"LIVE" from Freedom of the Seas / Nov 4, 2012

[PCWalton1]

Radio,

Watching you pull out of port right now. Thanks for doing the live postings. As I sit here in the chilly pacific northwest rehabbing this new knee I will look forward to your stops in St Thomas and St Maartin. We will be making our first visit there in May on Allure so look forward to your preview. :)

 

Bill

[luv2cruiserccl]

Radio,

Watching you pull out of port right now. Thanks for doing the live postings. As I sit here in the chilly pacific northwest rehabbing this new knee I will look forward to your stops in St Thomas and St Maartin. We will be making our first visit there in May on Allure so look forward to your preview. :)

 

Bill

 

i agree st thomas and st maartin are great and looking foward to radio's reports.

[kruzerci]

Ill be reading this all week. I'm jealous that you're on my favorite ship :(!

[LBumb]

Bon voyage

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . .

We left the pier promptly at 4:30. Captain Tore Grimstad suggested we would have smooth seas on our short voyage to Coco Cay, Bahamas. He also suggested that the forecast for tomorrow would be similar to today-sunny with few clouds and 79 degrees. We will be arriving at Coco Cay tomorrow at 7:00 AM and the last tender back to the ship will be scheduled at 3:15 PM.

 

I went up to the Diamond Lounge (Deck 14) before dinner. As it turns out, the lounge was very crowded. There must be a lot of Diamond members aboard this week. I will try and find out the number of Diamonds later this week. The Concierge Manager suggested that we go to the overflow lounge on Deck 14. That was very crowded as well. I decided to go to the Concierge Lounge on Deck 10. I relaxed there for a few moments with a drink and some snacks before dinner.

 

I met up with several Cruise Critic members for a dinner at Portofino. The food was delicious as it always has been. Everyone enjoyed their meal and we are considering going back again this week.

 

After dinner, many of us went down to Casino Royale on Deck 4. I really like the way they expanded Casino Royale. It is much larger than the Casino Royale on Voyager class ships, with many more table games. I wish I could say that I did well in Casino Royale; however, she wasn’t very “Radio Friendly”. I will try again tomorrow morning, perhaps my luck will change.

 

Here are a few pics from this afternoon. Many more pics tomorrow.

 

Thanks for tuning in.

 

Radio

 

 

 

All passengers are onboard, as we are about ready to leave the Pier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Freedom of the Seas pulls away from Port Canaveral slowly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Activities Staff started the festive music and dancing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many passengers were excited to get on stage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We pass by Jetty Park as wee make our way toward CocoCay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love the food at Portifinos

 

 

 

 

 

.

[Ander026]

Great photos leaving Port Canaveral. I have sailed out of Port Canaveral a total 6 times (4 Monarch, 2 Freedom) on my short cruising history. Port Canaveral is my favorite port to sail out of. In fact I joined close to 2,000 Disney Cast Members (I am one as well), at Jetty Park one morning to welcome the Disney Fantasy into Port Canaveral for the first time early in the morning. They even had fireworks at 6am.

 

Well Happy cruising.

[CAC104]

Radio....I was just wondering, where did your trip start from? I was wondering if you lived somewhere in Maryland?

[kruzerci]

Hello everyone. . .

We left the pier promptly at 4:30. Captain Tore Grimstad suggested we would have smooth seas on our short voyage to Coco Cay, Bahamas. He also suggested that the forecast for tomorrow would be similar to today-sunny with few clouds and 79 degrees. We will be arriving at Coco Cay tomorrow at 7:00 AM and the last tender back to the ship will be scheduled at 3:15 PM.

 

I went up to the Diamond Lounge (Deck 14) before dinner. As it turns out, the lounge was very crowded. There must be a lot of Diamond members aboard this week. I will try and find out the number of Diamonds later this week. The Concierge Manager suggested that we go to the overflow lounge on Deck 14. That was very crowded as well. I decided to go to the Concierge Lounge on Deck 10. I relaxed there for a few moments with a drink and some snacks before dinner.

 

I met up with several Cruise Critic members for a dinner at Portofino. The food was delicious as it always has been. Everyone enjoyed their meal and we are considering going back again this week.

 

After dinner, many of us went down to Casino Royale on Deck 4. I really like the way they expanded Casino Royale. It is much larger than the Casino Royale on Voyager class ships, with many more table games. I wish I could say that I did well in Casino Royale; however, she wasn’t very “Radio Friendly”. I will try again tomorrow morning, perhaps my luck will change.

 

Here are a few pics from this afternoon. Many more pics tomorrow.

 

Thanks for tuning in.

 

Radio

 

 

 

All passengers are onboard, as we are about ready to leave the Pier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Freedom of the Seas pulls away from Port Canaveral slowly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Activities Staff started the festive music and dancing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many passengers were excited to get on stage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We pass by Jetty Park as wee make our way toward CocoCay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love the food at Portifinos

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

We had that table, third on the left on Freedom in May. Wish I was there!

[Radio]

Hello Everyone. . .Welcome to Day 2 of “LIVE” from Freedom of the Seas.

Last night after my post I walked around the ship for a little bit and then I decided to watch the news for a few moments. After I laid down and put my head on the pillow, it couldn’t have been more than 4 minutes until I was out like a light. The bed is extremely comfortable. I guess what I am trying to suggest is that this may be the nicest bed I have ever watched the news in.

 

I got up extremely early this morning. I am not sure why, I just woke up and had to roam around the ship in search of coffee. I was successful in finding some excellent coffee in the Diamond Lounge. I like the fact that many of the public rooms are being cleaned very early in the morning because all the lights are turned up bright and I can capture some nice images for posting. There are not many passengers awake; however, I talked to several crew members and they were very friendly.

 

We are currently about 15 nautical miles from Coco Cay. We are scheduled to be anchored in Coco Cay by 7 AM. The first tender is scheduled at 7:30.

 

 

Here are a few pics from this morning. . .

 

More pics later from Coco Cay. . . .Thanks for tuning in !

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

A view of Deck 11 from very early this morning. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The H2oZone will be the center of activity later this afternoon. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was able to consume some wonderful coffee at about 4AM today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Diamond Lounge (Deck 14) is very quiet this morning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ahhh. . .I can’t wait until 7AM until I can get a delicious Starbucks (at Café Promenade)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is our current location. . .

 

 

 

 

.

[weary traveler]

wow like i closed my eyes and whammo day 2 already? enjoy your day Mark... lady fortune will return tonite for you lol

 

your ole pal

[A&L_Ont]

 

 

Ahhh. . .I can’t wait until 7AM until I can get a delicious Starbucks (at Café Promenade)

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

Hi Radio.

 

I am enjoying your review. I wish we had passenger trains with car following capabilities here in Canada.

 

I too would be looking and waiting for a good cup of coffee.

 

If possible could you do a map location image when you are anchored at CoCo Cay? We have never been there and I am curious about it's location. We are thinking about cruising on Freedom, so coming along on your virtual cruise is perfect. Except for the small fact that we are not on board with you now.

 

Enjoy your cruise and thanks for bringing us along,

Andrew

[Havana Daydreamin]

Greetings Radio!!!

 

Enjoying my morning coffee of my day off catching up on your adventures!

 

Thanks for the reports and enjoy!

[mon1jan1]

Good morning Radio! Love your live review so far, still trying to catch up on your Enchantment of the Seas review, we are on the Enchantment next July (in the Royal suite) and I can't wait! We haven't been on the Freedom since 2008 and I love seeing your updated pictures of how it has changed (tv screens on deck).

Enjoy your cruise, and know you have a lot of thankful people out here enjoying the virtual cruise you are giving us.

 

Thanks Again,

Janet

[Sugar*Magnolia]

Good morning Radio!

Cant wait to hear/see whats on tap for today at Coco Cay? Sand between my toes sounds perfect, but here in the NE it feels like possible snow! :eek:

 

Regarding "Portofino"; it looks smaller than my favorite on board Explorer-? Is the layout long and narrow and since you said you love the food at Portofino, would you mind sharing and telling us what you enjoyed for dinner?? Something about the Menu? Service? Pics? View? lol Some form of a Teaser? Trailer? Hint? :D

 

Its great that you post those early morning shots!! At 4am, I would think the majority are fast asleep. Every cruise we go on, I plan one early morning, but waking at 5am never happens! Glad you found some coffee to drink at that hour. I can NOT find coffee on board that I like, other than specialty coffee on Celebrity. Do you know what kind of coffee they serve on Freedom? This would be some awesome info if you can find out!

[TPKeller]

Hi Radio.

 

I am enjoying your review. I wish we had passenger trains with car following capabilities here in Canada.

 

I too would be looking and waiting for a good cup of coffee.

 

If possible could you do a map location image when you are anchored at CoCo Cay? We have never been there and I am curious about it's location. We are thinking about cruising on Freedom, so coming along on your virtual cruise is perfect. Except for the small fact that we are not on board with you now.

 

Enjoy your cruise and thanks for bringing us along,

Andrew

Hi Andrew,

 

You can see the location of CocoCay from my cruise map here.

 

Theron

[A&L_Ont]

Hi Andrew,

 

You can see the location of CocoCay from my cruise map here.

 

Theron

 

Thanks for that link. It is no where near I I thought it was.

 

Radio, one less job, have a coffee on me. :p

 

Andrew

[LBumb]

Enjoy your day

[mrsfecura]

She was glistening. . .I know, I know. . .Freedom of the Seas was built back in 2006, but she really felt like a new ship to me (today)

 

 

 

 

 

 

You're right.....she's gorgeous!!! So happy you're "LIVE" once again, Radio!

[BugsyCruiser]

Good morning Radio! Looking forward to another day on board :)

[medfordgirl]

I hate to fly, a train ride seems like something I might enjoy. Is it that much more than a flight? How long does it take to get from florida to new england? I would love to go up there for a cruise to bermuda. is it super expensive to take your car?

[NeuroQueen]

Hope you had a fabulous day in Coco Cay! Following along with all of your fans!

[Woody]

Hello Everyone. . .Welcome to Day 2 of “LIVE” from Freedom of the Seas.

.

 

I got up extremely early this morning. I am not sure why, I just woke up and had to roam around the ship in search of coffee. I was successful in finding some excellent coffee in the Diamond Lounge. I like the fact that many of the public rooms are being cleaned very early in the morning because all the lights are turned up bright and I can capture some nice images for posting. There are not many passengers awake; however, I talked to several crew members and they were very friendly.

 

 

.

 

I know why, the time change has my internal clock off as well. I was up at 4am as also, hope it will only last a few weeks. Loving the review so far, as always.. We will be on the Freedom Nov 25th can't wait.

 

Woody

[jobell]

I hate to fly, a train ride seems like something I might enjoy. Is it that much more than a flight? How long does it take to get from florida to new england? I would love to go up there for a cruise to bermuda. is it super expensive to take your car?

 

I believe that the auto train only runs from Sanford, FL to Lorton, VA (about 30 mins from Washington, D.C.) so you would then have to drive from VA to NE.

 

The trip is roughly 18 hrs from Florida to Virginia via the auto train.

 

I believe the price will vary based on your accommodations on the train.

 

i hope that helps.

[DragonOfTheSeas]

Medford girl--unfortuantely the auto train will not get you from New England to FL. It runs from just south of Washington DC [Lorton, Va] to Sanford , FL [not far from Orlando]

 

It leaves around 4pm. So, depending on where you live you could drive down I-95 and get there with a long day of travel--then board and wake up the next day in FL.

 

There is a charge for the car AND for each passenger [depending on if in a sleeper car or regular seat]. It is about $200 for the car and about that much for a pax in a standard seat. Roomettes are extra. Another big advantage is that you can take all the luggage that will fit in your car with you without airline baggage fees.

[joand452]

I hate to fly, a train ride seems like something I might enjoy. Is it that much more than a flight? How long does it take to get from florida to new england? I would love to go up there for a cruise to bermuda. is it super expensive to take your car?

 

You could take the northbound Auto Train from Sanford, FL to Lorton, VA, which leaves at 4:00 pm and arrives in Lorton around 8 am. Then you could drive to Baltimore, MD, which is about 90 miles from Lorton for a cruise to Bermuda!

 

And reverse for the trip back to Florida!