Freedom- Whats not included?

[anewmac]

So we are 85% sure were booking the March 2010 8day Eastern. My question is being that this is our 1st Carnival cruise, what ISNT included. Also what is the cost. Im talking everything, drinks, soda, babysitting? kids club? internet? certain resturants?Pics? etc looking to see what all we will be spending to get a rough budget going to start saving.

 

Also what in your opinion is worth it and what is worth passing on?

 

Thanks all

(btw tried searching and just get everything else under the sun LOL)

[Angileyze1]

I just got off my first ever cruise. Also on the Freedom. Congrats! Its a great place to start! We bought our drink coupons ahead of us, so as not to have a HUGE sail & sign bill at the end. The Steakhouse is 30.00 pp if you choose to go there. We did and LOVED it, but you can choose not to. I also prepaid gratuities which WILL be billed to your account at 10.00 a day per person. You can get a soda card for a certain flat amount which will give you unlimited for all the cruise. However, lemonade and iced tea is free, so I chose to go THAT way instead. Bingo is charged but you certinly don't have to play. Also the pictures are VERY costly. That made up most of my bill, however, being my first cruise, I couldn't resist. HOWEVER< you can ALSO pre purchase photo coupons. All this you can do through Bon Voyage gifts on Carnival's web site. All other things are included mostly. Food, shows, ect. I'm sure you know that the excursions are an extra fee. You can get them cheaper off ship, but if something happens, and you are late coming back, the ship will NOT wait. If you book the more expensive ones through Carnival, and something makes you late, it WILL wait. Being our first cruise, we went the safer route. If you have any other questions, don't be afraid to ask. If I see them, I will try to answer also! Have a great time!!!

[Angileyze1]

The kids clubs are free. There is a charge for internet. Not sure what, but I didn't use it. That's something I passed on and didn't even miss it. There's too much to do onboard! I did get a cell phone call from school while I was in Jamaica and DO recommend you shut it off or tell everyone not to call you. I was on the phone for 30 seconds and it was 3.00.

[jacquedee]

Most of our bill is from shopping and excursions, but my husband buys a soda card and we spend $5 each in the casino (lasts us all week at digital poker) and usually get something from the cafe once or twice. We also like to order room service and that involves cash tipping.

[anewmac]

ive read a lot lately so excuse me but I though somewhere that room service was only till a certain time? after that time is it pricey or just totally cut off? or am i confusing my ships/info? lol thanks all

[steveaaaaa]

I just got off my first ever cruise. Also on the Freedom. Congrats! Its a great place to start! We bought our drink coupons ahead of us, so as not to have a HUGE sail & sign bill at the end. The Steakhouse is 30.00 pp if you choose to go there. We did and LOVED it, but you can choose not to. I also prepaid gratuities which WILL be billed to your account at 10.00 a day per person. You can get a soda card for a certain flat amount which will give you unlimited for all the cruise. However, lemonade and iced tea is free, so I chose to go THAT way instead. Bingo is charged but you certinly don't have to play. Also the pictures are VERY costly. That made up most of my bill, however, being my first cruise, I couldn't resist. HOWEVER< you can ALSO pre purchase photo coupons. All this you can do through Bon Voyage gifts on Carnival's web site. All other things are included mostly. Food, shows, ect. I'm sure you know that the excursions are an extra fee. You can get them cheaper off ship, but if something happens, and you are late coming back, the ship will NOT wait. If you book the more expensive ones through Carnival, and something makes you late, it WILL wait. Being our first cruise, we went the safer route. If you have any other questions, don't be afraid to ask. If I see them, I will try to answer also! Have a great time!!!

 

I don't know who sold you on that bill of goods,but that is 100% false.

 

They will be responsible for your cost's associated with getting you to the next port.They have left tours behind.They can't hold the ship for a few people.

 

I got off this ship last week and all food is not included. The have an area near the kids clubs that sell's cookies,cake slices,ect.

 

OP,

This was at the bottom of my favorite cruises.I would not sail this ship again.But,as your first it would be different for you.

 

Steve

[scchasgal]

ive read a lot lately so excuse me but I though somewhere that room service was only till a certain time? after that time is it pricey or just totally cut off? or am i confusing my ships/info? lol thanks all

 

You are thinking of another cruiseline.

[illinoismomof4]

Not having cruised yet I have read just about everything,

 

The specialty coffee house costs extra, The bake shop is also extra, of course the bars, soft drinks and nonalcoholic drinks are also extra, Room service is free except for tipping, there are no hot items on the menu.

 

Wine tasting costs, bingo is a charge, to un-cork a bottle of wine if you bring it on board costs,

 

I read you can get a capaccinio after dinner at no cost, but there was debate on that.

 

If you look hard enough you can find answers to all your questions you just have to did

[GlendaleCruiser]

Not having cruised yet I have read just about everything,

 

The specialty coffee house costs extra and is similar to Starbucks in offerings and prices, The bake shop is also extra, but there is plenty of desserts on board that are free and soft serve ice cream 24/7 of course the bars, $5.75 plus tip to $10 +tip Martinis, soft drinks and nonalcoholic drinks are also extra, depending upon what they are. Soda pop and energy drinks Room service is free except for tipping, there are no hot items on the menu.

 

Wine tasting costs, bingo is a charge, $10 for one card and $20 for 3 cards, to un-cork a bottle of wine if you bring it on board costs $15 corkage fee,

 

I read you can get a capaccinio after dinner at no cost, but there was debate on that. Absolutely true. Order it at dinner though in the MDR and not at the specialty coffee shop. I always get one after dinner every night.

 

If you look hard enough you can find answers to all your questions you just have to did

Hope these answered some of your questions.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

I don't know who sold you on that bill of goods,but that is 100% false.

 

They will be responsible for your cost's associated with getting you to the next port.They have left tours behind.They can't hold the ship for a few people.

 

I got off this ship last week and all food is not included. The have an area near the kids clubs that sell's cookies,cake slices,ect.

 

OP,

This was at the bottom of my favorite cruises.I would not sail this ship again.But,as your first it would be different for you.

 

Steve

 

When was thst time you heard of a ship sponsored excursion being left behind?

 

They are not going to wait for a few people? They usually cancel ship sponsored excursions if only a few people book it.

 

Maybe you could start a poll.

 

Bill

[lillian marie]

Each adult can bring on a bottle of wine and 12 pops or waters. Uncork the wine in your cabin-free and enjoy a glass before dinner. The last night of the cruise there's a farewell party before dinner with free wine, beer and some drinks. There's so much free food to choose from on the Lido and in the MD that you will never be hungry. The shows are free. There is so much to do that is free-included in your cruise fare. Cruising is the best vacation bargain. The kids club is free but there is a charge if your child wants to make a CCL stuffed bear. Photos are extra but you do not have to buy them.

[steveaaaaa]

When was thst time you heard of a ship sponsored excursion being left behind?

 

They are not going to wait for a few people? They usually cancel ship sponsored excursions if only a few people book it.

 

Maybe you could start a poll.

 

Bill

 

There were/are 2 posted here on CC.

One involved a scuba excursion at costa maya and the second was a vehical breakdown at a mexico stop I think. The Mexico...its been a while....chizen itza tour,bus broke,4 hours at least before they could be gotten and returned to the ship.

I will look for both threads later.

 

Steve

[steveaaaaa]

When was thst time you heard of a ship sponsored excursion being left behind?

 

They are not going to wait for a few people? They usually cancel ship sponsored excursions if only a few people book it.

 

Maybe you could start a poll.

 

Bill

 

 

Found the scuba thread... http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=457269&highlight=scuba+excursion+costa+maya

[firefly333]

I read you can get a capaccinio after dinner at no cost, but there was debate on that.

 

capacchino and espresso are free in the dinning room, but they cost if from the coffee stand ...

 

just those two, both offered after dinner. I think you might be able to order them at other meals, but know for sure free in the MDR after dinner.

[illinoismomof4]

capacchino and espresso are free in the dinning room, but they cost if from the coffee stand ...

 

just those two, both offered after dinner. I think you might be able to order them at other meals, but know for sure free in the MDR after dinner.

 

I was kinda of proud of my self, that I could answer, I cruise on the freedom in aug and have been reading everything and anything and not limited to just the freedom

[serene56]

Bingo is now $20.00 a card- Gone is the one for 10 or 3 for 20.

 

They do have a special during the week called gringo bingo where you can play 5 games for that one price using the same card.

[Normal 1]

I was on Freedom in March and loved it. Soda Cards are $6.00 per day for adults or $4.50 per day kids (under 17) + Gratuity. Otherwise soda is $1.95 + Gratuity for a can. You can bring a 12 pack of water or soda per person (must be in carry-on).

 

Bingo was sheet of 3 Cards for $20. For a single game. There were 2 days when you played 5 or 7 games of bingo. Prizes at these sessions were $100. However, if more than 1 person wins per game, the $100 is split between all the winners. One game I played, 8 people won and had to split the prize.

 

8 x 10 pictures were $20 or $22 and 5 x 7 were $8 or $10.

 

Room service is 24/7 and you should tip. However, sometimes they get very busy and you may have to wait 30 minutes or more during busy times. Pizza and Ice Cream are also 24/7 and free. The ice cream machine in the very back of the ship (by the pizza place) has less traffic and doesn't run out as quickly as the machines more readily available.

 

We used these boards to research the ports and picked excursion operators from those recommended here. The reputable vendors rely heavily on cruise ship revenue and they all know these forums exist and bad reviews will ruin their business. To be safe timewise, most recommend using Carnival excursions if your day in port is short or the excursion you want is a lengthy one. (such as a 2 hour bus ride to ruins, etc. where a bus could break down).

 

The main dining room is open for breakfast and (lunch -sea days), the buffet gets busy during peak hours. The burger grill has fabulous burgers and fries!!! Great place to head after a day in port if the kids are hungry....they have nachos, chicken strips, burgers, etc.....we'd get a snack/late lunch here as the line was shorter mid-afternoon on port days. The buffets have multiple lines/areas so head towards the back of the ship if the main (front) lines are long.

 

Have a great attitude, smile and say thank-you, relax and do some people watching. Great opportunities to see people at their best and worst!!! You will encounter rude people at some point..... Ignore them. Not worth getting worked up over them. They don't realize they're rude and somewhere/sometime, they'll get their karma!!!

 

Have a good time and use sun-screen....don't forget your ears and parts in hair.....nothing worse than a sunburned part!!!

 

 

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[Angileyze1]

Found the scuba thread... http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=457269&highlight=scuba+excursion+costa+maya

 

 

So there was one or two situations. Most of the time, if you book through Carnival, you are safe. At first I was appaled they didn't have their passports with them, then I saw that this was in 2006. ALWAYS bring your passport off ship with you. But really, this was 3 years ago. Even on my own cruise last month the ship waited an extra 10 minutes for just two people. We heard them paged.

[michelle1836]

laundry is extra as well as the 'on board' excursions like the behind the fun tour or wine tasting. and the spa and some exercise classes

[beachgalMA]

So we are 85% sure were booking the March 2010 8day Eastern. My question is being that this is our 1st Carnival cruise, what ISNT included. Also what is the cost. Im talking everything, drinks, soda, babysitting? kids club? internet? certain resturants?Pics? etc looking to see what all we will be spending to get a rough budget going to start saving.

 

Also what in your opinion is worth it and what is worth passing on?

 

Thanks all

(btw tried searching and just get everything else under the sun LOL)

 

I'm assuming you mean March 2011? If so what date? We are looking at possibly cruising on the Freedom in March also

[AQW]

<waving madly at Drea> HEY GIRL! :D

 

As far as extra charges, you'll find Carnival very similar to our DDD, although not exactly the same. The biggest difference IMO is no free soda on Deck 9 like on Disney. Otherwise it's mostly the same. As others have said, there is specialty coffee and specialty bakery items for sale at a specific location, but cappucino and espresso are free in the MDR for dinner and there is no shortage of yummy desserts that are free. You pay for pics, bingo, spa treatments, excursions, laundry (self or ship). Have your gratuities added when you do your booking so it's all part of your cruise fare and you don't have to worry about it again. Room service is 24/7 and free, just remember your singles for tips.

 

Keep a list of anything in particular you want to know about the Freedom and message me on Facebook before my October cruise; I will do the investigative reporting and get back to you. ;)

[jfulcher]

Bingo is now $20.00 a card- Gone is the one for 10 or 3 for 20.

 

They do have a special during the week called gringo bingo where you can play 5 games for that one price using the same card.

 

I just got off the liberty last week.

 

Bingo was $10/card or $20/3 cards. They had two multi-games that I noticed - one 3 games, one 7 games.

 

They had a problem in the first few rounds of bingo with people bringing back the same cards. They cracked down later by changing the colors of the cards.

 

The bingo is a racket for sure. For instance on that 7 game one - they sold at least 200 3 card sets that I saw which would be $4000 - they probably sold more than that even. They gave out $100, $110, $120, $130, $140, $150 and $200. $950. They made a ton of money on that.

[steveaaaaa]

So there was one or two situations. Most of the time, if you book through Carnival, you are safe. At first I was appaled they didn't have their passports with them, then I saw that this was in 2006. ALWAYS bring your passport off ship with you. But really, this was 3 years ago. Even on my own cruise last month the ship waited an extra 10 minutes for just two people. We heard them paged.

 

That is true, but encouraging people to book with the assurance the ship WILL wait is wrong.

 

Most of the time your airliner will land and not crash,but you can't tell people you will never crash.

 

Steve

[Ken076]

Found the scuba thread... http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=457269&highlight=scuba+excursion+costa+maya

 

I'm a little wary on this one.

 

The party apparently ran only a little late and apparently arrived in time to see the ship moving away. The norm here would be to report immediately to the harbormaster and/or the port point of contact identified in the Capers in which case (the posters don't mention having done this); from what I've read, they would try to send you in a boat to catch-up with the (visible) ship, which I suspect WOULD have slowed once out of port. I'm also thinking that same Carnival point of contact WOULD have helped with getting transport to the next port, in this case, the port of embarkation. Similarly the Help Desk for your Trip Insurance.

 

The tours we've been on have that have run late have (a) always adjusted/shortened the schedule to assure timely arrival and (b) were in communication with the ship as to their location and progress.

 

This DOES make a case for carrying your Passport off the ship!

 

Having said this, I'm not sure that I'd expect Carnival to hold the ship if a tour was going to be delayed for 4, 6, 8+ hours (unless they could make-up the time enroute to the next port), but in that situation I would be expecting Carnival to get me to the next Port!

 

ken

[serene56]

I'm a little wary on this one.

 

ken

 

 

me too- VERY wary.

 

A poster with only 2 posts and its bad? how do they not find this site BEFORE they cruise.

 

the ship is supposed to leave at 4:30 ( which you need to be on the ship 30 minutes before sailing) and the vendor puts them in a cab at 4:40? they were already 40 minutes late getting into the cab.

 

Although a ship run excursion-= those people shoulda not stayed down as long as they did.

 

When are people going to take responsibilities for their own action