Four generations just returned from aboard the Carnival Freedom 12 day Tour of Italy, Greece and Turkey which began and ended in Rome. Our family ranged from 2 years of age to 82! It was our first cruise on the Freedom, the largest and newest ship we have ever sailed. There were 18 people in our party and everyone found much to enjoy aboard the ship. Camp Carnival is a wonderful option for cruisers with small children who wish to tour or dine with adults. Children over 8 years of age might be a little bored, as was our 8 year-old grandson. He enjoyed having the run of the ship and we felt that he was quite safe. Teenagers in our group claimed it was the best vacation they ever had! The teen dance club was a big hit. They made scores of friends and had a wonderful time.

The casino offered lots of cheap penny slots, so the adults could compare their winnings after dinner each night. The dealers were pleasant with new gamblers, which seemed to be the majority, so nobody felt uncomfortable. Adults also enjoyed internet access in a special computer room that offered a resident expert to help with questions. The stage shows in the Vicoriana Lounge were fair. We enjoyed the comedian more than the musical presentations. There was a talent show, bingo and plenty of other guest participation events. Our cruise director, John Heald, was charming. We were especially pleased that waiters never pushed alcoholic drinks on anyone. It was a very family-oriented atmosphere. The dining rooms didn't feel crowded and the service was impeccable. The largely European staff was eager to please and very friendly, spoke excellent English and was well groomed. The maitre d was considerate in person, but directed and starred in a song and dance routine every evening that was too loud and very distracting. We would rather have that second cup of coffee than watch our waiters sing and dance. The melting chocolate cake was served every night and enjoyed by all of us! The casual dining options were wonderful and included a deli with great hot or cold sandwiches, Oriental food, Pizza and Fish and Chips, Burgers and great onion rings! The Lido Deck cafeteria style restaurant gets old very quickly, but it's fast and fresh. The outside balcony staterooms were well appointed with nice linens and fluffy pillows. Room service was prompt. Our itinerary included major ports in Italy, Greece and Turkey. Many in our traveling party partook of excursions offered by Carnival and had a wonderful time, even in the heat.

Our particular family hired a private car and driver from Italy Limousine (dot com), and enjoyed private tours of Naples, Florence and Rome with our daughter, son-in-law and three small grandchildren. We highly recommend private touring with small children, who need toilets at a moment's notice. Our drivers knew just where and when to stop and provided us with excellent advice for restaurants and monuments that were child friendly. We would also recommend private touring for older family members, who in our case, were exceptionally affected by the heat and pace of the cruise's regular tours. Great Grandma wold have been more comfortable with us, as her pace is not too dissimilar from that of the small children. Another factor affecting our decision to hire a private car was the distance from the ports of Rome, Florence and Naples to the tourist sites. We traveled an hour or more each way to arrive at these cities from the coastal ports. It was a benefit to be able to have the airconditioning adjusted to our personal taste and not subject to a bus driver's decision. We also needed to make a few stops for the children, which would have been impossible on a tour bus. Read more