Freedom of the Seas Secrets

[HillBilly Bob]

Any "secrets" that y'all know to share re: Freedom of the Seas?....Thanks.

[Clarea]

Here is a good place to start to learn about Freedom:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/royal-caribbean/freedom

[DISFANS3]

Like to know some myself...

[HillBilly Bob]

Here is a good place to start to learn about Freedom:

 

The helipad is popular for sailaway. Go outside on deck 4, then forward as far as you can, up stairs, and continue forward.

__________________

Bob

 

 

This is the "type" of information I am searching for.

[mimirdh]

We think the best place to sit/see the 70's Party is in front of the pub on the promenade. (If you're still interested in attending, as some repeat cruisers skip this event) Also a good place to watch the parade is in this area too.

 

 

 

I've read that the Crypt nightclub has been replaced with cabins and a Mexican style restaurant??? Is this true? And if so- where is the nightclub entertainment?

[mimirdh]

Get to the port at about 9:30 am. You will need to wait outside for a little bit, but being on the ship at 11/11:30 is awesome. Go straight to deck 11 aft, and to all the way to the back of the Windjammer and get a table by the window. By the time you're finished eating, it will start to be crowded- then use this time to wonder the ship :)

 

Egg Harbor in the Windjammer offers custom order eggs, but get there early (and also early in the week). As others find out about this option it will get crowded.

 

We like the Love and Marriage show that is similar to the Carnival newlywed show

 

The Ice Show is very good. It's free but you may need a "ticket". RCCL's way to spread out the crowd.

 

DON'T MISS the adult game show "The Quest"!! You don't have to play but should see it at least once (some things cant be unseen.....haha) It's usually the last night (or second to last night) at about 11:00 pm-ish at the skating rink/ Studio B. Read the cruise compass to find out when it is and get there early as it is very popular and will be crowded.

 

If you want to skip the dining room dinner, the Windjammer has the same food offered except lobster tail. They have carved meats (prime rib, turkey, ham, etc) different every night, but why order a 5 piece shrimp cocktail appetizer when you can get a whole plate full in the windjammer ;)

 

Breakfast and lunch in the dining room on at sea days is quieter and much less crowded than the Windjammer

 

Look for BOGO or half off happy hour drink specials in the Cruise Compass

 

The pool bar offers buckets of beer at a slightly discounted rate. You can mix and match beers in the same category.

 

I've heard that if you book a specialty restaurant for dinner on day 1, there is some sort of price break (?) We don't eat in the specialty restaurants but if you like them then maybe this will interest you? The restaurants are located inside the Windjammer so you can check it out easily.

 

I'll add more tips as I think of them. I apologize if you are seasoned cruisers and already have some of this information :D;):cool::)

[movierunner]

Thanks for the tip about getting to the port early, thought about 11 but will make it earlier.

[RARcruise]

Thanks. Love reading about the ship but don't like reading 100's of pages so your tips were great.

[legaljen1969]

I've read that the Crypt nightclub has been replaced with cabins and a Mexican style restaurant??? Is this true? And if so- where is the nightclub entertainment?

 

Yes, the Crypt was replaced by some cabins on the lower level and Sabor on the upper level. I do not know if you have cruised other Royal Ships with Sabor, but the experience is different on different ships (or was different from our Freedom Cruise (a $25 cover charge) to Allure (all a la carte).

 

The food is excellent. The tableside guacamole was amazing. I have never been a guacamole fan, but my husband and I loved it. Save room for dessert. It is a treat.

 

I can't speak to where the "nightclub" action is now. That is not really our thing. There are plenty of venues to drink and party though.

[DISFANS3]

Like the drink specials...

[JamesEM]

Get to the port at about 9:30 am. You will need to wait outside for a little bit, but being on the ship at 11/11:30 is awesome. Go straight to deck 11 aft, and to all the way to the back of the Windjammer and get a table by the window. By the time you're finished eating, it will start to be crowded- then use this time to wonder the ship :)

 

Egg Harbor in the Windjammer offers custom order eggs, but get there early (and also early in the week). As others find out about this option it will get crowded.

 

We like the Love and Marriage show that is similar to the Carnival newlywed show

 

The Ice Show is very good. It's free but you may need a "ticket". RCCL's way to spread out the crowd.

 

DON'T MISS the adult game show "The Quest"!! You don't have to play but should see it at least once (some things cant be unseen.....haha) It's usually the last night (or second to last night) at about 11:00 pm-ish at the skating rink/ Studio B. Read the cruise compass to find out when it is and get there early as it is very popular and will be crowded.

 

If you want to skip the dining room dinner, the Windjammer has the same food offered except lobster tail. They have carved meats (prime rib, turkey, ham, etc) different every night, but why order a 5 piece shrimp cocktail appetizer when you can get a whole plate full in the windjammer ;)

 

Breakfast and lunch in the dining room on at sea days is quieter and much less crowded than the Windjammer

 

Look for BOGO or half off happy hour drink specials in the Cruise Compass

 

The pool bar offers buckets of beer at a slightly discounted rate. You can mix and match beers in the same category.

 

I've heard that if you book a specialty restaurant for dinner on day 1, there is some sort of price break (?) We don't eat in the specialty restaurants but if you like them then maybe this will interest you? The restaurants are located inside the Windjammer so you can check it out easily.

 

I'll add more tips as I think of them. I apologize if you are seasoned cruisers and already have some of this information :D;):cool::)

 

Thanks, will be sailing Nov. 12th.

[S.A.M.J.R.]

Get to the port at about 9:30 am. You will need to wait outside for a little bit, but being on the ship at 11/11:30 is awesome. Go straight to deck 11 aft, and to all the way to the back of the Windjammer and get a table by the window. By the time you're finished eating, it will start to be crowded- then use this time to wonder the ship :)

I don't think you need to be there that early. We got to the port around 10:15-10:30am, was able to go directly inside, waited in the chairs for about 5 minutes before they started check in. Then had about a 20-30 minute wait before they started boarding.

 

The Ice Show is very good. It's free but you may need a "ticket". RCCL's way to spread out the crowd.

There were no tickets (electronic or otherwise) needed for our July cruise.

[AmberTeka]

Love reading these boards. September will be our first cruise on RCI. We have sailed a lot on Carnival Owned ships, and once on Celebrity but new to RCI.

 

What I have learned from Posters like all of you who take the time to help Nubies to RCI.

 

Fried eggs ( husband's delight) at Egg Cupboard? Do they serve GRITS? True delight to Southern born folks.

 

Johnny Rockets serves no cost breakfast...right? Avoid crowds? We are early risers...don't run into crowds much. Florida residents. Avoid sun. Love it. But For us, too much can kill. Not at pool.

 

No tickets needed for Ice Show? Right? just line up early. I will. Dear Husband will be lost in Casino. Fine with both of us. 44 years married. Still like him fine. Hope ditto. 44th anniversary cruise actually.

Husband and I share a passion for Trivia. Hope there are some games. Carnival does a good job with Trivia. Why we keep going back...X did a great job with Trivia. Loved that cruise. Thank you all so much. AND we have a balcony by the Elevators on Deck Six? The one above passenger deck. Our is over Ship Office. Closes early. Tickled pink about getting close to elevators. Deck 4?

 

Do you go ashore in Haiti? What is there to do? Can I buy a Haitian Painting? I have one I bought in Haiti in 1975. I cherish it. It is signed. Would like to find out who painted it. It is from the Cape Haitian School 1970's and late 1960's. . ( Feet are block like. Colors are vivid. Hope to buy another one.

Jamaica....Falmouth.....Botanical garden there? Where Capt Bligh..after (Mutiny on the Bounty) brought Bread Fruit trees to Plantations there then?

Edited August 15, 2016 by AmberTeka

[S.A.M.J.R.]

There were grits on Freedom last month. I'm not a grits person, so I don't know how they taste.

 

Labadee Haiti is a beach day. Everything (ok, 99%) is run by ship's personnel. There is a "straw market" where you might be able to get a painting.

[pinkrosesdeb]

Amber, your dh can get eggs to order in the dining room and also at Egg Harbor in the windjammer. Grits (Georgia Ice Cream! is what we call it!) is available every morning on the end of the back buffet lines (both sides) and is usually very good. I add butter and cheese. There is also oatmeal which my dh loves and has almost every morning onboard. Unless things have changed since we were onboard free breakfast at Johnny Rockets is only available on Oasis class ships. Trivia (many different topics) is offered several times during the week. Also, don't miss Quest which will be done around 11pm in the ice rink one evening...a bit bawdy but seriously fun time. Don't give if you are easily shocked, people do crazy things for small prizes. Not sure of current procedure for ice show we have a suite and seats are reserved but I KNOW someone will have the answers for you. This group is amazing with ship knowledge. And, last, Labadee is a relaxing beach day. Beach is beautiful, don't miss Dragon's Breath. We usually book a cabana but there are lots of beach chairs, hammocks and tables on the beach. Also a tram to take you from one end to the other. I hope you love your time onboard. We are also big fans of Giovannis Table.

[epcopres]

Since the removal of the Crypt. I think most of the night club action is in Olive or Twist on deck 14 i think.

[mimirdh]

 

Fried eggs ( husband's delight) at Egg Cupboard? Do they serve GRITS? True delight to Southern born folks.

 

Johnny Rockets serves no cost breakfast...right? Avoid crowds? We are early risers...don't run into crowds much. Florida residents. Avoid sun. Love it. But For us, too much can kill. Not at pool.

 

No tickets needed for Ice Show?

Husband and I share a passion for Trivia. Hope there are some games. Carnival does a good job with Trivia.

 

Do you go ashore in Haiti? What is there to do? Can I buy a Haitian Painting?

 

Windjammer has Egg Harbor located all the way in the back. Many times when you enter the Windjammer the staff will direct you to either the left or right side. Just keep going all the way to the back (there will be food along the side but a lot more food in the back, and Egg Harbor is back there where you can get custom cooked eggs.) YES they have Grits too:D

 

Johnny Rockets has a cover charge for lunch and dinner, but I do not know about breakfast, sorry:confused:

 

The dining room is quiet for early breakfast and they will sit you with other people unless you request a table for two.

 

I haven't been on freedom in a few years, but their sister ships (Liberty and Independence) had tickets for the Ice Show just to disperse the crowd. Someone on this post answered that they were on the freedom last month and no tickets were required, so I'd go with their answer because I haven't sailed this ship in a while.

 

Trivia, Trivia, Trivia! We love the Trivia too and there is many, many games throughout the cruise. General Knowledge Trivia, Michael Jackson Trivia, Animal trivia... you name it! Just read the Cruise Compass and it will tell you the location and time- they start right on time so get there a couple minutes early if you can. Typically, trivia games are held in the Schooner Bar deck 4 but could be held in other venues for your cruise. Check the Cruise Compass:)

 

Labadee Haiti is a beautiful part of the island. Be forewarned= The locals that work at the shops are extremely aggressive for you to purchase items from them. Possibly because only RCCL and Celebrity ships dock there? I really don't know why.... Take the free tram when you get off the ship and you will get a tour of the facilities (tips appreciated).

As for what to do in Haiti- Zipline, water Park, Roller Coaster, Jet Skis,kayak, snorkeling... look on your RCCL My Cruises account under excursions. You won't tour Haiti per se, only the small area where RCCl leases. Everything is purchased thru RCCL for Haiti. And YES, there will be paintings for sale:D

 

Have a great time!

Mimi

[AmberTeka]

Thank You all.

 

EGG HARBOR. I am writing it on my Cruise Documents.

 

Grits. Knowing that they have them..AT back of Buffet ( also writing that down) is good news. I was born and raised in Alabama. Grits. Sort of thick. Lots of butter. Salt. Pepper. Food for the Gods of mythology. My husband is a Florida Native and they eat Grits with Cheese and with fish. I almost fainted the first time I saw that.

Both of us love grits. And as they are not low calorie..they are a vacation treat.

 

Lots of Trivia! Made my Day.

Johnny Rockets will be a stop for lunch one day, I think. I have read so much about it.

Will check at desk on first day about tickets or no tickets for Ice Show. I Really want to see that Show. Perfectly happy to line up.

 

 

 

We were in Haiti twice..in the 70's. Papa Doc was in power. A tank was parked on the lawn of his "White House", which was copy of our W.H................. Ton Ton Macuees were on every corner and they scared the dickens out of us. But The memories have haunted me for decades. My husband and I were two of the 3 passengers who got off the ship and walked to the Iron Market. We spent all of the cash we had. Buying anything and everything. Just to feel like we helped some. Never happened to us before or since in our travels. I Bought my painting in the Iron Market. I Wonder if the Iron Market even exists today.. The odor would knock a horse out. Then again, I bought an orange blossom cologne that I have never found elsewhere. Lovely. My painting.... it hangs in foyer of my home. I HOPE Haiti is better now. Would not take much to be a lot better. THANK YOU ALL.

looking forward to this Cruise!!!!

Edited August 15, 2016 by AmberTeka

[ryano]

 

Johnny Rockets serves no cost breakfast...right?

 

Only if you are on an Oasis class ship.

[mooseman52b]

There were grits on Freedom last month. I'm not a grits person, so I don't know how they taste.

 

Grit's taste like what you put on them. (Butter, cheese, honey, syrup, brown sugar).

[MrsPete]

There were grits on Freedom last month. I'm not a grits person, so I don't know how they taste.

True Southerner here. The grits are good, but my youngest, a real grit lover, was dismayed when she took a monster-sized bite and realized they contained no salt and no butter. At home I put butter and salt into the pot, and she didn't realize the ship did not.

[MrsPete]

Grit's taste like what you put on them. (Butter, cheese, honey, syrup, brown sugar).

In my opinion, they're BEST when combined with a bite of runny sunny-side-up egg.

[molsonschooner]

I don't think you need to be there that early. We got to the port around 10:15-10:30am, was able to go directly inside, waited in the chairs for about 5 minutes before they started check in. Then had about a 20-30 minute wait before they started boarding.

 

There were no tickets (electronic or otherwise) needed for our July cruise.

 

9:30 seems too early to me . I agree with you, between 10-10:30 should be plenty early. It was afew years ago that we were on Freedom but we got to the terminal between 10:30 and 11. We walked right onto the ship. No lines, no waiting. DW having a beer in the pub about 20 minutes after getting out of the taxi

[HillBilly Bob]

There were grits on Freedom last month. I'm not a grits person, so I don't know how they taste.

 

Grits on RCL are wonderful!! CCL also serves a great bowl of grits.

 

It's amazing how people that have never TASTED grits have come to decide they are not a "grits" person. What's even more amazing the number of people that LOVE polenta but can't stand grits. Just a hoot to hear them comment.

 

Being in the south...we have grits all the time and LOVE them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nothing is better than a plate of shrimp and grits, ala Paul Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse and Susan Spicer served with a loaf of crusty bread! Bon Appétit!

[wilmingtech]

Sorrentos Pizza is awful.... but... They do serve gluten free pizza and my kids can eat it and its slightly better than the regular sorrentos pizza. You just have to ask them to make you one and it takes about 15 minutes.

 

They will also make you gluten free waffles/pancakes in windjammer or main dining room for breakfast if you ask for them.

 

Lunch in the main dining room on Sea Days has a great make your own salad bar and they toss it for you. (This was from February 2015)

 

If your a family of 4, 5 or 6 the Family Oceanview rooms can be a good deal. The room 8500 and 8200 actually have a separate master bedroom unlike all the other family OVs. In addition there are 2 family panoramic oceanview rooms up on the 12th floor that also sleep 6. Not sure about the pricing on those. Often if you have kids the pricing on the FO rooms can be cheaper than 2 insides but you have to call to book them.

 

In the winter (Jan/Feb/Early March) it can be cooler/cold at night. If the flowrider is your thing, bring a longsleeve rashgaurd or lightweight wetsuit and you'll have it all to yourself when they open it at night as its usually too cold for just a bathing suit.

 

Thats what I remember from Feb 2015. Will be on again in early March 2017.

 

-Sean