Just off Freedom - Feb. 14th - random thoughts and cabin 7434

[bguppies]

We had pretty good tender luck this time. But we didn't get off of the ship with the early morning rush. We waited till about 9 AM since we didn't have anything specific planned. We went to the lounge to get our tender tickets and were told to head straight to the gangway that there was a tender waiting. And same with the way back. We headed back a little early to avoid the last minute rushers. Timing is important sometimes....and lucky. But I have had bad tender experiences previously. So being able to avoid tenders would be wonderful.

 

Misty

 

I had great luck with the tenders in Cayman too.

 

It is just such a beautiful island with soooooo much to do.

A shame to waste 30 minutes each way of the precious little port time, tendering in and out. (and that is if you are lucky enough to avoid waiting in any lines.)

 

I have to say, Freedom definitely seemed to have the tender thing down pretty smooth.

 

Bill

[MistyRo76]

I had great luck with the tenders in Cayman too.

 

It is just such a beautiful island with soooooo much to do.

A shame to waste 30 minutes each way of the precious little port time, tendering in and out. (and that is if you are lucky enough to avoid waiting in any lines.)

 

I have to say, Freedom definitely seemed to have the tender thing down pretty smooth.

 

Bill

 

Yeah...I was really impressed with the tender operation as well as the embarkation and debarkation in FLL. Never cruised from FLL before and was pleasantly surprised. Would definitely cruise from FLL again in the future.

 

One thing I did notice was that every night outside of the casino bar was the same country singer guy. I was wondering if he was brought in specially for the Opry folks...other cruises I have been on there was always different entertainment outside the casino each night ranging from karoke, to big band, to country, to 80's. It was a good mix. This guy was pretty good....but got old after a couple of nights.

 

Misty

[Rstamper]

Let me get those capers out.

 

I'll list every movie all week for you. (planneed on doing it later anyway :D)

 

Sunday- Seaside Theater

ELO Concert at 6PM

Made of Honor at 8PM

Grand Old Opry concert at 10PM (there was a GRand OLd Opry group on board this week)

 

Free in cabin movies

Apaloosa (never heard of it)

 

Monday (Key West) - Seaside Theater

Brian McKnight concert at 10AM

Acoustic Alchemy concert at 11AM

Fool's Gold at 1PM

Speed Racer at 8 and 10PM

 

Free in cabin movies

Made of Honor (Patrick Dempsey flick) and Bonneville

 

Tuesday (sea day) - Seaside theater

Live Morning show at 9:30AM

Gato Barbieri concert at 6PM

Leatherheads at 8 and 10PM

 

Free in cabin movies

Death Defying Acts (Houdini Movie) and Bottle Shock (great movie I had never heard of before)

 

Wednesday (Grand Cayman) - Seaside theater

Wynonna concert at 10AM

Brian McKnight at 11:30AM

Kung Fu Panda at 1PM

Drillbit Taylor at 6 and 8PM

 

free in cabin movies

Leatherheads (Clooney) and Journey to the Center of the Earth (Brandon Fraser)

 

Thursday (Ocho Rios) -Seaside Theater

(we spent the day at the theater rather than in Ocho Rios)

Glen Campbell concert at 10AM and 6:30PM

Lilith Fair concert at 11:30AM

Iron Man at 1PM (was great even in full Jamaican sun)

Indiana Jones IV at 8 and 10PM

 

Free in Cabin movies

the Rocker and X-Files

 

Friday (sea day) - Seaside theater

Wynonna at 10:45AM

Acoustic Alchemy at 6PM

Chronicles of Narnia at 8 and 10PM

 

Free in cabin movies

The Bucket List and Iron Man

 

There were also a few unannounced kids movies for free in cabin throughout the week.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Thanks so much for all your information.

[cruisebie]

Thanks for your review. I just booked this cruise for June and was very interested in your comments. I hope they get the buffet situation straightened out before we go. I promised DH he wouldn't have to do formal nights, so we are planning to eat in the buffet on those nights.

 

Did you try the Mongolian Grill? I wondered how it compares with the rest of the buffet area.

[sambo7386]

What kind of drink specials if any are there onboard the Freedom? I havent cruised since I was under 21, so I'm excited to be able to take part in the drinking festivities!:D

[MistyRo76]

What kind of drink specials if any are there onboard the Freedom? I havent cruised since I was under 21, so I'm excited to be able to take part in the drinking festivities!:D

 

Some of my faves are the Fun Ship Special, BBC (Bacardi Banana Colada), Miami Vice (part Pina Colada, part Strawberry Daquiri), & Kiss on the Lips. They have a different drink special each day. The BBC is my absolute fave though for drinking out by the pool during the day. Enjoy!

 

Misty

[mjmiller]

Thanks for your review. I just booked this cruise for June and was very interested in your comments. I hope they get the buffet situation straightened out before we go. I promised DH he wouldn't have to do formal nights, so we are planning to eat in the buffet on those nights.

 

Did you try the Mongolian Grill? I wondered how it compares with the rest of the buffet area.

 

Based on back-to-back cruises (Jan 31-Feb 14)...

 

My own opinion of the buffet - it was great. There are a ton of options.

 

No, the Mexican isn't open as much as the other sections - just check the hours listed in the Capers (and hope!). The reason the Mexican line has an "Oriental" sign is because it used to be Asian food until they realized it was redundant with the Mongolian grill. I thought the Mexican was tasty - I was particularly fond of some creamy chicken item and these chips that looked like they had cinnamon on them. NUM.

 

Every other line was open as the Capers listed. On port days they were open pretty late, in fact. There is ALWAYS food available. Pizza 24/7. Breakfast until noon! The deli and grille had long hours. The other sections were more limited. I have never eaten in the buffet area in the evening, but at that point most of the optional areas are not open, as most of the food service staff has to go back downstairs to the main dining rooms.

 

The Mongolian grill was tasty. There is a large variety of noodles and veggies that you choose yourself. Then you tell the chef which meat(s) you want - there are three options each day - and which sauce - again three options. It's hot and fresh and made to order. However, if the line goes beyond the little counter thingie (perhaps 6 people) it will take a while, as this is made to order, and the food needs to cook.

 

I personally didn't care for the fish and chips upstairs, I thought it was greasy, and mine was cold. I also tried the fried oysters, very fishy tasting. Since I'd never had them before, I wasn't sure if that was typical. The pizza did not seem to match up to the pizza I've had on other Carnival ships, but still good. The grill was inconsistent - one burger I had was great, another overcooked like a hockey puck, but the chicken nuggets were great, especially with the roja sauce. Loved the chicken, tatziki sauce and fried flatbread at the Tandoor station. DH ate off the Taste of Nations regularly and enjoyed it. I ate at the deli a few times, asked them for: white bread, tuna salad, cheese, then grilled (similar to a tuna melt) and they had no problem doing this for me.

 

The chocolate buffet at lunchtime in the buffet area is large, not as fancy as in days past. Not something you'd go take photos of. There are lots of cakes, treats/candies, cookies, and then there is a chocolate fountain. At the fountain you tell a worker what items you want, and she'll put the chocolate on the item and put it on your plate.

 

Now that the midnight buffets are gone (excluding a fun Mexican buffet during a deck party one night), there are "late night bites" at the sushi bar in Deck 3. There seemed to be lots of fruit, veggies, cheese. I'm not sure what else since we didn't stop for food that late.

 

I will be writing up my own complete review soon!

[mjmiller]

One thing I did notice was that every night outside of the casino bar was the same country singer guy. I was wondering if he was brought in specially for the Opry folks...other cruises I have been on there was always different entertainment outside the casino each night ranging from karoke, to big band, to country, to 80's. It was a good mix. This guy was pretty good....but got old after a couple of nights.

 

Misty

 

That dude was there the prior week too. They did mix it up a bit the week you were on though - they occasionally had karaoke outside the casino, and I think Teri Jo was there too. I liked the country dude, thought he did good solo work. Folks liked him both weeks, the couches and chairs nearby were always full (or close to it) when he played.

 

Personally, I'd rather have no music than Teri Jo. :( She is the soloist who replaced a fantastic classical trio, and she cannot even carry a tune. ug.

 

I really liked Music Connection. I thought they were one of the best bands of that type that I've heard on a cruiseship. DH was talking to the main guy singer from the big shows, and he said that Music Connection had only come on four weeks earlier, and had never played together, and sucked so bad they didn't know what to do with them. In just four weeks they mastered the Beatles music (for their part in the Ticket to Ride show) plus became a coordinated band for other tunes. I even heard a difference just in the two weeks we were onboard.

 

I enjoyed Milos for piano music - he's more of a background player, often in the lobby and playing for the afternoon teas.

 

I thought Peter in the "sing-a-long" room really sucked. As in the worst I've ever seen. There was no energy. Yes, he could play well. His singing was so-so. But playing the piano isn't the main part of his job. It's to be fun, get people energized and singing. They actually quit titling his act as "sing-a-long."

 

The Freedom Orchestra (plays during the big shows) were great! They have 10 members, which is unusual, most have 8. BUT 5 of them were leaving 2/14. I don't know how many replaced them, and how it is now. It was quite fun the second cruise because they had some jazz jam sessions in the atrium. I'm guessing those won't happen again until the new orchestra pulls together.

 

There was a duet (Music Duo?) - thought the guy played well, but the gal's voice was like fingernails on a chalkboard for me.

 

Then there was a salsa band, who was usually in the Habana bar. I don't care for the salsa music much, but when they played different music on the lido one day, I thought they did good.

[Peg_S]

Hello,

We'll be doing the 6 day W. Car. on Freedom next January. How many formal nights are there? Is that the only place to get lobster? (I can use that as bribery for the husband).

 

thanks,

Peg

[bguppies]

Did you try the Mongolian Grill? I wondered how it compares with the rest of the buffet area.

I only tried it once.

They never seemed to vary things there much.

 

But the lines were never as long as the regular buffett.

Always had a steady stream moving inward from each side.

 

Bill

[bguppies]

What kind of drink specials if any are there onboard the Freedom? I havent cruised since I was under 21, so I'm excited to be able to take part in the drinking festivities!:D

1st day is the Funship Special

2nd day is the Goombay Smash

also morning special of Bloody Marys, mimosas and Screwdrivers for $395 until noon.

also a Margarita special at the Casino bar 5:30-8:30

3rd day is the Yellowbird

also a deck party Mojito special from 11:00-1AM

4th day is the Riviera Delight

also a Martini special 5:30-8:30 at the casino bar

5th day is the Ultimate Suntan

also the Bloody Mary, Mimosas and Screwdrivers special again .

 

Personally, I love the Miami Vice

Half Strawberry Daiquiri and half Pina Colada

 

Also, I think in your first set of capers they had an insert with a drink card or something you could buy that first night.

Unfortunately I only brought the capers home and the deal isn't in there.

 

Bill

[bguppies]

Hello,

We'll be doing the 6 day W. Car. on Freedom next January. How many formal nights are there? Is that the only place to get lobster? (I can use that as bribery for the husband).

 

thanks,

Peg

 

We skipped both "formal" nights, so I can't guarantee your lobster.

 

I thought I checked the menu in the cabin on TV and didn't see Lobster either night, but I'm not positive.

 

The Tuesday night after the Sea Day is "ELEGANT NIGHT".

The Thursday night after Ocho Rios is "CRUISE ELEGANT NIGHT".

 

I hate all of these ridiculous names they use.

Just state what the minimum that can be worn is....

 

Bill

[missymac]

Thanks for the information on the Freedom. We're thinking of booking for next January. :)

[bguppies]

Every other line was open as the Capers listed. On port days they were open pretty late, in fact. There is ALWAYS food available.

 

But, Like I already stated with a few examples, they clearly did NOT folow the times posted in the capers.....

Besides the Mexican window closing 45 minutes early as I sat there and the 1st day Continental breakfast being over an hour late.

 

I followed my capers times as listed to see which grill would be open when, and at least once I went up when the Capers said the aft grill opened at 11AM and it still wasn't open, or even looked like it was being prepped at 11:15.

Another morning (I think Ocho Rios)the main grill said it opened for lunch at 11AM, but it was still serving breakfast well into noon.

 

Like I said, I loved the food, but finding it and when it was stated to be there was always the problem.....

 

I got tired of constantly falling back on the deli, as the only reliable opening part of the buffett.

 

I just imagine whoever is in charge of managing the buffett area, seemingly can't handle it.

Or at least not as well as on our previous cruises, where you might have one bad night misjudging the amount of people waiting or having a station open late once on a cruise.

Not repeatedly like on this cruise.

 

 

 

I personally didn't care for the fish and chips upstairs, I thought it was greasy, and mine was cold. I also tried the fried oysters, very fishy tasting. Since I'd never had them before, I wasn't sure if that was typical.

We tried the Fish and Chips once and that was enough.

Pretty much exactly what you stated.

Very greasy.

The pizza did not seem to match up to the pizza I've had on other Carnival ships, but still good.

The pizza was a bit off this cruise.

I couldn't tell if it was the cheese or the sauce.

I ate the pepperoni and the pan, but neither was nearly as good as I had on the Sensation or Glory.

I'd refrain from good and give it a "palletable" mark.

My Wife took a couple of bites of a slice the 2nd day and that was it for her this cruise.

 

The grill was inconsistent - one burger I had was great, another overcooked like a hockey puck, but the chicken nuggets were great, especially with the roja sauce.

Yeah, I again had the same experience.

Quite a few great burgers and hot dogs.

A couple of burned to a crisp hockey pucks.

The chicken tenders were extremely good.

[mjmiller]

But, Like I already stated with a few examples, they clearly did NOT folow the times posted in the capers.....

Besides the Mexican window closing 45 minutes early as I sat there and the 1st day Continental breakfast being over an hour late.

 

I followed my capers times as listed to see which grill would be open when, and at least once I went up when the Capers said the aft grill opened at 11AM and it still wasn't open, or even looked like it was being prepped at 11:15.

Another morning (I think Ocho Rios)the main grill said it opened for lunch at 11AM, but it was still serving breakfast well into noon.

 

I guess I just got to the various buffet areas during main times, and didn't notice they weren't matching to the capers exactly. Since I was onboard for two weeks, and I was in relaxed vacation mode, when I got hungry I looked around to see what was available and looked good. I knew I'd get around to all the stations at some point, so it was "no problem, mon" for me.

[mjmiller]

Hello,

We'll be doing the 6 day W. Car. on Freedom next January. How many formal nights are there? Is that the only place to get lobster? (I can use that as bribery for the husband).

 

thanks,

Peg

 

There are two elegant nights, as noted by bguppies. There is lobster on at least one of the elegant nights. You can also get lobster in the supper club Sun King, that is $30pp. Because we did B2B cruises on the same ship, we noticed that the menus did change slightly even between the two consecutive weeks. I don't know if changes are made based upon the food items that are available, or if menu changes are being made across the board, or ??

 

Elegant night attire isn't super strict anymore. I saw only a couple tuxes, not many. Lots of suits. Some slacks and sports coats. Some slacks and button-down shirts. And even a few in slacks and polos. I can't imagine your DH needing bribery to throw on slacks and a nice shirt for a few hours! ;)

[sambo7386]

1st day is the Funship Special

2nd day is the Goombay Smash

also morning special of Bloody Marys, mimosas and Screwdrivers for $395 until noon.

also a Margarita special at the Casino bar 5:30-8:30

3rd day is the Yellowbird

also a deck party Mojito special from 11:00-1AM

4th day is the Riviera Delight

also a Martini special 5:30-8:30 at the casino bar

5th day is the Ultimate Suntan

also the Bloody Mary, Mimosas and Screwdrivers special again .

 

Personally, I love the Miami Vice

Half Strawberry Daiquiri and half Pina Colada

 

Also, I think in your first set of capers they had an insert with a drink card or something you could buy that first night.

Unfortunately I only brought the capers home and the deal isn't in there.

 

Bill

 

 

 

Thanks so much Bill! Looking forward to all of the specials. And I do remember having some Miami Vices last time and they were amazing. Thanks again!

[sambo7386]

Is there anywhere to buy nice inexpensive jewlery in the ports or on the ship? I'm just looking for some sort of necklace pendant for $100-$200 but I want it to be "real" if you know what I mean.

 

I know they say it is inexpensive on the ship, but can you find the same thing in the ports for even cheaper, or is it safer just to buy things on the ship?

 

Any help would be great!

[MistyRo76]

That dude was there the prior week too. They did mix it up a bit the week you were on though - they occasionally had karaoke outside the casino, and I think Teri Jo was there too. I liked the country dude, thought he did good solo work. Folks liked him both weeks, the couches and chairs nearby were always full (or close to it) when he played.

 

Personally, I'd rather have no music than Teri Jo. :( She is the soloist who replaced a fantastic classical trio, and she cannot even carry a tune. ug.

 

I really liked Music Connection. I thought they were one of the best bands of that type that I've heard on a cruiseship. DH was talking to the main guy singer from the big shows, and he said that Music Connection had only come on four weeks earlier, and had never played together, and sucked so bad they didn't know what to do with them. In just four weeks they mastered the Beatles music (for their part in the Ticket to Ride show) plus became a coordinated band for other tunes. I even heard a difference just in the two weeks we were onboard.

 

I enjoyed Milos for piano music - he's more of a background player, often in the lobby and playing for the afternoon teas.

 

I thought Peter in the "sing-a-long" room really sucked. As in the worst I've ever seen. There was no energy. Yes, he could play well. His singing was so-so. But playing the piano isn't the main part of his job. It's to be fun, get people energized and singing. They actually quit titling his act as "sing-a-long."

 

The Freedom Orchestra (plays during the big shows) were great! They have 10 members, which is unusual, most have 8. BUT 5 of them were leaving 2/14. I don't know how many replaced them, and how it is now. It was quite fun the second cruise because they had some jazz jam sessions in the atrium. I'm guessing those won't happen again until the new orchestra pulls together.

 

There was a duet (Music Duo?) - thought the guy played well, but the gal's voice was like fingernails on a chalkboard for me.

 

Then there was a salsa band, who was usually in the Habana bar. I don't care for the salsa music much, but when they played different music on the lido one day, I thought they did good.

 

I completely agree about Music Connection....they were really great. We saw them up on the Lido one afternoon and my we loved them so much my sis went over and asked where else we could see them. They played at the deck party that night and were great again. Good range of songs from Santana to swing. I even had an impromtu swing dance lesson while they played at the deck party. It was soooo much fun. Also thought they were the only good part of the Ticket to Ride show. The rest was just a little cheesy and dull for me.

 

Misty

[sambo7386]

Hey everyone! We are looking forward to our cruise that leaves this Sunday!! I am trying to do a bit of background research before we go and I was given a task.

 

Someone in my group wants to buy a sweatshirt from a neat bar-type place in one of the ports. Are there any places in any of the ports that you can suggest we visit? He is looking for somewhere that is not as mainstream at Margaritaville or Hard Rock, but some type of place that is fun where a group of 6 of us can go while we are in the port.

[MistyRo76]

Hey everyone! We are looking forward to our cruise that leaves this Sunday!! I am trying to do a bit of background research before we go and I was given a task.

 

Someone in my group wants to buy a sweatshirt from a neat bar-type place in one of the ports. Are there any places in any of the ports that you can suggest we visit? He is looking for somewhere that is not as mainstream at Margaritaville or Hard Rock, but some type of place that is fun where a group of 6 of us can go while we are in the port.

 

Senor Frogs is more mainstream....but they had some really cute stuff at the Grand Cayman location. I got a tank top that says "Frogs Gone Wild". It's pretty cute. Key West has a lot of neat little shops along Duvall where you can get things custom made as well. Sloppy Joe's in Key West probably sells stuff there. The other bars we went to on the bar crawl were smaller and not as well known...they are The Tree Bar, The Flying Monkey Saloon, Schooner Wharf, The Lazy Gekko, and Rick's. We also went to Cowboy Bills. I'm not sure if they have gift shops....but you might be able to purchase stuff at these places. Key West is probably your best bet.

 

Misty

[bguppies]

Hey everyone! We are looking forward to our cruise that leaves this Sunday!! I am trying to do a bit of background research before we go and I was given a task.

 

Someone in my group wants to buy a sweatshirt from a neat bar-type place in one of the ports. Are there any places in any of the ports that you can suggest we visit? He is looking for somewhere that is not as mainstream at Margaritaville or Hard Rock, but some type of place that is fun where a group of 6 of us can go while we are in the port.

 

All of the bars in Key West have a souvenir shop in some corner of the establishment. (or at least a small counter with a couple of t-shirt choices.)

Heck, we got our dog a "Party Animal" t-shirt from Sloppy Joe's last week.

They had at least 20 different t's and sweat designs to choose from.

 

Plus them and Margaritaville had all their St. Patty's Day stuff out for sale already.

 

I'm pretty sure Capt. Tony's had a selection of shirts and the same with the Hog's Breath Saloon.

 

You should definitely have no problems finding a unique bar memento in Key West at least.

 

Bill

[sambo7386]

Thanks so much for your reviews and advise! We are leaving this afternoon and driving through the night from Virginia to Fort Lauderdale, I hope I havent forgotten anything!!

 

Thanks again.

[MistyRo76]

Thanks so much for your reviews and advise! We are leaving this afternoon and driving through the night from Virginia to Fort Lauderdale, I hope I havent forgotten anything!!

 

Thanks again.

 

Have a GREAT time! Wish I was going back to the Freedom with you!

 

Misty

[Mrs. Ram]

Thanks so much for your reviews and advise! We are leaving this afternoon and driving through the night from Virginia to Fort Lauderdale, I hope I havent forgotten anything!!

 

Thanks again.

 

Sooooo LUCKY! Have an awesome time!