Carnival Freedom Review

4.5 / 5.0
1,366 reviews

Good and Bad, but the best cruise yet

Review for the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Carnival Freedom
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pretzellover
2-5 Cruises • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Jan 2011
Traveled with children

Cruising has become the best option for a family vacation. Including cruise, airfare, souvenirs, jewelry, taxis, drinks and everything, our vacation in the Caribbean was well under $5000 for 2 adults, a 10 year old and a 14 year old. There is no way we could take a family vacation with a rental car, restaurants, amusement parks, souvenirs and airfare and come even close to staying within our budget. Besides, zip-lining through a rain forest is much more fun and educational than an amusement park!

We sailed on the Carnival Freedom leaving from the port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This was our 5th cruise so we knew what to expect before boarding the ship. The line outside the cruise dock was long but as soon as they opened the doors to begin boarding, the line moved rather quickly. The security procedure for boarding was similar to flying. There was one long snaking line and short VIP line. Some regulars were directed to the shorter VIP line when the line allowed for it. Once we entered the area to receive our Sail N Sign, there were no lines. We were immediately directed to an agent where we got our cards and boarded the ship. Once you step from the ramp on to the ship, it is the best feeling.

Lunch was being served and the calypso band was playing. Drinks of the day were available as well. As we looked around, it was very apparent that were in the minority on this cruise. The passengers were mostly in the over 70 age range. It was concerning to us because we worried that there would not be enough children for my own children to have fun in the Camp Carnival and Circle C clubs. We later heard that there were only about 35 children total, on board. It was disappointing. On our prior cruise, we sailed during spring break and found the children ruled that cruise! I would definitely prefer something in the middle of these two experiences. I decided early on that I would make a list of the positive things about cruising with many seniors: 1) The stairways are empty 2) More lawn chairs are available 3) Better chance of getting a seat in the comedy club 4) No crowds anywhere after 9pm 5) The was always room in the hot tubs and the swimming pools were practically empty. Some negatives: 1) Scooters and walkers in the isles made it difficult to get around the lounge chair rows 2) Long waits for elevators 3) Long waits in the breakfast line. I don't list these things in any way to be disrespectful. Goodness knows that I hope to be able to go on a cruise at that age, but I think it is something to consider when booking. There was a very large group of Veterans on board. (God bless them for their service) However, next time I cruise, I will ask my travel agent to look up the passenger group organizations that have booked on my sailing. I think it would be helpful to know if there will be a Veteran's group, Moms of Sextuplets, Singles Only or the organization of people who have over 90% of their bodies tattooed. These are things that in great numbers, could change my ability to relax while on vacation. Lesson learned.

Cabin Review

Cabin 5A

Freedom 2404 -

Plenty of room for 2 adults and 2 children. Plenty of storage. Quiet and private.

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