"LIVE" from Freedom of the Seas / Aug 2, 2009

[Radio]

Hello everyone ! I arrived in Cape Canaveral this afternoon for a pre cruise stay near the port. I am staying at Country Inn and Suites on Astronaut Blvd. The rooms are very nice, with a large pool.

For those of you that are new to Cruise Critic, I will be providing something more than a Cruise Ship Review.

I will be posting Daily Photos, of the Ports of Call, Cabin, Ship exterior, and public areas. I will be able to answer many questions, and provide daily commentary. (Pending valid internet connection)

I last sailed on a Freedom Class ship back in Jan 2008 (Liberty of the Seas), and made a VIDEO of that voyage. The Freedom Class ships are certainly the most magnificent ships (to date), and they seems to have thrilled many passengers in the past several years.

The Freedom of the Seas will be sailing a Western itinerary this week, with stops at Labadee, Ocho Rios, Georgetown Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

I really want to see and report on the changes in Labadee, and the changes in the Cruise Compass (I read here on CC that it has changed). I have also read that there are several new shows. . .


The ship seems to be sold out, so I am looking forward to hear how many passengers will be sailing tomorrow.

My plan is to arrive to the Pier tomorrow early, and I should be onboard to post many photos before sail away at 4:30PM.


This should be a fun week, so sit back. . .Have a cup of coffee, and thanks for tuning in !


Radio





Freedom of the Seas



© 2008 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.


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[ExploreroftheSeas92]

Yes I love it when you do these live reports. Have fun on your cruise.

[LLM]

I just LOVE your live posts Radio and I am looking forward to "sailing" with you this week!

Lisa

[cruisingator2]

Radio, glad to see another "live" thread. I loved the Freedom. A beautiful ship. Have a great cruise and thanks for taking us along.

[retiring soon]

Looking forward to hearing all about your cruise as I'll be sailing away
15 weeks from tomorrow. I usually watch the web cam every Sunday.
Have a great time!!
~Jo~

[jillybabes]

Hi Radio: Will be waiting for your report on the Freedom as we sail in November on the Eastern itinerary ...
Look forward to hearing about the changes and new shows...

[pete78]

We will be on that same route and ship later this month, so we are very much looking forward to your review.

Sounds like you are doing what we plan to do, which is to arrive in Orlando/Port Canaveral a day before the cruise. Quick question (assuming you flew in), how did you get from Orlando airport to the hotel you are staying at in Port Canaveral? We are having a hard time trying to figure out how we are going to get to our hotel from the airport the day before the cruise. Also, how do you plan to get to the port from your hotel, a taxi or shuttle?

It says boarding time is at 4:30 (just like our cruise), but please let us know how early one can get to the Port. Seems like you are going to try to get there early, which is what we like to do.

Thanks and have a great cruise!!

[Chuggiebug]

We cruise the same intinerary on the Freedom in 4 weeks. I will be watching/reading with much interest!

[HaileyJordan]

Hi Pete78, we were on the FOS in May. We flew in the day before and rented a car at the airport from Avis, then we had the car for the day. We returned the car Sunday morning in Cape Canaveral (near the hotel) and they shuttled my husband back to the hotel. Then we took a taxi about 11:00 to the Ship. They had a shuttle from the hotel but the taxi was so much easier. Also I think Avis will take you right to the ship if you want, ask them. We are going again next May and plan on doing the same thing. We stayed at the Radisson and next time I am going to stay at the Comfort Suites. Have a great time!!!

[Texas Teen]

I'm tuned in ready to hear about your cruise on Freedom of the Seas! I've also read your previous reports from the Norwegian Spirit, & Liberty of the Seas! Can't wait!

[dwdwnurse]

Hi Radio! So happy to tune in again!!!

I was just on the Freedom 7/12 (Eastern) and it was great! Have a vidalia onion tart for me

[A2Mich]

Originally Posted by pete78

We will be on that same route and ship later this month, so we are very much looking forward to your review.

Sounds like you are doing what we plan to do, which is to arrive in Orlando/Port Canaveral a day before the cruise. Quick question (assuming you flew in), how did you get from Orlando airport to the hotel you are staying at in Port Canaveral? We are having a hard time trying to figure out how we are going to get to our hotel from the airport the day before the cruise. Also, how do you plan to get to the port from your hotel, a taxi or shuttle?

It says boarding time is at 4:30 (just like our cruise), but please let us know how early one can get to the Port. Seems like you are going to try to get there early, which is what we like to do.

Thanks and have a great cruise!!

Having lived in Orlando for 18 years, I can tell you that there are NUMEROUS shuttles from MCO to Port Canaveral/Cocoa Beach area, but it can be less expensive to simply rent a car as others have said. You may spend $50 or so renting a car, but you will spend at least that much taking a shuttle service from Orlando airport to Port Canaveral--and then still have no way around (if you want to go for dinner, or shopping, etc). As stated on other threads, it is super easy to get to Port Canaveral from MCO.....take the NORTH exit out of the airport (towards 436/528)...follow the signs for 528 Beachline EAST. The drive is about 45 minutes...once you get near the port, there are plenty of signs to point you in the right direction. Cocoa Beach area is not that big, and you might enjoy going to Ron Jon's Surf Shop for some unique t-shirts, etc.....I may have to buy some next time we're there.........sometimes makes me miss Florida.....

[pattyedwards1014]

Where's the web cam? This is so exciting!

[granddutchess]

Thanks Radio. I look forward to reading your daily reviews. We are planning on sailing on FOS next year. First time on Freedom Class ships with RCCL.

[runmomrun]

We're sailing Freedom-western on 8/16.

Waiting to hear every detail. Seriously, every minute, tiny detail!

Help me get through the next 2 weeks!

Bon Voyage!

[busymom29]

I'll be following along too! We are on the Nickelodeon Cruise next week!
Thanks in advance for your updates!

[podemos]

I'll be "cruising" with you this week =) Can't wait til my FOS cruise which is in less than a month !

[SherriZ366]

Originally Posted by Chuggiebug

We cruise the same intinerary on the Freedom in 4 weeks. I will be watching/reading with much interest!

So do we of course -- roll call friend. Have had Radio do his reviews once or twice before we sailed and they really whet your appetite.

[CruiseLover15]

Looking forward to your post, Radio. I will be on the Freedom Eastern in about 5 weeks.

[SherriZ366]

Radio -- thanks for doing another one of your fabulous reviews!!!