We (Deb and Jack from Massachusetts) cruised to the Western Caribbean during the week of February 7, 2010. This was 9th cruise, and our first with Carnival. Since we had already had the experience of a cabin with a veranda (balcony), it was a "must" for us again this time. The Carnival Freedom is an extremely beautiful and extraordinarily large ship.

Pre-night in Ft. Lauderdale: We stayed at the Ocean Point Resort in Pompano Beach. I suggest that a pre-night is a 'must' if you can afford it, but I would not stay at that particular hotel again. The hotel was directly on the beach and that was the only thing good I can say about the hotel. Stay away from it.

Embarking (getting on the ship): Not so smooth. We got there just before noon and lines were long, staff was limited, and it was generally chaotic. We had planned ahead to get together with a few of our new Cruise Critic friends at sail-away. It was disappointing that only a few of us showed up. Read more