cruisingn09

I think some are being a little hard on the OP. While I used to take an eyeroll approach to these types of posts, I recently had a "worst cruise ever" experience myself. I think what we need to clarify is, this is the worst cruise WE OURSELVES have ever experienced. Is it better than being at work? Definitely. Did it live up to the precedence that RC has shown they are capable of? Not even close. My "worst cruise ever" was November 11 on Freedom. Service was not up to par, and it seemed to be a very unhappy crew. DR service was excellent, as always, but service in the Windjammer was nonexistent, and very few crew greeted us about the ship with a smile and a hello, as we are accustomed to. On two occasions, we actually heard crew cursing the captain. The language was so foul from the Flowrider crew on our last day, that I actually got up and left the area where I was reading. It was just a very unhappy crew. It was also the first time that we had an issue with the food. Now, food is subjective, and I've always read negative reviews with a grain of salt, because honestly, if you can't find something to eat, you've got a problem, right? Well, I am telling you, this was the saddest buffet I've ever seen on a ship. There literally was nothing we found that we liked. After the first few days, we would walk through the WJ, realize again that the pickings were slim, and we'd head to Sorrentos. I've never eaten so much pizza in my life. The buffet was just strange. For example, the salad bar lacked any kind of toppings. We never saw cheese, bacon or croutons the entire week. That is always our go-to at lunch, those great salads! On many days, the only dressings available bleu cheese, raspberry vinaigrette, and honey mustard. Strange offerings, and no ranch to be found. How do you not have ranch? One day I tried a chicken dish, and it honestly was inedible. I love the WJ, and I've never seen anything like this. MDR food was average at best. I'm so cruise obsessed, I can tell you what I'm having every night of the week, before I've even booked the cruise. I love the food! This was not the best. Several times entrees were served with sides that were not what was listed on the menu, and sometimes what was served differed from plate to plate. On the last night, my tablemate and I both ordered the seafood mash, and hers came with peas and mashed potatoes as advertised, but mine came only with some strange pumpkin and squash side I've never seen. I really wanted those peas and potatoes... (yes, of course all I had to do was ask, I know. Just making a point.) On one night, a tablemate ordered the angus beef sliders, and proclaimed them the best burger he'd had all week. (I have no idea what the soy burgers were in the WJ this time, but they were worse than the old school cafeteria burgers. Weird.) He ordered them the next night, and they were totally different. A hand formed patty the first night, and some strange sausage looking thing the next night, that looked like it had been sliced from a roll. It looked gross, and he said it tasted off, as well. We have never experienced this kind of inconsistency. We also had a terrible experience in Johnny Rockets. We LOVE JR, and look forward to having it twice or more a cruise. We were completely ignored for about 10 minutes while we waited to be acknowledged to be seated, then when we asked if someone could seat us, we were actually told "that's not my section." There are plenty of empty tables... We finally sat ourselves, then had to flag a waiter down, only to be told again, this isn't my section. What the heck? We are used to dancing and being made paper flowers in JR, what's going on? Once we got waited on, service was poor and the food not up to par. We were charged the $6.95 cover, and also charged for soft drinks, which I though was now included with the increased cover. We went back a second time, with marginally better service, and this time were not charged for soft drinks. ???

 

So, my point in this long response, is to agree with the OP, in that there can be a "worst" cruise. I'm not swearing off RC, by any means, but I will admit this was the first cruise that I was actually ready to get off the ship and go home. While we are not complainers, we did stop at guest services and ask for our gratuities to be removed on the last day, and explained that the service was lacking. We tipped our MDR staff and room steward well in cash. And as an aside, I waited in line over an hour to have that conversation at guest services, and was assured that when my bill came in the morning, the gratuities would be removed. Any guesses what happened? Here comes another 30 minutes at guest services, only to be told they couldn't do it right now, but would take care of it later. Hmmmm... Luckily, it was removed. I hope this cruise was just a fluke, but I must agree with the OP, that a worst cruise is a possibility. Best of luck, next time. :)

I was on the same cruise...second week of my b2b. I agree with you 100%. MY "worse cruise" ever. I, like you, hope this was a fluke. But, although I will cruise with RCI again, I definitely will not be cruising on the Freedom any time soon. If, after cruising a couple more times, this trend continues it may be a different story.

I was on the Freedom beginning November 5, 2017 for a b2b. First let me say, I have sailed the Freedom numerous times and have always loved her. One of my favorite ships. However, that was not my experience this time. I experienced most of the negative things expressed in this thread and then some. I found many (not all) RCI employees to be rude for no apparent reason. But my biggest complaints is when I was eating breakfast in the MDR...I asked for a spoon and watched the waiter go into the area were dirty dishes etc were and pick a spoon from the dirty spoons and wipe it off with his towel. Pretty disgusting. I didn't say anything because I didn't want to cause a scene. Needless to say, I was concerned about cleanliness for the rest of the cruise.

One other thing to mention...the ship is in dire need for updates/improvements. Furthermore, there was mold in my shower.

With all that being said...I have had some great cruises with RCI.

Congrats! Enjoy your cruise.

Thanks everyone for the info and quick responses.

Thanks, Bob! As usual, excellent advice!

i am on a b2b on the Freedom starting November 5. If I purchase the Cafe Select Coffee Card on the first cruise and don't use all 15 coffees, can I use that card on my second cruise?

TIA

Our group is on the same cruise. Nov 11 is the second leg of our 2b2. Somewhat disappointed because our Nov 5 cruise already goes to Grand Cayman and Cozumel. But oh well...a day on a cruise ship is better than a day at the office. :D

It's only on this TA cruise due to the number of Diamond and up members onboard - they're trying to cut down on diamond lounge crowds. Similar to the idea behind the fleet-wide 3 drinks/night for happy hour!

 

Needless to say it's a perk I plan on taking full advantage of! Haha! [emoji3]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Yes. That is a great perk. I was on a cruise once when the diamond lounge coffee pot was broken. They gave us unlimited coffee, etc., from the coffee shop. I was on a b2b and enjoyed this perk for two weeks. It was great.

Ah, what? Where did that perk come from? I don't remember that being a normal perk.

^^^Following for the response to the above question. Also following your review. Great so far. Sailing the Freedom on November 5th.

glitch. call if you want but it'll sort itself out.

Thanks! That's what I thought.

After final payment, my cruise price dropped. I called and upgraded to a balcony guarantee (complimentary). I checked my cruise online over several days and no room had been assigned but indicated "balcony guarantee." Tonight I logged in to check and now it says "Oceanview Accessible Guarantee." Confused. Can they change the stateroom type??? Or is it a computer glitch??? Should I call or give it a few days???

TIA

Thanks for the quick responses. Much appreciated.

Does the Freedom still offer in the windjammer the made to order option where you choose the meats, noddles, etc., and the cook it for you? I can't remember what it is called???

Also, do the still offer sushi?

TIA

Awww thanks! I'm honestly not sure if he's serious, or just a troll trying to rile people up. I can't imagine anyone saying the things he says being serious, but who knows.

^^^^He is both. There is another thread about tipping that he trolled and spewed the same crap. IMO...ignore him...don't feed him. He is like a stray animal, if you feed him he will keep coming back for more.

Check your Cruise Planner for prices. Voom onboard is $13/day for Surf and $18/day for Surf&Stream. Platinum discount onboard for VOOM is 15%. Onboard prices for the drink package vary, so you cannot be sure of those onboard prices. If your Cruise Planner has a drink package price significantly less than $55/day, then it's probably better to purchase pre-cruise.

Do they ever offer just surf before the cruise or just on board??

Thanks. I am pretty certain, RC, whoever they, are have no idea of my existence.

 

Please show me images of the people of the Liberty who died because of RCI's malveasance?

 

Do we know each other? I just happened onto a runaway thread, where people are torching things beyond anyone's control and decided to join in for the fun. You, of course, are the perfect objective judge of all reality. I bow in you direction in obedience to your superior point of view......:evilsmile:

 

JC

Funny...you are acting like you are "the perfect objective judge of all reality." In my opinion, you are just coming across as a bitter human being who gets enjoyment from belittling other people's opinions, and questioning their decisions because you wouldn't make the same decision. While you, like others, have the privilege to express your thoughts and opinions, you should be considerate of others. You said you wanted to join in on the "fun." If that is you idea of "fun," that's sad.

I think all suite bookings now require a non-refundable deposit.

Oh...I did not realize that. Lol..obviously I don't book suites. That makes more sense. Sorry...but I am glad I asked so I understand the issue.

From what I have gathered, this policy was to prevent suite hoarding. With that being said...

My question...can't the "hoarder" people still hoard up a bunch of these suites at the higher refundable deposit price, knowing they are not going to go on all the booked cruises, then decide and still cancel the others at payment without penalty. Although they would pay a higher price on the cruises they take and tie up their money in deposits, wouldn't the end result be the same? They still booked numerous suites and cancelled at the last minute with no penalty. Only,penalty...higher fare for cruises they decide to take.

So how much higher is the refundable deposit fare for suites?

People that book numerous suites and hold with deposits can obviously afford it (although the deposits are higher now for suites???). So who does it hurt? People like me...that books with every intention of going but am afraid something will happen (I usually book well in advance) so I am willing to pay the higher price "just in case."

So in other words...not going to hinder suite hoarders. Just going to hurt the "average joe" or worriers like me.

Maybe I am missing something?

Thanks so much!

No, but they offer movies on the poolside screen everyday and occasionally will screen them in the main theater as well... there is also a channel devoted to movies on the cabin TV's.

THnaks so much!

After seeing your screen name, I immediately understood how you figured all of this out....

:'):hearteyes:;p:*

^^^^because there is no like or love button. LoL about this...

is there a screening room (movie theater) on the Freedom? TIA for any info.

I have a b2b cruise on the Freedom in November. The first cruise is a 6 day cruise. I am a diamond member so I get a $20 discount on a package or 1 free day. My question: Since this is only a 6 day cruise, will I still get the discount on a package? In other words...does a cruise have to be a certain number of days to get this discount? TIA

Congrats!

I have sailed on the Freedom several times and I am scheduled to sail on her in November on a b2b cruise. She is an awesome ship. I enjoyed each sailing on her. You and your family will not be disappointed. Enjoy your cruise.