Freedom... Could Care Less

[Gramary]

I'm taking a break from packing for my first cruise on the Glory, which sails tomorrow, so I can't really give an informed opinion. However, I tend to be of the "bigger, better, faster, newer" fan club. I like the idea that the Freedom of the Seas will be "the most digitally-advanced cruise ship at sea." I'm all about the gadgets and gizmos, but not so much about having an ice skating rink or rock climbing wall on board.

 

My opinion is that the bigger staterooms will be nice, and maybe they'll go to the expense of putting the spa showers in all the cabins, so the little kiddies can't even afford to go! It sounds to me, though, as if this is a floating Spring Break gone wild! I suppose only time will tell.

[racephoto]

I'm taking a break from packing for my first cruise on the Glory, which sails tomorrow, so I can't really give an informed opinion.

 

Hey, have a good trip! I'm sure you'll have a BLAST!

[dfgf]

We had to decide between Mariner and Freedom for our next cruise. Mariner won for the following reasons:

 

1. Price. It would have been $400 more for us to sail on Freedom.

2. Activities. All of the 'extras' that we actually do (rollerblading / climbing wall / ice-skating) are already on the Voyager-class ships.

3. Port. Orlando is more convenient for us than Miami.

4. Itinerary. We prefer Ocho Rios as our Jamaican port.

[Jeepers385]

I'd love to sail the Freedom but not until they change the itinerary, we do not care for Haiti or Jamaica. Did our first mega ship this year and do enjoy the smaller ships but wouldn't count any bigger ships out but have to like the itinerary.

Debbie

[Taters]

I traveled on a 113,000 GT ship on another line and really hated the fact that there were so many people on board. I will not sail on a Voyager or Freedom class vessel. Call me a snob, but I prefer the feeling of being on a ship, not at a resort. Just reboarding after a day in port with all of those folks on board that beheamouth I sailed on a few years ago was enough to turn me away from wanting to spend my hard earned vacation time on a mega-ship.

 

One thing that seemed completely lost on the mega-ship was the ease of getting to know fellow passengers, which is one of the things I truly LOVE about cruising! It seemed that you'd meet nice people and then never see them again. Blah.

 

Taters

[negc]

To become so upset by the enthusiasm being shown by those who plan to sail on Freedom of the Seas, seems like bit of an overreaction. After all no one is being forced to sail on Voyager or Freedom class ships, so the fact that someone is excited about their cruise shouldn't bother others as much as it seems to.

While my wife and I definitely prefer the Radiance class ships, we are looking forward to sailing on the Freedom next October with our kids and grandkids. When Voyager was first announced, I thought, like many on this thread, that it would be too big and too crowded. After sailing on the Explorer and subsequently on Mariner (twice) and Voyager, I revised my opinion. I never felt crowded and the size of the ship didn't bother me, nor did I ever feel overwhelmed by masses of kids onboard (the Adventure Ocean program apparently works pretty well in keeping them occupied and from underfoot). Voyager class ships have some design characteristics that I don't like, ( for example, the sense that they have been designed to draw passengers inside the ship and distract them from the fact that they are at sea and on a ship, not in a land-based mall) but at least I have a solid basis for my opinions. Making a judgement about whether or not you will like something based on pre-conceived perceptions that may or not prove to be correct seems, to me at least, to be a bit foolish.

If Freedom class ships prove to be as unpopular as some seem to think they should be, RCI will undoubtedly shelve their plans for making bigger ships, but if their popularity is confirmed by passenger counts and repeat business, those who want smaller ships are probably going to have to look elsewhere to satisfy their needs.

As far as itineraries are concerned, this is another area where it is impossible to satisfy everyone. When Endeavour and the third Freedom class ships are introduced perhaps their itineraries will be more satisfactory to those who aren't fans of the western Caribbean ports. Until then, our options seem to be to sail Freedom to the Western Caribbean, wait until one of the other ships offers a new itinerary, or sail on a ship that offers an itinerary more to our liking.:)

[FitzLA]

Am I the only person who has no interest in the Freedon of the Seas? I haven't sailed Voyager calss and have no desire to. I love the feel of the smaller ships i.e. Nordic Prince. I know a lot of folks are really into the bigger the better and for them that is great. I wish the cruise lines would build some smaller ships. As the ships got bigger I noticed a lot of differences in the food presentation, quality and service and also in the activities and giveaways. They used to be more and of a better quality.

 

 

 

So, is it just me or are there others out there who want to stay with the smaller ships?

 

To answer your question, the cruise lines don't build smaller ships because the demand is for the mega ships. There are still lines out there that have the smaller ships and only those, but they tend to be a lot more expensive. If the demand were not there for the mega ships, they would not build them, and if there were more of a demand for the smaller more intimate ships, they would build those. I am sailing on Freedom next October as well, and without children. For me, it is the ship that makes my cruising decision, not the ports. I take land vacations to places that I like to visit once a year and spend a week or 2 there, and when it comes to cruising, I just like being at sea. Don't really care where the ship goes, as long as I am on it.

[racephoto]

To answer your question, the cruise lines don't build smaller ships because the demand is for the mega ships. There are still lines out there that have the smaller ships and only those, but they tend to be a lot more expensive. If the demand were not there for the mega ships, they would not build them, and if there were more of a demand for the smaller more intimate ships, they would build those. I am sailing on Freedom next October as well, and without children. For me, it is the ship that makes my cruising decision, not the ports. I take land vacations to places that I like to visit once a year and spend a week or 2 there, and when it comes to cruising, I just like being at sea. Don't really care where the ship goes, as long as I am on it.

 

See, I'm exactly opposite. I decide where I want to visit then find the cruise that gets me there for the right price. I don't like sea days and try to book itineraries with as few as possible.

 

I am not sure that demand is the only driving factor behind the big-ship trend. I don't think Joe or Jane reading the Sunday travel section looking at cruises knows the difference. In fact, when I was showing pics of my cruise to a guy at work he said, "Wow, what were there, 1000 people on that ship?" He was astounded when I told him there was probably 2500. The operating costs of a ship that carries 3600 people are not twice as high as a ship that carries 1800 so the more people the line can get on the ship the more profitable it is. Especially when you promote "Ship as Destination", the more time the lines get people to stay aboard the more profits they reap on drinks, casino, shopping, etc. It's just like all the gas station/mini-marts. They sell gas, and you'd think that's their main business, but they actually make their real money on the chips and coffee. It's the same w/ the cruiselines.

 

Once again, it's all in priorities. The bigger the ship, the more limited the ports it can visit. I like visiting lots of various places on a cruise.....places like Dominica and St. Lucia, where I would probably not want to spend a week. I have visited places on cruises and gone back for a land vacation when I enjoyed them so much I knew I wanted more. Thankfully, until someone widens the Panama Canal, there will still be ships for us non-mega cruisers.

[FitzLA]

I would still consider the Radiance Class a mega ship. It is still a very large ship, and a beautiful one at that. You are right, they do want as many people as they can on their ships for pure profits. But, if people are sailing them, they will still build them bigger and bigger. I am sure that everyone who has booked freedom knows that it is HUGE, and it is still almost completely sold out for a year. That tells me that there is a demand for the biggest ships out there.

[anthk333]

I plan on trying the Freedom, but I prefer the Vision and Radiance class ships as well. I like the activites that a Voyager class ship has, but you just don't get the feeling you are at sea as much as on the smaller (which are still big) ships.

[racephoto]

I would still consider the Radiance Class a mega ship. It is still a very large ship, and a beautiful one at that. You are right, they do want as many people as they can on their ships for pure profits. But, if people are sailing them, they will still build them bigger and bigger. I am sure that everyone who has booked freedom knows that it is HUGE, and it is still almost completely sold out for a year. That tells me that there is a demand for the biggest ships out there.

 

True. I would actually like to cruise on a Radiance ship as they do sound beautiful. And Mom's hubby would spend the entire cruise at the pool table. :) :confused: But to each their own.

[FitzLA]

I'm all about the pool tables too. At that point, I don't even care how I am playing. I am usually half in the bag by then.

[superjerryw]

Am I the only person who has no interest in the Freedon of the Seas? I haven't sailed Voyager calss and have no desire to. I love the feel of the smaller ships i.e. Nordic Prince. I know a lot of folks are really into the bigger the better and for them that is great. I wish the cruise lines would build some smaller ships. As the ships got bigger I noticed a lot of differences in the food presentation, quality and service and also in the activities and giveaways. They used to be more and of a better quality.

quote]

 

I don't think the decline in service, quality, food, etc. has anything to do with the size of the ship. Ten years ago food, service, etc. were all better, but cruises cost a lot more than they do now. You can't expect to pay less and get the same product.

[Lynnees]

To become so upset by the enthusiasm being shown by those who plan to sail on Freedom of the Seas, seems like bit of an overreaction. After all no one is being forced to sail on Voyager or Freedom class ships, so the fact that someone is excited about their cruise shouldn't bother others as much as it seems to.

 

What makes you think anyone here is upset? All we are all doing is passing our opinion, just as you are. I don't see any upset posters.

[Majesty Fan]

I love the stuff that the freedom has but we have sialed that It a lot and would like to do something different like Eastern or Southern. I have sailed every class. My first cruise was on the Song of Norway when you had to climb stairs outside to get to the Viking crown lounge. I then sailed about 10 year later on the Majesty and loved her and my waiter. I did marry him too. So I have sialed the Majesty more times than I can count. I have also sailed the Sov, Vision, Explorer and Navigator. When I sailed the Majesty I thought who would want all that big of a ship but now that I have sialed I really do like it. We like the mini golf and ice skating rink and the promenande but who is say I would not like the Freedom? But I think for now we may do either a Eastern or Southern on Jewel or Navigator, or Adventure or Serenade. I really like the Mariner but if is just had San Juan we would go!

Lexi

 

 

Vision of the Seas my 20th Cruise Alaska 06

[Phamer55]

The reason I am not booking the Freedom is mostly the itinerary - not very exciting. I, too, would prefer and Eastern or Southern Caribbean. I am surprised RCI did not offer an Eastern route as another choice. Plus, it is more expensive. I am going to try the Voyager class first (on the AOS). I am curious to see how the Voyager class compares to the Radiance class, because that is my absolutely favorite.

[1corona4u]

Actually, your post title is an unfortunate American colloquialism. If indeed you could care less than you currently do then you actually care about Freedom of the Seas.

 

To express the disdain that you are trying to express your title should be "Freedom.....Couldn't Care Less".

 

Who cares what the title is, we got it. This is a message board, not an speech class.:rolleyes:

[ElvisandTracey]

Actually, your post title is an unfortunate American colloquialism. If indeed you could care less than you currently do then you actually care about Freedom of the Seas.

 

To express the disdain that you are trying to express your title should be "Freedom.....Couldn't Care Less".

 

Ha ha-so right-I hate to hear people misuse that phrase!! Good comment:D

[Island_Babe]

We had to decide between Mariner and Freedom for our next cruise. Mariner won for the following reasons:

 

1. Price. It would have been $400 more for us to sail on Freedom.

2. Activities. All of the 'extras' that we actually do (rollerblading / climbing wall / ice-skating) are already on the Voyager-class ships.

3. Port. Orlando is more convenient for us than Miami.

4. Itinerary. We prefer Ocho Rios as our Jamaican port.

 

All of your reasons are why we chose Navigator of the Seas for our 2006 cruise,

 

1. The Freedom is just too expensive at this point, October the 15th cruise is now almost double what we booked out October 14th cruise at.

 

2.Navigator has everything that the Freedom has and the cantileverd hot tubs,surf rider are sorrentos are not attractions that make or break it for us, we have been on other Voyager class ships and didn't have time to do everything!!

 

3.Saturday is a better day for us to sail and we also prefer Ochos Rios and the hours in Cozumel.

 

I would sail on one of the future Freedom class ships if it does the Southern route.

[glentally]

I just like going on the new fresh ships. I went on Mariner when it was new and am going on the Freedom on its third week. Also if you haven't tried the big ships how can you make a comment?

 

Great point! As I was scrolling thru this I started to sense SOME who deeply wished they could but convince themselves they won't pay the extra. I personally don't mind kids except nowadays kids are more rude and inconsiderate. ( gosh I'm sounding old!! LOL)

 

I'm looking forward to my Sept. 10th cruise on the freedom. We are going with the neighbors who are bringinga total fo 5 kids but I can rest assured they will be have as they are angels around here. With school in session the "kid count" should be low. I'm excited about the newness and can't wait!!

 

Don't knock it till you try it !!!!!!!

 

Glen

[chaswelf]

I for one can't wait to go on the freedom. I love the big ships and don't mind all the people one bit. I'm just waiting for the prices to come back in-line with the other ships. But then I like to go shopping at 5am the day after thanksgiving too.

[HurricaneSally]

The Freedom doesn't interest me either for the same reasons as most other posters. The other reason is, you have to walk a mile to get where you want to go on the ship. I have done two voyager class ships and prefer the Horizon or Zenith, much more relaxing.

[suezyq50]

I am new to cruising. Can someone please explain the "Classes" often referred to? Thanks

[TxKroozer]

We have cruised on the small ships ( Carniaval of Carnival) and on the large ships (AOS, MOS). We have cruised on the old ships (Nordic Prince)and the new ships (Mariner). We have cruised when its crowded (Spring Break) to when its not (in the winter). We have booked for the Freedon, but chose the time of the year when prices weren't to out of line with others. If you like cruising like we do, it is not the ship, the ports, or anything specific that makes the cruise. It is what you make of it.

 

The arguement that the large ships will be crowded is actually a false assumption. For those who have sailed MOS will attest while there are more people, they spread out the same as the ratio on a smaller ship. We never encountered any worse crowds than we did on the smallest ship we cruised on. Everyone had only the same options as we did for dinner, the best bars, the events, the shows, etc.

 

We plan to enjoy the Freedom as much as our next cruise on the Mariner and on the Rhapsody.

[vickiw0318]

The "classes" refer to the size of the ship. If you'll look at the Royal Caribbean website, for example, you'll see under the "ships" category that the line has several "families" of ships of similar size and configuration. The Voyager family/class includes the Adventure of the Seas, the Explorer of the Seas, the Mariner of the Seas, the Navigator of the Seas and the Voyager of the Seas. These are "mega" ships with all sorts of activities available. The Freedom of the Seas, the one being discussed in this thread, will be even larger. It's the one that you see being advertised on TV with the onboard surfing facility. There are also Radiance Class ships, Vision Class ships (like my favorite Rhapsody of the Seas), Sovereign Class ships and then the Empress of the Seas - a smaller ship in a class by herself.