Horrible Cruise Line

Carnival Freedom Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

landstar

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 7

Overall rating:

1 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 11, 2017

Ship: Carnival Freedom

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 1042

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

Where to begin this review. I think I will just write MANY of these since I cannot say the pages and pages of bad stuff about this Cruise.

Let me say, this was our first cruise but we are good judge of things like service and food. We have stayed in 1 Star Hotels up to 5 start hotels. We have been MANY place on the planet and other cultures and can adapt. We have eaten bad food and GREAT food, in far off lands. We are very tolerant people. As long as someone talks to us, helps us, explain circumstances and give 100%, then we are ok. You can not ask anyone to give more than 100%. If someone does their best to cook you the best food THEY CAN Serve, then that is the best they can do and should be judge on their quality not compared to some unreachable level. Carnival did everything they could TO LOWER THE BAR, and screw you ever way they could. That is how I am judging them.

First the important things. If you have NEVER been on a cruise before DO NOT take Carnival. DO NOT go on ANY carnival cruise. They do not help you understand anything about how it works. They are NOT helpful and when you are stuck on a ship for 7 days, getting little to no help will frustrate you to no end. Find a Cruise line that will provide you good knowledge, understanding, help, and assistance.

Carnival is ONE GIANT SELLs FACTORY trying to get every penny from you. Most employees you meet are either out to get money from you or just to ignore you so they to can get done with this horrible cruise week. When you have something like 18 TV channels and 5 or so are devoted to selling you Carnival stuff. That should tell you RUN FROM THE SHIP. Every event is about selling you something. You WILL NEVER GET INTERNET (that is for my next REVIEW of this horrible cruise line) nor cell reception so how do you stay in touch with family members. Oh Carnival has an app you can user or you can text, right? Yes you can for a FEE. Every text every use they are getting money from you. The FOOD is horrible (1 star hotel horrible, I will do another review of how bad the food was), so you might think how about getting something quality to eat, sure if you want to pay $20 more for the GOOD STUFF otherwise they take the food from the BUFFET and put it on your plate and server it to you. THAT IS NOT A JOKE. One of their people told me, the food in the buffet is taken (before it goes to the buffet line, and is put on the plates of the people sitting in the fancy dinning areas. But for MORE MONEY they will cook you something fresh. And they will take EVERY opportunity to CHEAT YOU, water down drinks, broken arcade game (hope your kids don't want to play anything), not changing the sheets (we asked one day for fresh sheets, I MARKED the tag on the sheet to see (with something that would wash out) and NOPE same sheets. I ended up throwing them out the door and in the HALL to make a point), etc.

DO yourself a favor NEVER EVER use CARNIVAL, but if you do then do what a LOT of people who claim they had fun, STAY SO DRUNK you do not care what is going on around you. We are not HEAVY drinkers so we could not IGNORE this.

See my NEXT REVIEWS about the HORRIBLE FOOD, NON-Existence Internet, LESS THEN 1 Star Hotel Service, and HOSTAGE HOLDING Excursions.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Children's Programs

1 out of 5

Service and Staff

1 out of 5

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

1 out of 5

It was what we expected. You can not ask for a lot of room on a ship. But I am 6'5" and the bed fit me just fine. The balcony was the #1 thing for us on the whole ship, just watching the water, flying fish, and shore lines. If they had keep it properly clean it would had been better. If TV was not for SELLING YOU STUFF, and they had some channel it would be great. (why stay in your room on a cruise, because EVERYTHING out side our door was so BAD. You feel like that is your ONLY good place.

Ship tip

One important tip, PICK SOME OTHER CRUISE LINE!!!

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Galveston, Texas

3 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

1 out of 5

Belize City, Belize

3 out of 5

47 Comments

rhondablair 7 years ago

You can't please everyone. This will be our 8th cruise with a Carnival and we haven't been on a bad one yet...Love Carnival Cruise

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avereevv 7 years ago

Please learn grammar and spelling it would help people to take you more seriously.

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MaeMae59 7 years ago

Oh my GOODNESS!!!! I love Carnival Cruiselines!!! Can't wait until my cruise in December!

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sfcvan 7 years ago

Landstar you must live a miserable life. You blame the cruise line because you don't have cell service, that's your carrier fault. Which you could have paid for service in advance if you did your homework prior to leaving. Again this is my opinion just like your opinion, I honestly don't believe a word you are saying. I have yet to take a cruise and the room Stewart did not bend over backwards to do what they could. But you claim you have been in 1 star to 5 star hotels, which I have traveled probably more places than you will in a lifetime. I spent 21 years in the Army and have experienced poor service and bad food. There's no cruise ship can be as bad as you are saying. You are one of those people who thinks that they are in title to service better than the next person. Grow up and enjoy life, you are ruining your kids if you have any, God knows I hope you don't. Now there's nothing wrong with expecting to get service you paid for. But don't be stupid with your reviews.

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ItaVero 7 years ago

The "if you don't like bad service - don't cruise" defense doesn't really cut it. "No frills" shouldn't equate to poor food or predatory practices.

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byrdst26 7 years ago

Your name says it all 'Landstar'......please keep your ass there.....on land. You apparently are not the cruising kind.

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chefblaze33 7 years ago

First off, do your research BEFORE you cruise. This is just common sense. I studied everything before my first, so I knew how everything worked. Carnival has been nothing but great to us, and after reading this ridiculous review I have no doubt that you didn't give respect to the crew/employees, which is so important. I hope you don't cruise carnival again because I would hate for you to tarnish other people's experiences with your ignorance. You my friend, do not deserve nor belong on a cruise ship.

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Shenanigantics 7 years ago

From some of the concerns you mentioned, cruising in general may not be the best travel option for you. Sorry you were not able to enjoy yourself, it sounds like being prepared with more information ahead of time would have been helpful.

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JHodge 7 years ago

Now that we have dropped nearly 2 grand for our first cruise, I am a little worried. Thanks for that.

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Shannonej 7 years ago

Sorry you had a bad experience. I have been on 8 so far and haven't had a "bad" cruise yet. Like was said earlier, your attitude probably was the real problem.. Your poor room steward. ððððð®

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Bobbet 7 years ago

I cruised in September 2016!Best service,best food,entertainment was awesome,I had an awesome trip,,no internet most of the time,,no problem..disconnect for vacation

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Thresy 7 years ago

We are going to be on the Freedom in three weeks, it will be our first cruise. Reading bad reviews makes me always a bit nervous, but so many people at my husband's work loved it on the Freedom. I'm just gonna go on that ship open minded, and hope for the best. I'm sorry to hear that you went through such a bad experience, hopefully the next time around will be more enjoyable for you.

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twowombles 7 years ago

I love reviews like this.... I makes you smile more on the ship as you realize what miserable travellers they must be... looking forward to our 3rd cruise in 7 days with carnival.

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plchap 7 years ago

ð³â¤ï¸ Next time stay home please

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jbbinder 7 years ago

Haha, just realized I commented twice on this one. Guess I'm passionate about Freedom, lol.

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jbbinder 7 years ago

We love Carnival, especially the Freedom. We have another cruise booked on her this fall, and a 14 day Panama trip next year. Sorry you had a bad experience. We've never had a bad experience on her or any other Carnival ship. Cruising isn't for everybody. And attitude is everything.

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makinhay 7 years ago

Sounds to me you should go back to your "5 star" bs. Carnival has always been outstanding. Very well organized and friendly crew. I've had some cruises better then others but always had a great time. I think your a bit of a cry baby.

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annie7521 7 years ago

about to take my 18th carnival cruise and couldn't disagree with you more.

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ajont 7 years ago

well, I think your attitude had a lot to do with your experience. I have sailed on the Freedom before, and everyone that I met were very nice and pleasant. As far as educating a customer, I think it is up to the customer to do that. Did you even go to the website, and look at all of the information that was available to you. And as for Internet accessibility, it's available for 5 bucks a day. I used it, and stayed in touch with everyone. And yes, this is a business and of course they are trying to make money. Maybe cruising isn't for you. I suggest you try another form of vacationing. Because whatever cruise ship you choose, they will be trying to make money off of you!!

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ecragg 7 years ago

Fixing to take my 8th cruise with Carnival. The information is pretty much common sense. The best people to ask questions to are other guests. It is by far the best vacation for the money. Most people get their money's worth from the food alone. I Would, and do recommend a carnival cruise to anyone.

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JusMe 7 years ago

AJDriskell98 Do not worry, this person did not like the cruse but sounds like they do not like anything. I have done all of the major cruise lines and I still have a good time on most Carnival cruises. I have a Carnival cruise booked for next month that I'm looking forward to.

Keep in mind, you are going Carnival, not a high line cruise line but ok to good food, great service (when your polite and nice to the staff) and a lot of fun. O hope this is your fist of long list of cruises, Go and have a great time.

I do not drink more then a glass of wine or 2 with dinner so I was sober for all 7 of my fun Carnival cruises.

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jbbinder 7 years ago

Have cruised on Freedom twice: love her so much we have 2 more cruises booked on her, 1 of which is a 14 day Panama cruise. CRUISING IS NOT FOR EVERYONE!! And if you cruise, flexibility and a good attitude will ensure you a great time!

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Timmie 7 years ago

I cruised carnival Freedom back in December and had an awesome time. So much, I will be going on another soon. Just another cruiser who did not do their research and expects everyone else to do the thinking for them. The Carnival website is very informative and covers all aspects of expectations for the Cruise. Get over it!!

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Wilfamy 7 years ago

Well, I stopped reading this BS "review" halfway through because I wasn't really seeing a review. Just a bunch of complaining about the lack of internet and bad food. First, I've been on the Freedom twice. The food is good. The steakhouse is FANTASTIC and the MDR is pretty good. I'm not a huge fan of the buffet but I don't like buffets. And I highly doubt a staff member told you they take food off to serve. So, you're already a liar. I agree that the internet isn't great, but I'm on vacation and the only reason I chose the internet on my second cruise was because I cruised without my daughter. I will not purchase it again. But I don't go on vacation and want to stay plugged in. I also realize I'm in the middle of the ocean so do not expect to have fantastic internet. Sounds like you should indeed choose another cruise line because honestly, Carnival doesn't seem right for you. We like to have fun. You sound not so fun. ðð»

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Alchemist1 7 years ago

What! No internet or cell phone coverage in THE MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN? How outrageous! LOL

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migrose 7 years ago

so how do u really feel? ð¤

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robinlh88 7 years ago

Just to correct landstar about the comment about the food in the dining room beinh the same as the food from the buffet. My wife and I enjoyed thw Chef's Table experience on or last cruise. We got a tour of the kitchen area where they prepare the meals for the ship. It was so impressive to see how efficient they operate. To do what these people do in the confines of a ship galley is impressive. To serve thousands of meals a day and be prepared for all of the trip is unreal. By law all of the food and beverage supplies have to be bought in the US. And by the way my wife and I do not drink. So it is safe to say I am fully aware of everything that is going on around me. I don't have to be intoxicated to have a good time. And the stewards that we have encountered on the ships have gone above and beyond to make sure we are happy. And the Freedom was the first ship we sailed on.

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believerbill 7 years ago

How sad! We are heading out on our 16th cruise in two weeks - most of which are on Carnival, but not all. All of the cruise lines do the same thing. We aren't drinkers either, in fact I get the bottomless bubbles portion every cruise and don't drink at all. It is not up to the cruise line to educate you. It's your own responsibility! Maybe you picked the wrong ship for what you are wanting to do? If you can't find fun in the Caribbean on a ship with water slides, energy, beautiful views, and no work I believe there is a larger issue in play. Please don't try to shame Carnival, cruising, or it's fans because you don't know how to cruise. Yay to days at sea!!

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ItaVero 7 years ago

Carnival gets dissed for being a "no frills but affordable party boat." Don't stop cruising. Try Celebrity. Or Princess.

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KBM18FAN 7 years ago

everyone summed this up by saying cruising isn't for them. stay home the next time so people enjoy cruises have a wonderful time and not have to intervene w drunks etc. Their story was absolutely boring and ridiculous and showed everybody how stuck up,snooty and 10cent millionaires they are.

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tinker67 7 years ago

this will be my 5 th cruise that I go on April 2 and never had a bad experience carnival has been the best 4 out if the 5 was carnival and love it jus seems like u had experience seems like cruising is not for you and first of all not everyone are drunks that have a good time it's up to the individual to have fun and if u ever needed help carnival would be there by experience of myself best thing for u do is jus stay home and enjoy ur family and u can not get good reception on the water but u know ur on vacation y worry about a phone

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cruser4life760 7 years ago

as a person that has cruised many times and lines Carnival is great. other cruise lines do the same as carnival with paying for extra stuff like Internet and they charge even more than Carnival. I sounds like cruising is not for you since you didn't like being "stuck on a ship".

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afahey 7 years ago

Our first cruise was with Carnival for our honeymoon. At the time, we were hardly "worldly" and yet, had absolutely no issues in figuring out how any of it worked. We have been on several Carnival cruises since and have always had a great time and have not had to be drunk to enjoy it. As a couple that will continue to cruise Carnival in the future, we are grateful that you won't be there, being one of "those" people who are never satisfied and miserable even though you are on vacation. Please stay home!!!!!

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AJDriskell98 7 years ago

Reading this review freaked me out. We will be going on our first cruise ever in July on the Carnival Freedom, and I was like o man, what have we done, but after reading the comments I'm no so freaked out, I have done my research, and talk do countless friends and friends of friends who have been on cruises with Carnival and they have all had wonderful times! It'd all about research. I can't wait for our cruise!

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rogerellenborland 7 years ago

Just another ingorant person.

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alleycat51699 7 years ago

I bet this same person would have a perfectly wonderful time at either Di$ney or Univer$al $tudio$, conveniently forgetting the so-called nickel-and-diming on Carnival.

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lmajel 7 years ago

Whatever blah blah blah!!! I'll be on the Freedom in May and I guarantee I'll have have an entirely different experience than you did.

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badlcho 7 years ago

Been on 7 Carnival cruises and I have never experienced what you experienced and I don't drink so your claim that anyone that enjoys Carnival stays drunk can't be further from the truth. One thing you need to do if you decide to go on another cruise is research things before you go. You can not get cell phone service on any cruiseline without paying a fortune. All cruiselines try and sell you things and you have to pay for any upgrades or specialty foods. Love Carnival.

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mepcnp 7 years ago

And are you saying the only people that have fun on a cruise ship are so drunk they don't know what's going on?! That is really an ignorant thing to say.

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mepcnp 7 years ago

You really can't get cell service on any ship. You would pay a fortune even if you did. All these companies try to cell you all kinds of things. It may have just been tge help you were dealing with, that really does stink but cruising as a whole is not like that.

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karla54956 7 years ago

Maybe cruising isn't for you

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karla54956 7 years ago

sorry you had a bad experience. I have cruised on Carnival 6 times and have enjoyed every one of them

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jodi74 7 years ago

sorry for your bad experience, my family and I have cruised carnival as well as others Royal and Norwegian, I absolutely love carnival but never had a bad experience either ! I have to say I'm a big carnival fan for one reason carnival staff has treated me better than any of the others!

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dengage 7 years ago

We've sailed with P & O and Princess never experienced anything like that always nice food good service and more often steward's who we win around, we've had one or two steward's who have been jobs worth but brought them around to our way way of friendliness. ð

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crd27 7 years ago

Thank you for the review. Sounds like cruising is not for you.

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michellemass 7 years ago

I love carnival!!! Been on 4 cruises and will only cruise with carnival!!!!

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socal60 7 years ago

Oh..... can't wait

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