The people that promote cruise lines, hoping we choose one of their ships over someone else’s, go about their business in a number of ways.  Some focus their efforts on value-oriented promotions that offer attractive pricing.  Others sell the notion that a cruise vacation with them is a better fit, for reasons ranging from culinary efforts to top-deck active lifestyle features, fellow passengers, itineraries and more.  Seeking unique insights on many features of newly-refurbished Carnival Freedom, Carnival Cruise Lines launched the Carnival Chronicles video series featuring a number of popular travel bloggers, each with their own unique take on the ship.

During a recent remodeling, 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom went through a $70 million makeover, adding many elements of Carnival’s Fun Ship 2.0 initiative.  To promote the new ship along with her new FunShip 2.0 look and feel, five bloggers were given hand-held, water-resistant video cameras to document their onboard experience; family style.

Of particular interest to us, husband-and-wife team of Stefanie and Rick Fauquet (MommyMusings, RickOnTheRocks) and their (adorable) daughter Paris enjoyed a variety of experiences both on and off the ship. In addition to snorkeling in crystal-clear Caribbean waters, the Fauquets took in a family-friendly comedy performance at the Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez and hit the links for a round of miniature golf up in the fresh sea air. Rick even got up on stage as part of SuperStar Live – a karaoke activity with a four-piece band and backup singers.

Also featured in the Carnival Chronicles series, bloggers  Caroline Murphy (SmartyPantsMama), Amanda Tinney (WheresAmanda) and Carrie McLaren (CarrieWithChildren).

• Murphy sailed with her two young daughters Isabella and Cecilia and adult cousin Josefina, offering feedback on the new Seuss at Sea program,  and Hasbro, The Game Show, featuring larger-than-life adaptations of the line’s iconic games.
• Tinney, sailed with her husband Travis and their teenage daughter Alexus, focusing on food at Guy’s Burger Joint, a poolside venue developed in tandem with Food Network star Guy Fieri, and authentic Mexican fare at the BlueIguana Cantina.
• McLaren, sailed with her husband Rob and their daughters, Maggie and Molly, who spent some time in Camp Ocean, the line’s a new marine-themed children’s program featuring more than 200 educational activities inspired by the wonders of the sea.

 

Popular Carnival Freedom operates unique five- and eight-day Caribbean cruises from Port Everglades in  Fort Lauderdale, Florida through February before repositioning to Galveston for year-round seven-day Caribbean departures, becoming the line’s third ship based year-round in Texas.