***LIVE*** From the Carnival Freedom

[Cancunkid]

I read where you can bring wine on board at the start of the trip. Does anyone know if this is true and how many bottles do they alow you to bring on board.

[blosoom]

Bekah,

Thank you for keeping us all in the "know" I am on the June 6th sailing. How was the Sun King dinning?

 

Thank you,

Jerry

My husband and I are also on the June 6th sailing. Hope to met you on board.

Kentucky cruisers

Kena and David

[jkeller527]

previously Carnival stated wine with no limited amount, on embarkation day. THey have changed policy in the last 2 days to one bottle per person. See new beverage policy on their site

[K&B-07]

I was trying to find the "tips" on gratuity for room service... and couldn't. Are there prices posted for room service? Or are they just the same as in the restaurants? (I thought you had the option of having room service if you wanted.) And on the website, I couldn't find the "suggested" amount. Any good guide lines out there??

[K&B-07]

Can someone post the site for the web cam? Bekah, I've really enjoyed your posts, very informative. I looke forward finding others who have booked our cruise.

 

Have you found your cruise "thread"? Under Roll Calls, and the name of your ship? And the date? Mind you, I found ours, and then "lost" it for a bit. But now, all is good. And we have a great group! Good Luck!

 

Bekah...your info is awesome! Thanks.

[K&B-07]

every morning i go to web cam check it out, go eat breakfast get ready for work and come back and check it out again.i am so glad our kids got us a new computer for xmas with high speed.. i would have gotten greyer waiting to see all my sites. my dh thinks i'm glued to the computer...........he's right ,come on may 13th:p

 

Ok.. I have to show my "non knowledge" :o ..... dh?? I've seen it a few times now, and I've come up with all sorts of "maybe's".....?? And here I thought I knew.......but???

[bambi1208]

[quote=bekah;9513210]....To those asking about wine/alcohol. Let me tell you what’s gone on with us. My husband likes wine and liqueurs so he has bought some in every port we’ve been in. We simply put the bottle of wine or liqueur in his backpack and carry it on. We don’t ask they don’t take it away. We currently have five bottles combined in our stateroom. Sssshhh! Don’t tell! Also, plain water is really cheap in port (around 0.50 EU for a 1.5 litre) and we have bought a few of these and I carry that on board and they see me carry it. They usually ask me to carry it and not put it on the conveyer for closer inspection. This may change for you but so far it’s worked for us!.....

Hello! Thanks for all the info on this thread everyone! I do have a questions regarding bringing bottled water on board. I can't find anything on Carnival's website regarding NOT allowing to bring water on board. I am really concern because I will be cruising with my 10 months old baby and I am planning to bring a case of natural spring bottled water for her baby formula for the entire trip. (I think onboard they only sell "mineral bottled water" which is suppose to be bad for babies...) So I want to make sure they will allow me to bring my own water on board. Would someone kindly confirm this with the front desk for me please (and the name of the person at front desk, just in case if I come into any problems at the gangway.) We will be going on March 26 (3 days!). Also, is it possible to check for me if they do in fact sell Natural Spring Water onboard and the $price (and the brand name if possible...cuz i find that some mineral water is actually labelled as Natural Spring Water). Thanks everyone for you help...maybe I am a new mom who just worry too much....:p

[terri910]

Ok.. I have to show my "non knowledge" :o ..... dh?? I've seen it a few times now, and I've come up with all sorts of "maybe's".....?? And here I thought I knew.......but???

DH = Dear Husband or Darling Husband. You will also see DD = Dear Daughter, DS = Darling Son, etc. Also keep an eye out for MIL or FIL (Mother-in-Law and Father-in-Law), etc.

[terri910]

They are having satellite connection problems....no live webcam!

[micro yaya 13]

i know everyone has asked so many questions but no one asked this one... in the casino do they take u.s.$ or a multiple of $ form everywhere, and can you request your winnings in euros or u.s.$. just thinking ahead for exchange of funds. thanks for your time and information.we all really appreciate your kindness

[bekah]

Here is my secret: I read the new posts, close the internet, then open up works or word and type my reply. This is because the first few posts I tried to send were lost and I felt like it was ‘wasted time’ while I was typing. So, this saves perhaps a few precious seconds. After I’m done, I copy and paste and press post or submit reply and I’m done. That way if it’s lost, I’ve saved it. I don’t use the computers in the computer lounge (although they look nice), my DH and I brought our laptop on board and use it where ever we are. The service and speed don’t really change anywhere on the ship, it’s about the same everywhere. We bought the 100 minute plan for $55 the first day and had to buy another for a total of $110 b/c the internet is plum slow. I suggest you just buy the 250 minute plan for $100 the first day if you plan on doing anything other than checking your email. There are also internet cafes very close to all of our port docks, and they are clearly marked, I’m sure they are cheaper than the internet on the ship, but I haven’t used one yet.

As for the water for your baby, I have gone by the policy of if you don’t ask, they don’t say anything and let you on, your gold. However, if you’re concerned about getting bottled water on for your baby, I would put the water into my checked baggage to ensure that it gets on as they don’t check every bag. Take a look at my previous post for what my DH and I have been able to bring on board. By plain water I do mean bottled water like we buy in the US. Here, they prefer sparkling water, so if you say plain water, it means bottled, no bubbles. Hope that clears it up and that you’re able to bring water for your baby. They do sell a 1.5 litre bottle for $3.50 each on board and it’s very easy to find in the ports in case they take it out of your luggage, so you should be fine.

In the casino and everywhere on board such as the laundry room, ect. . They only accept USD, no euros or Turkish Lira, which is why they offer the exchange service. The ATM gives you USD as well in case you run out, I have not needed to use it yet though.

As for room service, it seems like they don’t expect a tip. They just want you to sign and they run off. We have always given a tip according to how much we order and we do order breakfast every day. We give around $2-3 dollars per delivery. I don’t know if this is on par with everyone else, as I said this is our first cruise. But I figure $2-3 adds up quickly.

Today was a chilly rainy day at sea and we passed by an active volcano - Stromboli. It was very neat, the captain steered us pretty close to the volcano that is slowly leaking a stream of lava into the ocean. There was lots of smoke and many people on the decks to watch. My DH and I have a starboard side balcony and this is the first time we’ve needed to go somewhere to take a look outside. We have had the favorable views in each port thus far.

Tonight is our last formal night. It is also the last revue/dancer show we have on schedule. The last one I’m not sure I wrote about, but it was a tribute to the Beatles and was very good! This one was child/family appropriate. Then last night was a talent show with guests signing up and performing that night with a maximum of four performances. I didn’t go but saw it on TV today and it looked ok. The reason I didn’t go is because many people seem to be catching/spreading a virus and I came back and took my Airborne. Not sure if it’s working, we’ll see. The virus isn’t serious, just a flu-like with some coughing and a lot of sleeping for 24 hrs. and then it passes.

John Heald gave a talk today about debarkation and said that the gangway will be open all night in Civitavecchia.

Tomorrow is Florence/Pisa. As we near then end, I’m very tired and very excited about our last few ports as well. Let me know if there are any more specific questions about the ship since we’re not on too much longer! Until tomorrow . . .

[lulutoo]

I really appreciate your posting all this great information, as we are trying to decide whether to take the repositioning cruise on Freedom next Fall. It will be our first Carnival Cruise. Will you be able to tell a little about other evening dinner options besides the Formal dining room? We like to go casual once in a while - especially on such a long cruise and are unclear if theire is a dinner buffet every night or just at breakfast and lunch- someone mentioned a Deli I think and maybe fish and chips?

 

Anyway- enjoy yourself - and thanks for the wealth of information!

[K&B-07]

DH = Dear Husband or Darling Husband. You will also see DD = Dear Daughter, DS = Darling Son, etc. Also keep an eye out for MIL or FIL (Mother-in-Law and Father-in-Law), etc.

 

Thanks Terri! I wasn't too far off after all!

 

Bekah: Did John tell you what time you'd be off the ship by during his talk? Just trying to set up a transfer and I'm not sure what time to tell them. On our last cruise we sat around for hours and hours...it was pretty bad. You may just need another holiday to get over this holiday! Thanks again.

[terri910]

Bekah: Did John tell you what time you'd be off the ship by during his talk? Just trying to set up a transfer and I'm not sure what time to tell them.

That is a good question.

 

This is the first cruise where I haven't had to catch a train or a flight right after it....it would be nice to know the time frame (beginning to end) of the debarkation process -- at least approximately.

 

The itinerary on Carnival's website shows the "depart" time as 8:00 a.m. I don't know if that means they expect to have everyone off by 8:00 a.m. or they expect to start the debarkation process at 8:00 a.m.

 

We also have a transfer arranged from port to Rome, and will need to give him some kind of time frame.....

[lindasuej]

Thanks for all your posts. I really appreciate it. We booked the Freedom today for 8/26/08. Wow 17 months to wait. My DH would like to know about the casino. Is it open while in port or is it only when you are out to sea. Thanks for your help.

 

Linda

[enfuego06]

Casino is only open when you are at sea.

 

 

Buffet is open for dinner every night. Also there is Pizza open 24/7, and a Grille opening in the evenings. The Deli, Fish 'n' Chips, Sushi bar and Oriental all have varying hours.

[Eqty]

Bekah - thank you so very much for all your effort and information! Next year I would like to surprise my wife for her 50th birthday on this exact cruise. My question is this: if you had to do it all over again would you take a balcony on the port or the starboard side? Is the scenery any better on one side or the other?

 

Thanks again for all your great information.

 

When you get here, welcome home.

 

Bob

[lindasuej]

Does the Freedom have a refridge in the room? My hubby is a diabetic and his meds have to be refrigerated. Thank you

 

Linda & Tom

[DebNJoe]

Bekah, Thanks for your posts. I'm wondering about whether you stay on "ship time" when in ports or are you told to change your watches to local time. It looks like Italy and Greece are 1 hour apart, I'm not sure about Turkey, so this would be important info when setting up private tours. :confused:

 

Thanks again - enjoy the rest of the cruise:)

[okteach_61]

Bekah, your information has been so helpful and interesting! I hope the next Freedom cruisers will continue on with posts.

 

Lulutoo, we have booked the Oct.28th repositioning cruise. If you book and would like to keep in touch my email is okteach_61@yahoo.com.

 

 

 

I really appreciate your posting all this great information, as we are trying to decide whether to take the repositioning cruise on Freedom next Fall. It will be our first Carnival Cruise. Will you be able to tell a little about other evening dinner options besides the Formal dining room? We like to go casual once in a while - especially on such a long cruise and are unclear if theire is a dinner buffet every night or just at breakfast and lunch- someone mentioned a Deli I think and maybe fish and chips?

 

Anyway- enjoy yourself - and thanks for the wealth of information!

[okteach_61]

Have you found your cruise "thread"? Under Roll Calls, and the name of your ship? And the date? Mind you, I found ours, and then "lost" it for a bit. But now, all is good. And we have a great group! Good Luck!

 

Bekah...your info is awesome! Thanks.

 

K&B, I did find our rollcall and like you lost it for awhile, LOL. This one's been more fun and information right now. ;) I'm sure it will pick up closer to the cruise. Bekah's been so great with her information!

[bekah]

Bambi1208 - my sincere apologies for not completely answering your question. After I reread my post I left out that the water on board is labeled Natural Spring Water; the water we have bought in ports has been both natural spring water and natural mineral water. I wouldn’t think twice about making bottles of either of these for my children (and I have 2 so I know what you mean!).

For dining options at night there are quite a few actually. There is the Freedom buffet which is casual, the deli is in the Freedom buffet and is open 24 hrs., and the others mentioned are all correct. However, there are a number of people who wear jeans and t-shirt to supper in the Posh dining room. So if you want to have a nicer meal and not dress up, that is also an option. I haven’t seen anyone in shorts, yet, though!

Debarkation tags came today and this is what I would do - since they take your information set up your time for your transfer or tour at whatever time you like as they will work with you on this. Debarkation will begin at 6am and end around 9am. There are a few guests (around 500) on a 9:30am flight and they will be the first to debark. Other than that, I’ll keep notes and let you all know when I return how smooth the process was, ect.

As it was mentioned, casino is open only while we are at sea.

To make your decision even more difficult about the balcony, here is what we have found. The ship comes into port and the starboard side has usually gotten the better views, I’d say about 60/40 starboard to port. We had the best views in Rhodes, Izmir, Istanbul, Olympia; In Naples, Livorno, Civitavecchia, there’s not much to see; In Athens the port side had better views. However, the port side had front row seats for Stromboli the volcano we passed, while the rest of us where fighting for a small area to stand and see what was going on. If I had the choice, I would go with starboard side, but I’ve been very happy with our room thus far. However, can’t complain having a balcony no matter which side we had ended up on! Don’t know if it means much but have heard some wanting to know what direction the bed faces. Ours faces the rear of the ship so when we’re laying down, our heads are facing the front of the ship and our feet are facing the aft. We travel ‘backwards?’ It doesn’t bother me.

There is no refrigerator in our balcony room, there may be in the suites, but I don’t know. I’m sure Carnival will work with you on keeping your meds. Cold. It would probably be a good idea to talk to your TA or call Carnival directly and see how they handle that.

The ship does change time with whichever time zone you’re in and they make sure you don’t forget. The remind you time and time again to change your clocks.

Today we were in Livorno. My DH and I loved it! It was chilly and overcast this morning but warmed up slightly in Florence. A jacket and umbrella came in very handy. Florence is a beautiful city, but even in off season it’s very crowded, so if you plan on going into the Uffizi or Accademia, book ahead or plan on booking a tour because we didn’t have time to get into either one. The Ponte Vecchio was nice and had beautiful and expensive jewelry. The train station isn’t as easy to get to as it is in some other cities, but I’ll give more details on that later.

Tomorrow is Rome and our last evening on the ship. Will try to get something out tomorrow and answer a few questions, but in case I’m pooped at the end of the day I’ll write when we return home in a few days!

[richcrow]

Concerning which side of the ship is best for a balcony stateroom, there have been posts on these boards that starboard is best if for no other reason when you are sailing into Venice. More than one passenger who sailed on the Liberty said that the two hours it takes to arrive in Venice is very beautiful site seeing and the starboard side is towards the city.

 

Richard

[asforbes31]

There is a mini bar refrigerator in our balcony room. If you ask you steward to leave it open he will. I use it to put my diet cokes in it everyday.:)

[Cruising Retired Army SGM]

There is a mini bar refrigerator in our balcony room. If you ask you steward to leave it open he will. I use it to put my diet cokes in it everyday.:)

 

One step better, let your room steward know that you are going to remove all the items in the refrig and put them in your suitcase under the bed and then you can load the refrig with all of your things and at the end of the cruise put all the ship's things back. I did it last year on the Liberty and had no problems.