We normally cruise Royal. We've been wanting to see the Bahamas and like departing from Galveston because we can drive there easily, so we thought we would try Carnival. We traveled with four other families for a total of 15 people. Carnival does some things better. We liked the food, the kids club, and the entertainment were all impressive compared to Royal.
The ship layout is horrible though. The buffet was disappointing and the volume of the music and PA on the pool deck made conversation impossible. Even our kids wanted to leave after the music got cranked up.
Royal has better onboard ship features and activities. This ship had problems with sewage, water pressure, and air conditioning. My biggest complaint was the smoke from the casino poured out into decks 3,4 and 5 where all the activities and clubs were.
My biggest compliment goes to the crew. Everyone was very nice and helpful. I was impressed that even the stage show performers seemed to enjoy interacting with the passengers. That was something I have never seen from Royal.
Will probably still prefer Royal over Carnival, but might give them a try on one of their newer ships.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We showed up at 11:00AM and were on the boat by 11:20. Basically walked right through and had no issues.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Main dining room was very good and service was excellent. Guy's Burgers and the Blue Iguana taco shop were both very good. Be sure and try the breakfast burrito at the Iguana. The buffet was the only disappointment.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Fun programs for the whole family. The pool deck was crowded and the music and PA was overpowering loud. Even our kids wanted to leave it was so loud.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Excellent comedians most nights. The stage shows were fun and the performers were impressive. I enjoyed that the performers came out and thanked the audience and would go out to some of the parties and show people how to dance.
Children's Programs
4 out of 5
My daughter thought the programs for 10-12 were great. My teen did not like their club and only went once.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Everyone was nice, cheerful and helpful. We had great service at dinner and our room steward was awesome. He remembered our names from day one!
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
My main problem with Freedom is the layout. Several times you have to change decks to go from foreword to aft. The casino sits in the middle of the ship and is open. Smoke billows out from it and you can smell it all over. Several decks are starting to show wear and tear.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Spacious ocen view with a floor to ceiling window looking out the front of the ship. This is our favorite cabins period. Nice chairs provide a great seating area to read or drink a glass of wine and enjoy the ocean rolling by. Lots of room even with our two kids sleeping on the sofa.
Ship tip
Download the maps of the ship decks. You will need it as the ship is confusing.
Several people told us this was the best beach in the Bahamas. I haven't been to many other beaches, but this is one of the nicest we have ever seen. Crystal clear water, sand like flour, and beautiful views. The perfect beach day. Tendering wasn't too bad.
We did the Blue Lagoon family beach day. It was nice, but be aware that there is a 30 minute boat ride each way that cuts into your time there. Burgers and hot dogs for lunch were included. Nice snorkeling areas. They have stingrays, sea lions, and dolphins you can pay extra to swim with. However, you can watch them swim around in their pens for free.
Carnival's communication on what groups could disembark was confusing. Half the ship was carrying their own luggage off. Took us two hours to get off compared to 30 minutes with Royal.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
