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Disappointing Carnival
Reviewed By: Connolly, Bangor N Ireland on 5th Sep 2008
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruises	Times cruised before: 3-5
Cruise Ship: Carnival Freedom	Sailed: August, 2008
Destination: Mediterranean	Age: 46-55

We have recently returned from our first Carnival cruise on 26th August. The cruise was around Italy, Greece and Turkey. We did enjoy the cruise but had many disappointments. The Carnival staff met our flight from London and asked all Carnival guests to leave their luggage in the airport carousel area and staff would place it in the bus and eventually in our cabins. We found this very unusual as Carnival did not issue luggage labels (although we asked for them before departure) so how they were able to decipher whose luggage was for which cabin must have been a very tiring job for someone. Needless to say we were very worried that our luggage would not arrive in our cabins although we did have our names on tags. The luggage did arrive late that evening as did most peoples. When we received our documentation we registered with Carnival all the info required online, however, at embarkation we were asked to fill in even more forms duplicating this information. The staff appeared confused as to what was required and our procedure differed from that of our friends who were experiencing their first cruise. The ship was very clean but we were surprised by the almost non use of the hygiene gel by guests or staff. We were booked for dining in the Posh Restaurant for the late sitting and found that our waiter was much disorganized. He was apparently serving six tables of four; he served some of the order to us and some to others and appeared to be in his own world most of the time. After a few nights we asked to be moved to another table and eventually the Maitre D organized this and the service was very much improved. The quality of food in the restaurant was not of the standard we had previously experienced on cruises and we know a lot or other guests were also disappointed. Our ultimate complaint was the lack of good entertainment in the evenings. The cruise director Todd Witmer was constantly on the PA system, TV channel or stage, selling excursions etc. There were singers in bars with only a few people listening to them, and the emphasis was on the guests to provide a karaoke night or who do you want to be tonight? Deck 5 (where the entertainment was based) was usually deserted by 11pm. I have re-read this review and know some of the complaints sound petty but the beginning of a cruise should be smooth, the Fine Dining as such and good entertainment. I suffered from a stomach bug and lost three days of my cruise which was not pleasant. Carnival has the biggest fleet and we believed that they would be the most experienced at providing our best cruise and make it special for our friends. Unfortunately this was not so. The ports we visited were enjoyed especially Rome. We organized our own trips.
Quality of Food
The quality of food in the Freedom dining was good. The Posh Restaurant food read better on the menu and presentation was poor.
Entertainment
Overall the entertainment although varied was poor. Only two full shows on the cruise and there was never a feel good factor at any of the bars.
Shore Excursions	n/a
We orgainised our own excursions and found this to be the most economical.
Staff	n/a

Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities
There was a varied choice of activities but unlike other ships no main deck dancing, aerobics or games during the days at sea.
Cabins
We had an inside cabin and were pleased with the size and its cleanliness
Overall Rating

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Opinion: Agree Comment by hinton, Crewe (04 Oct 08 14:04) about this REVIEW.

Just back after the same itinerary - the comments you made express exactly how we felt on the Freedom, wonderful ports of call let down by the very things you mentioned. We also found the music around the pool and in the Freedom dining room so loud that it was almost impossible to have a conversation! Food was disappointing compared to other cruise lines - always luke warm or cold and although the majority of staff were pleasant, come the last night - no one had the time of day, although , I guess they are busy. We wont return to Carnival for our next cruise.

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Opinion: Agree Comment by Pestell, Tyne & Wear (06 Sep 08 14:41) about this REVIEW.

Hi there, nice to read your review and that you agree with mine. We have cruised on OV, Thomsons and Island and have never suffered from lack of entertainment or purely relying on the customers to provide this. Going on RCI in March 2009 to the Caribbean which will be our first for RCI but 3rd to Caribbean and you can not beat that part of the world in my opinion. Hope your friends are not put off cruising. Better companies out there. Kind regards

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