Middle Aged Drama Queen's Eastern Carib Review: Fun on the FREEDOM!!!

[ahecht]

That sunrise thunderstorm picture is stunning!

[KansCocoa]

 

Tonight, I’ve moved our MTD reservations up to 5:45. I’m not really sure what my motivation was in doing this; perhaps we just wanted an earlier dinner…? Anyway, after we get gussied up in our formal wear, it’s off to the Dining Room.

 

We are no sooner seated when out comes my Diet Coke; out comes Mickey’s Caesar salad (she would order this every single night as her appetizer), and out comes her Savory Bites and my gluten-free bread. Man. Sunil and Vincent are GOOD.

 

One difference between the two ships are the “themed” menus. On the Serenade, if there WAS a theme, it was only announced verbally. On the Freedom, the theme for each night was listed in the Cruise Compass…and tonight, it was “Captain’s Gala.”

 

I had ordered the beef filet tonight for dinner, and I have to say…I was impressed. This, coming from a self-proclaimed Kansas City beef snob…this filet was tender, it was juicy, and it had some seriously good flavor.

 

Where's the beef? It is HERE...and it is GOOD.

 

 

 

There was a pasta dish on the menu, as well, and knowing how delicious gluten-free pasta can taste (said with sarcasm), I was glad that I had ordered the filet. However, Edwin insisted that I try the gluten-free pasta…and it tasted like glue. Bleh. This would be the only bad dish I'd have all week.

 

For dessert, being a self-proclaimed chocolate connoisseur, only one dessert would do – the chocolate soufflé.

 

Wow - a blurry picture...again. Sorry. I was probably shaking in anticipation of tasting this....

 

 

This was very good…not the best I’ve ever had, but pretty good considering there were probably 3,000 (at least) of them mass-produced behind the scenes. Yum. My tummy was sore…but very happy. So much for Good Intentions.

 

Of course, Mr. Amazing then came around with my shot glass (red tonight!), and it appears here that I am very much enjoying my ah-MAZ-ing drink:

 

Oh, look! My red nose matches the red of the shot glass! Sunburn City!

 

 

The Captain’s Welcome Aboard Reception was held from 7:00 – 8:00 pm along the Royal Promenade…there was live music, champagne and people. Lots of people. And dressed up, to boot.

 

 

 

At 7:40, Captain Grimstad gave his welcome aboard address atop the Sky Bridge, which I thought was pretty cool. I’m really beginning to see the fun that can be had with a Royal Promenade.

 

One group that was DEFINITELY having fun was the extremely large contingent of teenage girls onboard…the dreaded Brazilian Tour Group. The BTG’s are known for traveling in July – and it its common for them to take over Disney World for a week or so…I’ve now realized they are taking over cruise ships, as well. They love to dress very fancy, regardless of the dress code…which isn’t a problem, as Mickey and I sorta’ liked the fashion show each evening. What we DIDN’T like was when the girls would take over the staircases…or the elevator banks…and…immobilize. Seriously – they would gather on the staircase at the end of the Royal Promenade, and then just stand there…for hours…not moving. Trying to get through this mob scene was impossible…and if they had also taken over the elevator banks, you were pretty much screwed as far as getting to your room.

 

 

 

This is a photo of the BTG on this evening…they’ve taken over the staircase by the Arcadia Theater, and here’s where they camped out for most of the evening. This was pretty normal behavior for them every evening, except for one night mid-cruise when they had a costume party. Having thought that they dressed up really fancy for casual night, Mickey and I were blown out of the water by the fancy COSTUMES these girls had. Wow. I’ve heard of Christmas in July, but frankly, had never heard of Halloween in July. Weird…but fun.

 

 

Speaking of fun…every now and then, I’d come across a mirror on the ceiling…tonight was no exception.

 

 

 

The evening activities included an 8:30 sing-along to “Grease” out on the pool deck, but the rain had kicked back up again, so I don’t know if that happened or not. It sounded like fun, but we didn’t want to be wet.

 

The big show tonight was shown at 9:00 pm and 10:45 pm – “Marquee” – a tribute to Broadway by the RCI singers and dancers. This show will knock your socks off – it was fantastic, especially if you’re a Broadway fan.

 

After the show, Mickey and I headed back to our little cozy cabin, made sure the drapes were closed so we wouldn’t get in trouble with the 2nd Engineer, and then cuddled up with our Kindles. Life was good.

 

 

[Tkriger]

 

 

 

 

 

By 11:15, it looked like the worst of the storms were behind us, so I headed out to the pool. And THAT’S where I found the other 75% of the passengers. Holy Chair Hogs, Batman!!! These were hardy souls, indeed – they weren’t going to let a bit of wind, rain or clouds frighten them away from their pool time. The Solarium? Packed. The entire bottom floor of the pool deck? Packed. I immediately went into Full Land Rush mode – trying to grab a chair that was 1. Close to the pool, 2. Close to the Sky Bar, and 3. Close to a restroom. Priorities, you know.

 

 

 

I'll admit, we were at the Solairum pool by 8 AM (after the gym as well - I managed to go 5 of the 7 days, a bit short of my 'going to the gym every day of the cruise' goal). We never had trouble getting 2 of those nice padded chairs in the solarium, assuming you dont mind getting the chairs and then eating breakfast by the pool.

[dreamer976]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Love & Marriage Game Show was being held tonight at 10:30, but we didn’t go. We wanted to unpack and then get some rest, because Day 2 was CocoCay. And we had BIG plans.

 

 

 

 

Sherri, too bad you couldn't make it to see the Love & Marriage Game Show. We've been on two cruises with Graham Seymour as host of that show, once on the Freedom and once before that on the Independence and he just blows everyone away. He has a very quick wit and uses it well during those shows.

[marci22]

So funny about them trying to save you from gluten. They take gluten-free seriously @RC.

 

BTG pic on the stairs: I've heard of this before, but I have never seen a picture of it. We had about 400 Brazilians on our July 8 Allure cruise but I never saw them congregate like that.

[w&k]

We are going to be on the Freedom in a week and a half, and your review is awesome. Now I'm going to be able to look like a star to DH, as I'll already know where I'm going.

 

I was laughing out loud to your 'need a bathroom' story... that's usually me, but with no cruise at the end of it.

 

Thanks and keep it coming!

 

Wendy

[joand452]

Back to the servers -- We've always had excellent service on RCI ships, which is one of the reasons we switched back to Royal after cruising three times on Princess (not to mention Royal's cabins are bigger). We'd done anytime dining on all three Princess cruises. The servers seemed so rushed and just didn't care. Even when we did MTD on Oasis in March, every server asked our names and were so pleasant.

 

We learned after about three July trips to Disney World about the BTG. And how to avoid them. Good to know that we can't sail in July, either!

 

This review is great, too, Sherri. And I'm looking forward to more. BTW, did they have to close the pool to clean after you spilled your CocoLoco in there? :p I was afraid you'd tripped or fallen over something. Guess that's when the bar servers decided to cut you off, huh? ;)

[Steppy08]

I was going to ask how the Broadway review compared to Serenade but if I remember correctly you and Mike didn't see that show... or did you?

[carolyn22]

Ah, yes, the dreaded BTG's. By the way, they're not limited to just July in WDW. I've also run into them in January and October. Always noticeable by their ability to block sidewalks by walking hand-in-hand right next to each other, jump lines in a single bound and bring 30 of their BFF's with them in front of you, and let us not forget the constanting chanting at the top of their lungs. Every time I see one of those flags in the air I head off in the other direction.

 

Loving your FOS report! I've been on quite a few cruises and on most of the other "main" cruise lines, and I have to say that the FOS is my favorite by far!

[KansCocoa]

I'll admit, we were at the Solairum pool by 8 AM (after the gym as well - I managed to go 5 of the 7 days, a bit short of my 'going to the gym every day of the cruise' goal). We never had trouble getting 2 of those nice padded chairs in the solarium, assuming you dont mind getting the chairs and then eating breakfast by the pool.

 

It sounds like your Good Intentions made it further than ours...but I have a good excuse...coming up! Those padded chairs in the Solarium were wonderful - but I'd have to claim one in the late afternoons, usually!

 

Sherri, too bad you couldn't make it to see the Love & Marriage Game Show. We've been on two cruises with Graham Seymour as host of that show, once on the Freedom and once before that on the Independence and he just blows everyone away. He has a very quick wit and uses it well during those shows.

 

We actually caught the taped version of the L&M show on our stateroom TV, and you are so right. Graham was hysterical...it was one of the best versions of the L&M show I'd ever seen....SO much better than Ricky Matthews' version on the Serenade. The "honeymoon" couple had been married for a total of 24 hours...wow. They didn't get a lot of answers correct, which Graham just played off of...too funny!

 

So funny about them trying to save you from gluten. They take gluten-free seriously @RC.

 

BTG pic on the stairs: I've heard of this before, but I have never seen a picture of it. We had about 400 Brazilians on our July 8 Allure cruise but I never saw them congregate like that.

 

You're not kidding about the gluten-free. There was an incident that happened on the last day that I'll be reporting later that blew me out of the water...to this day, I don't know how they did it. But that's a future surprise on the report!

 

You were VERY lucky if they didn't congregate. They would do this every night, and it would be so frustrating trying to maneuver around the ship. This is why Mickey and I would often have to go down to Deck 4 and try to cross the ship through the casino, because the BTG's would have Deck 5 blocked in front of our stairs and elevator.

[KansCocoa]

We are going to be on the Freedom in a week and a half, and your review is awesome. Now I'm going to be able to look like a star to DH, as I'll already know where I'm going.

Wendy

 

Shhhh....don't tell him how you know all this; let him be amazed at your awesomeness! :D Be sure to check out those Karaoke booths down on Deck 3. They were fun...he'll be REALLY amazed that you knew about them!

 

BTW, did they have to close the pool to clean after you spilled your CocoLoco in there? :p I was afraid you'd tripped or fallen over something. Guess that's when the bar servers decided to cut you off, huh? ;)

 

I think all the alcohol in the drink disinfected the pool! The minute the "frozen" drink hit the pool - it immediately disintegrated....it was very weird! And those darn things were too expensive to buy any more, so I had to resort back to my Diet Coke on my soda card. Just not the same thing, huh?! :(

 

I was going to ask how the Broadway review compared to Serenade but if I remember correctly you and Mike didn't see that show... or did you?

 

You're right - we didn't go on the Serenade...but we really enjoyed this one, for sure!

[KansCocoa]

Ah, yes, the dreaded BTG's. By the way, they're not limited to just July in WDW. I've also run into them in January and October. Always noticeable by their ability to block sidewalks by walking hand-in-hand right next to each other, jump lines in a single bound and bring 30 of their BFF's with them in front of you, and let us not forget the constanting chanting at the top of their lungs. Every time I see one of those flags in the air I head off in the other direction.

 

Loving your FOS report! I've been on quite a few cruises and on most of the other "main" cruise lines, and I have to say that the FOS is my favorite by far!

 

Yup - it was the same way here...blocking stairways and such, and chanting a bit...being pretty loud. If they have chaperones, they're not very visible!

 

I think the FOS may be my favorite, as well...I fell in love with her, for sure... now I just have to talk Hubby Mike into sailing on her!

[smedley_odwin]

Yay! Thank you soooo much for posting this review. We are going on our first ever cruise this November, the Thanksgiving Eastern Caribbean cruise on Freedom, I am loving all the detail and pictures, and can't wait to read more :)

 

We have experienced the BTG's in WDW several times, they are *very* frustrating :rolleyes:

[mn1111]

I'd better get going and post some more so you have more to read! That would be awesome if I could convince Hubby Mike to sail as soon as 11/4 - but I think he needs more convincing. I'm working on it...I'm trying to pull in all the favors that he owes me....! :eek:

Sherri,

 

This one is easy, just "surprise" him with the cruise as a birthday or anniversary present. Or if that fails, just do what I do and say you won a free cruise for two.

 

Neda

[cruisinskier]

WOW! We have totally enjoyed reading every page of both of your reviews!! Thanks for adding all these photos...I know it is time consuming! These reviews have brought back great memories of our trip on the Freedom in 2010 and last year's Med cruise. Now we are off to add more memories on the Oasis in 11 days :D

Jerry

[PCWalton1]

It’s still Embarkation Day…Our travelers are still running around the Freedom of the Seas, taking a tour and trying to get their bearings…

 

 

 

Really, the only negative I had was the motion…besides the usual back and forth rocking, that a ship in the Caribbean is bound to have, we’d get an additional “bouncing” up and down. It would be worse at night, when we’d be in bed…I’m not one to get seasick, but there were two nights on this 7-night sailing I had to take Bonine. Bleh.

 

 

 

 

 

That bouncing (or we called it pitch in the Navy) is why I stay away from the front of the ship. Neither one of us like it, kind of feel like your stomach is on a little trampoline. :eek:

 

Bill

[john160]

Oh, John - have I ever skimped before?! I don't know the meaning of the word "skimp" when it comes to writing! :)

 

I will certainly give it my best shot...more to come, for sure!

 

I didn't think you would, but I read something in the last review about this one being shorter.....I got scared :eek: Momentery lapse in judgement sorry :D

[Aldeya]

Ah, yes, the dreaded BTG's. By the way, they're not limited to just July in WDW. I've also run into them in January and October. Always noticeable by their ability to block sidewalks by walking hand-in-hand right next to each other, jump lines in a single bound and bring 30 of their BFF's with them in front of you, and let us not forget the constanting chanting at the top of their lungs. Every time I see one of those flags in the air I head off in the other direction.

 

 

Just curious.. Why are they allowed to block sidewalks in such large group? It definitely makes much harder for other cruisers to enjoy the Promenade.

 

It's not like they chartered the whole ship.

[Sunshine-lady]

We are really enjoying your review. DH and I are going on Freedom in just 9 months. By reading what you have all ready written, we are getting more and more excited.

[ahecht]

Just curious.. Why are they allowed to block sidewalks in such large group? It definitely makes much harder for other cruisers to enjoy the Promenade.

 

It's not like they chartered the whole ship.

 

In reading these boards, it seems that the one thing that RCI staff are not is confrontational. Whether it's chair hogs, seat savers, elevator-button pushers, stairwell sitters, kids in the solarium, or formal-night-flip-flop-and-t-shirt wearers, the staff seems afraid to do anything lest they lose out on tips (the only rule they seem to enforce regularly is the alcohol in luggage rule, which affects their bottom line).

[truffles2]

In reading these boards, it seems that the one thing that RCI staff are not is confrontational. Whether it's chair hogs, seat savers, elevator-button pushers, stairwell sitters, kids in the solarium, or formal-night-flip-flop-and-t-shirt wearers, the staff seems afraid to do anything lest they lose out on tips (the only rule they seem to enforce regularly is the alcohol in luggage rule, which affects their bottom line).

 

Eventually, this off-putting behavior will affect their bottom line.

[ahecht]

^I guess I should've said "directly affects their bottom line in the short term". I agree that not discouraging anti-social behavior that negatively affects other passengers will, in the long run, discourage repeat cruisers.

[carolyn22]

Just curious.. Why are they allowed to block sidewalks in such large group? It definitely makes much harder for other cruisers to enjoy the Promenade.

 

It's not like they chartered the whole ship.

 

Oops, sorry for the confusion on my post. Where I've seen them block sidewalks is at WDW. Although from the picture that Sherri posted, it looks like they were doing this on the ship, too.

 

And why they're allowed to do this - at either WDW or on a ship - is beyond me! If anything, I would think it would be a safety hazard.

[BonTexasNY]

^I guess I should've said "directly affects their bottom line in the short term". I agree that not discouraging anti-social behavior that negatively affects other passengers will, in the long run, discourage repeat cruisers.

 

Agreed. Poor public relations for the cruise line.

 

Sherri, another wonderful read. At first I thought this was so much tamer than the Med review. No run ins with "Paul McCartney", no almost landing in an Italian jail, etc., etc. BUT, when I read about your drink mishap I KNEW there's more to come.:p

 

Had anyone recognized you on the Freedom, as being THAT Sherri from CC?;)

 

Carry on!

[hisfirstm8]

Sheri,

When will you be at Disney. We live in Florida and will be at Epcot on Monday, Nov. 12th for the wine and cheese festival.

 

Barbara