Freedom - Expectations on how "Full" will the ship Be?

[Krystm]

Kinda an un-fair question and I know a lot of variables are there so not a real clean cut answer here... BUT I figured I'd ask.

 

I am going on Freedom on Feb 8 2016, which is a 5 Day. What do you think the expected amount of passengers might be on that? Personally I think it may be less than normal as it leaves on a Monday opposed to a normal Sat/Sun, also being in Feb (so school and all that). But at the same time maybe not. The other factor I am thinking of is Freedom is now a more "new" ship for Galveston so maybe will draw more cruisers.

 

Regardless of all that, what can I expect for the amount of people on a 5 Day Freedom cruise? What were the lines like for (Guys Burgers) and the more popular places? Looking though photos never seemed like a ton of people were around.

 

I have sailed Magic 2 other times and some of the lines were pretty bad but it was a little bigger of a ship but 700 ish more capacity. So Looking of the deck maps and size of the boat I am thinking it will be close to the same as Magic with less people. (Correct me if I'm wrong just trying to see what others think)

 

Thanks!

Edited September 29, 2015 by Krystm

[ObstructedView2]

 

That is difficult to answer.

Normal occupancy aboard the Freedom (based on 2 per cabin) is 2984 passengers.

Full guest occupancy aboard the Freedom is 3754 passengers.

 

On the Magic:

Normal passenger occupancy (based on 2 per cabin) is 3690 passengers.

Full guest occupancy is 4724 passengers.

 

 

:)

 

[Krystm]

Wow, didn't realize that it fluctuated THAT much. I have been on Magic in March and April, and the Freedom will be Feb. So wondering if I was already a cruise with lower amount of people..... defiantly something to ponder.

 

Even at full capacity anyone have an idea what lines were like for food and shows? I know on Magic the line for the grill was like 5-10 min (not too terrible) but Pizza would sometimes be as much as 20 min if they were behind a bit and being next to the pools they were almost always that busy (unless it was really late).

 

Really excited to try Guys and wondering if there is a best time to go to avoid lines etc.

[RaiderFaninNM]

I would expect nothing less then a full ship regardless of the time of year....

[Sixtytwo]

Carnival ships normally sail at a little over 100% occupancy. This just means that there are some cabins with over 2 people in them since 100% is every cabin with at least 2 people. The factors you mentioned (school, time of year, etc) will have more to do with the age of the passengers more tea with the number of passengers!

[Krystm]

Ok, Well then I guess need to re-phrase my question....

 

So Assuming we are around that 100% mark....

 

What are the lines like for food, shows etc? (Again like I had said, I have been browsing a lot of pics... and never seemed to be a ton of people in them) MDR looked pretty empty, tons of open seats at the dive-in movies etc. Could be timing but even other peoples pics still seemed very empty compared to what I have seen on Magic.

 

Could it possibly be that Magic while bigger (isn't really THAT much bigger?) vs the difference in passenger amount? Uh... so basically almost same size ship but less passengers due to Carnival's restrictions.

 

Again could be way off, just wondering if need be rushing to get to things early or if maybe wont be as much as a concern. (Already reserved the Steakhouse x2 times... not risking that one lol)

 

Thanks Guys for everything so Far!

[sailor_jimc]

Ever see videos of the subways in China where they have those attendants whose job is to push and cram everyone into the subway car so the doors will close? That's how full she will be...

 

Just kidding.

 

Most every ship sails full all the time. So it is hard to say how crowded she will be. As it depends on how many cabins are sold at above double occupancy.

[Krystm]

Ever see videos of the subways in China where they have those attendants whose job is to push and cram everyone into the subway car so the doors will close? That's how full she will be...

 

Just kidding.

 

Most every ship sails full all the time. So it is hard to say how crowded she will be. As it depends on how many cabins are sold at above double occupancy.

 

 

 

Lol yeah I know what youre saying. I know its tough to anwser so guess have to wait and see. Hoping some Freedom people can chime in on their experiences good/bad with the lines etc.

[QTPieTrader]

I would tend to think that a February sailing would come closer to the normal passengers count than maximum.

 

Especially leaving on a Monday.

 

QTPie :cool:

[springs741]

Just my opinion:

Folks sailing out of Galveston are accustom to a 5 day Monday to Saturday. That is the regular sailing for the Triumph.

 

Freedom will be covering the 5 day itinerary while the Triumph is doing her longer sailings.

 

I would think those 5 day sailings would draw more than the normal number of guests simply because it would be a chance to experience a different ship. Some are limited by funds or vacation days to a 5 day.

[Leasmanjr]

We took the Magic out of galveston last year in the same time frame... That is Mardi Gras week so get ready for crowds on the island as well as in the ship!!! Hotels will raise their prices that week and they will be hard to come by also traffic in the ferry as well as the roads leading to the port will be jam packed.. My advice book a room now get there early enjoy the sights and prepare for a fully packed ship as some schools are out for the Mardi Gras holiday

[Krystm]

We took the Magic out of galveston last year in the same time frame... That is Mardi Gras week so get ready for crowds on the island as well as in the ship!!! Hotels will raise their prices that week and they will be hard to come by also traffic in the ferry as well as the roads leading to the port will be jam packed.. My advice book a room now get there early enjoy the sights and prepare for a fully packed ship as some schools are out for the Mardi Gras holiday

 

Oh damn, I totally didn't even think of that. Don't need a hotel as I live in DFW and driving down. But defiantly looks like the tides are turning on my hopes of being a low population cruise lol. Should be good though, hopefully more fun since more people.... well behaved people lol....

[Leasmanjr]

We had a blast! The people were fun and csrnival did Mardi Gras theme parties for Fat Tuesday and a parade. Plenty of passengers dressed up and had beads but no one realy got out of line even though it was packed it was still an awesome cruise. Again just leave a little earlier then you originally planned. Happy cruising!!!

[evandbob]

And if the ship isn't sold 100% a few weeks before its cruising date, CCL will conduct a special targeted sail to those living near the port.

 

I was on the Miracle to Panama in mid January and the ship sailed full due to cut rate sales in the local FL area. I was about late 50's then and one of the youngest on board. The amount of walkers and power scooters were amazing! Talk about slow lines and crowded hallways!

 

Enjoy your cruise!

Edited September 29, 2015 by evandbob

[Miller_KC]

We sailed out last year on the first day the Freedom docked in Galveston. The city was a mess. We took the Carnival transfers since the airports are so far away. They must of been putting new bus drives on the routes because they got lost in the trips both to and from the airport. Once the driver got off of the road parallel to the terminal he couldn't get back on it because of all the streets closed.

 

Once on board there were no problems. Had a great time but the Mardi Gras crowd in Galveston has to be taken into consideration.

[Krystm]

And if the ship isn't sold 100% a few weeks before its cruising date, CCL will conduct a special targeted sail to those living near the port.

 

I was on the Miracle to Panama in mid January and the ship sailed full due to cut rate sales in the local FL area. I was about late 50's then and one of the youngest on board. The amount of walkers and power scooters were amazing! Talk about slow lines and crowded hallways!

 

Oh man.... While I enjoy talking to the older folks they do have some great stories and experience... the walkers... the power scooters.... oh noes... lol at least the waterslide wont have a line HAHAHAHA

[birdy]

You will be getting off and I will be getting on!

[picomullet]

I would think those 5 day sailings would draw more than the normal number of guests simply because it would be a chance to experience a different ship. Some are limited by funds or vacation days to a 5 day.

 

I agree!!

 

We sailed Freedom in Feb 2013 from Florida and I really didn't feel it was overcrowded. We always eat at odd times though...Like late morning, early afternoon, late evening. Not at peak times.. That's just us!!

[LMaxwell]

 

Could it possibly be that Magic while bigger (isn't really THAT much bigger?) vs the difference in passenger amount? Uh... so basically almost same size ship but less passengers due to Carnival's restrictions.

 

 

You've touched on an important point. While "bigger" most of that is dedicated to additional cabins. The ship itself isn't significantly longer or wider (yes, somewhat, but not majorly). The increase in tonnage comes from more enclosed volume (additional decks for cabins). So while there may be another 1000 - 1500 guests on the larger ship, there isn't THAT much more public open spaces added, so when everyone is out and about, they can feel very crowded.

 

In my experiences and estimation, a ship that sails at 100%, up to probably 105% of its occupancy, probably would not really feel overly crowded. Yes, your ship will be full, but I think your ideas about kids in school and just after most winter breaks but before spring breaks, you won't have a ton of cabins with 3rd/4th in them.

[Krystm]

You've touched on an important point. While "bigger" most of that is dedicated to additional cabins. The ship itself isn't significantly longer or wider (yes, somewhat, but not majorly). The increase in tonnage comes from more enclosed volume (additional decks for cabins). So while there may be another 1000 - 1500 guests on the larger ship, there isn't THAT much more public open spaces added, so when everyone is out and about, they can feel very crowded.

 

In my experiences and estimation, a ship that sails at 100%, up to probably 105% of its occupancy, probably would not really feel overly crowded. Yes, your ship will be full, but I think your ideas about kids in school and just after most winter breaks but before spring breaks, you won't have a ton of cabins with 3rd/4th in them.

 

Yeah that is what I am kinda hoping....

 

Here is what I figure which some of my assumptions I found were actually opposite of what I previously thought lol.

 

Pros:

Feb Sailing - Kids just got off break so chances of getting off another week not as likely, same for college students (but not always).

 

Public Area / Size vs Capacity - I have sailed Magic which seems that it will be similar in size but has less rooms. So Less people, same space = less crowd.

 

Freedom Reviews - This one doesn't really fall in either as everyone has their opinions... but seems a lot more "negative" points (Mostly not as many "Sea Day" activities). So those that check reviews may choose a different ship, chances are though this will be a minimal impact.

 

Cons (Although not REALLY Cons just why may have more of a crowd):

Mardi Gras - ? Not sure this will bring more or not, but never the less it is a party.

 

Monday Sailing / 5 Day - Apparently great for those on a reduced budget... was thinking most would try for 7 day and this removes Sat/Sun Sailing Time.

 

Triumph - 5 Day - Freedom is doing the shorter cruises that Triumph usually does while Triumph is doing the 7 days.

 

New Ship for Galveston - Kinda same as Triumph reason. New Ship for the port so gotta check it out.

 

2.0 Upgrades - This was the reason I wanted to Sail Freedom.... so there's that.

 

Crowds? - could be much "older" including many more assisted devices (walker/scooters) which can cause lines. Although could be more of a Florida thing?

 

 

That's what I have seen based on responses and the reviews I have seen. In the end I know, I REALLY won't know until I am on the boat... but it is interesting to think about and defiantly some new points I didn't even think of.

[kmac30]

My kids have off school Thursday and Friday that week ( teacher meetings, before the presidents holiday weekend)

 

Not sure if this while effect it or not, I surely wouldn't pull my kids out of school but some may. Then again many schools may not have the extra days off.

[Budget Queen]

And if the ship isn't sold 100% a few weeks before its cruising date, CCL will conduct a special targeted sail to those living near the port.

 

I was on the Miracle to Panama in mid January and the ship sailed full due to cut rate sales in the local FL area. I was about late 50's then and one of the youngest on board. The amount of walkers and power scooters were amazing! Talk about slow lines and crowded hallways!

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

A bigger market, people just don't think about is interline. The deals that come though are amazing with late bookings. They impact a lot of ships filling up. I take advantage of it a LOT.

[faroozi]

I would say the biggest concern is, due to the reported lack of sea day activitues, more people will be out and about rather than divided up into activities. But I won't know for sure until Saturday!

[notyours75]

We sailed on the Triumph that left Jan 27 (Monday) of 2014 with the same schedule and found that while the boat was full, there did not seem to be all that many children on board. We have now booked on the Freedom for Jan 25 of 2016. We met several people who had decided to cruise within a week of the sailing because Carnival dropped the price for them. They will always fill the boat because they make their money on the excursions, booze, casino, etc.

 

Being as the cruises in Jan are one-half to one-third the price they are in the summer DW and myself think the value is very good. We are also from the DFW area and like to stay at the Springhill Suites just as you come onto the island. You can usually score a $70ish/night room rate and the place is quite nice, just not close to any of the other Galveston attractions.

[Jana60]

Kinda an un-fair question and I know a lot of variables are there so not a real clean cut answer here... BUT I figured I'd ask.

 

I am going on Freedom on Feb 8 2016, which is a 5 Day. What do you think the expected amount of passengers might be on that? Personally I think it may be less than normal as it leaves on a Monday opposed to a normal Sat/Sun, also being in Feb (so school and all that). But at the same time maybe not. The other factor I am thinking of is Freedom is now a more "new" ship for Galveston so maybe will draw more cruisers.

 

Regardless of all that, what can I expect for the amount of people on a 5 Day Freedom cruise? What were the lines like for (Guys Burgers) and the more popular places? Looking though photos never seemed like a ton of people were around.

 

I have sailed Magic 2 other times and some of the lines were pretty bad but it was a little bigger of a ship but 700 ish more capacity. So Looking of the deck maps and size of the boat I am thinking it will be close to the same as Magic with less people. (Correct me if I'm wrong just trying to see what others think)

 

Thanks!

 

Carnival pretty much tries to sale full every cruise even if they have to lower the price to do it because once people are on board they spend money so I would anticipate that your cruise would have the full number of passengers that freedom will hold which is 2980. Below is from Carnival Web page.

 

110,000. GROSS TONNAGE

2980. GUEST CAPACITY

952. LENGTH IN FEET

1150. ONBOARD CREW

Edited November 1, 2015 by Jana60