The Ship: In our experience Carnival does a great job keeping their ships clean and well maintained. I am sure maintaining a ship for 3,000+ passengers is no small task but the crew does this every week with incredible efficiency. The service was impeccable and the staff goes out of their way to make sure everyone is enjoying their stay. Additionally, Carnival Freedom is by no means a small ship and activities can be found throughout. My wife and I enjoyed several evenings at the comedy club, various music venues, and even a little time in the casino. Families with kids enjoyed the camp Carnival services and numerous kid friendly actives on board (waterslide, arcade, miniature golf, shuffle boards, etc.). I was reminded that while most cruises encompass similar activities the people and destinations really set the tone for completely different experiences on each trip.

Ports of Call: Our trip included excursions at Roatán, Belize, and Cozumel. This trip was my first experience with Roatán and I have to say it is one of the best ports of call I have encountered anywhere. Carnival has invested millions in the development of a private port (exclusive to Carnival) with beautiful landscaping and an immaculate shopping center. This port seriously rivals the best botanical gardens and includes a private beach for those interested in sinking their feet in the sand. Additionally, Roatán boast one of the worlds largest barrier reefs which provided the best snorkeling experience I have yet encountered anywhere in the Caribbean or the Gulf of Mexico. Our second stop was Belize. We opted to visit a Mayan Ruin deep inland near the border of Guatemala. This Excursion is great for those wishing to experience the ancient history of the Mayans but it does involve a lengthy bus ride far inland and a considerable amount of hiking to climb to to the top of the temple "El Castillo" at Xunantunich. Our last port of call was Cozumel. Well renowned for its shopping Cozumel is a favorite stop for many cruisers wanting to find great deals on souvenirs and merchandise. We chose to forgo the shopping experience and booked an excursion with the “Rio Secreto”. This excursion is an amazing trip though an underground river and is a great option for those seeking a little adventure. The cave was recently discovered 10 years ago and affords visitors an amazing spectacle of stalagmites and stalactites along with excellent guides that explain the geological structures and the unique habitat. All in all this was an amazing trip and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a stress free getaway with some amazing sites.