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Habana Cigar Bar
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Carnival Freedom
November 12, 2007
Inaugural Caribbean Cruise - Part Two
Public Areas
At the heart of Carnival Freedom is Millennium Atrium, a striking space where small versions of its glass and copper chandeliers slowly change colors in a subtle light show from bottom to top. The theme of the "next" decade—2010—is carried out by cylindrical forms that also change tone from red to gold depending on the angle. While the space is cavernous, it also achieves a surprising intimacy with seating areas along the perimeter. Wood veneer that has been dyed to emulate tiger skin makes its initial appearance in the atrium and is repeated throughout the ship.
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Player's Sports Bar
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Victoriana, the main show lounge, anchors three decks forward. Design elements capture the fashion of Queen Victoria's era with ornate moldings and a sparkling crystal chandelier. Tiered seating provides good seats on all three levels and views of the stage are obstructed by few columns.
The main promenade on Deck 5 connects the entries to a variety of lounges and public rooms, each with a distinctive style reflected in the decor:
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Player's Sports Bar, celebrates the "golden era of sports"—the 1950s. Sporting enthusiasts can watch the games of the present on multiple plasma television screens while perched on some of the most unique ball-style seating at sea.
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Babylon Casino, depicts the Hanging Gardens of Babylon complete with the Ishtar Gate
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Meiji Sushi Bar, lit by delicately painted Oriental paper lanterns
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Viennese Cafe, the promenade patisserie resembles a sidewalk cafe filled with flowers
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Studio 70 Dance Club, a rollicking retro-disco that—of course!—celebrates the 70s with mirrored disco balls and enormous "7" and "0" shaped furnishings
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Bar Nouveau, the cozy wine bar with a stained glass dome
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Scott's Piano Bar, named for ragtime pianist Scott Joplin features fanciful upright "pianos" on walls and ceilings
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Swingtime Jazz Club, a sophisticated, and smoke-free, lounge for listening and dancing
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International Lounge, is a streamlined modern cabaret lounge with walls puntuated by niches containing glittering silver art objects
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Club O2, the expansive Teen Dance Club and gaming center is a totally-hip and oh-so-cool hangout
Deck 4 is where you'll find:
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Monticello Library with a modest selection of books and board games
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Cyberspace to surf the Internet if you didn't bring your own laptop to capture the ship-wide WiFi signal (even available in cabins)
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Habana Cigar Bar, an inviting hideaway decorated with cigar-shaped bar stools and tables
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Freedom's Lido with Big Screen Entertainment
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With so many stimulating areas to explore, don't overlook the multi-million dollar art collection personally selected by Joe Farcus.
And... I've saved one of the best features for last. High above the mid-lido pool area is the Seaside Theater, a huge light-emitting diode (LED) screen. Programming includes not only music videos, but also news broadcasts, movies, cartoons, and games led by the entertainment staff. If your dream is to be a singing "Idol," you can even take part in karaoke, which is projected on the big screen.
For Active Lifestyles
Staffed by Steiner Leisure, the Spa on Deck 11 boasts a full menu of salon treatments and spa indulgences. For those who can't miss a daily workout, the Gym sports state-of-the art equipment and a wide range of exercise classes. For sheer serenity, the spa's therapy-style Jacuzzi is a haven in a tropical setting. The entire gym has incredible sea views, but if your workout includes nothing more strenuous than time in the sauna or steam room, you won't be shortchanged—they each have glass walls and endless vistas.
Joggers and walkers can complete laps on the uninterrupted jogging track's cushioned surface aft on Deck 11 (nine times around equals a mile). If sunning is your thing, the mid-lido pool has ample deck chairs on terraced landings and there are more surrounding the quieter pool aft, as well as one deck up overlooking the action. Nearby bars serve soft drinks, beer, and cocktails in both pool locations. Grills for burgers and ice cream serving stations are adjacent as well so you won't lose sun tanning time if you get a case of the munchies. Should the weather turn foul, the aft pool features a retractable cover that insures you won't miss any swim or hot tub time.
For a quick thrill, try the twisting waterslide!
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Club O2 "Mocktail Lounge"
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Camp Carnival
With record numbers of families setting sail on cruise vacations—575,000 children sailed with Carnival this year—Carnival Freedom's Camp Carnival counselors are prepared. The 4,200-square foot play area is dedicated to delighting youngsters with structured activities tailored for specific age groups. Toys, games, computers, a children's pool... and, most importantly, the trained counselors—Camp Carnival provides an entertaining, educational, and safe environment for kid-fun.
Teenagers 15 to 17 years old can opt to participate in a wide range of sports, dance parties, and entertainment options offered in the Club O2 program or simply hang out with new-found pals in the adult-free 1,800-square foot teen game room/dance club.
The Carnival Freedom Experience...
Should satisfy the tastes of even the pickiest passenger—there's a little something to appeal to everyone. When you're not ashore exploring the ports of call, if nothing appeals to you, there's always your private balcony, a quiet corner to read, or a deck chair from which to contemplate the sea.
What You WILL Find:
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Activities to suit a wide range of interests for all ages
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Tasty meals, creatively presented
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Service by a friendly staff
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Numerous triple and quad staterooms suitable for families
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Attention to accessibility for the physically challenged
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Well stocked duty free shops
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A meeting room for corporate functions, weddings, and religious celebrations
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A computer center and ship-wide WiFi connectivity for laptop users
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Huge, well-equipped areas for children and teenagers
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A 13,300 square feet Spa, Salon, and Health Club
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Some of the most professional entertainment afloat, presented by the Carnival Freedom production team and guest performers
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Self-service passenger laundry rooms with ironing facilities
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Stroller rentals and group babysitting services
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Fountain Fun Cards for children and adults, which provide unlimited soft drinks throughout the cruise for a one-time, flat fee
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Gratuities are automatically added to all accounts, but can be adjusted as deemed appropriate
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Fun, fun, fun!
What You WON'T Find:
Fast Stats
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110,000 tons
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952 feet long
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116 feet wide
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Speed 22.5 knots
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2,974 guests, double occupancy
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3,700 total guest capacity (including uppers)
The Spirit of FUN Permeates Carnival Freedom
Carnival Freedom sails alternating 7-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises from Miami during 2007 winter months and will return to Europe for 12-day Grand Mediterranean and Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises in summer 2008. After a fall repositioning in 2008, Carnival Freedom will offer 6- and 8-night Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale.
Back to --> Carnival Freedom (Part 1)
Highlights from the Carnival Freedom Caribbean Inaugural cruise:
- Day One
- Day Two
- Day Three
- Day Four
Take a Carnival Freedom Photo Tour
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