Carnival Freedom expands Fun Ship philosophy

Jason · September 6, 2006

Source: Michael Coleman, Boca Raton News

In just over six months from now the world's most popular mass-market cruise line will launch a "Freedom'' of its own.

Carnival Freedom, following in the wake of Royal Caribbean's recently-launched Freedom of the Seas, will leave the Fincantieri shipyard in Maghera, Italy and ply the global waters, first in Europe then the Caribbean.

The 2,974-passenger, 110,000 ton ship will debut with an inaugural summer schedule of Mediterranean and Greek Isles voyages March 14 - October 16, 2007, followed by a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy to Miami Oct. 28 - Nov. 11, 2007. She'll then operate a special, one-time, four-day cruise from Miami to Key West and Cozumel Nov. 12-16, 2007 before the launch of alternating week-long eastern and western Caribbean cruises from Miami beginning November 17, 2007.

Eastern Caribbean voyages will call on San Juan, St. Thomas/St. John and St. Maarten, while the western route features stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios. Itineraries include beach and watersports opportunities, duty-free shopping and a diversity of historical attractions and landmarks.

"With its wide range of onboard amenities, array of balconied staterooms, myriad dining, dancing and entertainment venues, and expansive facilities for children and teens, Carnival Freedom will be a spectacular addition to the 'Fun Ship' fleet,'' said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO, in a statement.

The ship may quickly become a favorite among new and past passengers alike. A wide range of dining options, including full-service multi-course meals in twin two-deck-high formal restaurants, an upscale reservations-only supper club offering U.S.D.A. prime aged beef and other gourmet cuisine, and a 1,400-seat casual poolside restaurant featuring extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, Asian and American specialty areas, and 24-hour pizza and ice cream, will be available. Dining venues will feature signature selections from French master chef Georges Blanc.

The ship will house a 13,300-square-foot health club, jogging track, four swimming pools, and a comprehensive golf program with professional instruction. In addition to cell phone service and an Internet cafe, the vessel will offer bow to stern wireless Internet capabilities.

Look, also, for 22 lounges and bars to keep revelers happy.

Of the ship's 1,487 staterooms, 60 percent will offer either an ocean view or private balcony and all Carnival Freedom staterooms will feature the "Carnival Comfort Bed" sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality pillows and linen.

A number of family-friendly amenities, including a 4,200-square-foot children's play area, part of the fleetwide "Camp Carnival" program, and a 1,800-square-foot "Club 02" teen dance club/recreation area, will also be featured.

It's a busy time at Carnival these days. Following the launch of ''Freedom," the 3,000-passenger, 112,000 ton Carnival Splendor will debut in Spring 2008 followed by a 130,000 ton, 3,608-passenger vessel, yet to be named, in 2009.

Despite the pending ship launches, however, the line still casts a keen eye towards a valued member of its existing fleet. In the coming days the 2,052-passenger Carnival Fascination will undergo significant, multi-million dollar upgrades.

The 70,000-ton ship sails year-round from Miami on three-day cruises - departing Fridays with an overnight in Nassau - and four-day voyages departing Mondays with stops at Key West and Cozumel.

Cruise Guide columnist Michael Coleman, a former newspaper editor, was a public relations executive for major cruise lines in Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles.

elfed · September 6, 2006

The Freedom sounds a lovely ship. Now if only Carnival would introduce 9 or 10 day trips into the deep Caribbean from Florida with this great ship it would make for an even more enjoyable cruise.

Regards,

James,