 On
a sunny Saturday afternoon this past March, Venetians and vacationers
lined the waterfront of the Italian island city to view a true American
spectacle: the 3,700-passenger Carnival Freedom practically screaming
Americana.
Reminiscent of an American flag, the ship’s trademark red, white
and blue funnel soared well above the Venetian skyline. Passengers in
the Freedom Restaurant (on Lido Deck) peered past an ice-blue Statue of
Liberty (towering two decks) on Venice’s age-old basilicas, while
the ship’s signature blue “Twister” waterslide snaked
against the backdrop of Saint Mark’s Square.
Though Carnival Freedom was built in Marghera, Italy (on the mainland
just west of Venice), she appeared to be a long way from home. The resemblance
to an American abroad, however, should not be disregarded by U.S. travelers.
Indeed, the predominant story of Carnival Cruise Lines’ 22nd ship
is one not of the ship itself but of the line’s commitment to introducing
Americans (primarily) and families (particularly) to the wonders across
the Big Pond — at bargain prices.
The fifth in Carnival’s Conquest class is indeed a good choice
for multigenerational families wanting to cruise Europe. For kids and
teens, facilities range from Camp Carnival to the new teen Club 02, featuring
a dance floor and a video arcade. For adults, Carnival Freedom’s
reservations-only Sun King restaurant provides for an evening in an elegant
supper club setting. The ship’s Lido Deck features fun for all,
with a 270-square-foot LED screen for outdoor theater, four swimming pools
and a 214-foot-long waterslide. All of this is complemented by 22 lounges
and bars, a gigantic health club and spa, and a variety of staterooms
ranging from standard insides to suites. It’s hard to imagine a
hotel or resort in the region where Carnival Freedom will cruise offering
similar activities particularly at a comparable price.
What truly sets Carnival Freedom apart in Europe, however, is its emphasis
on fun. Carnival Freedom brings a “youthful vitality,” says
one Carnival executive, to a travel destination that is becoming increasingly
popular with young children and families. The combination of the ship’s
amenities and features along with the ports of call and shoreside activities
makes Carnival Freedom a good bet for families.
Carnival Freedom will offer the line’s first foray into the Greek
Isles and Turkey. She will sail seven 12-day Mediterranean & Greek
Isles cruises and a dozen 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” voyages
through October 16. Cruises will operate round-trip from Civitavecchia,
the port for Rome.
Carnival Freedom strives to provide for its past passengers the comfort
of cruising Europe with a familiar name. And with an on-board passenger
mix expected to exceed 90 percent North American on each sailing, the
ship also may appeal to less intrepid travelers who want to cruise Europe,
true (red, white) and blue. |
