Carnival Freedom Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was the first sailing on the Freedom after hurricane Harvey came through the gulf. The overall presentation was lacking. Things weren't "dirty", they just weren't "bright and shiny". I expected a more enthused staff, and more attentive staff, and got......well, average.
The best experiences were in the evening dining room where service actually was very good. The food was fine, not over the top, but fine. The sea day brunch in the morning was also very good. The any time dining process was good as we never had to wait more than 10-15 minutes, and normally walked right in. By far the best area on the ship was the Alchemy Bar....FANTASTIC. Wish we had tried it out earlier in the cruise. Drinks are a bit more expensive, but when you are already paying 9+ dollars for a crummy average bar drink, another buck for top end drinks are well worth it
Where opportunity was at it highest was the entertainment. The bands and duo stage performers were not good. The comedy performers were average at best. The main theater entertainment was the worst I have experienced in 16 prior cruises on any line. This was the first cruise ever where there was no live "orchestra" in any performance. The stage ambiances/ lighting/ backdrops were terrible. Most of the time the theater was "maybe" half full and I am being kind. Arriving on the ship and departing were done very smoothly and efficiently.
Cabin Review
Balcony
Not sure where to start....The A/C? barely cool... The plumbing? flooding in the bathroom shower... The warm refrigerator ? never addresed... The lighting? dark and dingy, the AWFUL entertainment selection on the television? Worst TV selection EVER. The phone that didn't work half the time?... If my desperate plea's for attention to these things would have been addressed, I am sure the room would have met expectations. The bed was fine and the balcony was clean...other than that the room needed help.
Port Reviews
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
Didn't do much here except attempt to shop. Its a very expensive island and thing there I have seen in other ports were about twice as much. It was also hotter than #&!! and the humidity made Houston seem like an arid climate. Should have gone to Stingray City, even though we have done it 3 times in the past, we would have justified being wet instead of sweaty and enjoyed the boat ride out there.
Cozumel
Surprisingly good. Stayed around the port and got trapped at a presentation but overall not bad. Bought some vanilla, coffee and some rum and had a good time. Not as hot nor humid. Only somewhat negative was that there were 4 ships and about 15,000 people in port that day so it was tough to navigate with any ease.