Carnival Freedom - help!

[kskelley40]

I am trying to decide between three cruises in Sept. Carnival's Freedom or Glory or RCL's Liberty. We have been on the Glory and RCL's Freedom before but not Carnival's Freedom.

My question is: does anyone have any good reviews of Carnival's Freedom? I have only read bad reviews (on another site) that says the food is bad, the ship is dirty, the staff is rude and uncaring, etc...

I like the itinerary of the Freedom plus it is 8 nights versus 7 and the price is good too. But, after reading these reviews I am hesitant. I realize more people will post bad reviews than good ones so any help will be appreciated.

[Jim C.]

I was on the CCL Freedom in June (Med cruise). I disagree totally on the rude staff/cleanliness thing and the food was great. My only complaint was the lack of entertainment variety. I attributed that to it being a med cruise and not having access to their normal set of entertainers that they do in the Caribbean cruises.

I wouldn't hesitate on booking another cruise on the Freedom.

[kskelley40]

Thanks for the info. This will be a Caribbean cruise to ports we have not been to before.

Also, do you know if they have the perks that RCL has when you get a suite? Priority embarkation, concierge lounge etc...

[Jim C.]

Yes when you book a suite on a CCL ship you get VIP perks. (VIP Embarkation and such) I don't think Carnival does the concierge lounge thing but maybe with the newer ships like the Freedom they have started???

[kskelley40]

Thanks... Anyone else have reviews on the Freedom? Now I have narrowed it down between the Freedom (carnival) and The Glory.

Have been on the Glory before, kind of want to experience a different ship, but, don't want to be disappointed.

[Dwayne]

I don't think Carnival does the concierge lounge thing but maybe with the newer ships like the Freedom they have started???

Jim, I haven't heard any news of it yet. That doesn't mean anything though, sometimes I am the last to hear.

Have been on the Glory before, kind of want to experience a different ship, but, don't want to be disappointed.

kskelley40, they are basically the same as far as the layout goes. The Freedom does have the Seaside Theatre.

A word of thought concerning reviews. I have found them to be skewed to the negative for any ship and any line. It seems to be just human nature to want to tell the world what a bad time one had. For every one of those there are ten people that had a wonderful time. They just didn't take the time to post a review. So you have to use a "weighted average" sometimes when reading them. Just my take on it.

I personally wouldn't hesitate to book the Carnival Freedom if it fit my home port and itinerary considerations.

Good luck with your decision,

Dwayne

[LHP]

We just got off the Freedom last week.

We had a blast.

We found the staff and crew to be friendly.
I wasn't crazy about the ACD (assistant cruise director) but one bad apple out of 1,500 ain't bad!!! But then I have never found the staff or crew to be rude on any cruise. I guess because I always greet them with a smile.

We found the ship to be in the "consistant Carnival range" expectation for food and upkeep.

I ate more on Lido than usual. I am not usually a buffet person....but I had eating restrictions on this cruise due to an ill acting gall bladder....so LOW FAT all the way until I can get it removed.

(planning the surgery between cruises!!)

I found plenty to eat. And it all tasted fine to me. But then, I am NOT a foodie at all.

As long as I don't have to plan it, purchase it, prepare it and clean up after it...I am good to go.

The Glory and Freedom are the same class ship.....so the layout will be identical.

If you are choosing between the two...I would book based on price first. I don't book based on ports because you never know when the weather will change those plans.

As for Cat 11 or Cat 12 suites...all you get is VIP Check In.

The only negative was the VIP Self Assist. It was non-existant...but since that isn't something you get with the Suite...it should not affect your cruise.

[Dwayne]

Welcome back LHP!

I'm glad you had another great cruise, other than the ACD and the self assist VIP problem.

The Cat 11 and 12 suites should have VIP Disembarkation privileges as well. At least that is is my understanding. They should get an in cabin letter asking them for their preferences.

I've never had any problems with the Lido food either. Of course, I am not a "foodie" either. I do have one complaint though, I didn't know they were going to have hand scooped ice cream during the Chocolate Buffet until I was already full.

I hope everything goes well with getting this health issue taken care of. I'm looking forward to cruising with you someday.

Dwayne

[LHP]

Originally posted by IslandCruz:
Welcome back LHP!

I'm glad you had another great cruise, other than the ACD and the self assist VIP problem.

The Cat 11 and 12 suites should have VIP Disembarkation privileges as well. At least that is is my understanding. They should get an in cabin letter asking them for their preferences.

I've never had any problems with the Lido food either. Of course, I am not a "foodie" either. I do have one complaint though, I didn't know they were going to have hand scooped ice cream during the Chocolate Buffet until I was already full.

I hope everything goes well with getting this health issue taken care of. I'm looking forward to cruising with you someday.

Dwayne

I "walked" by the Chocolate Buffet... but sadly all I could do was look.

Unfortunately even "sugar free" does not mean "fat free".

But that's ok...I behaved myself and my gall bladder behaved itself....

We are looking forward to our first Penthouse Cat 12 next month!!! woo hoo!!!

[TRM7050]

As with most reviews take some of them with a grain of salt. Some folks have unrealistic expecations sometimes and if one little thing goes wrong it destroys the whole cruise for them. I just try and enjoy myself and let the rest take care of itself.