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Carnival Freedom 2017 7-Day Caribbean Cruise Review
Day 4             July 11, 2017                        Belize      
Scheduled Arrival:   8:00AM                   Scheduled Departure:   5:00PM                                       
​Click Any Photo To Make It Larger!       
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. 
Carnival Freedom Breakfast Cereal
Assorted Varieties of Cereal
Carnival Freedom Yogurt and Milk
Yogurt & Milk - Various Varieties
Carnival Freedom Main Breakfast Buffet Line
Main Breakfast Buffet Line
Carnival Freedom Main Breakfast Buffet Line
Main Breakfast Buffet Line
Carnival Freedom Main Breakfast Buffet Line
Main Breakfast Buffet Line
Carnival Freedom Main Breakfast Buffet Line
Main Breakfast Buffet Line
Carnival Freedom Main Breakfast Buffet Line
Main Breakfast Buffet Line
Carnival Freedom Main Breakfast Buffet Line
Main Breakfast Buffet Line
Carnival Freedom Pastries
Continental Breakfast - Pastries
Carnival Freedom Pastries
Continental Breakfast - Pastries
Carnival Freedom Pastries
Continental Breakfast - Pastries
Carnival Freedom Pastries
Continental Breakfast - Pastries
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. 
Carnival Magic
Carnival Magic - Already Anchored
Carnival Freedom
Boats Approaching Our Ship From Land
Carnival Freedom
Several Boats Around The Carnival Freedom
Belize
Water Spout In The Distance & Rain Approaching
                 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: 
Carnival Freedom Belize Tender Process
Sign For Cruisers With Shore Excursions To Proceed To Victoriana Lounge
Carnival Freedom
Sign On The Promenade Deck For Cruisers Wanting To Tender To Belize
Carnival Freedom Casino Bar
Casino Bar
Carnival Freedom Internet Cafe
Internet Cafe
Carnival Freedom Promenade Deck
Walking Towards The Back Of The Promenade Deck
Carnival Freedom Tender Process Signs
Sign Directing Us To Pick Up Our Stickers
                         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. 
Carnival Freedom
Stairwell From Deck 1 to Deck 0
Carnival Freedom
Spare Gangway Parked On Deck 0
Carnival Freedom
Deck 0 Area - Waited To Embark The Tender
Carnival Freedom
Deck 0 - Area Directing Us To The Tender
Carnival Freedom
Equipment Storage
Carnival Freedom
View Of The Ship As I Boarded The Tender
                    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:
Carnival Freedom
View Of The Carnival Freedom From The Tender
Carnival Magic
View Of The Carnival Magic From The Tender
Carnival Freedom and Carnival Magic
Carnival Freedom & Carnival Magic In The Distance
Belize
Approaching Belize
Belize
Small Boat & Buoy As We Got Near Land
Belize Lighthouse
Lighthouse At The Tip of Belize
Belize
Approaching Belize - View Of The Shoreline
Belize
Zoomed In View Of Belize
Belize
Boats Parked In The Harbor
Belize
Harbor Area - View From The Tender
Belize
Small Pier Where Our Tender Dropped Us Off
Belize Tender
2nd Level Of The Tender
                  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. 
Belize
Harbor Area
Belize Welcome Sign
Sign Welcoming Us To Belize
Belize
Map of Different Port Terminals
Belize
Looking At A Bar Along The Harbor
Belize
Store Front - Store Sold Clothing
Belize
Area Right Outside The Cruise Complex
                      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!
Belize
Walking Along A Street With Parked Cars
Belize
View Of The Harbor From The Street We Walked Along
Belize
Belize
                       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. 
Belize Lighthouse
Lighthouse In The Distance
Belize Lighthouse
Lighthouse
Belize
A Yard or Park (Don't Know What It Was)
                       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. 
Belize
Colorful Belize Letters
Shops
Shops
Belize
Path That Runs Parallel With The Shoreline
Belize
Storefront
Belize
Storefront
Chocolate Store in Belize
Chocolate Store Sign
Belize Chocolate Store
Inside The Chocolate Store
Belize Chocolate Store
Inside The Chocolate Store
Belize Chocolate Store
Inside The Chocolate Store
Belize
Walking Between Shops
Belize
Bar Area Located Along The Shoreline
Belize
Small Pier That Sticks Out
Belize
Shops Located Near The Shoreline
Belize
Walkway Along The Shoreline
Belize
Map of The Cruise Complex
Belize
Harley Davidson In Belize
Belize
A Building We Walked By
Belize Harbor
Looking At The Harbor
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. 
Belize Tender
Our Tender Boat For The Ride Back
Belize
The Step From The Pier To The Boat
Belize
The Pier
Here are some pictures I took during our tender ride back to the Carnival Freedom:
Belize Tender Boat
Covered Area Of Our Tender Boat
Belize Harbor Area
Harbor Area
Belize
Tender Boats Parked In The Harbor
Lighthouse
Lighthouse & Colored Belize Letters In The Distance
Belize
Looking At The Belize Shoreline
Tender Boat In Belize
Another Tender Boat
Belize
View From The Back of The Tender Boat
Belize
Blue Water On One Side
Carnival Freedom
View As We Approached The Carnival Freedom
Carnival Freedom
Approaching The Carnival Freedom
Carnival Freedom
Front Area Of The Carnival Freedom
Carnival Freedom
Crossing From The Tender Onto The Ship
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: 
  • 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
​Here are some pictures of the various food plates and buffet lines from today's lunch:
Blue Iguana Cantina
Burrito / Bowl Fillings At The Blue Iguana Cantina
Blue Iguana Cantina
Burrito / Bowl Fillings At The Blue Iguana Cantina
Blue Iguana Cantina
Burrito / Bowl Fillings at The Blue Iguana Cantina
Blue Iguana Cantina
Bowl
Carnival Freedom Pepperoni Pizza
Pizza From The Pizzeria
Carnival Freedom Caesar Salad
Caesar Salad From The Pizzeria
Carnival Freedom Dessert
Dessert
Carnival Freedom Dessert Station
Dessert Station
Carnival Freedom Dessert Station
Dessert Station
Carnival Freedom Dessert Station
Dessert Station
Carnival Freedom Dessert Station
Dessert Station
Carnival Freedom Dessert Station
Dessert Station
Carnival Freedom Chef's Choice Buffet Line
Chef's Choice Buffet Line
Carnival Freedom Chef's Choice Buffet Line
Chef's Choice Buffet Line
Carnival Freedom Chef's Choice Buffet Line
Chef's Choice Buffet Line
Carnival Freedom Chef's Choice Buffet Line
Chef's Choice Buffet Line
Carnival Freedom Chef's Choice Buffet Line
Chef's Choice Buffet Line
Carnival Freedom Chef's Choice Buffet Line
Chef's Choice Buffet Line
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. 
Carnival Freedom Deck 14
Deck 14 - Looking Towards The Serenity
Carnival Freedom Deck 14
View Of The Pool Area From Deck 14
Carnival Magic
Carnival Magic Anchored In The Distance
                    I took a look at the Serenity Adults Only Retreat's second deck level, which is on Deck 14.  This area was nearly empty. 
Serenity Adults Only Retreat Carnival Freedom
Entrance To The Deck 14 Level of The Serenity Adults Only Retreat
Carnival Freedom Serenity Adults Only Retreat
Deck Chairs & Hammock
Carnival Freedom Serenity Adults Only Retreat Hammock
Hammock At The Serenity
                       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. 
Carnival Freedom Scott's Piano Bar
Scott's Piano Bar - Looking At The Counter
Scott's Piano Bar
Scott's Piano Bar
Scott's Piano Bar
Seating Area At Scott's Piano Bar
                         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. 
Picture
70's Dance Club - View From The Entrance
Carnival Freedom 70's Dance Club
Seats Along The Wall At The 70's Dance Club
Carnival Freedom 70's Dance Club
Dance Floor
                           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. 
Carnival Freedom Taste Bar
The Taste Bar
Carnival Freedom Promenade
Promenade
Carnival Freedom Promenade
Promenade
Carnival Freedom Internet Cafe
Internet Cafe
Carnival Freedom Coffee Bar
Coffee Bar
Carnival Freedom Future Cruise & Loyalty Desk
Future Cruise & Loyalty Desk
Carnival Freedom Fun Finds Shopping Desk
Fun Finds Shopping Desk
Carnival Freedom
Area By Cherry On Top & The Fun Shops
Carnival Freedom Atrium
Atrium - View From Deck 5
Carnival Freedom Atrium
Atrium Bottom - View From Deck 5
Carnival Freedom Deck 10
Deck 10 - Near The Back
Carnival Freedom
Two Tender Boats Below
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. 
Picture
Bread Basket
Carnival Freedom Fry Jacks
Appetizer - Fry Jacks
Carnival Freedom Heart of Iceberg Lettuce
Appetizer - Heart of Iceberg Lettuce
Carnival Freedom Shrimp Cocktail
Appetizer - Shrimp Cocktail
Carnival Freedom Cream of Broccoli
Appetizer - Cream of Broccoli
Picture
Appetizer - Caesar Salad
Carnival Freedom Chili Rellenos
Main Course - Chili Rellenos
Carnival Freedom Salmon Cake
Main Course - Salmon Cake
Picture
Main Course - Southern Fried Chicken
Carnival Freedom Flat Iron Steak
Main Course - Flat Iron Steak
Carnival Freedom S'mores Parfait
Dessert - S'mores Parfait
Carnival Freedom Banana Split
Dessert - Banana Split (From Kid's Menu)
Carnival Freedom Mango Cream Cake
Dessert - Mango Cream Cake
Picture
Dessert - Carnival Melting Chocolate Cake
Carnival Freedom Cheese Plate
Dessert - Cheese Plate
Carnival Freedom Tropical Fruit Plate
Dessert - Tropical Fruit Plate
Carnival Freedom Stateroom
My Stateroom After Nightly Turndown
Carnival Freedom 80's Pop to the Max
80's Pop to the Max
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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RyG's Cruise Guide is not affiliated with any cruise line or travel organization. Any information is subject to change at any time given that the cruise industry is always changing. Due to the Covid pandemic, crew staffing shortages, and supply chain issues information could change without updates being made here. I always recommend checking with your cruise line for the latest information related to onboard amenities and Covid protocols. 

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