Lesser known things to do onboard the Freedom?

Hello,

My family will be sailing on Carnival Freedom soon. This is a large family cruise that my father planned for us. It is the first time cruising for all of us.

My husband has not been terribly excited about this from the beginning, and today he asked me, "So, what is there to do on the ship?" and he is skeptical that he will enjoy most of them. We don't drink, so the bars aren't a draw. I want to check out the comedy show, but I don't know that he will enjoy it. The only comedy I have ever seen him enjoy is British political comedy and sci-fi comedy. As Carnival tries to be all "hip", I imagine that it caters to more mainstream interests. Likewise, he is not a huge fan of musical theater shows. Not unless it's an opera. (Plus, we have two young children, which may limit our evening activities somewhat.) He has no interest in sports.

He likes the idea of going to the Library and the Serenity Deck, and he plans to go all out with his fancy clothes on Cruise Elegant night ... I hope some of the movies at the Seaside Theater are to our liking and that the pool is warm enough for a swim ... but what else can I tell him he can do on sea days? I heard that it's possible to take a tour of the workings of the ship ... is this true, and if so, how do you book it? What else can I get him excited about? Or should I just tell him this is a chance to catch up on all his reading on the Serenity deck?

(I'm a geek, too, but my interests are slightly more mainstream. I would probably enjoy the shows, plus I plan to go to the fitness center if I ever truly have nothing to do ... plus it's my side of the family going with us, so just hanging out with my brothers and SILs is fun enough for me.)

Thanks!

You can do a Behind the Scene tour of the ship. Ours was about 3.5 hours long. You get to tour the crew area, the kitchen, the morgue and holding cells , the engine room, back stage and meet some of the dancers and the Ship's bridge and meet the Captain. You will get your picture taken with the captain and be able to ask questions. After dinner we found goodies from kitchen along with a flat backpack and hat in our room.

To book the tour, you need to go to the excursion desk or the Purser's desk as soon as you board the ship and sign up for the tour. It was $99 for a 7 day cruise when I did it. I think it was worth the money, I got to see a lot.

Based on what you described of him, my ideas are:

• hang out with a book on the under-utilized Lobby Deck, in the shade, close to the water & waves. Have binoculars ready.
  
• IMHO the ship's library is kind of underwhelming...
  
• Watch for the harbor pilot to jump off the ship, after sail-away
  
• Bonus points if you spot the harbor pilot boarding the ship!
  

Does he read? It's the perfect time to "catch up" on your reading. Once he's ON the ship, and reads the daily newsletter, he'll find something to amuse him.

regarding the "Behind the Fun", as stated above, book it at the excursion desk as soon as you get on-board. I did that on the Freedom last month and was on the boat before noon and was told there was only a few spots left when i requested mine.

It's well worth the money.

Hi Lavender Geek

He can certainly sit quietly and read. You didn't say what other things might interest him.

Of course there is food. If he might be interested there is the steak house. The meals are quite good and it would also give him another excuse to get dressed up. If you want to have an even more exclusive experience there is also the "chef's table". Of course that it more expensive.

You didn't say how old your children are. They do have the "Camp Carnival" where the kids might have fun independent of the two of you. It could give you some free time in the evening.

I saw that they have a Red Frog Pub...they have some pub games, like shuffle board(table), darts, foosball, probably pool tables. The deck stuff, don't know for sure since I haven't been on that ship. Usually mini golf, waterslides, table tennis. Sports deck with running track, basketball court etc.

It's not always about the ship and what there is to do. Some of the other cruise lines may have better ships where the ship would be the "destination". A lot of people just enjoy the peace of walking the decks when there are fewer people around like sunrise/sunset. Looking out to horizon and the watching the sea is very calming for many.

Don't forget you also have the port of calls. Hope he can find something to enjoy when he gets off the ship. He should be able to pass his time somehow. It usually doesn't bode well when someone seems to lack any enthusiasm about a vacation. Either way after this cruise, at least he will have the experience to know if this is something that might interest him for the future.

Try to have a great cruise

Yes, deck 3, outside the atrium, both sides are a lovely, quieter deck, great for reading, or just watching the sea. Also, check out the "secret", not so secret decks, but very much under utilised, forward on decks 6, 7 and 9? or 10?, way forward and great place to be for sail into ports or out of. Most of all, I suggest you have him consult the fun times (the daily leaflet, left in your cabin at night for the next days info). Sometimes there are things going on that you would never know about unless you read this piece of paper. Everyone is different, and just because you are not into the high spirited activities, does not mean you will not find a place on board to enjoy. Read those fun times though!!!

You don't have to drink to go to the dance clubs. If hubby can't find something to do on a cruise ship he needs to stay home and clean the basement.

Be sure to check out the karaoke at night. Neither my wife or I sing, but it is a lot of fun to just watch the crowds. Also, the Piano Bar is a blast. You don't have to drink to enjoy it.

Yes, deck 3, outside the atrium, both sides are a lovely, quieter deck, great for reading, or just watching the sea. Also, check out the "secret", not so secret decks, but very much under utilised, forward on decks 6, 7 and 9? or 10?, way forward and great place to be for sail into ports or out of. Most of all, I suggest you have him consult the fun times (the daily leaflet, left in your cabin at night for the next days info). Sometimes there are things going on that you would never know about unless you read this piece of paper. Everyone is different, and just because you are not into the high spirited activities, does not mean you will not find a place on board to enjoy. Read those fun times though!!!

I was wondering where the secret decks were. Thanks :D

On our last cruise (our anniversary cruise) my husband and I enjoyed doing some scavenger hunts. There was a digital one were you took pictures of the items off the list. It was a great way to learn your way around the ship. If you do this, think outside of the box for the finds :D

Whatever you decide to do or not do, being on a cruise is fun. Doesn't matter if you stand at the rails and look out at the ocean or go to a casino. Make it your own! You will all be hooked before you know it!

We take dominoes and cards. On hot days the area up the stairs at the buffet is virtually empty. Many fun sea day afternoons spent here.

Also, at the far aft on the lido deck right behind the pool are two rows of tables at the windows. It's the perfect reading spot.

.

Have you researched the Chefs Table? I have never seen a bad review on the Chefs Table.

I love to read for hours daily on the aft an just listen to the water. Heaven.

You don't have to drink to go to the dance clubs. If hubby can't find something to do on a cruise ship he needs to stay home and clean the basement.

Looks like he (and you) will be at the children's areas and pool areas. I see your kids are 3 and 6. Cruising with kids will alter some of your expectations of what to do.

You can do a Behind the Scene tour of the ship. Ours was about 3.5 hours long. You get to tour the crew area, the kitchen, the morgue and holding cells , the engine room, back stage and meet some of the dancers and the Ship's bridge and meet the Captain. You will get your picture taken with the captain and be able to ask questions. After dinner we found goodies from kitchen along with a flat backpack and hat in our room.

 

To book the tour, you need to go to the excursion desk or the Purser's desk as soon as you board the ship and sign up for the tour. It was $99 for a 7 day cruise when I did it. I think it was worth the money, I got to see a lot.

Thank you! It sounds like something he would enjoy. I was hoping it would be cheaper, but oh well. (This is something that has surprised us about cruising ... we hear from so many that it's such a value, but we're not seeing it. But maybe when we get onboard we'll feel differently!)

Thanks again for the information.

Based on what you described of him, my ideas are:

• hang out with a book on the under-utilized Lobby Deck, in the shade, close to the water & waves. Have binoculars ready.
  
• IMHO the ship's library is kind of underwhelming...
  
• Watch for the harbor pilot to jump off the ship, after sail-away
  
• Bonus points if you spot the harbor pilot boarding the ship!
  

Thanks for the ideas! I will pass them on.

Does he read? It's the perfect time to "catch up" on your reading. Once he's ON the ship, and reads the daily newsletter, he'll find something to amuse him.

Yes, he loves to read. Thanks!

regarding the "Behind the Fun", as stated above, book it at the excursion desk as soon as you get on-board. I did that on the Freedom last month and was on the boat before noon and was told there was only a few spots left when i requested mine.

 

It's well worth the money.

Thanks for the tip!

Hi Lavender Geek

 

He can certainly sit quietly and read. You didn't say what other things might interest him.

 

Of course there is food. If he might be interested there is the steak house. The meals are quite good and it would also give him another excuse to get dressed up. If you want to have an even more exclusive experience there is also the "chef's table". Of course that it more expensive.

 

You didn't say how old your children are. They do have the "Camp Carnival" where the kids might have fun independent of the two of you. It could give you some free time in the evening.

 

I saw that they have a Red Frog Pub...they have some pub games, like shuffle board(table), darts, foosball, probably pool tables. The deck stuff, don't know for sure since I haven't been on that ship. Usually mini golf, waterslides, table tennis. Sports deck with running track, basketball court etc.

 

It's not always about the ship and what there is to do. Some of the other cruise lines may have better ships where the ship would be the "destination". A lot of people just enjoy the peace of walking the decks when there are fewer people around like sunrise/sunset. Looking out to horizon and the watching the sea is very calming for many.

 

Don't forget you also have the port of calls. Hope he can find something to enjoy when he gets off the ship. He should be able to pass his time somehow. It usually doesn't bode well when someone seems to lack any enthusiasm about a vacation. Either way after this cruise, at least he will have the experience to know if this is something that might interest him for the future.

 

Try to have a great cruise

The children are 3 and 6. The main thing about evenings will be that they will be in bed, so we may be able to get away sometimes if my dad or other relatives help out, but it all needs to be coordinated. Normally, on vacations, we play board games when the kids are in bed, so we may just do that, too.

Thanks, we will! I think we will be fine in the ports. Part of the problem comes also from the cost. It is my dad that paid for it, not us, but he feels like it's just too much to pay if he will not be able to get a lot out of it.

Yes, deck 3, outside the atrium, both sides are a lovely, quieter deck, great for reading, or just watching the sea. Also, check out the "secret", not so secret decks, but very much under utilised, forward on decks 6, 7 and 9? or 10?, way forward and great place to be for sail into ports or out of. Most of all, I suggest you have him consult the fun times (the daily leaflet, left in your cabin at night for the next days info). Sometimes there are things going on that you would never know about unless you read this piece of paper. Everyone is different, and just because you are not into the high spirited activities, does not mean you will not find a place on board to enjoy. Read those fun times though!!!

Will do, thanks!

You don't have to drink to go to the dance clubs. If hubby can't find something to do on a cruise ship he needs to stay home and clean the basement.

I forgot about dancing, thanks. He does enjoy dancing, so long as it's not too crowded. We'll have to go early.

On our last cruise (our anniversary cruise) my husband and I enjoyed doing some scavenger hunts. There was a digital one were you took pictures of the items off the list. It was a great way to learn your way around the ship. If you do this, think outside of the box for the finds :D

Whatever you decide to do or not do, being on a cruise is fun. Doesn't matter if you stand at the rails and look out at the ocean or go to a casino. Make it your own! You will all be hooked before you know it!

That sounds like fun, especially if we can get others in the family involved, thanks!

We take dominoes and cards. On hot days the area up the stairs at the buffet is virtually empty. Many fun sea day afternoons spent here.

 

Also, at the far aft on the lido deck right behind the pool are two rows of tables at the windows. It's the perfect reading spot.

 

.

Thanks for the ideas! We take board games on all our vacations. We'll have to take a couple of the smaller ones on board and find a spot. Cards are a good idea, too.

Have you researched the Chefs Table? I have never seen a bad review on the Chefs Table.

I love to read for hours daily on the aft an just listen to the water. Heaven.

I haven't read too much about it, but I will look it up, thank you.

I've never been on the Freedom but our first cruise on the Conquest, I was basically a ship hermit haha. We didn't participate in the shows or bar activities but DH and I still had a wonderful relaxing time. I read on my balcony or in public spaces during the sea days and evenings and ended up finishing 4 books during the week (I'm a grad student so it was nice to read what I* wanted to and not what was required for a change). I also enjoyed playing trivia and even though I didn't win a single game, it was fun to test my knowledge and see what random things I knew.

In addition to reading and trivia, DH and I played mini golf, attended some of the seminars/specialty talks, got exercise by walking around the ship and exploring, and hung out outside with our ipods and enjoyed the atmosphere. For some, it may sound boring but it was a really chill cruise which is a welcome change of pace for us.

I have no doubt that your DH will find something he enjoys and I wish you all the best cruise!

PS - I fell in love with the library on the Conquest. It has oversized plush purple couches and plenty of nooks where you can go and basically disappear into whatever book you're reading. I often saw people in there playing card and board games too, which looked like fun.