Dining: My buddy and I had late seating, and we were seated with two ladies from Michigan, and a lady from Florida and one from New Jersey at table 201 in the Chic Dining Room and we all enjoyed the dining experience. The staff was excellent, Francisco (waiter) and the beverage service guy Robinson from Haiti. The food was great, but I really enjoyed the table conversation. Had breakfast and lunch on the Lido Deck. Fish and Chips Choice was good, great French fries. Mongolian Buffet was good ate there once for lunch. Room service was quick, I always ordered the same thing PBJ sandwich. Entertainment: Didn't take in any shows or the Casino Excursions: In Key West several of us took the Tortuga Party Boat Fishing trip for $48. The seas were rough and several people got sick. But we caught a lot of fish. Took some great pictures in the Key West. In Grand Cayman, I got some real nice shots of the other cruise ships as the docked out in the ocean. Grand Cayman is a port where small tenders shuttle you into port. Took a taxi tour. In Ocho Rios I took the Shaw Park Gardens and Dunn's River Falls Tour. All was great!!!! Disembarkation: (Getting off the ship).. Was simple I chose the self service route and was off the ship and at the airport by 8:15am MY Thoughts: I had a great time, met some great people, (Michael, Cheryl, Vivian, Cherry, Bettie, Susie, Barbara, Shannon, Charlotte, Alicia, and many more....) The Freedom is a great ship with a great staff. I hope to travel on the Carnival Freedom again soon.