Paige6187

I have not been on a Voyager Class ship. So I can't formulate an opinion on them.

 

About the only thing additional you will have on Freedom vs a Voyager class is the H2O Zone for kids and the Flow Rider. When I sailed Freedom, it didn't feel anywhere near as crowded as what some people here describe.

 

There were times when it was a little crowded in the Royal Promenade, but overall not bad. Oasis felt a ton worse IMO.

 

I loved the theming of some of the lounges and clubs on Freedom of the Seas. ESPECIALLY The Crypt. Absolutely awesome venue.

The Crypt looks almost identical to The Chamber on Explorer. Are there any differences?

Lots of "opinions" so I'll add mine. :)

 

For us, it WAS worth it. Even just for the two of us.

(although the first time, we had 3 other couples on our roll call try and get us to share it with them) :cool:

 

We ended up with the most private cabana at Nellies. :D (hillside, 2nd from end)

It was like having our own private mini "cottage" and because it was so hot when we visited, we loved having the fan and shade to keep cool.

 

Our attendant made "several" ;) trips to the bar for us (and was generously tipped afterwards).

We said we probably wouldn't be hungry for lunch until 1'ish, so sure enough, around that time, he came and offered to take us

(through his special shortcut) to the buffet.

Because we went to lunch so late, there was only one other couple, and we got "cooked to order" shrimp skewers for me and a really nice med-rare steak for DW.

 

All in all, it was a great day, and well worth the $$.

So much so that I didn't really give the newest price increase much matter.

However, since the new bookings at Nellie's won't include the "upgraded buffet", that will be a concern.

Thank you for your opinion and for the explanation regarding the attendant. The more I read here, the more I lean toward getting a cabana for DBF and me. We are relatively young so our work schedules don't allow us to vacation very much together, and we like to splurge when we do get a chance to let loose!

Our attendant was very good, but there was not a lot that we required so he didn't have a hard job with us that day. But of course we did tip him well because he was always available if we had needed anything.

What kinds of things does the attendant do for you?

You literally need to Google

Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island and/or

Hampton Inn Staten Island

I figured holding the orange juice was enough of a clue

 

;)

Sorry. Apparently my sense of humor is broken today!

Would mimosas be categorized as a drink or orange juice? I love to have a mimosa at breakfast (hold the orange juice). Now I'm thinking about getting premium for my trip on Allure in January.

Are you serious? It's definitely considered an alcoholic beverage.

We already purchased the Premium package for our sailing in January. Will we have to pay the difference?

Difference for what? From what others are saying, the premium package price stays the same. You just get more stuff.

Royal Caribbean has a "cabana attendant." I'm not sure what all this person would do for you. I know you get access to the same buffet that everybody else receives, and you get a cooler with six bottles of water. BF and I will likely have some sort of drink package, so drinks are really a non-issue. I've not heard of a shower with these cabanas . . . but I could see the benefit of having one.

The good thing about the cabana is that I LOVE beach days. I can lay out for quite a while and not get burned. However, BF burns SO easily that beach days aren't really his cup of tea.

Two questions for whoever can answer them.

 

If I already bought the premium package for my 12/15 sailing, should I cancel that and buy Ultimate onboard? Ultimate isn't on the website right now, and I don't know how easy it would be to "upgrade" once on board.

 

Since Starbucks is not included, does anyone know where I can find menus online that show the types of specialty coffees in the other venues? I'll be on the Allure.

 

Thanks!

Obviously I don't "know" for sure, but if I were you I would cancel the Premium package and wait until the Ultimate is added to the website and then repurchase. If the packages go into effect on 11/15, I would imagine that they will start adding the packages ASAP to the website to generate revenue. I would think you would have plenty of time to add the Ultimate before your cruise.

But who knows :)

I just called in, here are some details.

 

• Premium package stays largely the same, with the addition of half-liter water bottles.
  
• Classic is $5 cheaper. Does not include water bottles.
  
• New $20 "Replenish" has premium coffee and tea, bottled water (still and sparkling), soda, virgin drinks, OJ
  
• New Ultimate package at $65 is Premium+Replenish
  
• Coke freestyle machine now open for all packages
  
• Old soda package is the same.
  
• Can be purchased up the the 4th-to-last day onboard (pro-rated)
  
• Items costing in excess of the package terms have the covered amount discounted (e.g. package covers cocktails up to $10, you buy a $12 drink, you pay $2)
  
• All can be purchased singly, no need for all adults to buy
  

Interesting about the pro-rated option. Good to know! Thanks to all for the information. This is great news!

Don't see why it won't not everyone goes to spec restaurants and would be a Waste of time if not included in the package. You should be ble to get a decent offer when you want it and not just at meal times:):)

You can get specialty coffees outside of specialty restaurants. As other people have noted, they serve them in the MDR and other places around the ship throughout the day.

Looking for a good hotel close by this Port. We would also like to be able to get into New York City the day before our cruise. So any hotels that have easy access to both places would appreciated. Do any hotels have free shuttle to Cape Liberty?

 

Thanks, Jim

Jim,

I believe there are only a couple hotels with shuttles to the port. As one person mentioned, Hilton Garden Inn on Staten Island, and the Country Inn & Suites in Bayonne. You will pay extra for the shuttle at the Country Inn & Suites, though, so it's not "free." It's a package deal.

When my parents were in Bayonne, they stayed at the Hilton Penn Station. I believe the hotel literally connects with Penn Station, so they had easy access to all of NYC, and they loved it! They spent two days in NYC prior to the cruise. They did have to take a cab to the port. I think it was around $40.00. There was a shuttle from Newark to the hotel.

Where you are flying into may also be a consideration. Not sure if you are flying into Newark or La Guardia or . . .?

HI ALL!

 

Great news!!! Just called the C&A number to inquire about the new drink packages!! The very helpful lady said "why yes, we do have new packages and changes to our current packages starting on 11/15. Let me grab my information packet". She then read each description to me!!

 

From what I can remember, as I didn't write it down. .

1) $20/day - Non-alcohol package - Fountain soda (With the Freestyle cup, specialty coffee & tea, fresh juice.

2) Same as beer/wine one now, with the addition of the Freestyle cup for soda.

3)Same as Premium package now, with the addition of the Freestyle cup AND. . . . drum roll. . . . bottled water and wine up to $12 a glass!!!! Not just the house wine. . .

4) Ultimate Package - $65/day - same as Premium, but adds fresh juice, Red Bull and Specialty coffees & teas!

-All of the prices include the 15% gratuities!!!!

This is a total game changer for me! Thank you for sharing!

Title pretty much says it all. I know that multiple people can stay in the cabana with you, but I don't want to share a cabana with strangers.

I have basically ruled out a cabana completely for BF and my cruise in October, but was curious if other people would find the cabana worth it for two people.

These have all be suggestions on something to do while in Jamaica. I'm not going until October 2014 if that makes a difference, but has anybody done these things, and if so, what were your experiences like?

Thanks in advance!

BF and I are going on our second cruise together in October. I am also considering using Marva Shaw. I have emailed her and she is very quick at getting back to me, which I appreciate.

The suggested itinerary is:

Irie Blue Hole

Tubing/Zipline/or Bobsled

Jerk Chicken

Beach

Sightseeing/Shopping

The price she quoted me as reasonable, but it is still expensive for only two people. I don't think you HAVE to do a ship excursion to stay safe in Jamaica, as long as you know the people you are going with are recommended by others.

If you do go, please let me know how you liked it!

 

Using the same guidelines, children should not be paying the same auto-tip as adults. Parents with two young children are not eating $190 in food a day. I can definitely see parents with children adjusting the auto-tip.

 

If anything, I think that kids tips should be more expensive than adult tips. They may not eat as much, but they tend to be much more messy in both their stateroom and while eating. And, if they ever go to the kids programs I hope those people get tipped since they are basically babysitting people's kids.

My DBF and I are heading out on the FOS in January, 2014. I am not booking any excursions on Labadee. My BF is not much of a "sun worshipper" and he absolutely WILL NOT do the zipline or dragon coaster. So....is there enough there for us to do if I don't book anything? I haven't been to Labadee since 2008 and I think it's changed a whole lot. This is my DBF's first cruise so I want him to enjoy himself. Feedback anyone??

THANK YOU for posting this. I am in a similar situation, but going on Freedom in October 2014. Sorry I can't be of more help :)

Has anybody done a tour with Marva Shaw recently and can you give reviews? I have looked at TripAdvisor, and it seems like she would be a great person to tour with. I have emailed her and she is very quick at getting back to me, which I appreciate.

The suggested itinerary is:

Irie Blue Hole

Tubing/Zipline/or Bobsled

Jerk Chicken

Beach

Sightseeing/Shopping

Has anybody experienced the tubing, zipline and/or bobsled that could give me a review?

Thanks in advance!

Thanks to everyone for their replies! Hopefully we won't have any problems at all!

Good morning everyone! Question about FOS dining.

DBF and I are currently signed up for MTD on FOS next October (a long time away, I know)! We would only like to eat with one another, not at a big group table; however, it is my understanding that it is difficult to get two-top tables on FOS.

I understand that we can eat in the Windjammer and that wouldn't pose a problem for just eating with the two of us, but what about in the MDR?

Is it going to be difficult for DBF and I to get a table for two? Any suggestions on the best way to get reservations for tables for two each night?

Or what if there was some pretentious passengers who kept complaining about every little thing thus delaying your meal.

 

What if some people at your table had a cold you don't want to catch that if possible.

Both of these things have happened on cruises I have been on. The person with the cold was the worst. We didn't eat in the MDR for three nights because of it.

Our next cruise, DBF and I will be using MTD and requesting seats by ourselves.

I do enjoy meeting people, and I can handle the complaining, but I could not believe how sick this person was (even had a booger hanging down from his chin at one point!) and still came to dinner.

Jane - did you happen to notice where the suite seats were located on the pool deck? They are usually where the stadium seating is adjacent to the pool bar - just wondering if it is the same on the EX as it is on the AOS? :rolleyes:

Robyn,

I noticed that they were in the stadium. Sorry if that makes you sad :(

Thank you for the opportunity to relive last week's cruise while I am at work today, Jane! And, to get to see pictures/hear about things I didn't do!

Leaving tomorrow. Does anyone know if they offer Wi-Fi with the day pass, or if you can get it at an extra cost?

Gail-

I believe I previously read yes you can get it for free in the lobby.