Unfortunately, it was wet, windy and chilly for all but the last sea day (not Carnivals fault, and not reflected in the above rating), but it was January and should be expected.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
The Galveston embarkation was painless. Show up at your assigned time, very short line through the security, and then onto the ship. We showed up a bit early for boarding and had to wait a bit, but once the ship started boarding, it went quickly.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We ate in the MDR all 7 nights. The wait staff were very attentive (although possibly assigned to too many tables) and the kitchen staff were right on target.
The Freedom does have the American Menu, including a lack of tablecloths on non-formal nights which I did not care for, but nevertheless, the meals were great.
Alchemy Bar
5 out of 5
The Alchemy bar was, by far, my best experience on the ship.
The bartenders (Marija and Tomislav) are without equal, having an expert level of mixing off-menu drinks and a guarantee that you will like it.
I never sent one back!
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
It seemed that there was a general lack of entertainment around the ship.
Although they did have the various Carnival standards (Trivia, Hairy Chest contest, etc., which didn't appeal to me) there was a lack of performances around the common areas of the ship during the day.
At night there were several musical performances throughout the bars and public areas. The only problem here was that the band in the Lobby area played at stadium concert levels in the small enclosed atrium -- deafening.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
At night there were several musical performances throughout the bars and public areas. The only problem here was that the band in the Lobby area played at stadium concert levels in the small enclosed atrium -- deafening.
The pool area had the normal DJ and Steel Drum/keyboard group -- not all that good.
The theater acts were good, but some of the singers were a bit off-key.
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
Throughout the ship, almost all the crew and officers were well mannered and always had a smile.
The only exception I found was the Customer Service Manager, who was just short of rude and incompetent.
(The Balcony door would always bind and was impossible to open one handed - you needed to grab the handle with both hands and push your shoulder into the middle of the 6 foot glass plate to get it open. We made a complaint on the first day of the cruise as well as the third day of the cruise. Both times we were told they would look at it, but nothing was ever done. Additionally, after each person was done with their complaint, she would disappear for 5 minutes before helping the next customer.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
It seemed that there was more rust than I am accustomed to seeing on board, but the crew kept it otherwise well maintained and clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Overall, the cabin was in good shape other than the sticking balcony door that was never attended to.
The steward was outstanding and offered once- or twice- per day service. We requested twice and he complied with a smile.
Embarkation was great, Customs at debarkation was a bit slow. Hotels in the area are on the expensive side, but many to choose from. A lot to do on The Strand if you are early for embarkation.
Naynay - Don't let the weather dictate whether you have fun or not -- a simple umbrella or raincoat and a sweatshirt would keep you warm and dry. On sea days, there are ways to get out of the weather.
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