First and last Carnival Cruise -where is the "meh" star rating?

Carnival Freedom Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 125

Overall rating:

3 out of 5
Carnival Freedom

Western Caribbean

Sail date: March 12, 2016

Ship: Carnival Freedom

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 2334

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

This was our 2nd cruise, 1st with Carnival.  It started with, although being asked about our flight arrival time, not being told we would sit at the airport for 2 hrs waiting for the shuttle.  After almost getting into 3 wrecks on our way down from Houston, the boarding process was nothing short of chaotic.  Why do you have set boarding times only to make people sit like cattle for over an hour?!?

 

Once on board, the ship itself was not very clean, the windows were streaked so badly you could hardly see out and silverware had to be double checked for food stuck to it, repeatedly.

 

Also, leaving.  We did would rush back from our ports, to make sure we were boarded on time, only to sit and wait for a minimum of 2 hours.  Every port, starting with Galveston.

 

We also bought the drink package and were not informed that we would not be able to take advantage of it until the 2nd day of the cruise (even for a diet Coke!), nor were we informed Club Ocean wouldn't open until the 2nd day as well.  Knowing that up front would have been nice.

 

The ports were awesome and overall the staff was pleasant.  The rooms were what you would expect and the food was decent (I never ate at the buffet after the 1st morning due to the poor way it is set up).  

 

We will not use Carnival to cruise again.  For the money we paid, it was not worth it.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
The buffet is horribly set up. You shouldn't have to wait, cafeteria style for food for 15 MINUTES. It should be organized so you are able to get to the food you want, without having to walk through the entire line. The Chic was nice, the staff was pleasant and the food was good. Especially the salmon cakes. I also enjoyed the noodle bar and my daughter LOVES the burritos. The burgers were just ok.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
Our activities included sitting in lounge chairs watching the water, playing cards and reading. Oh and the occasional nap. It was awesome.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
We didn't do any shows, but the Dive In was a lot of fun.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5
The teen program was great. The program for younger kids(9-11)should take them outside. They shouldn't have to sit inside the entire time when in a tropical location.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5
Not overly friendly, but not rude either. I appreciated they didn't push for tips though.

Ship Quality

1 out of 5
Full ship and felt VERY crowded at all times. It was dusty, Windows were filthy and overall was not clean. Silverware, tables, etc. routinely had food on them

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
It was a normal interior cabin. Clean, crowded, but nice enough. Bring a power strip or two to plug electronics. We brought a fan - which was nice. Walls are thin, so you can hear everything, it helped to block out some of the noise.

Ship tip

Plan on waiting. For everything on the ship. Food, drinks, boarding, leaving, help... Plan ahead for all!

Ports of call

Galveston, Texas

3 out of 5
If you get the drink package, you can get your drinks unt the 2nd day. The port embarkation process is clunky and not streamlined.

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5
Beautiful! Use Buccanos car/beach service and visit the beach! $21/pp for ride to and from, plus Beach access and tequila tasting. They have a full bar, restaurant and pool as well. It was great! Scuba gear, seating included.

George Town, Grand Cayman

5 out of 5
Beautiful!

Montego Bay, Jamaica

5 out of 5
I could have stayed on the beach all day. The water was incredible, the people were amazing and we are planning another plan back to the island again this year.
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18 Comments

gma2ladybug    8 years ago

Ok we have never bought the alcohol pkg. Thanks for letting me know sarah1491

MrsOneal    8 years ago

The soda package doesn't matter, it's the alcohol package you can't use on the first day coming out of certain ports due to their state laws

gma2ladybug    8 years ago

We have bought the soda pkg and was able to use it that first day

Texasoftheseas    8 years ago

We are leaving 4/17 on the Liberty of the Seas and I bought the drink package. RC told me that you can start using the drink package as soon as you board the ship.

BadNamePicker    8 years ago

I would like to state I purchased both the drink package and shuttle service by calling in because I had questions about other things and nothing was disclosed.  I also didn't think I would be attacked by posting an honest review, way to keep it classy, polite and respectful. 

We loved the Jewel of the Seas and Royal Caribbean, comparatively speaking Carnival doesn't add up.  

davethesailor    8 years ago

Because of silly alcohol tax laws in Alabama, New York and Texas, you can't use the drink packages on the first day. Something about state taxes have to be charged per drink . You can still buy drinks as soon as you board on your sign and sail card. Just can't get your drink package sticker till next morning. Policy says when it's activated, package is minus one day for those ports affected. So on first day if you drink a lot it won't be at drink package discount prices.

aydiasgrammy    8 years ago

I believe the bottomless bubbles (soft drinks) is available the 1st day.

arhappygirl    8 years ago

Is everyone talking about alcohol package or the soft drink package? We are considering the soft drink package, is it available on first day? Thank you.

davethesailor    8 years ago

Ships leaving from Texas have to follow state liquor laws. It's not carnivals fault. Dumb law. Windows streaked due too salt water. Ship washes the outside after every cruise, cannot hand wash a ship. If that ruins your cruise, stay home.

gmce11    8 years ago

The new staggered check in times are just that..check in times. Carnival cannot board until cleared by Customs.

aydiasgrammy    8 years ago

I've been on the Freedom 3 times and fixing to leave again in a few days. It is one of the best ships. We have never had any problems like you have described. As for drink package it clearly states on website that you can not use it the next day. It's your loss if you don't want to cruise with Carnival again ,not Carnivals.

MrsOneal    8 years ago

Shipmate app is acting weird. One place it shows 5 stars for me then on main feed shows 3.. :/ this app has alot of glitches

MrsOneal    8 years ago

MrsOneal    8 years ago

But you gave it 5 stars? And that information is on the Carinval website. Pays to read up on information that way you won't be disappointed and come right an unwarranted review. You can't expect them to tell you everything in person, that's way too much info. READ READ READ :)

TNTGreen    8 years ago

All of this information is stated on Carnival's website. Not sure how early your flight landed but the site tells you (based on embarkation location) the times transfer service begin. The drink package is on the site and when it starts(cruises out of NY starts on day 2 as well). You have to read all the information is there.

ltingle73    8 years ago

Had you taken the time to read, you would've known about the drink pkg and club ocean not being available on embarkation day

JusMe    8 years ago

Thanks for a balanced review that gave credit to the good things and called out the bad.  This type of review is useful to others thinking of taking this ship.

davethesailor    8 years ago

I'm sure carnival will be heartbroken.

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