Full Freedom Review from 9/12/09 The Good and Bad

[CarnivalCruiseLover]

Carnival Freedom 9/12/09

This is our 8th Carnival Cruise, with 11 total cruises under our belt. The trip started out with us flying from St. Louis International down to Fort Lauderdale. We spent the night at the La Quinta Inn that includes up to 14 days of free parking for our car located about 3 miles from Lambert International Airport. $92.00 for the night at the hotel, 14 days of parking and free shuttle service to and from the airport. Not bad considering the other park and fly rates are $65 a night with only 7 nights of parking. Since we will be gone a few extra days on this trip, the La Quinta with the extended stay for parking was the better deal. Our stay at the La Quinta was beyond our expectations. Their free shuttle policy states that the free shuttle begins at 6:00 a.m., so we were prepared to take a cab since we had an early morning flight that required us to be at the airport by 5:00 a.m. Upon check in, we were greeted by the front desk staff informing us that since we had a flight prior to the free shuttle service, they had made arrangements for the shuttle service to start early, and our pickup time at the hotel was 4:30. I was extremely impressed with this! Our stay at the La Quinta was a pleasant one, and would recommend this to anyone needing either a few nights, or for a cruise traveler requiring an overnight stay. I give hotel a five star recommendation. Very clean, free wireless and very friendly staff! 5 minutes from the airport!

We chose to stay at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort and Suites, which is about 8 miles from the Port. We stayed there 4 years ago the night before a cruise, so we were familiar with the hotel. It is a nice old two story hotel located right across the street from the beach, and it had plenty of stores and restaurants within walking distance. The place is clean, well kept, and has a nice Tiki bar and pool area. Perfect for a cruiser needing an economical place to stay with free cruise parking. The total with tax was $67.00. I highly recommend this hotel for cruisers. The hotel also includes a small restaurant that is owned by a Grecian family, and it serves wonderful Greek Sandwiches.

Cruise day. Embarkation

The shuttle service (which is provided by the hotel) was $10.00 per person. The port is a five minute drive from the hotel. Our shuttle driver was in the parking lot waiting to load our bags at 10:15. We arrived at the port at 10:45, and walked right through security, and to checked in and received our sail and sign cards, and we were seated at 11:00 in zone 3. We were allowed to board the ship at 11:15, and eating on the Lido at 11:25! Out of 8 Carnival cruises, this by was by far the quickest check in. We explored the ship, and I must say the ship is beautiful! Even though there are a lot of people on this ship (3600), nothing seems crowded, and the lines at the buffet are not long at all. As always, the Fish and Chip restaurant is pleasantly tucked away in the back, which is good because a lot of people don’t realize that it’s up there.

The Carnival Freedom is a beautiful ship. The friendliness of the staff was incredible, along with the cleanliness of the ship.

We had a full day at sea on Sunday, which was also the first formal night. Now it’s called cruise elegant night. They had the $1.00 off party on the Promenade deck, and no, there weren’t any free drinks. I might add that this is a bad idea that Carnival has come up with. There was no gathering, no party type atmosphere like they use to have with the Captain’s night. It was a letdown, but we survived.

On Monday, we were at sea until we docked in Puerto Rico at 5:00 pm. We didn’t have an excursion planned, so we went down to the dock, and found a tour service that did an island tour for $25.00 per person. He had a van, and it held around 30 people, so it was nice. A lot of the historical sites were closed, so we didn’t get to see a lot of the older part of San Juan. He dropped us off back downtown, and we ate at a locally owned restaurant, which was served great Puerto Rican food!

Tuesday was St Thomas day! We did the Ultimate Island tour booked through Carnival. It was an island tour that gave you two hours at Megan’s bay, along with some scenic island stops, and they drop you off at Blackbeard’s Castle where you walk down the hill to the shopping area. This was a great tour, and it has a great price on it through Carnival. I recommend this. Also Megan’s Bay is beautiful. This was my 3rd or 4th time there, and it keeps getting more beautiful!

Wednesday was Antigua day. We had booked the Pirate Ship Adventure of Antigua through Carnival. When we got boarded on the pirate ship, we were notified that the ship was having engine problems, and the tour was cancelled. We were bummed about that, but we hailed a cab, and went to the closest beach which was a $3.00 per person trip. I don’t’ remember the name of the beach, but it was a state park type beach with bathrooms, and a couple small restaurants. The water and beaches of Antigua are spectacular! Try to do a beach day in Antigua. You will love the beauty of the beaches.

Thursday was Tortola day. We did The Baths at Virgin Gorda booked through Carnival. This excursion can be challenging if you have leg, back, or balance issues. The hike down isn’t bad, but when you go through to the Baths on the other side, the rock climb is pretty strenuous. They give you about 4 hours to hike down, spend some time at the beach and baths, and then back up. After the tour bus dropped us off back at the pier, we did some shopping. There isn’t much to shop for at the port in Antigua. Pretty poor town and only a few shops worth shopping in.

Friday was a fun day at sea. The day was spent relaxing around the pool. I am not sure if it’s the size of the ship, or just the people on this cruise, but we did not encounter any chair hogs at all. Every time I went outside on deck to lay out, there were always plenty of chairs available. This last day at sea was spent relaxing, eating, sunning, and doing absolutely nothing. I will go into further detail towards the end of the review regarding the ship activities on sea days and port days. Also this was our 2nd and last “Cruise Elegant” night. After seeing such a relaxed atmosphere in the dining room as far as dress code, I decided not to wear my second suit for this night.

Saturday Nassau Bahamas… We booked the Sea and See tour through Carnival. This tour took you on a catamaran ride around the island, and over to a lagoon where you boarded a partial submarine with windows so you can see the fish and coral. All in all, this excursion was just ok. The windows in the submarine were pretty dirty, so seeing fish and coral was difficult. After about 30 minutes in the sub, they take you back to the pier where you board a bus and we were driven around the island to various points of interest. This part of the tour was just simply lacking! I found it quite boring, and could have easily done without it. We basically were driven around to see some historical sites that were closed, and through a neighborhood that had big houses in it. We returned to the ship at 6:20, and we were told to be on the ship at 6:30. It was a close call, and even though they would have held the ship, it was an aggravating situation.

Also Saturday, the last day of the cruise, when people are off the ship on tours, and shopping, Carnival decides this is a good time to have the “Farwell” party with “free” drinks from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Needless to say, we didn’t get to that party, along with most other passengers because they were in Nassau on tours!

Debarkation on Sunday: Up at 6:30, first call at 6:35 for people carrying their own bags off the ship. We were in zone 17, and we were called off the ship around 9:45, through customs and luggage, and on the sidewalk at 10:00. Very easy debarkation..

Ok. Here are a few highlights I observed.

Remember, this was my 8th Carnival cruise, 11th cruise total.

• I am a huge Carnival Fan, Cheerleader, etc, and when I say something negative about Carnival, it is justified.
  

a. I did notice several cutbacks, such is life. The economy is bad, so I don’t blame Carnival for cutbacks. Some of the cutbacks are obvious, and it affects cruisers. One of the most important is the lack of onboard activities. Carnival has cut down their activity staff from 6 to 3. All of my other Carnival cruises, there have always been a minimum of 6 activity staff members, that way there were always lots of activities going on, especially on sea days. On the Freedom this week, there were only 3 activity directors, and the activities were very limited. After reviewing all of the capers from the entire cruise, it’s in black and white on how few activities were actually going on.

b. Coinless casinos. I am a very die hard gambler, and since Carnival has done away with the coins in the Casino, it’s just plain boring! No sounds, no clapping when you hear the coins drop, nothing. Actually I found the Casino lacking as far as a fun environment, therefore I didn’t play near as much as I normally do.

c. The Captains Party and the Farwell party. Whoever’s idea this was need to think about this one. It was nothing like it use to be as far as the parties, and even not caring about the free drinks, I still thought it was a dud of a party!

Now for the good stuff:

The food was out of this world on the Freedom. The best on any ship I have been on. Presentations, selection, taste, and the service of the food crew was outstanding! The dining room crew and the Lido deck crew did a fantastic job feeding all of us pigs for the week!

The shows: The Beatles tribute and the New Orleans shows are not to be missed! One comedian that was the best comedian ever was James Percy. If you get the chance, go see him, he is a riot.

We did buy two of the travel vouchers while on board for the onboard credit for future sailings. Those are a great deal! I am glad Carnival is finally doing this. Other cruise lines have been doing promotions like this for years.

Wee Jimmie was the cruise director, and he was nothing short of being brilliant. He is very funny, entertaining, and informative without being pushy!

If anyone has any questions, please post the questions, and I will reply as quickly as I can.

I know I left out a lot, but I wanted to get this up and posted as soon as possible.:D

[PaulMedik]

............

 

b. Coinless casinos. I am a very die hard gambler, and since Carnival has done away with the coins in the Casino, it’s just plain boring! ...............

 

 

 

 

 

CarnivalCruiseLover,

 

Enjoyed your review!

 

They removed the coins completely? Karen donates more to the slots than I do, but I recall cashout being an option on Freedom. So to cashout you have to go to the cashier? I have $1 slot coins laying all over the mantle in my den.... :D

[newlife_2010]

Thanks for the review. I have some questions...

 

1) Do you recommend doing any of the Carnival Excursions in San Juan? It just seems pointless because its so late in the day. If no excursions, then what else is their to do in San Juan?

 

2) What is the earliest you can arrive at Port Everglades for boarding?

 

I have a ton more but they will come later.

 

This is my 1st cruise so I probally will not be affected by the changes.

[golfadj]

Thanks for the review. I have some questions...

 

1) Do you recommend doing any of the Carnival Excursions in San Juan? It just seems pointless because its so late in the day. If no excursions, then what else is their to do in San Juan?

 

2) What is the earliest you can arrive at Port Everglades for boarding?

 

I have a ton more but they will come later.

 

This is my 1st cruise so I probally will not be affected by the changes.

 

Suggest you go to the port of call page for any port you go to and see what people have done and what they liked and disliked.

 

Most experienced cruisers find that doing excursions privately will be cheaper and better. Just make sure you have plenty of time to get back to the ship if the tour runs late for any reason.

[RaMar]

Thanks for a candid review. Really enjoyed it.

[CarnivalCruiseLover]

CarnivalCruiseLover,

 

Enjoyed your review!

 

They removed the coins completely? Karen donates more to the slots than I do, but I recall cashout being an option on Freedom. So to cashout you have to go to the cashier? I have $1 slot coins laying all over the mantle in my den.... :D

 

Yes, no more coins. You cash out by applying to a "Bank" on your sign and sail card. I didn't try to put coins in, but someone beside me did, and the coins were rejected.

[CarnivalCruiseLover]

Thanks for the review. I have some questions...

 

1) Do you recommend doing any of the Carnival Excursions in San Juan? It just seems pointless because its so late in the day. If no excursions, then what else is their to do in San Juan?

 

2) What is the earliest you can arrive at Port Everglades for boarding?

 

I have a ton more but they will come later.

 

This is my 1st cruise so I probally will not be affected by the changes.

 

1. We didn't really see any excurions in San Juan that sparked our interest, and personally, I wish we just would have not stopped there because of the time we were in port. You are right, it was pointless.

 

2. We arrived at the Port very early because of the shuttle service, but some people were there around 10:15 I believe. The checkin in is very fast and efficient.

[shelby101]

Which LaQuinta did you stay in and was the parking extra? We are doing the same ship in Nov.

 

Thanks

Jonette

[jimbo5544]

Thanks for the review, I appreciate your candor on all aspects. We were on the Splendor in august and I think it took coins but did not give out any (could be wrong here as I not much of a gambler).

[WAHMto5]

Thank you for the review! We will be on the Freedom in 11 days;)

[CarnivalCruiseLover]

Which LaQuinta did you stay in and was the parking extra? We are doing the same ship in Nov.

 

Thanks

Jonette

 

LaQuinta at the St Louis Airport. 5781 Campus Pkwy. It's about a 5 minute shuttle drive to the airport. The hotel is right off 270.

The parking beyond 7 days is extra. If you stay 7 days, it's free, but since we were going down a day early, and this was a 8 day cruise, we had to pay the extra charge. The total with tax was $94.00. We usually stay at the St Louis Airport Hotel, but their parking and fly rates and sky rocketed, so after several hours of research, the LaQuinta was the best deal for parking beyond 7 days.

[balcony bound]

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Jimmy... LOL

 

I think you left out a couple of "e"s in his name:D

[CarnivalCruiseLover]

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee jimmy... Lol

 

i think you left out a couple of "e"s in his name:d

 

 

yes i did.. Lol:)

[oncruisecontrol]

Yes, no more coins. You cash out by applying to a "Bank" on your sign and sail card. I didn't try to put coins in, but someone beside me did, and the coins were rejected.

 

 

Even casinos in Atlantic City and Vegas have gone this route. It's cheaper for them---they do not have to pay anyone to load the machines with coins or to empty them.

[CarnivalCruiseLover]

Even casinos in Atlantic City and Vegas have gone this route. It's cheaper for them---they do not have to pay anyone to load the machines with coins or to empty them.

 

 

Yes I know. I still don't like it. Plus the riverboats I have been on in the St Louis area, you had two options. Play coinless and do a pay out on a slip, or with the coins. I just like the traditional way with coins.

[elsplace2]

Personally I prefer not having coins to lug around and just using cash.....and that's how they did it in alot of the Vegas Casinos as well, but I can't remember how they did it with the cash out slips, if you changed machines? Was there a code or do you have to cash it in first?? Anyone know?

[Cclaw]

Great review, thanks. Taking this same cruise in Nov, can't wait. So is Elegant night not so elegant?

[CarnivalCruiseLover]

Great review, thanks. Taking this same cruise in Nov, can't wait. So is Elegant night not so elegant?

 

Elegant night is elegant, but it just seemed that not as many men were in suits and tux's, and the ladies weren't as decked out in the beautiful gowns.

[cathyoo]

Thank you for sharing I'm lloking to book my "free" (credit card points) cruise and the Freedom is a strong contender. I really enjoyed your review it was well written and very balanced.

[CarnivalCruiseLover]

Thank you for sharing I'm lloking to book my "free" (credit card points) cruise and the Freedom is a strong contender. I really enjoyed your review it was well written and very balanced.

 

 

Well I would recommend the Freedom. The ship and staff are wonderful.

As far as being balanced, you can tell by my log on name on cruise critic that I am a HUGE Carnival fan, and actually this is the first review out of 8 Carnvial reviews I have done that included negative comments. I have never really experienced anything negative that was worth writing about until now.

The couple things I mentioned in my cruise are minimal, but important enough to point out. Hopefully Carnival will correct these issue involving the lack of activity directors and activities, and the mess they created regarding the Captains Party and the Goodbye party.

[pooh/tigger]

Well I would recommend the Freedom. The ship and staff are wonderful.

As far as being balanced, you can tell by my log on name on cruise critic that I am a HUGE Carnival fan, and actually this is the first review out of 8 Carnvial reviews I have done that included negative comments. I have never really experienced anything negative that was worth writing about until now.

The couple things I mentioned in my cruise are minimal, but important enough to point out. Hopefully Carnival will correct these issue involving the lack of activity directors and activities, and the mess they created regarding the Captains Party and the Goodbye party.

 

Thanks for the review. Enjoyed reading.

 

My question, when you first boarded and headed up to the Lido deck for lunch, was the Fish and Chips place serving also or just the Lido Deck buffet?

 

Thanks

[CarnivalCruiseLover]

Thanks for the review. Enjoyed reading.

 

My question, when you first boarded and headed up to the Lido deck for lunch, was the Fish and Chips place serving also or just the Lido Deck buffet?

 

Thanks

 

Well we were eating at 11:30. We went up to the Fish and Chips first, but they weren't quite serving. I think they started that day at noon.

[pooh/tigger]

Thank you

[CarnivalCruiseLover]

Thank you

Not a problem. Ask away if you have any other questions.

[pooh/tigger]

Not a problem. Ask away if you have any other questions.

 

Sure thing, did you ever use the gym? Does it open once at sea and stay open 24 hours? We like to exercise while on vacation, early, like 5am, so wondered if it would be open then. Does it have a steam? Did you use it?

Thanks