This was our first cruise on the Freedom, even though Port Canaveral is the closest port to our home. We had a great experience the whole way around. Check in and embarkation was quite easy, especially considering the number of people on that ship. We arrived at the port around 11:30 and we were on the ship shortly after noon. I notice that people seem to get on the ships earlier and earlier. I guess the key is to show up at 10 am!
We found the service on this ship to be great. Our cabin steward took great care of us, giving us extra towels and ice twice per day. We had awesome service in the dining room, eating supper there every night. Because our family are not big appetizer and salad eaters, we were out most nights by 7. But it seemed that everywhere we went, we were taken well care of.
The entertainment was the best I have seen in all of my cruises. Typically you expect to have one good outside entertainer, but we had two great performances - one from an illusionist (not your run of the mill magician) and one from Nelson, twin sons of Ricky Nelson. The comedians were great. And heck, even the production shows were a cut above what we normally see. And they did a show called Music of Freedom (or something like that) featuring all of the on-board musicians. This was not to be missed, though they should do it early in the week.
Our cabin was too far from the elevators. I suggest getting close to an elevator. However, this JS was the best cabin we have ever stayed in. It was a huge room with a walk in closet. I dare say the closet alone is bigger than the rooms on the Monarch (ok maybe an exaggeration but you get the idea).