We are booked on the Carnival Freedom Mediterranean cruise next summer and I was wondering how crowded these ships with close to 3000 passengers seem. Is it hard to get deck chairs on at sea days? How busy is the buffet in the morning when everyone is trying to get off the ship for shore excursions? Is it hard to get into shows or other activities? Anyone had experience on large ships?

We were recently on the Sapphire Princess 2600 passengers and didn't find it crowded at all. It was busy but you just have to plan a bit. We tended to eat breakfast a little later, at lunch we always found a table. We did anytime dining and only once did we have to wait 20 minutes for a table - we tended to eat late about 8pm.
We didn't do shore excursions so were in no hurry to get off but did notice when getting my coffee at about 7am it was quite busy. You could get room service I guess to avoid the rush.
We also went to the late show and usually got there about 30 minutes early. With deckchairs etc didn't have a problem either. The only trouble we had with getting a table was with the Jackpot Bingo on the last sea day!!! It was very crowded indeed - the only time we went (unfortunately didn't win - it was going to pay for the next cruise!)
All in all there was plenty of public space and we certainly loved the 'buzz'. Have fun

We too were on the Sapphire and I agree. A good design makes it seem spacious and not crowded.

I have been on large ships as well as small ships. On the large ships it's not so much that I felt crowded, I just felt the entire experience was more impersonal than on smaller ships where people seem friendlier, fewer children, better service, and MUCH better food. IMO, the pluses on a smaller ship far out weigh the pluses on a larger ship.

I think the shows are better and more professional on larger ships and the casinos are generally busier (not sure if this is a plus or minus). The larger ships also have better onboard shopping opportunities if you plan to shop while onboard. I have found on the larger ships there is much more waiting in lines and it is more difficult to get pool lounges. Give each a try and see which is right for you.

Thanks for the replies everyone. We chose the Freedom because it had most of the ports we wanted to go to and the cost was much less than other lines for a comparable itinerary. I was afraid it would be hard to do things with so many people on board, but it doesn't sound like it will be a problem. Now, I just have to talk my husband into trying a smaller ship, so I have something to compare to - lol.

The largest we have been on is RCCL Adventurer of the Seas. It did not feel crowded at all. Never encountered major lines. There was an adult only pool area which was nice and seldom real crowded. We also thought the service was excellent.

Done all the big RCCL ships, including the Freedom. Never felt crowded. Great design. Did the Caribbean Princess and it was terrible- crowds everywhere, couldn't get into shows, lounges, etc. Poor design, too many cabins for public space.

It depends on the ship.

I have been on a sister ship to Freedom, the Glory, and it was overcrowded and poorly designed for traffic flow. It was the worst large ship experience ever.

I do not care for the big ships on any line but have never had those issues on RCI's Voyager class or Freeedom class. While I do not enjoy cruising with that many people, the overall experience was far better in terms of lines and crowds. On Carnival, I felt like a salmon making my way upstream.

kfusto....I meant RCCL Freedom, by the way. I've only done smaller Carnival ships, but most people echo your sentiment about the big ships. I think RCCL has the absolute best designs in crowd control, too.

Linda, I knew that, from your previous posts

We are just back from Liberty. As a big ship fan, you should add her to your list. Two days was perfect for us and we are off on a HAL cruise next week to Alaska.

Happy cruising!

kfusto,
We booked the Liberty last February while aboard the Freedom, lol. SOLD! I loved the ship, didn't even get off at the ports. Amazing amenities.

Linda, nobody build better megaships than RCI. Liberty has a few changes but is just as pretty as Freedom. The ice show is spectacular! If I enjoyed big ships, they would get my business for sure

I am glad there are so many people that love these giant ships. They will then leave the smaller ships for people like me to enjoy.

I am with you therenaissanceman! Hate the big ships, give me smaller any day : )

I agree with Traveller333. I've spent more time waiting in lines on the mega-large ships than the medium-size ships. Getting on and off the ships can be a nightmare. The entertainment is maybe(?) better - that's just pretty subjective, and I don't see every show. The one mega-large Princess ship I took was much better than the large Carnival ships as far as lines, the crowd, etc. But, I still favor the smaller ships. Little things make a difference - getting a lounge chair on the deck, finding a hot tub without kids or 100+ people, getting away from the smokers, getting a seat in the show without having to show up an hour before. IMO, the best thing about a mega-sized Carnival ship? When in Cozumel, you can get some extra shopping done while keeping your eye on the people standing in the hour-long line to get back onto the ship. Instead of having to be back at 4:00, you can get back at 5:00 and still not miss the ship.

We were used to small ships, but just did a 10 day med cruise on the Celebrity Millennium.
Outstanding in CC class cabin.
M

Just off the Emerald Princess 3080 passengers. I think thats way to many for my taste very crowded at times in main areas.
Go to cruise critic and read reviews that will give you a idea of the good and bad of large ships.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showt...t=live+emerald

You couldn't pay me to go on one of those huge mega ships again BUT....they must have a need for them as they continue building them. The smaller the better(less than 700 passengers) IMO.

p120,
Always thought exactly the same, but the Mille was amazing - we did none of the ship's port tours with the hoards on huge busses.
M