Carnival Freedom 2017 7-Day Caribbean Cruise Review
Day 4 July 11, 2017 Belize
Scheduled Arrival: 8:00AM Scheduled Departure: 5:00PM
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Day 4 July 11, 2017 Belize
Scheduled Arrival: 8:00AM Scheduled Departure: 5:00PM
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Breakfast:
My morning started a little slow and due to being so tired I cancelled my morning walk. When my alarm went off I turned it off and went back to bed. However, I still woke up early enough to be at breakfast when it opened. This was the first time in several cruises that I did not have enough energy for a morning walk around the ship (cruising can be exhausting!!)
Today was our third breakfast on the Carnival Freedom. Many of the food choices were the same as the previous two days. Once again, I got in line for an omelet. However, for this day of the cruise I wanted to try the Deli's omelet station. The line was shorter and moved quicker at the deli's omelet station compared to the Mongolian Wok's omelet station. For cruisers that wanted to eat at the Freedom Restaurant (lido buffet) , breakfast was scheduled to begin at 6:30am and end at 10:30am. Continental breakfast (pastries, juices, and fruits) opened at 6:00am. Late Risers Breakfast was scheduled for 10:30am - 12:00pm in the Freedom Restaurant. The Blue Iguana Cantina was open from 7:00am - 10:30am, which is a little different from the other breakfast buffet open/close times. The Posh Dining Room was serving breakfast from 7:00am - 9:00am for cruisers that did not want to eat in the buffet.
My morning started a little slow and due to being so tired I cancelled my morning walk. When my alarm went off I turned it off and went back to bed. However, I still woke up early enough to be at breakfast when it opened. This was the first time in several cruises that I did not have enough energy for a morning walk around the ship (cruising can be exhausting!!)
Today was our third breakfast on the Carnival Freedom. Many of the food choices were the same as the previous two days. Once again, I got in line for an omelet. However, for this day of the cruise I wanted to try the Deli's omelet station. The line was shorter and moved quicker at the deli's omelet station compared to the Mongolian Wok's omelet station. For cruisers that wanted to eat at the Freedom Restaurant (lido buffet) , breakfast was scheduled to begin at 6:30am and end at 10:30am. Continental breakfast (pastries, juices, and fruits) opened at 6:00am. Late Risers Breakfast was scheduled for 10:30am - 12:00pm in the Freedom Restaurant. The Blue Iguana Cantina was open from 7:00am - 10:30am, which is a little different from the other breakfast buffet open/close times. The Posh Dining Room was serving breakfast from 7:00am - 9:00am for cruisers that did not want to eat in the buffet.
Assorted Varieties of Cereal
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Yogurt & Milk - Various Varieties
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Main Breakfast Buffet Line
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Main Breakfast Buffet Line
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Main Breakfast Buffet Line
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Main Breakfast Buffet Line
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Main Breakfast Buffet Line
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Main Breakfast Buffet Line
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Continental Breakfast - Pastries
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Continental Breakfast - Pastries
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Continental Breakfast - Pastries
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Continental Breakfast - Pastries
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Belize Arrival:
Since Belize does not have a pier, we would be using tender boats to go ashore. After breakfast I headed up to the Panorama Deck (10)'s front area to watch us get ready to anchor. The Carnival Magic was already anchored and tender boats were taking its passengers ashore. As we got close to the spot where the Carnival Freedom dropped its anchor, several small boats arrived. Many of these were tender boats that would be taking passengers ashore once clearance from the local authorities was granted.
Since Belize does not have a pier, we would be using tender boats to go ashore. After breakfast I headed up to the Panorama Deck (10)'s front area to watch us get ready to anchor. The Carnival Magic was already anchored and tender boats were taking its passengers ashore. As we got close to the spot where the Carnival Freedom dropped its anchor, several small boats arrived. Many of these were tender boats that would be taking passengers ashore once clearance from the local authorities was granted.
Carnival Magic - Already Anchored
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Boats Approaching Our Ship From Land
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Several Boats Around The Carnival Freedom
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Water Spout In The Distance & Rain Approaching
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As we watched the little boats below, we began to notice dark clouds and rain in the distance. At one time, I was able to spot a water spout. By this time, people were beginning to board their tender. The dark clouds and rain moved towards us very quickly. I was very curious to know what happened to the people sitting on the uncovered tender as they waited for their ship to be full in order to go ashore. When the rain finally hit the people all hurried to the covered part of the boat, but I am sure many of them were soaked. In order to protect my camera, I had to go inside.
Thankfully the heavy rain did not last too long and when the sky looked nice again we decided to head ashore too. |
The tender process on the Carnival Freedom is very organized. People with shore excursions were told to meet in the Victoriana Lounge at a certain time for their shore excursions. Those people would tender using the front area of the ship.
Cruisers not doing shore excursions that wanted to go ashore had to report to the International Lounge, which is located at the very back of the Promenade Deck (5). Here are some pictures I took as I headed back to the International Lounge:
Cruisers not doing shore excursions that wanted to go ashore had to report to the International Lounge, which is located at the very back of the Promenade Deck (5). Here are some pictures I took as I headed back to the International Lounge:
Sign For Cruisers With Shore Excursions To Proceed To Victoriana Lounge
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Sign On The Promenade Deck For Cruisers Wanting To Tender To Belize
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Casino Bar
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Internet Cafe
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Walking Towards The Back Of The Promenade Deck
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Sign Directing Us To Pick Up Our Stickers
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When we got to the International Lounge, we were given a numbered sticker. After being given our stickers, we sat down in the International Lounge and waited for our number to be called. Within about 10 minutes our number was announced and we were told to line up. One of the people working the lounge walked us downstairs to Deck 1. On Deck 1, we were walked to the middle of the ship and then asked to continue down to Deck 0. This walk involved climbing down some steep stairs. However, elevators were available for those that needed them. Once on Deck 0, crew members told us to wait until the tender was fully ready to embark another set of guests.
Stairwell From Deck 1 to Deck 0
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Spare Gangway Parked On Deck 0
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Deck 0 Area - Waited To Embark The Tender
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Deck 0 - Area Directing Us To The Tender
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Equipment Storage
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View Of The Ship As I Boarded The Tender
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I was the first person on the tender and I picked the very back because I wanted the best view of the ship possible. However, as luck would have it, it began to pour. Some guests were yelling for the tender to move, but the boat's crew wanted to wait until the tender was full. I had to put my camera away because the rain was heavy. Essentially, I got soaked! I guess I shouldn't have laughed at the people I saw get soaked earlier. After the tender started moving the rain went away and I was able to start taking pictures again. Here are some pictures from the tender ride:
View Of The Carnival Freedom From The Tender
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View Of The Carnival Magic From The Tender
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Carnival Freedom & Carnival Magic In The Distance
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Approaching Belize
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Small Boat & Buoy As We Got Near Land
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Lighthouse At The Tip of Belize
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Approaching Belize - View Of The Shoreline
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Zoomed In View Of Belize
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Boats Parked In The Harbor
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Harbor Area - View From The Tender
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Small Pier Where Our Tender Dropped Us Off
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2nd Level Of The Tender
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The ride from the Carnival Freedom to the Belize Harbor area was about 20 minutes. Once we were out of the rain, the tender ride was enjoyable. When we got to shore, we were able to get off the tender within 5 minutes of being tied up. On the pier, the Carnival Freedom's photographers were taking pictures.
Harbor Area
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Sign Welcoming Us To Belize
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Map of Different Port Terminals
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Looking At A Bar Along The Harbor
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Store Front - Store Sold Clothing
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Area Right Outside The Cruise Complex
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We left the cruise complex area and headed towards a lighthouse. The lighthouse is located along Belize's shoreline. On our way to the lighthouse, we passed by colorful letters that spelled Belize. Many people were getting their picture taken with these letters. For anyone that plans on walking towards the lighthouse or leaving the cruise complex, I recommend being very careful and staying aware of surroundings. It may also be better to travel in groups. However, keep in mind crime can happen anywhere!
Walking Along A Street With Parked Cars
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View Of The Harbor From The Street We Walked Along
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Belize
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We did not make it all the way to the lighthouse because someone was either sleeping or hiding behind the lighthouse's base. Due to wanting to be cautious, we decided not to continue walking all the way to the lighthouse. I zoomed into the lighthouse instead of getting closer.
Lighthouse In The Distance
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Lighthouse
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A Yard or Park (Don't Know What It Was)
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After getting our picture taken with the colorful letters, we headed back to the cruise complex. The area where the tender boats drop cruisers off has shops and bars. We found a chocolate shop that was serving free samples.
Colorful Belize Letters
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Shops
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Path That Runs Parallel With The Shoreline
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Storefront
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Storefront
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Chocolate Store Sign
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Inside The Chocolate Store
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Inside The Chocolate Store
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Inside The Chocolate Store
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Walking Between Shops
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Bar Area Located Along The Shoreline
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Small Pier That Sticks Out
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Shops Located Near The Shoreline
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Walkway Along The Shoreline
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Map of The Cruise Complex
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Harley Davidson In Belize
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A Building We Walked By
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Looking At The Harbor
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Getting Ready To Tender Back To The Carnival Freedom:
After enjoying Belize, we decided to head back to the Carnival Freedom for lunch. In order to go back to the tender, we had to show our Sail & Sign cards and photo identification. Since it was a non-peak time, we were put on a smaller tender. We had to wait about 20 minutes before the tender departed, but the smaller ship sailed faster so we made up for lost time. I enjoyed the ride back much more than the ride to Belize.
After enjoying Belize, we decided to head back to the Carnival Freedom for lunch. In order to go back to the tender, we had to show our Sail & Sign cards and photo identification. Since it was a non-peak time, we were put on a smaller tender. We had to wait about 20 minutes before the tender departed, but the smaller ship sailed faster so we made up for lost time. I enjoyed the ride back much more than the ride to Belize.
Our Tender Boat For The Ride Back
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The Step From The Pier To The Boat
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The Pier
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Here are some pictures I took during our tender ride back to the Carnival Freedom:
Covered Area Of Our Tender Boat
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Harbor Area
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Tender Boats Parked In The Harbor
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Lighthouse & Colored Belize Letters In The Distance
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Looking At The Belize Shoreline
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Another Tender Boat
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View From The Back of The Tender Boat
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Blue Water On One Side
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View As We Approached The Carnival Freedom
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Approaching The Carnival Freedom
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Front Area Of The Carnival Freedom
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Crossing From The Tender Onto The Ship
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Reboarding The Carnival Freedom:
When our tender was tied up to the Carnival Freedom, we were able to get back on the ship. The first area on the ship we were directed to was a security checkpoint. All of our belongings were sent through a machine for scanning. We had to remove electronics from our pockets before going through a metal detector. The security checkpoint took very little time because there was no line prior to my tender boat's arrival.
Lunch:
Today for lunch I wanted to go to the Blue Iguana Cantina. I had trouble deciding whether to get tacos or a taco salad. I decided on getting a taco salad bowl. The food was good! Next, I went to the pizzeria for some pepperoni pizza and Caesar salad. The food from the pizzeria was also good!
The Chef's Choice buffet line was serving French food.
Today's lunch options were as follows:
When our tender was tied up to the Carnival Freedom, we were able to get back on the ship. The first area on the ship we were directed to was a security checkpoint. All of our belongings were sent through a machine for scanning. We had to remove electronics from our pockets before going through a metal detector. The security checkpoint took very little time because there was no line prior to my tender boat's arrival.
Lunch:
Today for lunch I wanted to go to the Blue Iguana Cantina. I had trouble deciding whether to get tacos or a taco salad. I decided on getting a taco salad bowl. The food was good! Next, I went to the pizzeria for some pepperoni pizza and Caesar salad. The food from the pizzeria was also good!
The Chef's Choice buffet line was serving French food.
Today's lunch options were as follows:
- Blue Iguana Cantina 12:00pm - 3:30pm
- French Food - Chef's Choice Line 12:00pm - 3:30pm
- Mongolian Wok 12:00pm - 3:30pm
- Ol' Fashioned BBQ 12:00pm - 3:30pm
- Seafood Shack (Costs Extra) 12:00pm - 5:00pm
- Sushi At Sea (Costs Extra) 12:00pm - 5:00pm
- Guy's Burger Joint 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Burrito / Bowl Fillings At The Blue Iguana Cantina
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Burrito / Bowl Fillings At The Blue Iguana Cantina
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Burrito / Bowl Fillings at The Blue Iguana Cantina
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Bowl
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Pizza From The Pizzeria
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Caesar Salad From The Pizzeria
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Dessert
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Dessert Station
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Dessert Station
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Dessert Station
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Dessert Station
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Dessert Station
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Chef's Choice Buffet Line
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Chef's Choice Buffet Line
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Chef's Choice Buffet Line
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Chef's Choice Buffet Line
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Chef's Choice Buffet Line
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Chef's Choice Buffet Line
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After Lunch Walk Around The Ship:
After lunch I headed from the Lido Deck (9) to Deck 14. On this deck I was able to get a good view of the waterslide and pool areas.
After lunch I headed from the Lido Deck (9) to Deck 14. On this deck I was able to get a good view of the waterslide and pool areas.
Deck 14 - Looking Towards The Serenity
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View Of The Pool Area From Deck 14
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Carnival Magic Anchored In The Distance
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I took a look at the Serenity Adults Only Retreat's second deck level, which is on Deck 14. This area was nearly empty.
Entrance To The Deck 14 Level of The Serenity Adults Only Retreat
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Deck Chairs & Hammock
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Hammock At The Serenity
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After walking around Deck 14, I headed inside and went to the Promenade Deck (5). I walked around the Promenade walkway and started looking inside the ship's empty lounges. One of the first places I went into was Scott's Piano Bar.
Scott's Piano Bar - Looking At The Counter
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Scott's Piano Bar
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Seating Area At Scott's Piano Bar
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The 70's Dance Club is another place I looked in during my afternoon walk. I felt like there were very few opportunities to look in the 70's Dance Club during the cruise. On the first day, this area was used for a wedding reception. On the sea days, art auctions and displays were taking place in the dance club.
70's Dance Club - View From The Entrance
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Seats Along The Wall At The 70's Dance Club
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Dance Floor
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The Carnival Freedom's Promenade is one of the nicest out of all Carnival ships I have sailed on. At this time of the afternoon, many of the public lounges as well as the casino were closed.
The Taste Bar
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Promenade
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Promenade
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Internet Cafe
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Coffee Bar
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Future Cruise & Loyalty Desk
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Fun Finds Shopping Desk
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Area By Cherry On Top & The Fun Shops
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Atrium - View From Deck 5
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Atrium Bottom - View From Deck 5
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Deck 10 - Near The Back
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Two Tender Boats Below
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Dinner In The Chic Dining Room:
Tonight we once again ate dinner in the Chic Dining Room. The doors for dinner opened promptly at 5:45pm and we were seated shortly after the doors opened. We had the same waitstaff as the second night of the cruise. They did a great job and remembered most of our names! Besides having good service, the food was also good.
Tonight we once again ate dinner in the Chic Dining Room. The doors for dinner opened promptly at 5:45pm and we were seated shortly after the doors opened. We had the same waitstaff as the second night of the cruise. They did a great job and remembered most of our names! Besides having good service, the food was also good.
Bread Basket
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Appetizer - Fry Jacks
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Appetizer - Heart of Iceberg Lettuce
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Appetizer - Shrimp Cocktail
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Appetizer - Cream of Broccoli
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Appetizer - Caesar Salad
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Main Course - Chili Rellenos
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Main Course - Salmon Cake
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Main Course - Southern Fried Chicken
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Main Course - Flat Iron Steak
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Dessert - S'mores Parfait
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Dessert - Banana Split (From Kid's Menu)
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Dessert - Mango Cream Cake
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Dessert - Carnival Melting Chocolate Cake
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Dessert - Cheese Plate
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Dessert - Tropical Fruit Plate
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My Stateroom After Nightly Turndown
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80's Pop to the Max
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Production Show - "80's Pop to the Max":
The production show for the night was 80's Pop to the Max. This show consisted of 80's music. There were two showings of 80's Pop to the Max, which were 8:15pm and 10:15pm. The pre-show for each showing started 15 minutes prior to the show's start (8:00pm and 10:00pm). The singers and dancers did a great job!! After the show I went to the Lido buffet for a drink of water before going to bed. The entire day was enjoyable! |
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