This is my 11th cruise: 4th Carnival and 2nd on FREEDOM. Embarkation had long lines at 11:30am. There were multiple lines for checking-in. The criteria was not clear how you ended up in the line. The new “Guy’s Burger Joint” was delicious and popular. Having previously sailed on the Freedom, I could not see the “renovations” that took place in the Spring of 2014. The ship is super clean with staff visibly and constantly cleaning. The kiosk for managing your onboard expense account is convenient. Periodically, check your account! I found charges on my account for alcoholic drinks in bars that I never frequent. And also heard from other guests with the same problem.

Jose, my main waiter in the POSH restaurant, is terrific. Food quality and temperature is much better than Norwegian’s Main Dining room. However, the breakfast buffet’s food was all cold at times and the coffee not drinkable. Tea time in MDR was very nice.

Casino: The “Fun 21” table is with 8 decks of cards with varying and different rules than Black Jack. (be careful) The casino was very smokey. If fire is the number one concern in the cruise industry, I am confused to why smoking is allowed on a cruise ship. Coming from New England, smoking is even banned outside parking garages. Read more