LIVE BLOG WITH PICS: Freedom OTS - Western Med - 21 May 2017

Hello all,

So I've been on CruiseCritic for some time now, and I've learnt so much, and enjoyed meeting many of you on cruises and spending HOURS UPON HOURS pawing over your photos and blogs that I thought I'd give it a go myself!

Not sure how well it'll turn out as I'm not taking my MacBook, as I'd end up doing work emails. So am only taking my personal phone, which is an iPhone 7 Plus, but it does take incredible photos. I've got the CruiseCritic app downloaded, and will be posting from that using VOOM on the ship, and my free (I'm on Three network in the UK) roaming data in ports.

Here's our itinerary...

Day 1: Barcelona

Day 2: Marseille

Day 3: Nice / Monte Carlo

Day 4: Florence / Pisa

Day 5: Rome

Day 6: Naples (although likely staying on board - more on that in time)

Day 7: At sea

Day 8: Disembarking in Barcelona

Now I've cruised with Royal Caribbean several times before, but never on Freedom. I've done plenty of Voyager class (as that's what we usually have in Europe) and I've been on Freedom's sister, Liberty, but not Freedom herself.

I'm travelling with one of my best mates, Alan. We're both gay guys in our early thirties (I'm 31 and he's 34). We're big on being active, but also spoiling ourself. So there'll be plenty of cocktails, bubbly, rock climbing, swimming, exploring cities, and chilling in the spa.

I'll try and update via the CruiseCritic app as much as I can, and I'll answer as many questions whilst I'm onboard as I can.

One little polite favour though, if replying to something try not to quote reply posts with pictures in, it takes a long time to scroll through ;)

Looking forward to it as doing same later on in the year. Any possibility you could post the cruise compasses, thanks

So I know I'm not actually flying out until Sunday, but I've meetings in London Friday and a friends birthday party on Saturday.

So essentially I'm leaving home for my holiday tomorrow...

I've got everything packed, apart from toiletries. All squished into my trusty Samsonite suitcase and Samsonite backpack.

Passports and documentation all printed and popped into a poly pocket. I'm good to go!

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Looking forward to this. We are doing the same cruise in August. Enjoy your trip!

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Looking forward to following around. And thanks for mentioning the app. I had no idea. Just downloaded. Enjoy your trip.

Definitely looking forward to following! I would love to do a Med one of these days

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Have a great trip and I can't wait to hear all about it as we're doing the same cruise in 6 weeks [emoji483][emoji483][emoji483][emoji484][emoji484][emoji484]

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Have a great time. I just returned home from Freedom's first ever transatlantic and a week in Spain after the cruise.

Thanks everyone.

I find it slightly crazy that she's never done a Europe season. She must have done a transatlantic after she was constructed over here in Europe tho?

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I don't know if she did Europe after her christening but they made a big deal out of this being her "1st" TA. Obviously she crossed to get to the US, but maybe with just crew, not passengers.

Following along. Have a great cruise.

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Following! Have a great cruise! Kelly Goodrich will be your piano bar guy. He's a lot of fun. Tell him Kendra says hi.

I will do Kendra!

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Following along. We've sailed Freedom before and am booked again for 2019 but haven't done any Mediterranean cruises yet. Have a great cruise!

Add me to the list of those eagerly looking forward to this(y).

We don't sail her until next year but in the mean time I will cruise vicariously until that time comes:D.

Really looking forward to this, we are on the same cruise next month and with it being a new run there's not a lot of information out there.

Can't wait for your comments. This will be my first time sailing from Barcelona so I'm anxious for more details [emoji3]

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I will be following along too! We are on the Freedom June 4th!

Eagerly following too. Doing the same cruise on June 4th. Enjoy!

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Looking forward to your live updates!

Enjoy your cruise!

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Bon voyage! Hope you love Freedom.

So it begins. All packed and left my house. In my Über to Birmingham New Street station to get my train down to London.

A day of meetings awaits me in London. Then tomorrow it's a friend's birthday party - thankfully he lives right near London Gatwick Airport!

And *then* first thing Sunday morning we leave his house to get the 0850 British Airways flight from London Gatwick to Barcelona.

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I am so excited for this!! I am sailing her on June 18. She is my favorite ship in the fleet! Scope out some good bartenders for me?? ;p

Mind me asking why she's your favourite, Ella? Hints and tips?

Mind me asking why she's your favourite, Ella? Hints and tips?

We have always had the Best service on her. From the dining room staff, to the bar staff (R bar is the best!), to the casino staff we have had some of the best in the fleet. I know the crew changes often, but even with that, we have always found our favorites on the Freedom (no offense to Eddie on Majesty!).

In addition, in my opinion, she is the perfect size. Not as big as the Oasis class, but big enough to keep our multi-generational, varied interest cruise group entertained.

We love the Pub sing at the Bull & Bear...if they are still doing it (there have been reports that they are not anymore.)

We love the Flowrider, even if you don't try it, it is really fun people watching...drink in hand! I am not a spa person, so I don't know much about that.

See the ice show!! It is amazing! Also, the Freedom has the best Chef's Table I have attended. Even though it does not have its own room like some other ships. If you are a food and wine guy, it is worth it!

I can't wait to hear your impressions!! Enjoy your cruise!