Cruising provides even the tightest budgets with an all-inclusive way to travel to exotic places. Although itineraries may vary on the Freedom, the most popular Carnival Freedom Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops in Cozumel, Mexico, Limon, Costa Rica, and Colon, Panama.
Housed with nearly 1500 roomy staterooms, guests can find the accommodations for singles, couples, or families. For the more budget-oriented, there are numerous interior staterooms. Other available rooms include ocean view rooms as well as balcony and suites. As the options for upgrades increase, such as a balcony or suite, so does the cost.
Western Caribbean Ports of Call
Departing Fort Lauderdale, FL at 4 pm, travelers are welcomed aboard with a horn signaling departure followed by an open deck sailing-away party. Most ships in Carnival’s fleet provide early travelers with an option to board as early as noon, although every stateroom may not yet be ready. Early boarders can enjoy a lunch buffet on the Lido deck, explore various parts of the ship, or take an early dip in one of the numerous swimming pools onboard.
In Cozumel, visitors are able to immediately disembark the ship to begin shopping or embark on a shore excursion. Located away from the mainland, ferries are available to transport visitors who wish to visit other areas of Mexico. Known for its famous diving spot, Palancar Reef, this is a great place for visitors to enjoy multitudes of vibrantly colored fish.
Over one-fourth of Limon, Costa Rica, one of the exotic stops on the Carnival Freedom’s itinerary, is designated as a national park. Steady temperatures in the 80’s, along with a high humidity level, makes Limon a perfect place to explore jungles, flora, and fauna. Visitors can zip-line through the jungles, or float down a river in the middle of trees scouting monkeys, sloths, and various jungle creatures.
Colon, Panama, renown for the Panama Canal, is also home to many Indian tribes and offers a great spot to kayak. Tours are available both through Carnival and when passengers disembark the ship.
There is plenty of shopping at all three ports of call, and vendors are always willing to make a reasonable deal.
Carnival Freedom On-Board Entertainment
First-class entertainment can be found onboard the Carnival Freedom. The Victorian Lounge, decorated true to its name, hosts nightly shows with Carnival dancers and performers, an orchestra pit, magicians and comedians. Late night adult-only shows provide more daring entertainment. A two-story, comfortable seating area, is also the staging area for daily Bingo games, games that interact with the guests (such as the Not so Newlywed Game), and various presentations.
The Carnival Freedom boasts numerous clubs and bars, a casino with slots and tables, live entertainment all across the ship, and various pools (one with a three-deck high spiral slide, and one just for adults!). A nine-hole miniature golf course adorns the roof of the highest level of the ship, and a 12 X 22 big screen provides passengers with a way to watch movies under the stars. There is also a complimentary indoor fitness gym located next to the Spa.
Dining Options on the Carnival Freedom
Included with the price of the cruise is 24-hour access to food to please all palettes, as well as unlimited water, iced tea, and coffee. Unlimited soda cards, as well as alcoholic beverages, can be purchased separately.
Open dining is available on the Lido deck, with casual dining and 24-hour pizza.
Room service is available 24 hours a day, but can get backed up a bit on a big show night.
The Carnival Freedom houses two Main Dining Rooms, the Posh Restaurant and the Chic Restaurant. When booking the cruise, vacationers will be asked if they want Early Seating or Late Seating. The Posh and Chic Restaurants provide a more elegant atmosphere with more succulent options that makes dining out legendary. Some of the more tantalizing choices range from Lobster, to Prime Rib, to Braised Lamb. For the more traditional eaters, Flat Iron Steak and Ribs are available every night.
For special seating accommodations, or to change a scheduled dining option, the maitre d is usually available for a few hours on the day of debarkation.
The Sun King Steakhouse, an upscale dining restaurant, offers an unforgettable dining experience at a nominal fee per guest.
Carnival Freedom Cruise Activities for Kids and Teens
Camp Carnival is a fleet-wide program for kids ages 2-11. At Camp Carnival, kids can participate in various activities as they choose, helping to burn off some pent up energy and ensuring fun for the whole family.
Circle C is a program designed for the pre-teens (12-14), while Club O2 caters to the older teens, 15-17.
For more information on the Carnival Freedom, visit Carnival's website.
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