!*! FREEDOM !*! Southern Caribbean 6/22/14 -Heavy on photos of 2.0 upgrades & menu

[jandjtexas]

Great review, Thanks so much! Can't wait until she is in Galveston. I haven't been on a ship with the Fish & Chips yet, did you try it? Any pics of the menu or food?

[CleveCruiser]

Great review, thank you. I was on the Allure that left the same day as you did. It was nice to see the pic of our ship leaving, and we got a few of yours as we left.

 

 

My DH was very interested in the Allure! Some day...but for right now, we are enjoying Carnival. I have more pics of the Allure..if it interests you! :)

 

 

Great review, Thanks so much! Can't wait until she is in Galveston. I haven't been on a ship with the Fish & Chips yet, did you try it? Any pics of the menu or food?

 

We did try the fish and chips, they are always fresh and hot, a very crispy batter...like Long John Silvers (Do you have that food chain?). They also have a selection of ceviche. Unfortunately, no photos. :cool:

[CleveCruiser]

You could fly to Houston and take a transfer to Galveston :D...

 

 

I so wish we could swing air fare... For the four of us, it is usually prohibitive. We suck it up and drive down so we can get the Balcony rooms vs OV or inside cabins.

 

Just googled it, a 21 hour drive! YIKES! :eek: Well, I guess we do 18 now... It's a possibility! :rolleyes:

 

 

 

[gelli8112]

Excellent review. Fun to read.

[CleveCruiser]

Excellent review. Fun to read.

 

Thanks gelli8112 :)

[jacruisers]

Thank you for taking the time to share your family adventure/vacation and for providing a detailed review. We will be on this same ship with same itinerary in a couple of weeks and we are looking forward to it. We haven't been to 3 out of 4 ports so it was nice to see pictures of your tours. It's been about 9yrs since our last Carnival cruise and we are definitely looking forward to seeing all the upgrades.

[cruisingbajan]

Great review. Thanks for taking the time to post.

[CleveCruiser]

Thank you for taking the time to share your family adventure/vacation and for providing a detailed review. We will be on this same ship with same itinerary in a couple of weeks and we are looking forward to it. We haven't been to 3 out of 4 ports so it was nice to see pictures of your tours. It's been about 9yrs since our last Carnival cruise and we are definitely looking forward to seeing all the upgrades.

 

 

I think you are going to have a great time. Take a lot of pics, and let me know if you do a review!

 

 

Great review. Thanks for taking the time to post.

 

Thank you, it was fun to relive the vacation. :)

 

.

[Singer4Him]

Thanks to your wonderful review, complete with menus & food porn, I just finished writing out my own personal menu for our upcoming cruise! Needless to say, it has made me HUNGRY!

 

On another note, do you remember which night was the second elegant evening?

 

Thanks again for your review!

[blarko]

Help from a fellow Clevelander! Although I'm not sailing on Freedom, I always enjoy reading reviews of all the ships and especially enjoy looking at the pictures of the ports and the food! As soon as I started reading your review and saw you were from Cleveland, I knew it would be an enjoyable read and I wasn't disappointed. In one of the photos of your daughter, I noticed that she was wearing a Rhodes shirt, so it made the read that much more enjoyable, as we are also neighbors. I'm from Old Brooklyn and my kids also went to Rhodes! Small world. Anyway I will be cruising on Liberty September 13 and your review made me even more excited. Thanks for a great review, and don't ever feel like you're posting too many food pictures!

 

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[CleveCruiser]

Thanks to your wonderful review, complete with menus & food porn, I just finished writing out my own personal menu for our upcoming cruise! Needless to say, it has made me HUNGRY!

 

On another note, do you remember which night was the second elegant evening?

 

Thanks again for your review!

 

 

Just going once a year, I don't mind seeing the same dishes, and being an 8-day we had a new menu one night! I have mixed feelings about the new American Table menu that is coming out. Have fun trying everything!

 

The second elegant night was on the second sea day (on this itinerary it was after the ports, so day 7).

 

Have fun! :)

 

Help from a fellow Clevelander! Although I'm not sailing on Freedom, I always enjoy reading reviews of all the ships and especially enjoy looking at the pictures of the ports and the food! As soon as I started reading your review and saw you were from Cleveland, I knew it would be an enjoyable read and I wasn't disappointed. In one of the photos of your daughter, I noticed that she was wearing a Rhodes shirt, so it made the read that much more enjoyable, as we are also neighbors. I'm from Old Brooklyn and my kids also went to Rhodes! Small world. Anyway I will be cruising on Liberty September 13 and your review made me even more excited. Thanks for a great review, and don't ever feel like you're posting too many food pictures!

 

Sent from my KFTHWI using Forums mobile app

 

Thanks for your kind words. Cleveland is a great city that has a lot going for it - just try googling things to do this weekend! Old Brooklyn is a unique area, and so centrally located.....15-20 minutes to just about anywhere!

 

Thanks again, and enjoy your upcoming cruise. :)

 

.

[Singer4Him]

Just going once a year, I don't mind seeing the same dishes, and being an 8-day we had a new menu one night! I have mixed feelings about the new American Table menu that is coming out. Have fun trying everything!

 

The second elegant night was on the second sea day (on this itinerary it was after the ports, so day 7).

 

Have fun! :)

 

I completely agree! It's been a year since we've cruised so I'm looking forward to some of the delicious things that we had last year. I'm not too sure about the American Table menu, either. I haven't heard a lot of positive about it.

 

Thanks for the info about the second elegant night! I certainly do appreciate it!

[pghsteelerfan]

I just finished reading your review and enjoyed every minute of it. I had to take a break (week vacation to PA for a visit with family/friends) right before you started Curacao and have been reading a little here and there since as time permitted. We have not been on that southern itinerary yet, so that's what DH would like to do next time we get an opportunity to cruise and I'm with him on that, although I'm still wanting to go on another southern itinerary out of San Juan. :) DR, Curacao & Aruba would all be new islands for us and we'd both love the opportunity since I really think I'd love all three. I want to let you know that your pictures (love that "tie" idea you did in the one - that is hilarious!) were beautiful and love seeing pictures of the whale tail since I'm always taking pictures of it too. I also really love your picture of Freedom at night in Curacao, that one really turned out beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to share your cruise with us. :)

[KimmyinLA]

Thanks for a great review. We just booked this itin for next month. We have very little time to research and plan so this was helpful. Just a few questions:

1. How much is the fast pass to get on? You said it was worth it?

2. What's the 10deck secret door? (I sincerely apologize if this was already explained as I have been speed reading your review. Love the pics!)

3. The Hyatt pool-- is that something you pay for to use? We are traveling with our 3 yo. He's a good traveler but he's still 3. Which means we will likely not plan too much and go with however the day goes.

4. Any other Freedom/Carnival secrets we should def know about? We have never done Carnival so we're looking forward to it.

Again, thanks!

 

 

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[NCTribeFan]

Another former-Clevelander here. I was an east-sider, though (Wickliffe).

 

I just booked the 11/29 Freedom because I actually rec'd a casino offer (not a free one, though, and since I'm solo, not very cheap, even in an inside). I just really wanted to get 3 more new ports (will get 3 new ones on the 11/1 Splendor repo).

 

I've been on Glory (w/Serenity but not 2.0) and Conquest (w/2.0 but no Serenity) and figured, oh Freedom is just Conquest + Serenity. I didn't realize it has the Red Frog Pub! Yay!!!

 

When I go to new ports, I like to take an independent tour. I am fully aware that the DR is extremely poor and there may not be much to do other than go to a beach. While I'd prefer to see more of the island (yes, even the poverty), I think I'm going to do the Seavis excursion.

 

Question: I'm not a swimmer so won't be snorkeling at the old pier. Is the water too deep for a non-swimmer at the sandbar location? Do you feel you saw much of the island on the way to and from Soana? That is the excursion you did, right? I may need to email them and ask. It would be nice to get in the water and see the starfish.

 

Curacao: I'm doing my research. Irie looks like an good option for me. Other than the distillery, were there a lot of stops or was it mostly a "drive-by" tour?

 

Aruba: Again, new port. Would be tempted to just go to a beach, but I want to find a tour (that may also include a beach stop). I'm going to look for an afternoon island tour and maybe a sunset sailing excursion.

 

Forgive me if I missed it, but I'm guessing you had regular dining, not YTD. Your headwaiter was Alex, right? I may email the maitre'd and see if I can be assigned to his section.

 

Great review and photos, although I'm all too familiar with the food! :p

[Patrona]

Great review! Looking forward to the rest. We will be on her Sept. 14th. I can't wait!

 

 

We will be joining you on this same sailing!

 

 

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[CleveCruiser]

I just finished reading your review and enjoyed every minute of it. I had to take a break (week vacation to PA for a visit with family/friends) right before you started Curacao and have been reading a little here and there since as time permitted. We have not been on that southern itinerary yet, so that's what DH would like to do next time we get an opportunity to cruise and I'm with him on that, although I'm still wanting to go on another southern itinerary out of San Juan. :) DR, Curacao & Aruba would all be new islands for us and we'd both love the opportunity since I really think I'd love all three. I want to let you know that your pictures (love that "tie" idea you did in the one - that is hilarious!) were beautiful and love seeing pictures of the whale tail since I'm always taking pictures of it too. I also really love your picture of Freedom at night in Curacao, that one really turned out beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to share your cruise with us. :)

 

 

Thank you very much. I noticed your review and am working my way through the Valor one...a very very good review; love the detail. I love your sunrise/set photos and am seriously lacking in that department!

 

I had to use the photo with the "tie"! It was the best shot I had of the umbrella cover! Have to keep family happy!!!

 

Thanks again. :)

[CleveCruiser]

Thanks for a great review. We just booked this itin for next month. We have very little time to research and plan so this was helpful. Just a few questions:

1. How much is the fast pass to get on? You said it was worth it?

2. What's the 10deck secret door? (I sincerely apologize if this was already explained as I have been speed reading your review. Love the pics!)

3. The Hyatt pool-- is that something you pay for to use? We are traveling with our 3 yo. He's a good traveler but he's still 3. Which means we will likely not plan too much and go with however the day goes.

4. Any other Freedom/Carnival secrets we should def know about? We have never done Carnival so we're looking forward to it.

Again, thanks!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Hi, Here is what I know :)

1) the Faster to the Fun (FTTF) is $50 per cabin (regardless of the number of people IN the cabin. You have to decide if it is worth it for you. And they only sell about 15 per cruise.

2) On the Conquest class ships you can access the decks from the front of the ships at the end of the cabin corridor (for example on deck 10, the door was by room 1005). It is just a quiet area to watch from. Not much going on!

3) The Hyatt may offer day passes, but the entrance to the pool area is off the beach. The lady who helped us had some sort of deal going on with them to use the facilities. Many of the resort hotels offer packages, but on many islands the beaches are public and free. What you may have to pay for are loungers or umbrellas.

4) Many of the "secrets" are ship specific, so have fun googling and searching here for ship specific secrets! I know there are MANY threads. For me...I like a) the over the door holder to organize things b) bring a nightlight the rooms are DARK at night c) bring a multi plug power outlet d) google several packing lists for ideas of what to bring, e) make or buy individual baggies of detergent if you are going to use the laundry machines on board and f) do NOT overpack!

 

Happy sailing! I hope you and your family have a great time!

 

BK

[CleveCruiser]

Another former-Clevelander here. I was an east-sider, though (Wickliffe).

 

I just booked the 11/29 Freedom because I actually rec'd a casino offer (not a free one, though, and since I'm solo, not very cheap, even in an inside). I just really wanted to get 3 more new ports (will get 3 new ones on the 11/1 Splendor repo).

 

I've been on Glory (w/Serenity but not 2.0) and Conquest (w/2.0 but no Serenity) and figured, oh Freedom is just Conquest + Serenity. I didn't realize it has the Red Frog Pub! Yay!!!

 

When I go to new ports, I like to take an independent tour. I am fully aware that the DR is extremely poor and there may not be much to do other than go to a beach. While I'd prefer to see more of the island (yes, even the poverty), I think I'm going to do the Seavis excursion.

 

Question: I'm not a swimmer so won't be snorkeling at the old pier. Is the water too deep for a non-swimmer at the sandbar location? Do you feel you saw much of the island on the way to and from Soana? That is the excursion you did, right? I may need to email them and ask. It would be nice to get in the water and see the starfish.

 

Curacao: I'm doing my research. Irie looks like an good option for me. Other than the distillery, were there a lot of stops or was it mostly a "drive-by" tour?

 

Aruba: Again, new port. Would be tempted to just go to a beach, but I want to find a tour (that may also include a beach stop). I'm going to look for an afternoon island tour and maybe a sunset sailing excursion.

 

Forgive me if I missed it, but I'm guessing you had regular dining, not YTD. Your headwaiter was Alex, right? I may email the maitre'd and see if I can be assigned to his section.

 

Great review and photos, although I'm all too familiar with the food! :p

 

 

Hi.

Congratulations on your deal, I do feel for the solo cruisers (and I love your spirit!)

 

I think you will LOVE seavis. They are a very well put-together excursion. We only saw the coastline, I did not feel I "knew" the DR when we left, but our guide did educate us A LOT on the history of the island and the ecology of the island. The sandbar is waist deep where they let you off. We "jumped" off the boat because we wanted to hit the water, later they lowered the ladder to get on and off. No problem about the no swimming.

 

Irie was a great value. It was a SHORT tour, about 3 hours. Again, the guide really educated us. I would not do it again for two reasons 1) some like it because of the free drinking - no one on our tour got carried away, but I could see it happening. 2) I like a gorgeous, natural beach. The Sea Aquarium beach is VERY populated. So plus side --they were efficient, easy to book, educational, reasonable and easy to find. Negative side-- a drinking tour, not much of natural beauty of island is explored.

 

MDR; we did have YTD! We just have been lucky in finding a good wait team and we ask for the same waiter every night when they area seating us! He was in CHIC restaurant, back, left corner. If you have assigned dining, he probably won't be available :(

 

Have a great time on your cruise, and let me know if you do a review!

 

BK

[NCTribeFan]

Thanks! I'm going to book Seavis. Still unsure about Curacao and Aruba. The Roll Call is rather dead and I'm not getting a lot of input - 11/1 Splendor RC has 2,327 replies; Splendor to Bermuda (not until 10/2015!) has 615; 11/29 Freedom has 59! Yes, 59 (and several of those are since I booked on Monday)!! :(

 

I think some people are afraid a solo cruiser will attach her/himself to them on a tour and not let go until the end of the cruise. Not me! I just want to share costs. I just don't want to go off in a taxi alone, and I sure don't want to pay $45/hr for a basic island tour. And I detest ship excursions; overpriced and you spend half your time getting on and off large buses and waiting for stragglers.

 

I always post reviews of my cruises. Long, detailed, reviews with photos, that probably bore everyone to death. :p

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Another former-Clevelander here. I was an east-sider, though (Wickliffe).

 

I just booked the 11/29 Freedom because I actually rec'd a casino offer (not a free one, though, and since I'm solo, not very cheap, even in an inside). I just really wanted to get 3 more new ports (will get 3 new ones on the 11/1 Splendor repo).

 

I've been on Glory (w/Serenity but not 2.0) and Conquest (w/2.0 but no Serenity) and figured, oh Freedom is just Conquest + Serenity. I didn't realize it has the Red Frog Pub! Yay!!!

 

When I go to new ports, I like to take an independent tour. I am fully aware that the DR is extremely poor and there may not be much to do other than go to a beach. While I'd prefer to see more of the island (yes, even the poverty), I think I'm going to do the Seavis excursion.

 

Question: I'm not a swimmer so won't be snorkeling at the old pier. Is the water too deep for a non-swimmer at the sandbar location? Do you feel you saw much of the island on the way to and from Soana? That is the excursion you did, right? I may need to email them and ask. It would be nice to get in the water and see the starfish.

 

Curacao: I'm doing my research. Irie looks like an good option for me. Other than the distillery, were there a lot of stops or was it mostly a "drive-by" tour?

 

Aruba: Again, new port. Would be tempted to just go to a beach, but I want to find a tour (that may also include a beach stop). I'm going to look for an afternoon island tour and maybe a sunset sailing excursion.

 

Forgive me if I missed it, but I'm guessing you had regular dining, not YTD. Your headwaiter was Alex, right? I may email the maitre'd and see if I can be assigned to his section.

 

Great review and photos, although I'm all too familiar with the food! :p

 

for a nice tour of Aruba where they drop you off at the beach at the end check out Sonny Binns.

 

http://www.sonnytoursaruba.com/

 

Bill

[NCTribeFan]

I'd read about Sonny Binns. Just hoping someone/anyone in the Roll Call will offer to join me to share costs. :(

 

Found another Seavis excursion that goes to the Rain Forest. Saona looks beautiful, but I'd really like to see some of the DR. I'm just not that much of a beach person.

 

I found a private taxi driver in Curacao. Again, the problem is travelling solo.

 

OP - guess I'll have to take my chances with getting a good wait team for late dining. I rarely have any issues and I've met some, um, interesting people when sailing solo.

[kenrod]

Thank you for your pictorial CleveCruiser. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your cruise!

[CleveCruiser]

Thank you for your pictorial CleveCruiser. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your cruise!

 

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Did you see any changes (besides the obvious 2.0 changes) from when you went on the Freedom?

 

BK

[bugsokc]

Thanks for the great review and awesome pictures. I am thinking about cruising on the Freedom next year (like October 2015). It is great to get a glimpse of things to know what to expect.