Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Freedom

Introduction

Unveiled in 2007, the Carnival Freedom is one of “fun ship” line Carnival’s newest ships. Currently based year-round in Fort Lauderdale, the 2,974-passenger vessel was the last of the line’s five Conquest Class ships, and it sails a variety of six-, seven- and eight-night itineraries to the Caribbean, including some Southern Caribbean itineraries that include stops in Curacao and Aruba.

The Freedom was the first Carnival ship with an adults-only Serenity deck-top area, something still only available on a handful of Carnival ships. Designed as a quiet zone away from children, the adult-only area, alas, is located very close to the ship’s Camp Carnival children’s area, so it is not quite as quiet as you may hope.

Freedom also is home to three pools, which would seem to provide enough watery fun for everyone on board to get a comfortable share, although they do get crowded on sea days. One of the pools at the back of the ship, the Endless pool, has a retractable dome that lets passengers enjoy a swim even when the weather is less than ideal.

The Freedom offers two main restaurants, one that provides traditional fixed seatings at two times (early and late) and one that operates on Carnival’s more flexible “My Time Dining” system. There also is a buffet eatery situated between the two main pools that is open much of the day, with two sets of grills on either side that run all day and night. For a little extra money and a reservation, you also have the option of dining in the ship’s signature restaurant, the Sun King Steakhouse.

In addition to pools, the top areas of the Carnival Freedom feature a Sports Deck with a basketball court and a miniature golf course as well as bars galore. There also are extensive children’s programs on this ship, with several areas and activities broken down by age group.

Gene's Opinion on the Carnival Freedom

Like other Carnival ships, the Carnival Freedom is a big, bustling vessel that will appeal to spirited, fun-loving vacationers — particularly those on a budget. A luxury ship, it isn’t, but the fifth of Carnival’s Conquest Class series offers a lot of value for the money, with most activities, shows and meals included in the basic fare.

While the Freedom’s cabins may be relatively plain (though completely functional), and its cuisine is far from gourmet, this is a ship that is hard not to enjoy — at least if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t mind a little deck-top silliness, offbeat humor and flashy interior decor. Would you get up on stage to sing karaoke or at least have fun watching your friends do it? This is the ship for you. Horrified by the idea? Maybe it’s time to look elsewhere.

Keep in mind, the Carnival Freedom is a relatively low-cost product. You won’t be pampered at every moment, like you would expect on the luxury vessels of Crystal Cruises or Seabourn, and it’s pool areas and spa aren’t as posh. But that doesn’t mean the ship isn’t packed with all sorts of fun stuff, from lively nightclubs to an outdoor screen to watch movies under the stars. Chock full of children’s zones and home to one of Carnival’s signature water slides, it’s also a great ship for families with children both young and old. That said, adults without kids aren’t forgotten. The adults-only Serenity area atop the ship offers a reprieve from the younger set (and unlike on some ships with similar areas, is open at no extra charge, to boot).

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