Just off the Freedom, Quick Review

[dvond]

We decided to try a cruise out of Texas as we always go out of the east coast to try something different. Overall we had a very good cruise, here are some highlights;

 

Embarkation took 15 minutes, very easy

 

We had a inside cabin, roomy enough for 2 on the 9th floor which was super convenient, out room steward was solid. The only issue was it never got cold in the room

 

Malcolm the CD was fantastic, all over the ship, such a natural, definitely enhanced the cruise.

 

The entertainment had its good and its bad. We saw one show in main theater, the male singers were pretty bad but female ones seemed pretty good.

 

If you like live music, this is the cruise for you, there was music everywhere. We especially liked the band Cruise Control and especially Lauren the female lead who was great and should have a better stage and spot. The cowboy singer seemed good as well even though we do not like country. The 2 man band by the pool was good as well.

 

We saw all the comedians but were blown away by Cowboy Bill Martin, saw 5 shows, all different, the best we have seen on 23 cruises. The 2 older ones were very hit or miss and average at best. There was another cowboy but I had seen him on another cruise 1 year ago and had same jokes.

 

We mostly stayed away from main pool and kids ran amok and jumping all over the pool, thankfully they had an adult pool which was nice other than it was recently painted and if you leaned against the edges you ended up with blue all over your back. We also were in Serenity quite a bit and was nice and quiet other than 1 day.

 

This was our 1st experience with American Table, food was pretty good for the most part but you do notice the lack of tablecloths. Lunch buffet was pretty and as usual but thankfully there were many other options in Fish N Chips, Guys and Cantina. The only major issue we had was in My Time Dining. On days 2 and 3, we ended up waiting over 45 minutes and then dinner took well over 90 minutes, just a terrible experience. I then sent a not to John Heald and he took quick action, getting us a booth where we could come and eat at any time we want and be seated. For this booth we had awesome service with Jose the waiter and Beata the asst, both were wonderful.

 

We went to Doctor's Cove beach in Jamaica, water perfect, and not far from cruise, would go back.

 

At Grand Caymen, we went to Calico Jack's, another great place, cheapest drinks and perfect water as well. Nice easy relaxing day.

 

At Cozumel we went to Cozumel and Mr Sanchos, for $50 pp we had all you can eat and drink. The food off the menu was maybe the best we had all week, they give you a waiter Teo who was very good.

 

Debarkation was easy in pouring rain and took less than 30 minutes

 

We took Galveston Express from airport, took about 2 hours each way, very good service but not sure we would fly in again but overall the cruise was a great time had by my wife and I.

[bob7judy]

How was the muster drill handled? Out on deck? Or inside?

[dvond]

How was the muster drill handled? Out on deck? Or inside?

 

Outside, stifling hot and took about 20 or so minutes, a rough one

[cincicruisers]

Thanks for posting you review.

[dvond]

Thanks for posting you review.

 

Sure, I do not do a day by day, hour by hour one but happy to ask any questions

[Ms. Fun Bunch]

Thanks for the review!

[PAPERBKWRITER]

Frequent cruiser. Did Freedom last Oct. and doing it again this Oct. Last time the casino was so smokey I got sick. Did you go in there in the evening and if so is it any better?

[Clarea]

Nice report, thanks.

[Keith1010]

Thank you for taking the time to write and share your trip review/report.

 

Keith

[ed_k_tx]

Thanks for sharing.

[cruzkitty]

Thanks for your Review. I'll be cruising the Freedom in October. Also thinking about using Galveston Express. Is 2 hours normal travel time to Hobby? TIA

[dvond]

Frequent cruiser. Did Freedom last Oct. and doing it again this Oct. Last time the casino was so smokey I got sick. Did you go in there in the evening and if so is it any better?

 

 

I watched the band quite a bit from the hallway and played poker every night and it is a bit smokey but did not sit at the tables or slots

[The Phoenixx]

Malcolm was awesome!! We haven't interacted with any of the CD's on our prior cruises, but he was visible and very personable the entire cruise. We had a blast!

 

We returned Saturday, and used Galveston Express from the port to Hobby Airport and even in the rain it took 45 minutes. We had 10 people and scheduled a private charter. They arrived at 10am and we were at the airport before 11am. Will definitely use them again.

[riclop]

Thanks for the quickie.

[MommaGip]

Thanks for the review! We are cruising the Freedom in January 2017, and also have an inside stateroom on the 9th deck. Which room were you in if you don't mind me asking? Hubby will be cranky (and this menopausal woman might be too!) if we can't get the room cool....

[MANRW]

My husband and I are going on the same trip Oct 8th and are looking to do exactly what you did in Jamaica and Grand Caymen (Doctors Cove and Calico Jacks) Can you (or anyone) tell me how you got there and or if you booked with someone before you went? This is only our 2nd cruise and first time to both places and just want to get some feedback. I appreciate any info you will provide. Thanks!

Edited July 22, 2016 by MANRW

[rangerdog]

We'll be on the Freedom in December. We were told on the Dream last month, that all Carnival ships were getting away with live music. Do you know if the Freedom will still have LIVE music and show band in December?