Not worth it

Carnival Freedom Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 25

Overall rating:

2.5 out of 5
Verified Review
Carnival Freedom

5 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 02, 2023

Ship: Carnival Freedom

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 1440

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Not worth it at all, for the same $$ I could’ve gone to Europe.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Outdated check in process vs. modern air travel. Port parking was super unclear. Customer service was nice, thankfully.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5
Pretty low food quality

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5
Very old ship - the comedy shows and trivia were entertaining but the amenities were lacking. The spa is extremely overpriced - more expensive than the Ritz.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
This was the only highlight. Paul Hooper is hilarious and the musicians esp the Ukrainian violin trio were very talented. The hosts/directors were energetic and entertaining.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5
The waiters seem overworked but they tried very hard and were friendly. The service staff is the only reason for the 4 stars but the guest services staff = 2 stars.

Ship Quality

1 out of 5
Very outdated ship. Shower broke a few times, disappointed by the room vs. the price.

Cabin / Stateroom

1 out of 5
I’m Titanium with Marriott so I could’ve had a much nicer suite in a much nicer place for the price of this cruise/room. Did not like being on Deck 1, too turbulent. The twin beds that were meant to become a king kept coming apart. The decor was outdated and the shower broke in 3 different places but the plumber was very helpful in fixing it. The room was super tiny and if I ever cruise again I’ll choose a bigger cabin.

Ship tip

Don’t do it.

Ports of call

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic Did not visit port

Our port was Half Moon Cay - that was the only worthwhile area

Grand Turk Island

3 out of 5
Definitely not as amazing as I expected for such an overhyped destination. Half Moon Cay was better.

Disembarkation

3 out of 5
Better than the check in process and embarking but picking up duty free was hectic and checking out so early was not relaxing.
Was this review helpful? 25

10 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe     5 months ago

Thanks for sharing

AuntPinkie    1 year ago

A little research would have been helpful. I agree cruising is probably not for you.

RVStaggs    1 year ago

I have lived in Europe for 6 years and even with military travel and stays you can’t get it cheaper I need their travel agent

CruzeFan    1 year ago

Cruising isn’t for everyone. Not sure how you spent more on a short cruise on an old ship than it would’ve cost to go to Europe. Please post what travel agent you used to get that price to Europe.

michelleb1127    1 year ago

Carnival is not comparable to Marriott. If you cruise again, try a European cruise on a ship like the Celebrity Edge or the Norwegian Prima.

Gwbigdog    1 year ago

Oops sorry 😞 thanks

yk07us    1 year ago

People who use the Ritz usually don't choose one of oldest ships in the fleet and the stateroom in one of the cheapest categories.

Ramsey1986    1 year ago

I hope your next vacation experience is more enjoyable for you. Cruising is not for everyone but we have absolutely enjoyed the 9 that we have been on and are excited about number 10.😎

WhippetMum    1 year ago

Agree cruising not for you

javawoody    1 year ago

Sounds like cruising isn’t for you

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