New to RCCL - Review: Freedom of the Seas, Nov. 17

[unc1acc]

So, I’ve been wondering exactly how I wanted to do my review. I’ve seen TONS of great ones on here which really helped me in planning my trip on Freedom of the Seas. What I decided to do is give a run down of each of my Days then for those who are curious a quick comparison with my previous cruises. This was my first RCCL experience (three other were on Carnival- Fascination x2 and Dream). Before I hear the typical…you can’t compare the two, etc. You can and I will give a fair critique of both.

 

Here we go….

 

A little about me…I’m 36 from Raleigh and cruised with my friend who is also 36. We have no kids so I can't speak to the youth programs. Although, what I saw looked fun and a couple of the kid parades, dressed as pirates walking down the Royal Promenade was really cute.

 

Day Before Embarkation

 

We drove down from Raleigh on Saturday. No problems there until a little rain beginning outside Daytona Beach. We did the Park & Cruise package at the Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach. It was $152 and included transportation to/from.

 

I was a little surprised at condition of the hotel. The lobby/breakfast area looked like all Hampton Inns. The rooms….not so much. Very outdated, green carpet and looked a little dirty. It didn’t bother me, I couldn’t sleep anyway as I was too excited.

 

Embarkation Day

 

We had breakfast, got our number and was told to be ready between 10:30a-11:00a. Several #’s were called so we loaded a motor coach and headed to the port. We had a quick stop at the Courtyard by Marriott next door.

 

The bus driver gave some fun tidbits but like I said I was way too excited to care. We arrive at the port around 11:30. Check-in took a little longer as my passport photo was me 75lbs heavier so I had to help convince her it was me. LOL. One of the computers where you insert your Sea Pass card was down so that backed up the line. We were onboard and in the Windjammer around 12:30p.

 

My first thoughts: HOLY HECK this ship is BIG! Freedom looked to me as if she was a brand new ship. Like I said, I’m going to keep comparisons until the end but let me just quickly say I definitely prefer the aesthetics of Freedom vs. Carnival. They had also started decorating for Christmas which got you in the holiday spirit. [/img]

 

We toured the ship some more went down and our luggage was there. We unpacked, relaxed and started getting ready for dinner. We chose My Time Dining, seating at 7:30p.

 

We were set at a table for two in the Galileo section. There were several tables of two in our area. Our dining room staff for the week was FANTASTIC. Bien, was the head waiter and Daniel was his assistant. They both were from the Philippines so we had some discussion about the terrible storm that ravaged their homeland.

 

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Almost midnight...I'll continue in the AM.

[Royalty X]

Great review so far unc1acc. I'm looking forward to reading more, and seeing more pics. I'm dying to go on a Freedom class ship. :)

[DaNana]

Great pictures, makes me want to be on a cruise again! We took Liberty about 6 years ago this time. I did love the decorations! Await more!

[drarill]

Excellent start!! Looking forward to the rest of your review. Thanks for sharing your cruise with us!:):)

[wrcjr98]

Subscribed and eagerly awaiting more!!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Keith1010]

Enjoying your review.

 

Keith

[loeytalldog]

Off to a great start! Thanks for doing a review, FOS is our favorite ship!

[kevinsgirl88]

Subscribed and waiting!!! I went on her sister ship liberty and loved it!! Waiting for the comparison because I'm thinking of a carnival Cruise but I'm not to sure. Can't wait to read more! :D

 

Sent from my MB886 using Forums mobile app

[04mach1]

The Freedom is one of your favorite ships !! Good review so far.

[BillOh]

Glad to hear the ship looks new. I am looking forward to going on her again after 7 years.

[prekteacher]

Looking forward to reading more about your trip. Freedom is the only ship I've cruised on and it was during Thanksgiving. I am so glad you enjoyed her. I loved the Christmas decorations also. Up next is Allure and I hope it is as good a trip as Freedom was. Thank you for your time writing this review.

[unc1acc]

Sorry for the delay...with long holiday weekend then today is my birthday so I've had lunches/dinners, etc...but let me continue.

 

Also, feel free to ask any questions. I also have all 7 days of the Cruise Compass. If anyone wants, I can scan and send to them.

 

Also, sorry for the larger size pictures. I promise to correct on Day Three. I'm just trying to get this down for everyone quickly.

 

Day Two: Coco Cay

 

Like I mentioned before I had reviewed the CC message boards for some time before my cruise so I knew a few in/outs which really helped at this port.

 

Even in the Cruise Compass it warns to avoid trying to tender between 8:45a - 10:00a as that is when most people are up and going.

 

Needless to say, I dreaded getting up early but knew it was worth it and it most definitely was. We woke up around 6:15a, had breakfast in the Windjammer, went to our room to grab our stuff and headed down to Deck 1 (around 7:30a).

 

When we arrived to the tender area, there were RCCL sports staff and just a few of us. They told us this first tender was staff only but then after about 20 seconds, they decided to let the 10-15 of us board too. [/img]

 

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Hung out on the beach until lunchtime and headed over to the BBQ area. Once again…a little trick…GO TO THE LEFT…there was no line at that end of the buffet EVER. I had burger, chicken leg, ribs, corn and red beans/rice. I thought it was all very good. [/img]

 

Hung out around the ship a little, then decided to hit the room, relax and get ready for dinner. Tonight’s dinner was the first formal night…”Saffron” menu.

 

We went to the show entitled, Marquee and honestly, it just wasn’t very good. From the singing, dancing and the songs of broadway of which I think I only knew a couple…I just was surprised how much I didn’t like it. Maybe others did but I did hear a couple people later in the week mention that it wasn’t good.

 

Played some more in the casino and then had my first trip to see Matt Yee’s Adult Sing-a-long which was so funny! He’s hilarious and if you don’t pay attention/participate…he will totally call you out. It’s definitely a must see. Also watched some karaoke which was OK…why is it that every man over 70 wants to sing Frank Sinatra?

 

Played some of my winnings from BINGO yesterday in the casino wound up walking out $10 ahead. It was late and I was so hungry so I made my first of many trips that week up to get some pizza from Sorentos. I thought the pizza wasn’t too bad and they had good desserts at cafe promenade. I just want to mention again about the layout of this ship and how much I loved the Royal Promenade. I thought the ship was very easy to navigate.

 

Before I go further, and I can’t believe I missed this in my first post, but Cruise Director Richard Spacey is an absolute hoot. I laughed many times to the point I had tears.

[soccercrazy]

Can't wait to hear more. Sailing on Dec 29th!!!! :D

[unc1acc]

Can't wait to hear more. Sailing on Dec 29th!!!! :D

 

You're going to love Freedom of the Seas! Let me know if you have any questions. I'll be happy to help as I'm sure others will as well.

[unc1acc]

Day Three: At Sea

 

I forgot to mention in my last post how cool it was to be able to sit pool side in the ocean and watch my Carolina Panthers beat the Patriots on Monday Night Football. Very cool. [/img]

 

We had a free lunch for four (only two of us) at Johnny Rockets. I had never been to one before but I’ll have to say that it was a pretty good burger, great onion rings and fries. I also had a strawberry sundae. Everything was great and the waiters even sang/danced to “Last Dance.” I’d have to say I would pay $4.95 for that mean in a heartbeat. [/img]

 

Dinner that night was the ****take menu which I enjoyed. I had a pumpkin seed and cheese roll. They finally had to stop asking and by middle of week just put one on my plate.

 

For entertainment that evening, we went to the late showing of Jeff Tracta. It was a singing, comedy and impressionist show. Apparently, he was on the Bold and the Beautiful in the early 90s. He had great impressions and the show had a little something for all ages. I did think the “Living Years” piece was a little of downer but other than that, the show was well done.

 

Later that night, we went to the Battle of the Sexes contest. They kept saying we’d be divided in the Studio B, but that didn’t happen. You sat wherever you wanted. The ladies won…shocker. Katie the activities director hosted and she was quite funny when some people started booing her judgement. Acknowledging that it was JUST A GAME and for fun.

 

Needless to say, this was the first crew out of my four that I didn’t wear the patch. I stuck with 1x/day Bonine and was completely fine.

 

We went to bed after I'm sure some pizza or sweet treat from the Royal Promenade and got ready for the next stop: St. Thomas.

[tabbi_cakes]

Yesterday was my birthday as well! :)

[dacsmom]

Thanks for the wonderful review so far. I was on the FOS in February and loved every minute of it. CoCo Cay is one of my favorite stops. I booked the Freedom because of the outdoor movie screen and I was not disappointed.

[Pat in NC]

unc1acc...has to be University of North Carolina 1 Atlantic Coast Conference... only someone from NC would know what those letters stand for!! Thank you for sharing your trip....

I am from Knightdale!! Taught at East Wake Middle School....

[Lily5083]

Thank you so much for posting your reviews! I'l be sailing with RCCL for the first time on Freedom in January. Would it be possible to get copies of the cruise compasses? It looks like we'll be doing the same itinerary as you, but in reverse!

Edited December 4, 2013 by Lily5083

[MrFunInTheSun]

Great review and pictures! Thanks for sharing! :D

 

The cruise I was originally booked on before I switched ships. Wahoo, I still get to sail on her virtually now. :D

[scumbers]

brilliant so far looking forward to reading more

 

im looking at sailing on this ship so looking forward to hearing and seeing more

[soccercrazy]

You're going to love Freedom of the Seas! Let me know if you have any questions. I'll be happy to help as I'm sure others will as well.

 

Thanks - We were on FOS in February when my son was granted a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Reading the post makes me remember the fun we had and can't wait for the 29th!

 

I do have one question, our past cruises have been more port intensive and this time we have an even 3 port days and 3 sea days. Do you have any tips for avoiding lineups at meal time etc.:cool:

[bigque]

Great Review! Freedom is a great ship and I am going to have to go on her again one day!

As a fellow North Carolinian I know that was exciting to be able to watch that Panthers game. I would have been right out there with you! :cool:

[kevinsgirl88]

Loving this can't wait to read more :D

 

Sent from my MB886 using Forums mobile app

[unc1acc]

Day Four: St. Thomas

 

Because we didn’t arrive until Noon to St. Thomas, this was one of the days that I was able to sleep in. After a 2miles on the walk/run track, I headed down to the windjammer for and to the omelet station. Had my egg white omelet, made-to-order. I was glad to see turkey sausage on the buffet each day too.

 

So before I left for the cruise, I spoke with some friends about things to do in St. Thomas. It was suggested I try to head over to St. John for the day. After looking around and weighing the prices, I went with the RCCL excursion to St. John. Because of the long (35 minutes) boat ride to St. John and the short stay at this port (6 hours), I wanted to make sure I was in RCCL hands so I wouldn’t be left.

 

We had to meet in the Arcadia with other tours who were heading to St. John or the Dolphin excursion. It was interesting that she said everyone on the Dolphin excursion needed to BE SURE to have their passports. Not sure if that meant that particular one is often late or what? Maybe someone here can help with that.

 

Any way, we were supposed to be one of the first off but they didn’t hold the line so there was some congestion getting off the boat. We met up with our group and headed to the Independent Sea boat that would take us to St. John for some snorkeling. We chose the St. John - National Park Cruise Shop/Explore excursion at $42 because we had snorkeling equipment.

 

After a breathtaking tour and info session on the boat, we made it to St. John. There were taxis waiting to take you wherever. We wanted to go to Trunk Bay. The drive and Trunk Bay was the most beautiful thing my eyes have seen. It was simply amazing and the pictures I posted here will not do it justice.

 

Once at Trunk Bay, we hung out on the beach and snorkeled. They have a snorkel trail you can follow. Just STAY OFF THE ROCKS or the lifeguards will yell at you. What’s interesting is that at 4pm (St. Thomas time), the lifeguard stands closes up shop. I’ll say that particular day out by the rocks the current was swirling and strong. If you weren’t a good swimmer, I would have recommended to not go that far out.

 

After some water time, we grabbed a taxi back to the harbor area, shopped some and since we were starving, we stopped by a small brew pub and had some soft pretzels. We jumped on the boat back to St. Thomas and was served free rum punch and pretty much all you wanted. It was dark by the time we reached the port and pretty close to 6pm so they dropped us off closer to the port.

 

I will say that length of time in St. Thomas was my only “complaint.” Maybe they should stop at Coco Cay on the way back? The 6-hours seemed really rushed, especially when doing the St. John excursion.

 

That night was PIEMENTO in the dining room. The headliner that evening was Drew Thomas in “Now You See It.” I thought it was a very good illusionist show. Still not sure how he did some of that stuff. A MUST SEE!

 

Tonight was also the Love & Marriage show. Very funny but I do have a question….are all the question faked or just the last one with the old people? OR is the whole thing legit? I have a debate going with a friend. Either way, it’s hilarious.

 

Another stop at Matt Yee’s, some casino time, some food/drinks on the Royal Promenade. Then, some nap time before St. Maarten.