Carnival Freedom
Seven years after first setting sail, the 2,980-guest Carnival Freedom emerged from a major makeover in spring 2014 looking refreshed and brimming with upgrades, including the line's mega-popular Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Many family-focused spaces were added as well. Carnival Freedom was the first Carnival ship with Camp Ocean (the line’s revamped maritime-themed kids club) as well as a Dr. Seuss-themed reading room and play space. There were also some updates to staterooms during a 2023 dry dock. That said, the ship’s décor favors exuberant colors and finishes (the dining room is called Posh, and Scott’s Piano Bar is vibrant pink), so seekers of a more subdued onboard ambiance beware.
What We Love
Great, Complimentary Dining: Besides the usual fare, the buffet features specialty stations offering made-to-order pizza, deli sandwiches, and Asian stir-fry. On the Lido Deck, you’ll also find BlueIguana’s Tex-Mex offerings and burgers by Food Network star Guy Fieri — all for no additional charge.
Dr. Seuss Partnership: While kids have to be at least two years old to participate in Camp Ocean, younger children (as well as their parents and siblings) can all enjoy Seuss at Sea, designed in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises. There’s a charming Bookville reading room where you can read Seuss classics to the kids or attend a scheduled story hour and do Seuss-themed arts and crafts. Activities on board also include parades led by Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and Thing 2, and even a character breakfast with — you guessed it — green eggs and ham.