Mrs_Tiki

Thanks for your great review, swimducky! It was very well-written and informative. You have a great-looking family!

My 21YO daughter (who is also a college swimmer) and I will be taking this cruise in August and have never been on the Freedom before. It was nice to hear about the highs and lows from a young person's perspective.

The deck plan shows a blank area next to 8321. Does anyone know what that is or if there are any noise problems?

Thanks!

It looks like you have your son traveling with you, so it probably depends how old he is.

When our DD was around 10, we enjoyed the ship's excursion to Xcaret, a, "eco-archaeological" park on the mainland Riviera Maya. It took a 45-minute ferry ride and then a short bus ride to get there, but it was worth it. There were lots of water activities, a performance by the papantla "flyers" and acres of grounds with archaeological sites to explore. I think that it would be difficult to do this with young children, but that older kids and teens would enjoy it.

We have also just cabbed it to Chankanaab, which is about a 10-15 minute ride from the main part of town. It has a beach with snorkeling, opportunities to interact with dolphins (extra cost), and really good Mexican food. It's a fun and easy way to spend the day.

When my DH and I have traveled without DD, we have twice taken the ship's excursion to Passion Island, once by ferry and once by Twister boat. I am not sure if it is still offered, though. It's kind of like visiting a private island for the day, with drinks, food and most activities included. Beautiful beach and views. If you have any back or neck issues or don't like getting wet, avoid the Twister boat!

Also agree that Nachi Cochum provide a great all-inclusive beach day just a short cab ride from the pier. It's really nice that they limit the amount of people, so it is not crowded. It's really lovely to be escorted to a palapa and chairs that are yours for the day.

Both Passion Island and Nachi Cochum have a more adult atmosphere. Not a lot of people drink to excess, but in both places, we have seen groups that have gotten a little rowdy.

Hope this helps and that you have a great cruise!

Thanks, Fletch, for the great review. DD and I are taking this cruise in August. Can't wait to hear about your day in Cozumel.

I appreciate your thoughtful replies and have a cabin held on the Freedom!

I've narrowed my search down to Freedom from Port Canaveral or Navigator from Galveston for a summer getaway. Looks like the Freedom would add Labadee instead of a sea day, which would be preferred. Port Canaveral is easier for us to get to. But I am intrigued that Navigator has recently been updated.

Any recent cruisers on both ships care to offer an opinion? Many thanks!

Thanks!! I noticed that you just cruised PG...wasn't it amazing??!! We loved PG, and I am trying hard to get back there, but it's hard to justify that long flight from the east coast...we may have to wait till our 30th anniversary:(

 

There is a destination expert for Tahiti who posts here frequently, you aren't HIS Mrs Tiki are you?? I think if you were, you'd have more PG cruises in your signature...LOL!

Hi familygoboston, I'm just now catching up on your review and see your question. No, I am not married to TikiinTahiti, and he was quite surprised when DH (Tiki_Man) and I popped up on the Paul Gauguin boards while planning our 25th anniversary cruise! DH picked the name due to his affinity for "Tiki shirts."

We loved PG, but are not sure if we want to go back. Our trip was so perfect in every way that we fear a repeat would never live up to expectations. So we are thinking of a similar small ship excursion to another new part of the world for us. Perhaps Greek Isles for our 30th.

Familygoboston, thanks for another great review, can't wait for the next installment! And you have no need to apologize for your photos, they are great!

What do they offer in the Diamond breakfast area of the MDR ? We will be on the ship (Jewel) in 11 days. Do they offer the specialty coffees that you can normally get from the machine in the Diamond lounge? What else ? Thanks in advance for a reply!!

There was a small buffet set up with fruit, cereal and other cold items, which was nice if you were in a hurry. The full main dining room breakfast menu was also available. And I think that bloody marys and mimosas were also offered.

Yes, when we were on the Jewel in July, the Diamond breakfast area was in one of the side/front areas of the main dining room. It was lovely!

Hi Sinny!

I wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying your review so far. Your photos are fantastic!

We sail on the Jewel next month, so I can't wait to read about the ship and the ports ~

Familygoboston, this is my first visit to the Paul Guaguin board, and I feel so lucky to have seen your great review immediately. DH and I have been considering this trip for our 25th (in Sept) for many years, but after a Hawaii cruise last summer began to wonder if the additional air time and travel expense would be worth it. We wondered if FP could be that much more beautiful than gorgeous Hawaii.

Your words and your husband's photos have made a believer out of me! Thanks also for all the very useful travel info and tips. We feel like we could pack and prepare for a Caribbean cruise with our eyes closed, but had no idea of what to expect from a FP cruise.

Bravo on the excellent review and photos and a sincere thank you for all of the great information!

Thanks for the great review, Paul!

Green Gazpacho on RCL Serenade last week ~ tasted like liquified grass clippings, ick!

We're on the same sailing as rigldbrg (really, Ira, you need to get an easier screen name!) and look forward to our first AQ cabin. It was nice of you to share such great details on the cabin and Blu!

God bless all of you current and retired teachers! :)