Loved Freedom!!

[Chigirlcruzin]

Would love to hear about precruise stay info,

how smooth was embarkation,

did anyone use the vip?

what movies were playing at night on the big screen.

 

 

 

We stayed at the Marriott Courtyard in Dania Beach. It's about 2 miles from the airport and 2 miles from Port Everglades. They offered a free shuttle from the airport and to Port Everglades. You sign up for the port shuttle when you check in...you can sign up for 10, 11, or noon. They just continually send the shuttle back and forth. They call you by ship. We were in the third batch of cruisers...all on the Freedom. We left about 10:10 and arrived shortly thereafter. It was a nice hotel, typical of a Courtyard. The only bad thing is there aren't any restaurants in walking distance unless you want seafood (and I'm allergic). It was a $15 (including tip) cab ride to an area with several options (Fridays, italian, I can't remember others). Cab to Las Olas or other area would be more expensive.

 

This was my 10th cruise, so I used VIP embark. I got there early, so it wasn't a huge deal, but they did have a separate line for VIPs to go through security. I thought that was nice since I've read that people wish it was VIP start to finish. I walked up to the VIP check-in line and was called immediately. I couldn't tell if I was called next because I was VIP or if this woman only did VIP check-in. All S&S cards were in a central location (and we had the new cards with the white and a splash of platinum). After check-in, we were escorted upstairs to wait in the VIP area. They started boarding around 11:30. However, at this point, they didn't have the photographers set up, so we didn't get a boarding photo. I don't usually buy it, but I was kinda bummed to not have that option. We sat with other platinum guests at dinner, and they had their photo taken...we were just too early.

[AnnieB925]

We got back yesterday from a 6 day Freedom Western Caribbean cruise and it was perfect in every way. I'd be happy to answer any questions about that itinerary.

 

We don't have little ones so didn't use the kids club.

[ruby2sday13]

We got back yesterday from a 6 day Freedom Western Caribbean cruise and it was perfect in every way. I'd be happy to answer any questions about that itinerary.

 

We don't have little ones so didn't use the kids club.

 

 

Hi Annie,

Welcome home. Glad to hear your Freedom cruise was perfect. We are planning to sail her (first time cruisers!) in January on the 6 day Western Caribbean itinerary. I hope you will be able to post copies of Capers.

 

I was wondering if there was a deck party one night?

Also, can anyone use the sauna/whirlpools at the Spa, or do you have to buy a spa pass?

Did you do any excursions?

And, any rough seas?

Thanks.

[Chigirlcruzin]

I was wondering if there was a deck party one night?

Also, can anyone use the sauna/whirlpools at the Spa, or do you have to buy a spa pass?

Did you do any excursions?

And, any rough seas?

Thanks.

 

I'm not Annie, but I can answer your questions. I was on the April 19-25 cruise.

 

Deck party was Wednesday night.

Anybody can use the sauna in the spa.

Seas were rough Friday night...smooth as glass the rest of the cruise.

 

I only did an excursion in Ocho Rios. I did Dunns River Falls and Bamboo Beach Club. The falls were great, and I loved the beach club. I'd recommend this excursion.

[04cruises]

We also just got back from the Freedom 4-25 Eastern cruise.As a RCCL fan we went to check out CCL.It is a great ship. Great service. Clean and super crew.We will be doing more cruises on Carnival in the future.Will still like the Voyager class and larger ships in the Rccl fleet but that is just our opinion.

You will have a good cruise on the Freedom!

[demos]

We stayed at the Marriott Courtyard in Dania Beach. It's about 2 miles from the airport and 2 miles from Port Everglades. They offered a free shuttle from the airport and to Port Everglades. You sign up for the port shuttle when you check in...you can sign up for 10, 11, or noon. They just continually send the shuttle back and forth. They call you by ship. We were in the third batch of cruisers...all on the Freedom. We left about 10:10 and arrived shortly thereafter. It was a nice hotel, typical of a Courtyard. The only bad thing is there aren't any restaurants in walking distance unless you want seafood (and I'm allergic). It was a $15 (including tip) cab ride to an area with several options (Fridays, italian, I can't remember others). Cab to Las Olas or other area would be more expensive.

 

This was my 10th cruise, so I used VIP embark. I got there early, so it wasn't a huge deal, but they did have a separate line for VIPs to go through security. I thought that was nice since I've read that people wish it was VIP start to finish. I walked up to the VIP check-in line and was called immediately. I couldn't tell if I was called next because I was VIP or if this woman only did VIP check-in. All S&S cards were in a central location (and we had the new cards with the white and a splash of platinum). After check-in, we were escorted upstairs to wait in the VIP area. They started boarding around 11:30. However, at this point, they didn't have the photographers set up, so we didn't get a boarding photo. I don't usually buy it, but I was kinda bummed to not have that option. We sat with other platinum guests at dinner, and they had their photo taken...we were just too early.

 

 

Thank you!! :) I also appreciate the info on the sign and sail card. I was kinda hoping to get the new - new ones, but hey I am just happy to be getting a card.

[shellden]

Just a few responses as far a Capers go I cant post but dont sweat it. They seem to be about the same every day. Your on vacation relax decide what to do at a whim.. And Im a big planner. I do have them if you have any specific ??

 

I think the Rough Seas was definetely a fluke who can figure what the ocean will be like. Luckily it was just one day.

 

Pre Cruise we stayed at Laquinta Airport hotel. Free shuttle airport -hotel-cruise. Although we took a cab to the cruise. The shuttle was leaving at 11:30. We left around 10. Hotel was OK wouldnt stay again. Beds were comfy and we got a quick bit to eat at the continental buffet.

 

Embarkation was smooth took about an hour. Considering we got there early and they started boarding at 11:30 we were happy!! Debark was a bit more crazy but we had a 11:10 flight got # 2 debark tags and were at the airport checked in by 9:30ish.

 

Movies on the big screen House Bunny, Hancock, Ghost Town, Sister of the Traveling Pants 2, Slumdog Milloniare, The Dutchess.

 

Enjoy!!

[brt49]

Doing Eastern on the Freedom on 07/18/09. Can't Wait!!!

[Kerplode]

Anyone else who has sailed lately have anything to add?

[gr1634]

We will be on her this coming Sunday for the Western iten. Our 13th Carnival cruise. Surprised DW with an upgrade to CAT 11 from standard balcony - that should be nice. No special deal - just standard mil discount. Figured "what the heck..let's just do it." Will do a full blown report upon return. We are getting to Ft Lauderdale on Sat and staying at Embassy Suites.

 

From the looks of the reports here getting to the cruise terminal between 11 and 11:30ish is a good idea. Understand elegant nights are Tuesday and Thursday with lobster night in dining room being Tuesday. We have reservation at upscale on Thursday night. Have done that on every cruise where it was available and have never been disappointed.

 

How is music in Habana? Have been on Conquest a number of times and always enjoyed the jazz combo's - understand Habana is Latino music?

 

GR

[LANERACING]

Any one have any pictures from the freedom from there recent trip?