My wife and I cruise frequently (57 cruises to date) and cruise nearly all major lines, our preference being small ships. Carnival Freedom is not small, but was sailing with limited capacity, so we opted for this as our second Carnival cruise because friends were going. Freedom definitely falls within the "budget cruising" category, and richly deserves it. Here's why: The ship itself is quite nice, classic dining venues are beautiful and located fore and aft; unfortunately, the food does not equal the service and surroundings. The ship is in drastic need of a drydock and overhaul, and so is the cookstaff. Menus were unimaginative and limited, food was often cold or overcooked and just slapped on the plate with no effort at presentation. The same story at the steakhouse, where my ribeye ($38) even though nicely cooked was handed to me just slapped on a plate--no sides, accompaniments, nothing. With the exception of Guy Fieri's burgers and the Mongolian Wok, the food was poor. Think Denny's.

Room service was prompt and efficient. Unfortunately there is a charge for many items, so many in fact that it's hardly worth having. Our aft cabin was small but nice and clearly both dated with touches of Motel 6 amenities, hardly what you'd expect from a cruise ship. Our small 17" television carried only a half dozen channels.

I could go on and on, but you get the drift--this is an old, tired ship offering basic Carnival stuff, bare-bones cruising with everything an extra. By the way, avoid the casino as it has the worst video poker on the seas, just like other Carnival offerings. If you care to gamble, as I do, stick to table games or go ashore.