Need help choosing: RCI Mariner or Carnival Freedom?

[Epaul3]

My husband and I are RCI cruisers. However, we are considering booking the Carnival Freedom because of it's itinerary: Cozumel, Costa Rica and Panama. The Mariner goes to Cabo San Lucas, Puerta Vallarta and Mazatlan.

 

Have any of you RCI cruisers ever been on the Freedom? Any advice or thoughts regarding the comparison of the two would be appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance!

[tally10]

My husband and I are RCI cruisers. However, we are considering booking the Carnival Freedom because of it's itinerary: Cozumel, Costa Rica and Panama. The Mariner goes to Cabo San Lucas, Puerta Vallarta and Mazatlan.

 

Have any of you RCI cruisers ever been on the Freedom? Any advice or thoughts regarding the comparison of the two would be appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

We just did the Carnival Freedom in the Eastern Mediterranean this past October. We hadn't been on a Carnival ship in over twenty years and was a little leery. We had a wonderful time! The decor that so many have a problem with didn't bother us in the least. The food was MUCH better than RCCL (top notch steaks, lamb chops, prime rib, and chicken which tasted right off a barbecue grill) and the service and crew were every bit as good. The Buffet was pretty equal. Loved the cabin (balcony on Deck 9 on Lido near the MUTS and the buffet) and location, This was Europe, though, and some reviews think the Carribbean is "different." The Carribbean may be a party atmosphere. That I don't know. I am just sorry that Carnival is pulling out of Europe. The only negative was their smoking policy. Hubby could not use the balcony at all because every time he went out to enjoy it, the neighbors were puffing away like chimneys. That was the only negative for us. Hope this helps.

[Epaul3]

thanks for the reply... I have read the same reviews as you!