Freedom Impressions and Observations

[jor3334]

We sailed on the FOS in May and I wanted to say she is a fantastic ship. Out of 26 cruises, 13 on RCCL and 13 sprinkled among Princess, NCL and Carnival she is in our top five. We are legitimite Diamond, all 7 days or more, and from the personnel in the Diamond lounge right down to the deck hands painting and cleaning everyone couldn't have been more personable and helpful. There aren't enough adjetives to do them justice. The ship is very, very well run and we were very happy with the cruise. Now for my observation- (break out the fire hoses)- If you are an addicted smoker as I am, ( I have smoked for 50 years, tried to stop more times than I remember, chew Nicoret when I am unable to light up, have bi-annual physicals -because I can, and to monitor any damage my adiction has caused- ((thankfully not to much as I still have 97% of my lung capacity and nothing swiming around in my blood)), this is NOT the ship for you to cruise on if you don"t book a balcony. There are a very few places where you can smoke and the places you can are very uncomfortable. Only part of the casino is smoking, which I agree with, however we couldn"t get near to anything to play because it was jammed everytime it was opened. The only way we could gamble was to use the non-smoking side which was very under utilized the majority of the time. The pool deck is also non-smoking and if you wanted to smoke you had to go up to the open deck above and either stand at the rail in the wind or use the Sky Bar, which was up there' but the problem with that was it is a small space, maybe 6 or 8 stools and standing room for 20, and was almost always being used by twice and sometimes three times that many which wasn't very pleasent. There were a few,very very few, other places you could smoke, like outside on deck 4 starboard, but once again you had to stand by the rail because there weren't enough loungers or chairs to accomidate all the recreatonal and addicted smokers. So let me end by repeating that this was one of the top 5 ships we have cruised on in our opinion but if you are a smoker STAY AWAY. I am looking forward to our Sept and Dec cruises because the ships are more equitable to smokers and non-smokers.

[jor3334]

For lovetotravel700001, I hope this helps you some

[LBumb]

did you try cigar bar on deck five. always open and right at end of promenade

[jor3334]

Yes, it's a very nice space.

[KG1924]

I agree with you...to an extent. My husband and I are both smokers-and I have to admit that we definitely smoke more while on vacation! Between the overall extra time we have (no work :)) and the multiple cocktails ;) we can easily say we smoke double the amount we do when we are at home. The Freedom so far has been the most strict with the rules and I was a bit nervous going in to it since I had read about the restrictions. It turned out to not be such a big deal for us in general. We're so used to smoking restrictions here in Chicago that it kinda seemed like old hat to us.

 

Now I undoubtedly agree with the pool deck! I'm all about not smoking by the pool at all, but it is so windy on sea days on the top deck and like you said, the pool bar that allows smoking was always VERY crowded-hard to get a seat. We didn't want to go on the smoking side by the rails because it was so windy and were concerned about ashes blowing all over the sunbathers. It would be nice if one of the bars on the actual pool deck allowed smoking, but I don't think that's going to happen!

 

I never did see the cigar bar! Although, I would have thought it was for cigars only-are you allowed to smoke cigarettes in there? We frequented the Pub quite a bit and would just take the stairs down to the Casino bar when we needed a smoke. Thankfully it was never too crowded at the times we were down there and the bar tender was a delight :)

[lovetotravel700001]

For lovetotravel700001, I hope this helps you some

 

Yes it does, thanks! I grew up in a smoking home in the 60s and 70s back when everybody smoked everywhere, but they didn't smoke at the table and were always budgetting their cigarettes to so many a day because they are just like that. (And yes they are still alive in their 70s, but have not smoked since 1989). All that said, I really cannot stand cigarette or cigar smoke now and try to avoid it completely, so want to be ready for it when I am on vacation. Our room is on 10, we are going to do most of our eating and lounging on 11 or on our balcony, so here's hoping our neighbors are not smokers.

[lovetotravel700001]

 

Now I undoubtedly agree with the pool deck! I'm all about not smoking by the pool at all, but it is so windy on sea days on the top deck and like you said, the pool bar that allows smoking was always VERY crowded-hard to get a seat. We didn't want to go on the smoking side by the rails because it was so windy and were concerned about ashes blowing all over the sunbathers. It would be nice if one of the bars on the actual pool deck allowed smoking, but I don't think that's going to happen!

 

I :)

 

Now see, you are not like many smokers who are not concerned at all about where their ashes (or butts or packages) go. Bless your heart.

[KG1924]

Now see, you are not like many smokers who are not concerned at all about where their ashes (or butts or packages) go. Bless your heart.

 

Well, thank you very much!! But to be honest, I would hate getting ashes all over me too, even though I am a smoker :p We do try to be courteous of the non-smokers around us....it truly is a disgusting habit and I can understand why non-smokers hate to be around it. I apologize for the ones that couldn't care less about where their ashes go.....there are some decent smokers out there that feel the same way I do!!

 

It is funny how crowded the smoking areas were on the Freedom. I know they say the only 20% of cruisers smoke now (not sure who/what/where says that, but that's what I've read) I will say I enjoyed that the promenade deck allows smoking on one side outside. We do love sitting there after dinner with a drink and mingling with the disgusting 20% of cruisers :p

 

Enjoy your cruise! I think you picked a great ship, especially if you are sensitive to smoke.

[copnlpn2]

I also smoke, but I refuse to smoke on Deck 12, overlooking the pool area, except early in the morming or late at night when the winds are calm and there aren't many people around. I too worry about blowing embers onto someone and burning them!

 

My solution is to book a balcony cabin (not so cheap for a solo cruiser!) so I have a place to go where the environment is more controlled. I like to think I'm a considerate smoker...even at home I only smoke about half a cigarette at a time, with lots of time in between. I always try to explain this to the folks on either side of my balcony, if I see them...some are very appreciative and we "co-habitate" very well.

 

Then there have been a few times where even the "flick of my Bic" caused outlandish sighs from the folks next cabin over and the harsh slamming of their cabin doors. Funny thing is, I was done with my half-cig just about the time their sliding door met the jamb! But on one of my cruises, these door slammers kept me awake at night listening to the TV blasting away. Nope, I never did ask them to turn it down...

[lovetotravel700001]

I also smoke, but I refuse to smoke on Deck 12, overlooking the pool area, except early in the morming or late at night when the winds are calm and there aren't many people around. I too worry about blowing embers onto someone and burning them!

 

My solution is to book a balcony cabin (not so cheap for a solo cruiser!) so I have a place to go where the environment is more controlled. I like to think I'm a considerate smoker...even at home I only smoke about half a cigarette at a time, with lots of time in between. I always try to explain this to the folks on either side of my balcony, if I see them...some are very appreciative and we "co-habitate" very well.

 

Then there have been a few times where even the "flick of my Bic" caused outlandish sighs from the folks next cabin over and the harsh slamming of their cabin doors. Funny thing is, I was done with my half-cig just about the time their sliding door met the jamb! But on one of my cruises, these door slammers kept me awake at night listening to the TV blasting away. Nope, I never did ask them to turn it down...

 

Well, bless your heart too for being a considerate smoker. I am not sure what percentage of the world smokes or what percentage of those people try to be considerate, but I try not to whine about it even though it makes me sneeze, I just try to stay away. I would happily concede every bar and all the specialty restaurants to you, but I bet that would not go over well, sorry.

 

So looking forward to this trip. Hubby has more or less grouched at me until I quit talking about it to him, so thanks all you people for being here for me to discuss every little tiny flipping detail. Now I must go off and start a thread about what the Sorrento's pizza actually compares to-Jeno's, Pizza Hut or better?

[lrn2cruise]

Not a smoker, but I would head on out to the Deck 4 exit and found plenty of places to sit.

 

I would move away rom the smokers as much as I could

 

I would read out there while DH was in the Casino

[HB Cruiser]

I'm a nonsmoker and hate being around it. So I avoid it, no big deal.

 

This being said, smokers have the right to have space to partake in their habit. I thought one side of the ship's pool deck was designated smoking? Am I wrong here?

 

As someone else said here, THANK YOU to those of you that are courteous smokers! Most are but, like everything else out there, there has to be that one that will blow it in your face and practically laugh.

 

Tim

[jor3334]

No, the entire pooldeck is non-smoking, which I could deal with -no problem. But like one of the previous posters mentioned it would have been nice to have another bar there to accomidate the overflow from the sky-bar. I also try not to smoke near people I know are non-smokers,and look around for a good while before I light up to make sure I won't bother anybody, that said, after I make sure my immediate area is safe to light up I sometimes get bothered when someone walks by and shows their dis-pleasure with my smoking. After all I was there first and made sure the space was non-smoker free. I would never walk thru an area where I knew someone was doing something I disapprove of and comment about it. My favorite comment is when someone comes up to me when I am smoking in an approved manner and asks...do you mind not smoking? I reply...sure I mind-thats why I am.

[Ren1216]

My favorite comment is when someone comes up to me when I am smoking in an approved manner and asks...do you mind not smoking? I reply...sure I mind-thats why I am.

 

I'm a non-smoker.... but that there is hilarious! (Sue me) Good for you. I defend your right to smoke where it is allowed and appreciate the courtesy you try to show others. As with most things, it's all about compromise. Funny reply though... I may have to figure out a way to use that for myself sometime. :D

 

In regards to the OP -- thanks for this info, it is helpful to me and my family.

[cruisefrost]

I am an x-smoker a lot of years back and never sorry I gave it up since I have lost two brothers to lung cancer 52 & 65 and have a sister, (60) with termial lung cancer. 3 out of 6 kids and counting.Raised in a house where everyone smoked. Its a personal choice and I find that most smokers are very conciderate of others. That being said I do agree that there should be more places on the ship for smokers. They used to do port or starboard side for smoking through out the ship and my Father being a camel man (No filter) knew all the places he could smoke when we went to Alaska. When he ended up in a nurseing home where no smoking was alowed on the grounds all of us kids would carry a pack and lighter in our cars. We even lite them up for him as he was real shaky.Once when my brother took my Dad behind the tree for his smoke, after he smoked his first one my brother ask him if he wanted another and my Dads response was " What? are you trying to kill me.

[jor3334]

Thats a great line your dad used, your dad sounds like he would have been someone special to meet since he had that outlook on life.

[onyourtoes]

No, the entire pooldeck is non-smoking,

 

When did this happen? I was on Freedom last year and noticed people smoking at the bar on the pool deck. I am not a smoker myself, but I do remember smokers on the pool deck.

 

Thanks and happy sailing to all.:)

[cruisefrost]

Thanks jor3334. Dad was always good at coming up with one liners.

[jor3334]

To onyourtoes- we were on her the week before Memorial Day this year.

[Finbar127]

When did this happen? I was on Freedom last year and noticed people smoking at the bar on the pool deck. I am not a smoker myself, but I do remember smokers on the pool deck.

 

Thanks and happy sailing to all.:)

 

I was on FOS last August. I'm positive there was no smoking allowed on the pool deck. I don't smoke cigarettes but I remember thinking how unusual it was because it was the first cruise I was on where smoking was not allowed near the pool.

[e01061]

I also smoke, but I refuse to smoke on Deck 12, overlooking the pool area, except early in the morming or late at night when the winds are calm and there aren't many people around. I too worry about blowing embers onto someone and burning them!

 

My solution is to book a balcony cabin (not so cheap for a solo cruiser!) so I have a place to go where the environment is more controlled. I like to think I'm a considerate smoker...even at home I only smoke about half a cigarette at a time, with lots of time in between. I always try to explain this to the folks on either side of my balcony, if I see them...some are very appreciative and we "co-habitate" very well.

 

Then there have been a few times where even the "flick of my Bic" caused outlandish sighs from the folks next cabin over and the harsh slamming of their cabin doors. Funny thing is, I was done with my half-cig just about the time their sliding door met the jamb! But on one of my cruises, these door slammers kept me awake at night listening to the TV blasting away. Nope, I never did ask them to turn it down...

 

 

I was recently a first time cruiser, and had booked a Junior Suite, hoping that the bigger balcony would allow me to use the balcony even if I had a neighbor next door who smoked. I get very bad asthma around cigarette smoke...something in the fumes just makes we start to wheeze... however, I ended up with smokers on both sides of me, and was never able to go out there. Why can't RCCL put all the smoking cabins on one side of the ship, and the non-smoking cabins on the other? Then we would both be happy and get the most out of our vacation! I am usually a breakfast on the balcony type of person, but we were not able to do that once on our entire cruise. Had I known that ahead of time, I would have saved my money and just booked an ocean view room, since that is what I ended up with anyway! :(

[jor3334]

Probably because they aren't sure they would be able to fill all of the balcony staterooms they designated for either non-smokers or smokers. I'm confused, are you talking about the NCL Pearl you were on, according to your profile, or RCCL? I was afraid that smokers would be flamed when I started this thread and I never thought RCCL would be taken to task. If you are affected by smoke that much, and I know there are many people who are,( or who profess they are), instead of shelling out for a JS try to get an aft facing balcony. That way if the person in the next stateroom is on their balcony their smoke will blow away from you instead of onto your balcony. I try to book these cabins whenever they are avaliabe just for that reason. I hope your bad experience hasn't burned you up to much,(pun intended), and you continue to cruise. MOST smokers are a good lot and do not want to cause anyone to not enjoy the best type of vacation ever devised.

[jor3334]

Ar you still there e01061 ?

[mariapd719]

I too like to smoke on vacation or when I drink. When I went on the Freedom in January I went to the pool bar the first day (like 10 mins after I boarded) and lit a cigarette and asked the bartender "can i have an ashtray...pleeeasseee" the bartender literally yelled at me but i didnt know what he was saying. So I looked behind me because I was so confused (like the guy was pissed) and noone was there. He starts yelling "do u see any ashtrays here?" And i go "no, thats why I asked." Hes like then "obviously its not smoking." I go "ok I didnt know that. I was just on Explorer a few months ago and I could smoke and you could smoke at the pool bar on all 13 of my other cruises." Ehhh so I bought my drink at the Sky Bar...wasnt giving him any commision/tips.

 

 

I gotta say I had a great time on Freedom and it was my honeymoon. However, I was least impressed with this cruise out of all of them.(although it cost me more than any other cruise ever had by a longshot, too) It was so boring and geared towards kids and old people. There was no night life and the reggae band never even played by the pool till day 6!!!! Its my fave part of cruising. PLus they played all these kids movies at the pool so there were all these little kids in there instead of the kids zone pool. If your going to play kids movies...put the movie screen on the other side, really...LOL!!!

 

Im hoping Liberty this time is a little better since its a 5 day out of Ft Lauderdale. All this kids stuff and honestly there were like 100 kids on the whole ship (all at the main pool). Just doesnt make sense. I can see like during school break weeks and summer and holidays when alot of kids are onboard but not all the time

[jor3334]

I agree. Have fun on the Liberty.