Freedom review July 7-14

We just returned from our 7th cruise (for most of us) aboard the Carnival Freedom. Will try to include pics. I'm a history teacher and high school basketball coach so forgive me english teachers if I don't write in perfect and proper form, I usually write with a "list of facts"

We had a group of 13, all but 1 from Northeast Oklahoma (Grove, Fairland, and Miami)

Myself 51, wife 49, son 20 and my special needs foster son 20

Daughter 30 and Son in Law 31, grand sons 7 and 2

Family friend 54

We traveled from NE Oklahoma to Dallas thursday night and stayed there, got up Friday and most of us went to George W Bush Presidential Center and then headed to Galveston after that. Arrived in Galveston late afternoon. We ate at Papa's Pizza on Seawall Blvd, it was outstanding, we had ate there in previous trips to Galveston.

After a stroll on the beach we stayed the night at a timeshare that we have ownership in. Got up Saturday morning and headed for the ship.

My wife and daughter at Bush Center

My Son with Bush statues

Us and grandkids at beach at Galveston Friday evening

I am so looking forward to your review. Our next cruise will be on the Freedom so we're hungry for thoughts and comments.

Saturday morning - time to head to the ship. We had a 11:30 boarding time but we did not get there until about 12:15. Very smooth boarding and getting on ship. Seemed we never stopped walking, never having to stand in alind more than a few minutes at most. Really seemed that we just kept moving forward until we were on the ship.

waiting on us to get back from parking lot. We prepaid for parking at port - saved $5.

Got on board and ate a bite to eat, rooms were ready by 1:30. Saw a fellow educator and former principal I had worked for on board, its a small world. My wife says that after teaching and coaching for almost 30 years I see someone I know everywhere we travel.

Our rooms were 9269, 9289, 1051, and 1118. All balconies. We all had great stewards and service on board. Always so friendly and willing to get what needed. My steward was Leo, he was outstanding. We brought a fan but it wouldn't work and he found us another one. I need one to sleep.

We always choose early dining, the food was outstanding and the service was even better. Our waiter was Jorge and his 2 assistants. 1 lady and 1 gentleman.

By the 2nd night they had our dring waiting (all soft drinks) and a shrimp cocktail waiting for my wife at her setting,

Were were at 4 tables side by side with a high chair. The 3 oldest grandkids and my special needs son sat at a table together. They were all very kind and showed them great attention and were very helpful each night. The young lady Nureemong ( bad attempt at spelling ) showed special attention to my son who is autistic and was a great with him.

We asked about Cappuccino Pie which we always look forward to, we were informed it was not available anymore. The next night Jorge had arranged the pastry chef to make 2 of the pies for our group.

First few days were Sea Days - we just took it easy and enjoyed the ship. We went to dinner each night in Posh dining room, went to the Shows in the theatre, and most of guys went to comedy shows each night.

Montego Bay - one of my least favorite ports. 4 of guys got off and took a tour of Negril via a taxi at the port. It was awful, guy didn't know much about Jamaica or where the sites were. Most of group stayed on ship and enjoyed the quiet pools and such. Those of us who got off wish we would have stayed on.

Grand Cayman, for the 2nd time we chartered a 47 ft sailboat thru sail cayman dot com. Neil is the owner and it is amazing excursion. We stayed away from the crowds, he took us to remote reef for snorkeling and sailing. He brought up stingrays for us to feed and touch. Simply amazing. Only negative was we got some rain this day, but still amazing day. This is 2nd time we gave chartered with him.

 

 





 

 

Cozumel - went to Nachi Cocom, great service and food. Loved the beach and the pool.

Summary - had a great cruise. Will take the group again in 2020. Loved the ship and the outstanding service.

Only negatives to me

Pizza Pirate - seemed understaffed and impossible to get pizza, regardless of time of day. Long line with little pizza available.

Only one ice cream machine working in evenings.

few last pics

feeding birds at condo

We just returned from our 7th cruise (for most of us) aboard the Carnival Freedom. Will try to include pics. I'm a history teacher and high school basketball coach so forgive me english teachers if I don't write in perfect and proper form, I usually write with a "list of facts"

 

We had a group of 13, all but 1 from Northeast Oklahoma (Grove, Fairland, and Miami)

Myself 51, wife 49, son 20 and my special needs foster son 20

Daughter 30 and Son in Law 31, grand sons 7 and 2

Family friend 54

 

We traveled from NE Oklahoma to Dallas thursday night and stayed there, got up Friday and most of us went to George W Bush Presidential Center and then headed to Galveston after that. Arrived in Galveston late afternoon. We ate at Papa's Pizza on Seawall Blvd, it was outstanding, we had ate there in previous trips to Galveston.

After a stroll on the beach we stayed the night at a timeshare that we have ownership in. Got up Saturday morning and headed for the ship.

My wife and daughter at Bush Center

My Son with Bush statues

 

Us and grandkids at beach at Galveston Friday evening

Daughter 27 and son in law 34 with grand daughters 11 and 5 - were omitted.

if you have any questions about our cruise or the Freedom let me know and I'll be happy to answer.

Jim

Thanks for the review. We're doing the western Caribbean next year. I'll have to check out the sailing in Grand Cayman and Nachi Cocom.

Thanks for the review.

Did you take pictures of the menus by chance?

We always have a great time on the Freedom. The sailing in Cayman looked very interesting, how long was your time with them?