Since its 2014 retrofit, Carnival Freedom has catapulted itself to a cruising experience that highlights family togetherness. The redesigning of the ship expanded its services and entertainment treats for a wider range of audience. Now with Camp Ocean, Carnival Freedom offers Bookville, the first educational, play space that hosts the Seuss at Sea experience on deck. To supplement previous amenities, Carnival Freedom has added EA Sports Bar and Hasbro the Game Show to its range of branded activities. Upgrades to previously well-loved offerings, such as the dining experience at the main banquet, have strengthened Freedom’s mature approach. At the buffet, a wider range of choices and expanded menu of specialties and delicacies have been prepared, without the additional fees. The dress code is casual for the day and semi-formal to smart casual for the evening.

[fa type=”bed”] Accommodation

Carnival Freedom’s accommodations are kept simple. Freedom’s 1,487 rooms – including interior cabins, ocean view cabins, suites and Penthouse suites – have a general colour scheme of earth-tone oranges upholstery, carpet, sheets, and blinds, complemented by lighter toned panels of sunset buffs and cream hues. Furnishings are polished wood with convertible twin beds (into queen sizes), cabinetry, and end and side tables. Television sets are satellite-provided to offer the widest range of entertainment and broadcast choices. Staterooms have a safe and a stocked mini-fridge. Storage is generous for every room, with drawers, hangers and closets. There is just one power outlet available per room. The bathroom and comfort space is well provided with toiletries including aloe soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, breath mints, and pain-relief tablets. There also is the standard hair dryer and vanity space for every room.

[fa type=”cutlery”] Food

The main dining rooms on Carnival Freedom have been designed simply with a Victorian ambience from table pieces to the interiors. Practically twin dining halls, The Chic and Posh offer fixed-time dining at 6pm or 8.15pm, as well as flexible dining between 5.45pm and 9.30pm. The Posh, located aft, gathers more diners as it has ocean-view seating. Both venues serve delightful meals throughout the day with a varied menu. For a more unique dining experience, Chef’s Table is open for reservations for up to 12 diners. Freedom Restaurant offers a wide buffet selection, from Asian wok dishes to the 24-hour pizzeria, to the fish ‘n’ chipper, and a grill for classic burgers and hotdogs. The Freedom restaurant turns into the Seafood Bistro after dark.

[fa type=”ticket”] Activities

Just above the navigation bridge, Spa Carnival stretches over 1,235 square metres. There’s a solarium, lecture rooms, treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms, and a beauty parlor. A decently equipped gymnasium is available within the Spa Carnival with an amazing ocean view from floor-to-ceiling windows. The aerobics room has coached classes for yoga, boot camp and others, for a fee. There is also a jogging track on the sports and spa deck.

[fa type=”group”] Families

Camp Ocean is the mainstay for children’s entertainment and care programs. From the Penguins (2-5 year olds), to Sting Rays (6-8 year olds), and the Sharks (9-11 year olds), Camp Ocean hosts specialised, oceanography-themed activities for young minds including arts and crafts lessons which may extend to family activities as well. Tweens are catered for at Circle C, while teens have Club O2. As Bookville tags along with Carnival Freedom, Dr. Seuss comes alive in play spaces. While the kids play, parents can relax at the adults-only Serenity area.