Short Bahamas getaways from Port Canaveral, then Norfolk from May 2027, fresh from a 2026 refit.
Best for: Central Florida and Mid-Atlantic families who want a quick Bahamas getaway on a refreshed mid-size ship, and from May 2027 anyone who wants to drive to a Norfolk departure. Sails from Port Canaveral, Norfolk in 2026 and 2027.
Carnival Freedom is a Conquest Class ship that entered service in March 2007, built by Fincantieri in Italy. At 110,000 gross tons with 1,487 staterooms across 13 guest decks, she carries 2,980 guests at double occupancy with a crew of 1,150. In fall 2026 she completed a 35-day dry dock in Marseille that gave her a new lower-profile funnel, a redesigned casino with more than 100 additional gaming machines, a refreshed arcade, updated shops and accessibility improvements throughout the ship.
The ship suits guests who want a classic Carnival experience in a manageable size. Carnival WaterWorks, added in 2019, has the 212-foot Twister and 203-foot AquaTunnel slides plus a PowerDrencher tipping bucket, and the adults-only Serenity retreat sits apart from the action. Dining ranges from Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina and Pizza Pirate to the Seafood Shack, Bonsai Sushi Express and a specialty steakhouse, with the Heroes Tribute Bar, RedFrog Pub and Scott’s Piano Bar for evenings.
After an 8-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona and a 13-day transatlantic crossing in October 2026, Carnival Freedom returns to Port Canaveral on October 30, 2026 for 3- to 5-night Bahamas cruises to Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays and Nassau through May 2027. On May 8, 2027 she sails a 15-night Carnival Journeys cruise through the Southern Caribbean to Norfolk, Virginia, where she becomes the year-round ship with 6- to 8-night cruises to the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada.
Fall 2026 dry dock: new whale-tail funnel, redesigned casino with 100-plus added machines, refreshed arcade and shops, new From Sea to Shining Sea bow crest
Carnival WaterWorks with the 212-foot Twister slide, the 203-foot AquaTunnel and a PowerDrencher tipping bucket
Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge honoring military veterans and active-duty guests
Serenity adults-only retreat, nine-hole mini golf and the Seaside Theatre outdoor movie screen
RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar, Scott’s Piano Bar and a 70s-themed nightclub
3- to 5-night Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral through May 2027, then year-round from Norfolk, Virginia
Staterooms and suites
Interior
Standard Interior rooms plus Porthole rooms, Interior with Picture Window (walkway view) rooms along the Promenade and Upper/Lower configurations for budget-minded pairs; all rooms have a dedicated stateroom attendant, in-room safe, TV and climate control.
Ocean View
Picture-window rooms including Scenic Ocean View rooms with larger glass and Ocean View (Obstructed View) rooms at a lower grade, a good fit for families on a short Bahamas run.
Balcony
Standard Balcony rooms, Premium Balcony rooms with more interior space, Aft-View Extended Balcony rooms over the wake and Premium Vista Balcony rooms with wraparound views at the corners of the ship.
Suites
Ocean Suites, Grand Suites and the two Captain’s Suites, all with priority check-in and boarding, priority dining times, a pillow-top mattress, bathrobes, curated bath products and one bag of complimentary wash-and-fold laundry per cruise.
Carnival Freedom deck plans
Deck by deck, straight from our booking engine: the plan, the stateroom categories on that deck and the public rooms. Pick a deck.
Deck 14 - Sky
Serenity, Slide Entrance.
SerenitySerenity Adult-Only Retreat is a place to reconnect with a partner, finish a book, or simply enjoy complete relaxation.
WaterworksThe Twister Waterslide is a high-energy attraction, sending riders through hundreds of feet of spirals for a fast and thrilling ride.
Deck 12 - Sun
Camp Ocean, Solarium, Dr Seuss Bookville, Serenity.
Camp OceanThe smiles on their little faces say it all, lots of fun just for kids ages 2 to 11.
Dr Seuss BookvilleDr. Seuss Bookville, exclusively aboard Carnival! As you can imagine, the room is all decked out in bright colors and characters, featuring fun and whimsical furniture.
SerenitySerenity Adult-Only Retreat is a place to reconnect with a partner, finish a book, or simply enjoy complete relaxation.
Deck 11 - Spa
Massage Rooms, Beauty Salon, Sports Deck, Jogging Track,
Fitness Center, Aerobic Room, Sauna, Spa Carnival, Mini Golf.
8F Balcony Stateroom
Fitness CenterVacation is actually a great time to hit the gym. And here’s a good gym to hit.
MassageSelect from different hands-on experiences featuring seaweed for detox, herbal poultice for energy, bamboo for deep tissue penetration and hot stones for perfection. They know you’re all about feeling good, and so are these massages.
Spa CarnivalThis spa features premium beauty and wellness therapies, for premium results.
Sports DeckShoot hoops and gaze out over the ocean at the same time.
Jogging TrackJogging tracks are available on all Carnival ships, and are even padded for long-distance comfort.
Mini GolfWhoever it was, they had one thing in mind - maximum fun for mini-golfers, big and small!
Deck 10 - Panorama
Carnival Waterworks, Carnival Seaside Theatre, Sun King Steakhouse, OL Fashioned BBQ, Sky Dome, Staterooms.
8E Balcony Stateroom8F Balcony Stateroom4J Interior Stateroom with Picture Window (Walkway View)4H Interior Stateroom
Carnival WaterworksThe Twister Waterslide is a high-energy attraction, sending riders through hundreds of feet of spirals for a fast and thrilling ride.
Seaside TheatreWatch movies, concerts, sporting event and even fellow cruisers having fun.
Sun King SteakhouseThe steakhouse features gourment delicacies and mouth-watering favoring everyone will love.
Deck 9 - Lido
Timeless Pool, Grand Buffet, Deli, Freedom Restaurant, Spa, Mongolian Wok, Endless Pool, Bar, Pizza Pirate, Scaroo Shack, Bonsai Sushi Express, Guyz Burger Joint, Blue Iguana Tequila Bar, Red Frog Rum Bar, The Millennium, Staterooms.
8E Balcony Stateroom8D Balcony Stateroom4G Interior Stateroom6J Scenic Oceanview Stateroom4H Interior Stateroom9B Premium Balcony Stateroom6K Scenic Grand Oceanview StateroomCS Captain's Suite
RedFrog Rum BarGood beer, good tunes, good times. Welcome to the island-inspired ambiance of the Caribbean's chillest hangout.
BlueIguana Tenquila BarBlueIguana Tequila Bar is the place to relax with slushy tequila drinks or ice-cold Mexican beers, offering a selection of tequilas and brews.
Guy's Burger JointGuy's Burger Joint is a poolside venue created with Guy Fieri, serving burgers with authentic roadside shack appeal and hand-cut fries.
BlueIguana CantinaHead on down to the Mexican cantina, where the food is fresh and the atmosphere is fresher.
Mongolian WokChow down on some delicious Asian goodness. First, select your noodles and veggies. Then tell one of our chefs which sauce and meat you want in the wok.
The DeliLooking for a little taste from the old neighborhood? Pile 'em high at the Carnival Deli. Enjoy old time favorites like a hot pastrami on rye, grilled Reuben, or roasted turkey breast on a country roll.
Freedom RestaurantThere's an international smorgasbord of deliciousness in this indoor/outdoor
eatery.
Pizza PirateTossing dough is an age-old art passed down the generations. Lucky for you, someone passed us the secret to the perfect pie.
Seafood ShackSeafood Shack’s the place to cast your net. Imagine a New England-style seaside spot where you can take it all in, enjoying a great meal complete with a side of ocean view.
Endless PoolTake in the views and chill by the pool with family and friends.
Victoriana Main Lounge, The Fun Shops, Player's Bar, The Millennium Atrium, Babylon Casino, Centuries Bar, Club O2, The Decades, International Lounge, 70's Dance Club, Swimming Bar, Scotts Piano Bar, The Centuries Promenade, Internet Cafe, Cherry On Top.
Victoriana Main LoungeVictoriana Main Lounge.
The Fun ShopsIt has got some of the greatest deals you'll find anywhere on jewelry, watches, beauty products and liquor... plus unique Carnival products you definitely won't find anywhere else.
The Millenium AtriumThe Atrium, the entrance to the ship and the heart of the vessel, creates the first impression of the experience to come.
Cherry On TopA cruise is the perfect time to treat yourself to something sweet, and Cherry On Topâ„¢ happens to be the perfect place.
Heroes Tribute Bar LoungeHeroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, an ongoing recognition of sacrifices made by Armed Services personnel and their families.
Babylon CasinoBabylon Casino.
The Centuries PromenadeAn excellent place to regroup and decide which spot to explore next.
Carnival AdventuresCarnival Adventures.
JavaBlue CafeWhile the coffee is the main event here, there's more to JavaBlue enjoy the baked treats called "comfort snacks"… which you'll call "delicious!"
RedFrog PubGet into an island state of mind before you even set foot on one. RedFrog® Pub is the laid-back, no-worries, oh-so-lively Key West-inspired pub.
70s Night ClubFeel the energy, let go and get lost in the music as the DJ busts out the hits.
Alchemy BarSip glass or two of marvelous wine of your choice.
Swingtime BarSwingtime Bar.
Scott's Piano BarJoin in song around the piano bar-with no worries, even if you're slightly off key.
International Aft LoungeInternational Aft Lounge.
Deck 4 - Atlantic
The Millennium Atrium, Monticello Library, The Gallery, The Chic Restaurant, The Posh Restaurant, The Decades, The Photo Gallery, Victoriana Main Lounge, Circle C, Band, Club O2, Habana Bar.
Victoriana Main LoungeVictoriana Main Lounge.
AtriumThere’s no place at sea as welcoming as the atrium — the welcome-aboard center.
Monticello LibraryCatch up on your reading; write family and friend back home; or play board games.
The Photo GalleryThe Photo Gallery
Circle CWelcome to the ultimate hot spot for guests ages 12 to 14. And with all this fun
happening, they’ll be LOLing in no time.
Club O2Club O2 is the onboard spot for teens ages 15 to 17 to watch movies, listen to music, play sports and video games, join karaoke sessions, and even attend Carnival’s version of prom.
Habana BarHabana Bar.
The Posh RestaurantEnjoy an elegant,dedctable and undeniably delicious dining experience.
Deck 3 - Lobby
Victoriana Main Lounge, Stage, Millennium Lobby, Art Gallery, Chic Card Room, Guest Services, Shore Excursions, The Chic Restaurant, Internet Cafe, Galley, The Decades Atrium, Chic Dining Room Annex, The Posh Restaurant.
Victoriana Main Show LoungeVictoriana Main Show Lounge.
Internet CafeOnboard WiFi allows connection across the ship using a phone, tablet, or laptop, making it easy to stay in touch, check email, or browse online.
The Millennium LobbyPeople Watch in one of the most spectaculaar place on the ship.
Dreams StudioTake a little time and you’ll see from the lenses of pros come portraits you’ll treasure forever.
Art GalleryStroll though the gallery and gaze at the beautiful artwork.
The Posh RestaurantEnjoy an elegant, dedctable and undeniably delicious dining experience.
Plans are the cruise line’s current drawings as supplied to our booking engine. Layouts change with refurbishments; your SmartCruiser advisor confirms the exact stateroom when you book.
On board Carnival Freedom
ZumbiniZSpaWaterWorksWatchesVideo ArcadeVictoriana Main Show LoungeTwister WaterslideTurtlesTimeless Main Pool and BarThe Punchliner Comedy ClubThe Posh Aft Dining RoomThe Fun Shops
Dining on Carnival Freedom
Posh and Chic Main Dining RoomsIncluded
Two main restaurants serving a full sit-down dinner with a changing menu each night, plus Seaday Brunch.
Lido MarketplaceIncluded
Buffet restaurant with rotating stations for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Guy’s Burger JointIncluded
Guy Fieri’s poolside burgers and hand-cut fries with a toppings bar.
BlueIguana CantinaIncluded
Made-to-order tacos and build-your-own burritos and bowls by the pool.
Pizza PirateIncluded
Hand-tossed pizza made with fresh mozzarella, available around the clock.
Carnival DeliIncluded
Hand-carved sandwiches and wraps on the Lido deck, expanded in the 2019 refit.
SteakhouseSpecialty
Carnival’s reservation-only steakhouse with prime cuts, seafood entrees and classic appetizers.
Seafood ShackSpecialty
New England-style seafood spot with lobster rolls, fried baskets and steamed shellfish charged a la carte.
Bonsai Sushi ExpressSpecialty
Quick-service sushi, sashimi and rolls charged a la carte.
JavaBlue CaféSpecialty
Specialty coffee, tea drinks and freshly baked pastries.
Entertainment and activities
Playlist Productions song-and-dance shows in the main theater
Punchliner Comedy Club with family-friendly and adults-only sets
Carnival WaterWorks with the Twister and AquaTunnel slides and a splash zone for small kids
Serenity adults-only retreat with whirlpools, sun beds and a bar
Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar, Scott’s Piano Bar and a 70s nightclub
Casino redesigned in 2026 with more than 100 additional gaming machines
Mini golf, Seaside Theatre outdoor movies and a 24-hour video arcade
Spa with thermal suites, salon and fitness center
Families and who it suits
Three age-specific youth spaces run Camp Ocean for ages 2 to 11, Circle C for 12 to 14 and Club O2 for 15 to 17, with Seuss at Sea character breakfasts and parades, a splash zone in WaterWorks and a 24-hour arcade for the whole family.
Best for: Central Florida and Mid-Atlantic families who want a quick Bahamas getaway on a refreshed mid-size ship, and from May 2027 anyone who wants to drive to a Norfolk departure.
Sails from: Port Canaveral, Norfolk · Regions: Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, Southern Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada & New England
Days ashore
Shore excursions in Carnival Freedom’s upcoming ports
The ports on Carnival Freedom’s next sailings. Pick one to see the tours Shore Excursions Group runs there, book before you sail and skip the line at the pier.
Ports from sailings departing Oct 30, 2026 onward; itineraries vary by date and your SmartCruiser advisor confirms the ports for your sailing. Tours are sold and operated by Shore Excursions Group, an independent tour company; SmartCruiser earns a commission on bookings made through these links at no extra cost to you.
Carnival Freedom questions we answer every day
How big is Carnival Freedom?
Carnival Freedom is 110,000 gross tons and 952 feet long, with 13 guest decks and 1,487 staterooms. Carnival lists 2,980 guests at double occupancy and a total capacity of 3,700, with 1,150 crew. She is a Conquest Class ship, a mid-size vessel by Carnival standards and about a third smaller than the Vista Class ships.
What was changed in the 2026 dry dock?
During a 35-day dry dock in Marseille, France, in September and October 2026, Carnival Freedom received a new lower-profile funnel that lets her call at more ports, a redesigned casino with more than 100 additional gaming machines, a refreshed video arcade, updated retail spaces, accessibility improvements throughout the ship and Carnival’s new From Sea to Shining Sea bow crest.
Where does Carnival Freedom sail in 2026 and 2027?
From October 30, 2026 through early May 2027 she sails 3- to 5-night Bahamas cruises round trip from Port Canaveral, calling at Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays and Nassau. On May 8, 2027 she leaves Florida on a 15-night Southern Caribbean cruise to Norfolk, Virginia, where she takes over year-round 6- to 8-night cruises to the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Eastern and Southern Caribbean and Canada.
Which staterooms are the best choice on Carnival Freedom?
Couples usually pick a Balcony or Aft-View Extended Balcony room over the wake, and the corner Premium Vista Balcony rooms are the pick for views. Families on a budget do well in Interior with Picture Window rooms above the Promenade. Grand Suites and the two Captain’s Suites add priority check-in, priority dining and complimentary laundry.
What is included in the fare on Carnival Freedom?
The main dining rooms, Lido Marketplace buffet, Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Pizza Pirate, the Carnival Deli, Playlist Productions shows, comedy, WaterWorks, pools, mini golf and the youth programs are all included. The steakhouse, Seafood Shack, Bonsai Sushi Express, JavaBlue Café, bar drinks, Wi-Fi, the spa and the casino are extra.
Is Carnival Freedom a good ship for families?
Yes. The ship has three youth spaces covering ages 2 to 17, Seuss at Sea events, a splash zone and two big slides in WaterWorks, mini golf and an arcade, and the short Bahamas itineraries keep the trip affordable in time as well as money. Parents get the Serenity retreat, the Heroes Tribute Bar and the piano bar once the kids are in Camp Ocean.
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Prices are per person, double occupancy, in US dollars, and include cruise fare, taxes, fees and port expenses as published by the cruise line at the moment you load this page. Fares are capacity controlled and change daily; the fare is confirmed when you book. Flights, hotels and transfers are extra unless the line’s offer says otherwise. Onboard credit shown on a sailing is per stateroom and applies to the lowest category offered unless stated otherwise.