Disappointed

Carnival Freedom Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 28

Overall rating:

3.4 out of 5
Verified Review
Carnival Freedom

4 Night Bahamas (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 25, 2022

Ship: Carnival Freedom

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 2401

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

Overall I was disappointed for my first cruise.

Embarkation

2 out of 5
Because of limited service inside the building I was having trouble accessing my son's result, so He had to do it over which he didn't want to. The ladies were getting annoyed and aggravated with my baby not wanting to wear the mask or stay out of the testing area. It was kind of hard trying to keep the baby from running around in the testing area while assisting the older child with his test.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5
When we got on board we were told to go to deck 9 as our room is unavailable until 2:30 so we did. I was so thirsty I got myself some lemonade. I had to throw it away after one sip as it was so sour. I went to the bar and requested some juice. That was not a good experience, the bartender were impolite, unfriendly and rude. One of them assisted me with the juice but it was in a small ass cup full of ice. I tried another bar and waited again until it was my turn. The guy said he couldn't give me the juice until I went to deck 3. I was so dehydrated and I was going around all over the dame ship to find this muster station just to get something to drink. That lead to me not having lunch so I had to wait on dinner plus I didn't had breakfast before I went. I could barely find something to that I eat. My first dining experience in the chic dining room was bad. It was my birthday and I was told before I board that I would be surprised with dessert, a happy birthday song and a sparkle candles which would have made my night special. That didn't happen, the staff had no idea about it. I had also requested the same set up for my mom for the following day as it was her birthday as well but she was so disappointed with how things happened with mine she didn't wanted to go back. Also the response from the waitress was not good when I only saw one thing on that menu that I could eat. I had ask her if I could get my meal with less item in it and I was told that they came pre made already so there was nothing they could do. So I didn't had any dinner for my birthday. The steakhouse on our final night was the best meal and service we had for the 3 nights we spent on that ship. There staff was very friendly and helpful, also the chef was considerate to my needs.If it was not for the staff in the steakhouse restaurant this would be 1star as they deserve 5 stars. Also I had requested lactaid milk (lactose) for my baby and there was none. I was told by the representative I spoke with that it would be added to my account and the staff would have it when I need it. I had to go to guess service multiple times about it.

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5
The water park area and pool was ok. My problem was all the harassment that my baby and I had while trying to enjoy it. The pool guards keep telling my baby can't be in the water area or pool as he had a diaper on. I had to keep telling them that it was a swimmer trunk and not a diaper. I eventually couldn't take it anymore I ask them for their manager.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
James and the entertainment staff was excellent. They got everyone involved.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5
My baby enjoyed camp, he asked to go back the following day.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5
The most of the waiters were great. They were very helpful and pleasant. My room steward was exceptional. He went above and beyond. I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get to say goodbye before I left. Wanted him to know how much I appreciated him and everything it did for my family. If this survey was just about him he would get 5 stars.

Ship Quality

1 out of 5
The layout was great and the main areas were kept clean,the entire hallway on the second floor however was horrible. The entire hallway to get to my room smell like septic spill (sewage spill). The odor was so bad at one point they had to but a big vacuum fan with airfreshner in the hallway to decrease the smell. The roof panels were mostly down for two whole days along the hallway from 2275 down, that you could see the pipe lines and wires running through the ship.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
The cabin was great except for the bathroom. The first night the smell in my room was so bad it woke me up. After checking around the room for the odor I realize that the smell as coming from the toilet. I had ask the family not to flush the toilet when it's bedtime. The water smell like sewage water. I also reported it to guess service. Also the mini fridge in the room didn't work and I had to rent a medi cooler to keep my baby's milk cold so it didn't spoil on me.

Ship tip

Walk with air freshener

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

4 out of 5
Need more organization and better cell reception. After you enter through security it was a little crazy at the boarding pass area.

Nassau, Bahamas

5 out of 5
The tour went well and it was very educational.

Princess Cays (Cruise Line Private Island)

1 out of 5
Was unable to enjoy the island or see what it had to offer as it was pouring rain, so we went back to the ship. My husband said the ocean was too rocky .

Disembarkation

3 out of 5
It was ok
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8 Comments

Ramsey1986    2 years ago

Cruising is not for everyone but I hope your next vacation is more enjoyable for you. We have always enjoyed researching our cruise options and the ports they visit as it adds to anticipation and excitement. We have only been on 8 cruises but we have thoroughly enjoyed them all. πŸ˜ŽπŸš’β˜€οΈπŸ©΄πŸπŸͺΈπŸ πŸŒΊ

loriad28    2 years ago

Lemonade is often sour, so it's interesting that you added that to your review. Not sure what the capacity of the ship was, but I don't know how they would know it was your birthday without you telling them. As far as not being able to access the test results and having to be retested, this is not the cruise line's fault. We made sure we had our results in hard copy just in case we would break a phone or there was an issue with access. Sounds like a little more research and preparation on your part would have resulted in a more enjoyable cruise.

70Shark    2 years ago

With all the food and drinks on board I find it very hard that you couldn't find something to eat or drink maybe next time call ahead and McDonald's will have something ready for you πŸ”

missnotanlines    2 years ago

Sounds like cruising is definitely not for you you did not seem to like very much about this cruise at all did you do any research before you got on the cruise maybe next time a land vacation would be for you

AuntPinkie    2 years ago

Sorry your first cruise was disappointing. You probably learned many things to do differently, if you decide to try it again. Appreciate your feedback.

javawoody    2 years ago

Sorry, cruising may not be for you

Gwbigdog    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

CruzeFan    2 years ago

Thanks for the review. It’s always important to read and understand what it is and is not included in the requirements. Children that are not potty trained are not allowed in any of the water areas, even if wearing swim diapers. Rooms are rarely available until 130 or later unless you are in a suite. There should have been free water, tea and lemonade in the Buffet area, with multiple types of sweetness nearby.

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