Carnival Freedom

The Carnival Freedom is a member of the large family of Conquest class cruise ships - along with its sisters, Liberty, Glory, Valor and Conquest. It was the last to be built and was launched in 2007.

These large, non-Panamax liners are well designed, with a classic profile and expertly planned interiors. In addition, they all feature the iconic red, white and blue wingtip funnel that can be found on all of the vessels in the Carnival Cruises fleet.

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When it was first launched, the Freedom offered voyages in the Mediterranean, with a special focus on the Greek Islands. Now it is exclusively based in Fort Lauderdale, offering fantastic cruises around the Caribbean. Popular itineraries include ports of call in places like Grand Turk, Puerto Rico, St Maarten and St Thomas.

For the most part, the dress code on the Freedom is casual and in the pool decks and public areas, jeans, T-shirts and shorts are perfectly acceptable. At meal times, smart casual is the norm in most of the restaurants, although some of the venues require something a bit dressier. On most cruises, there are a couple formal nights, where tuxedos and cocktail dresses are recommended.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 3,700
Year entered service: 2007
Beam (ship width): 105.6 feet
Draught (ship depth): 27.2 feet
Length: 951.4 feet
Tonnage: 110,239
Crew: 1,150
Maximum speed: 21 knots
Number of passenger decks: 13
Number of lifts: 18
Number of swimming pools: 3
Number of cabins: 1,487

Food, cuisine and dining

There is a vast selection of eateries on the Freedom, with options to suit any taste or cravings - so you never have to worry about going hungry!

For traditional cruise-style dining, there are two main restaurants, called Chic and Posh. These are elaborately decorated and span two decks with balcony seating and floor-to-ceiling windows for fantastic views.

On the Lido Deck, there's a huge buffet area that offers just about any food option you can imagine. From grilled items like burgers and hot dogs, through to Asian-inspired cuisine and a pizzeria that's open 24 hours a day. There's also a seafood cafe and lighter options like salads and sandwiches.

Alternatively, guests wanting to splash out on some fine dining in an elegant setting should be sure to book a table at the Sun King Steakhouse.

On-board entertainment and activities

One of the most popular entertainment venues on the Freedom is the Seaside Theatre. Located on the main pool deck, this features an LED screen that measures 12 by 22 feet. It regularly shows programmes like concerts and sporting events and in the evening, it's the perfect place to watch a film under the stars.

If you prefer cabaret-style acts, then the Victoriana Lounge is the place to go. With seating for 1,400 guests, it is the vessel's biggest entertainment venue and hosts large-scale performances every night. Meanwhile, the various lounges and bars around the ship offer live music and more intimate settings.

Younger cruisers will enjoy Club O2, Camp Carnival and Circle "C" - three youth clubs specifically for kids of different age ranges. Activities include arts and crafts, projects, discos, edutainment and films and there are also dedicated hangout spaces.

Other options include the exciting waterslide and a nine-hole crazy golf course.

Spas and fitness facilities

For some pampering, there's a beauty parlour in the Oasis Escape spa where you can indulge in a variety of treatments like facials and manicures. You could even opt for a completely new look: specialists can give you a new hairstyle, or carry out treatments that will leave your locks looking shiny and healthy.

Other options include anti-aging treatments, waxing and eyebrow shaping, while services for men are also available, like skin nourishing and hair darkening.

The thermal suite is a great option if you want to unwind with some time in a steam room or sauna. There are also several treatment rooms where you can enjoy a massage, body wrap or other therapy.

If you prefer to get your stress out with some vigorous exercise, there's a large gym, as well as a fitness studio where aerobics and yoga classes are held. Elsewhere, you can find swimming pools and a jogging track.

Cabins

The Freedom has nearly 1,500 cabins in 20 different price categories, so if you're planning a voyage on this vessel, you'll have plenty of options to choose from.

The largest rooms are the Grand Suites. These are extremely spacious rooms, measuring up to 430 square feet, with separate bedrooms and seating areas. They are stylishly decorated in the warm hues that Carnival is so well-known for and they have plenty of storage space.

A number of suites include Skipper's Club - an expedited check-in service for those who want to get on the ship quickly and without any hassle. There are also some spa class suites, which give guests easy access to the wellbeing facilities.

In addition, family suites are available, which have room for up to five passengers, making them perfect for larger groups travelling together.

Alternatively, those seeking cruise deals will also have a number of lower-cost options available. No matter which quarters you select, you'll enjoy comfortable furnishings, an en-suite bathroom and friendly service.