travled on other carnival ships , not verry impressed with freedom, they need to work on  dinning and live music food has realy declined over the years , but service is still great.

some service was great- some not so much.... just got off yesterday- not sure if I would go back on that ship or try a new one..some crew were AWESOME

Just curious about the comment on service...  what was great and what was not so much.  Do you have any pointers on what to stay away from?  Did you visit Jamacia??

I guess it wasn't THAT BAD... however the embarkation staff were cranky NOv 30 cuz computers were down (which sets a bad tone already), some dining room staff were rude/abrupt during open seating breakast/lunch, interactions with cleaners in various parts of ship, one purser in particular was just plain rude.... I found they were pushing hard for us to fill out our comment cards "exceeds expectations" however I didn't really find anything that exceeded my expectations...

if the computers where down  I can understand them being cranky... it makes their job so much harder.... and the wait makes the passengers cranky... so it is a bad thing all the way around..  I have also found that the staff at the pursers desk seem to be a little on the unfriendly side.... but I guess they just stay that way because most of what they have to deal with are people complaining about little things... that could all be fixed with a smile and a please.....  and for them wanting you to fill out the comment cards as exceeds expectations.... that is because that is the way advancements are given.... it looks bad for them if they do not exceed someones expectations...But I think many people go on a cruise expecting things to be perfect when in fact this is real life and things will go wrong no matter how hard people try. Life is not perfect.... it is just what you make of it.

i totally agree with you VA cruiser...i heard the most ridiculous complaints while on there (the syrup is not hot enough, i can't seen much of the ocean view cuz we are in port etc)

however having worked in the tourism/ service industry there are certain common courtesys that all guests should be extended untill they act like a a_hole-- then be rude :)

haha just kidding

in anycase there was some areas that my expectations were exceeded "room steward, bar staff, cleanliness (even though staff were grumpy), personal trainer in spa..." so I made sure to note that

with me being a clown.... my motto is..... smile it confuses people

My husband and I just finished our first cruise, on The Freedom 12/20/08....it was great. We had no problem with any of the staff, granted some were a little friendlier than others, but no problems with anyone being rude. Our waiters at table #410 Alen and Antone were AWESOME......very friendly, polite and alot of fun. Have fun!!!!