Carnival Freedom Cabins

Carnival's cabin color scheme has become fairly consistent fleetwide, and Carnival Freedom is no exception, with a predominating palette of burnt oranges carried by the upholstery, carpet, bedspread and curtains offset by cream-colored wall panels. Cabinetry, end tables, moldings and other accents are natural-finished wood.

Carnival's cabins are spacious, with the minimum size (of standard inside staterooms) at 185 square ft. Sixty percent of standard outside cabins have balconies, though the smallest at 35 ft. are really too small for enjoying sunning or dining. Some cabins have extended balconies at 60 ft. or wraparounds at 75 ft.; ours had two reclining chairs and a small table, but there wasn't enough space to completely recline either of the chairs.

We found the amount of storage space available in both the bathroom and closets and drawers to be the most generous we've encountered on a mass-market ship. Plush terry robes hang in all cabins. In the bathrooms -- all with stall showers except for suites -- there is a bowl o' promotional samples, the sort that appear in your mailbox about the time Procter & Gamble launches a new product. Our selection included toothpaste, pain relievers, moisturizer and face cream, mouthwash, antacids and disposable razors. Shampoo and body wash dispensers are in the shower stall. One nice inclusion in bathrooms was a swing-out magnifying makeup and shaving mirror.

All include televisions, with satellite feeds of the major networks, CNN and cable movies, a host of infomercial-style offerings hyping everything from onboard shops to spa treatments and shore excursions. There is also a channel devoted to broadcasting talks, activities or other events in the Victoriana Lounge. Interactive choices include onboard account review and shore excursion descriptions and booking. Each stateroom also has a safe and mini-fridge, stocked with a good selection of beer, wine, water, juices, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, as well as snacks. Cabin stewards check the fridge once or twice during the cruise and refill as needed.

Suites are slightly less than twice the size of standard cabins at 350 square ft. (275 in cabin, 65 on the balcony), and include the additional amenities of bathtubs and VCRs. One penthouse suite at 430 square ft. (345 in cabin, 85 on the balcony) adds a dressing room with vanity and walk-in closet. There are 18 "family staterooms" with floor to ceiling windows (so parents need not worry about Junior deciding to play "I am the king of the world!" while balancing on the balcony railing). These measure 230 square ft. and are located on Deck 11 (Spa Deck), one deck below the kids' pool area and Camp Carnival.

Prospective passengers should exercise care when booking to avoid nasty surprises. Six Category 5A standard outside staterooms, for example, have portholes rather than windows, a number of Category 6B outside cabins with obstructed views, and a fair number of cabins with twin beds that can't be combined into a single king bed.

Next: Carnival Freedom Dining

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