Freedom of the Seas Thanksgiving weekend, 26-29 Nov 22 (long review)

[psmarkle]

So, like many of you, we had cruise credits on Royal due to Covid-19 in 2019. So, we booked a short 3-night cruise on Freedom of the Seas over Thanksgiving weekend! Now, I was planning on keeping it on the cheap side and book a Promenade Room (it’s priced as an inside, but feels like an Ocean view to us!), but our travel agent found one last Spacious Family Promenade Room and we jumped on it! For us, it’s a suite-sized room for slightly more than an inside price…it’s actually like 3 sub-rooms within a room + a walk-in closet. Just something to think about for your next Royal cruise. Add in the Deluxe Drink Package, and you get a “suite-like” experience on a budget.

 

As per our usual, we flew in on the day before our cruise, which was Thanksgiving Day this time. Gotta say, did not miss the whole Thanksgiving turkey cooking this year! We took a Lyft to the Hyatt Regency Miami in the Brikell district of Miami. As we are Globalist with Hyatt, we got a free upgrade to a Panoramic Suite with a view of the Port of Miami, and the Freedom when she pulled in Friday morning…nice! We even ended up just eating dinner at the hotel for a more relaxed evening before our cruise. Friday morning, a quick 10-minute Lyft ride to Terminal A for our 12 o’clock boarding slot…in hindsight, we should have arrived around 11:30 vs 12. Quite the chaos!

 

 

We dropped our bags with the curbside porter and tipped him for taking care of our bags, then followed his instructions: “go down to where you see lots of people, then join them!” Boy, was he correct! There were scores of want-to-be passengers in some semblance of lines. There are signs up by boarding slots, but can’t say they were being followed. Ours was the longest line for 12 o’clock and we made our way to the back of the line. Now, having lived overseas in both Europe and Asia, we are used to different cultures where everyone just shoves forward en masse until you can’t cram in anymore, and this embarkation was no different! Forward, ho! When finally herded into the terminal, all the agents want to see at this point are your vaccinations cards and negative covid-19 tests results 2 days prior, no passports at this time. Then, they send you up the escalators to checkpoint 2 where they had agents directing you to which line to get into for your cruise check-in. There, the agent had an I-pad device where they scanned your boarding passes, ensured you had completed the online health questionnaires (we had that morning), and you had scanned in your negative covid-19 test results ahead of time (we had). We had not pre-uploaded our pics for our key cards, but no problem, she took them right there with her I-pad and thru we went to enter even more chaos in the security screening lines. The ship is now sailing at about 75-80% capacity, but there were only 3 security lines open for 3,000+ pax wanting to embark…so wait we did. And wait. And wait. Hint, cram

 

everything into your carry-ons, even your belt, jewelry, phone, etc…it will make your processing much easier and quicker. All-in-all, from drop off to boarding took about 1-hour…ugh! Worst embarkation process we’ve experienced out of 40+ cruises, but I have to caveat, our first embarkation post-covid. So, not slamming Royal at all as they are trying to ensure safe boarding, but the port definitely needed to open more security lines (they had capacity for 8 lines, but only 3 operating) given the increased capacity of the cruise ships. Now, once through security, Royal showed their true efficiency! As you board the ship, have your boarding pass out or pulled up (we printed ours, just in case). There were multiple crew members directing you to your muster station, no confusion. I had seen videos online where you had to watch a power point presentation before going to your muster station, not the case anymore. You get to your muster station and they have big green dots for 1-person-each to stand on for separation, then a crew member holds up a life vest and demos what to do as well as explaining what to do if you’re not in your cabin to get your life vest in the unlikely event of an emergency. Very quick and no more stickers for your seapass card as they scan your boarding pass and it then indicates you completed your muster drill.

 

So it’s a little after 1pm…1+ hour for embarkation for us this trip, and we thought we’d go by our stateroom and grab our key cards so we could start using our Deluxe Drink Package with our embarkation lunch…not! They have the fire doors

 

closed to the stateroom hallways with signs posted that staterooms will not be ready until 2pm. Ugh, outsmarted again! OK, we had a plan to go right to the Solarium Pool area (adults 16+ only) and grab lunch from El Loco Fresh…great idea! No problem finding chairs by the pool, changed into bathing suits (we had ready in our carry-ons) in the bathrooms, and splish, splash! Went up to the Solarium Bar and explained we did not have our key cards yet, but had purchased the Deluxe Drink Package. No problem, explained Patricia (freaking awesome bartender from Brazil!!), what’s your room #? Cocktails, anyone?! I went and checked out pool towels right next door at the main pool area (you have to give your room # if you don’t have your room card), and we were set to enjoy some pool and cocktail time. The place was so uncrowded, very glad we avoided Windjammer Buffet and went straight to Solarium area. I hopped in the Cantilever Hot Tub 2X by myself and then hit the water slides, again, nobody in line! Even the wave rider only had 1 person in line, but I chose not to do that just yet as I wanted to ride it the same time as my DD. So, I highly recommend if you’re wanting to hit the wave rider and the water slides, pack your bathing suits in your carry on and hit it on embarkation day! In addition, the pool area did start to fill up about 3pm when we already had our chairs by the pool. Almost forgot, the rooms were ready announcement came about 1:30, so about 30 mins after we finally got onboard and poolside. However, we were in no rush, so we stayed poolside and enjoyed the afternoon. Now, a tip I

 

picked up from other posters for Anytime Dining passengers (that was us), is to stop by the main dining room and see the Maitre’ D about reserving your times which we did. Now, when I went to reserve, the Maitre’ D informed me Anytime Dining reservations start at 6:45, but I had previously read you could start at 6pm. K, 6:45 it is for the next 3 nights as my DW hopped online as soon as we got onboard and reserved evening show times for us. We missed the comedy show this night as 6:45 was too late to make it and we had an under 18-yr-old with so the late 18+ show was out. Don’t worry, we still had plenty to do and had a great evening, it was just a twist we didn’t anticipate. A side note, I’d recommend bringing your own reusable metal straws or plastic straws: on Freedom, they’ve gone to paper straws, and they break apart in your drink unless you suck it down fast! Not a problem for me, but you-less-than-drink enthusiasts may get some “extra fiber” in your drinks LOL.

 

So, we finally leave the solarium pool and go to check into our room, a spacious family promenade room…huge! Our room steward, Mohammed was there and greeted us by name using a room roster…nice touch, IMO. We unpacked…plenty of closets, walk-in closet, and cabinets for the 3 of us. After freshening up for the evening, we head down to deck 4, then forward up a short flight of stairs to the helipad at the very front of the ship to enjoy the sunset sailaway…something unique on some Royal ships where you can actually do your Titanic “I’m King of the world”

 

moment from the bow of the ship. Beautiful departure out of the Port of Miami as night set. Then off for chow.

 

We go to check in at the desk marked “Anytime Dining reservations” and were immediately seated at a window table. It was not crowded at all on the 3rd floor which is for vaccinated only passengers (although, everyone over 12 years old is now required to be vaccinated to board). We ended up with 2 great waiter/waitress, Mondhor and Anastasia (Anna) they were so much fun!

 

Now, we’re sharers in our family when it comes to trying food from each others plate…don’t hate, we’re just weird like that, so we ordered several appetizers to sample. Crispy on the outside, yet creamy on the inside crab cake…yum! Wild mushroom soup a big hit!, French Onion soup was good, but not great. Escargots are available every night…one of my cruise favs and they did not disappoint! The brie on the every day cheese plate was very good and creamy. And really enjoyed the Caesar salad, dressing was not too tart. And for main dishes, They nailed the medium-rare prime rib, one of the better ones we had in 40+ cruises. The herb-crusted salmon was OK, felt it was a little overcooked, but still tasty. Although I had no intention of ordering an entree, Mondhor would not hear of it! So he brought me the panko battered seafood plate where the shrimp were actually very good as were the scallops, but we left the fish. Whew! And I’m not to desserts yet! We had the apple blossom ala mode,

 

the Royal cheesecake with strawberries, and my cruise go-to dessert, crème brulee.To me, my crème brulee won the night! I will say, the dining room was not crowded in our section while we dined, but started to fill up as we left.

 

Off to the Star Lounge for some post-dinner Latin Rhythems with the Kayros Band then the Finish That Lyric game show. Since we got there to listen to the band, we had great front seats, but it quickly fills up for the game show. Just something to add to your evening planning thoughts. Finally called it quits about midnight our first night (very late for me who is normally there for the opening of the fitness center every morning, but very early for DW on a cruise who normally closes down the casino!). Please note, no dumbbells were hurt in this cruise…did not even do a walking tour of the fitness center this time. Down time before the Holidays, baby!

 

Day 2 At Sea

 

Room service Continental breakfast at 9am for us…complimentary. Note: we had the Deluxe drink package and checked the box for Bloody Marys with our order. Room Service called our room ahead of time and said our breakfast was almost ready, but did we know the 2 Bloody Marys were a surcharge? No, we have the Deluxe Drink Package. Yes sir, but that does not work for Room Service. I really appreciate them calling us ahead of time to verify we still wanted them

 

as I thought the drink package should cover it. So, we cancelled that part of our order. Well done, Room Service.

 

We got up to the Solarium Pool area at 10 am and had plenty of loungers from which to choose. Got us 4 seats by the windows overlooking the sea. However, I must say by 10:30…packed house in the Solarium Pool area! Get here early, folks. Now, the main pool area with the splash park…all I can say is “holy crap, what a sea of humanity!” Packed. Every. Single. Seat. But there were seats on the upper deck still open, just not Deck 11. Coronovirus note, the Deck 12 Casitas are no longer available. They are rope off and the furniture removed as a Covid measure. Not sure I understand that as right next to each one are rows of deck loungers, so what’s the diff?? I guess it is what it is. Now, BIG shout out to Priscila at the Solarium Bar…wow, she seriously rocks that bar!! Little picky, but I like Grey Goose on my cruises, and she pours a Grey Goose Cosmo Martini using Cointreau vs triple sec syrup…if you know, you know. I talked to her quite a bit each day about crew life when Covid shut everything down, and life onboard now. I learned a lot like how all the first crew that were on Royal’s very first re-start in June on the Freedom are now finishing their 6 month contracts at the same time, so the company asked for volunteers to extend so as to stagger the departures with the new crew arrivals. She volunteered to extend into Jan 2022, so if you are sailing the Freedom by then, definitely hang out at the Solarium pool with her! So, we

 

hung out Day 2 at the Solarium pool watching the ocean go by and enjoying food from El Loco Fresh, and cocktails from Priscila. What a great day! As for the Windjammer Buffet, we did get some snackings from there, but found nothing special. Not bad food, by any means, but nothing I’d choose over El Loco Fresh which we found very enjoyable, especially the beef tacos with the queso sauce and pico de gayo to top them off.

 

Dinner, again, was wonderful! Mondhor tols us not to worry about ordering, he knew what we would want! How fun! Would you believe he started us off with 8 different appetizers? Seriously, 8 for the 3 of us! We couldn't stop laughing as he and Anastasia kept bringing more food! Too funny. Escargot, yum! Tempura seafood, double yum! Filet Mignon, wow! How many people did he think he was feeding...dinners in the main dining room with Mondhor and Anastasia were a highlight of our cruise. Ask for table 109 on the 3rd deck, they are a great team!

 

Then, off to the show Once Upon A Time. We got great first row side balcony seats with no problem. The music and dancing were very enjoyable and we had a good time. Then off to karaoke. Holy crap, some of these passengers got serious talent...and some, well, bless their hearts! Hit the casino for a little while with the wife where I took off my shirt and twirled it around when she hit a $10 win on the penny slots...true story. Stopped off at Sorrentos for some

 

late night pizza before turning in for the night around 1am.

 

Day 3, Perfect Day at Cocoa Cay...yes it was OUR perfect day as we never left the ship and practically had the whole ship to ourselves! Seriously, Solarium pool area empty except for this couple (who is now my new travel agent, btw), and Priscilla at the bar. My DD and I hit the water slides where we were literally the only 2 on the slides, played some ping pong, and hit Sprinkles for some ice cream cones. We were the only 2 passengers in the area...how great! About 2pm, passengers were coming back onboard and start hitting the pools decks, just fyi. Lunch at El Loco Fresh again...made some nachos out of the chips and dip and the salsa bar ingredients. Priscila made great cocktails all day and was very insightful on how Covid hit the crew and how happy they really are to be back at work. I really enjoy hearing the crew's stories and how they actually appreciate us coming back to cruising.

 

Got washed up and headed back to the dining room. Told Mondhor to not even bring me a menu as I know he'll just bring us what he knows is best and he did not disappoint again! Another 8 appetizers...seriously? Prime rib again along with some more escargots! I cannot complain about the food in the main dining room on this cruise as the 3 of us found the food tasteful, cooked right, and lots of variety! I had some stomach issues this evening (from eating too much great food), but DW and DD went out to the ice show and

 

give it great reviews! She recommends getting reservations to see this event. DW and DD did try to go to the silent dance party where everyone gets their own headphones and selects their own music, but they were carding because it was 18 and over. A little disappointing, but wanted to put that out there in case you have underage folks.

 

Day 4, disembarkation 😞

We opted for self-carry our luggage off the ship, so we were part of the early debarkations at 7:30 am. I sauntered up to the Windjammer buffet to bring some breakfast back to the room since there is no room service on disembarkation day. Fed and ready to go, disembarkation was fast, fluid, and less than 20 mins from cabin to Lyft ride outside the terminal. We got to Miami airport about 5 hours befoe our flight, but we had airport lounge access from one of our credit cards, so we hung out with heavy hors d'ourvres and free cocktails until our flight.

 

All in all, we really enjoyed our quick get away on FOS, great food, plentiful cocktails, big room, great staff. Well done Royal! This is a perfect cruise for families with kids with so much to do onboard. I will say, the embarkation process does need some improvement, but still a great, quick cruise!

[PhillyFan33579]

1 hour ago, psmarkle said:

So, like many of you, we had cruise credits on Royal due to Covid-19 in 2019. So, we booked a short 3-night cruise on Freedom of the Seas over Thanksgiving weekend! Now, I was planning on keeping it on the cheap side and book a Promenade Room (it’s priced as an inside, but feels like an Ocean view to us!), but our travel agent found one last Spacious Family Promenade Room and we jumped on it! For us, it’s a suite-sized room for slightly more than an inside price…it’s actually like 3 sub-rooms within a room + a walk-in closet. Just something to think about for your next Royal cruise. Add in the Deluxe Drink Package, and you get a “suite-like” experience on a budget.

 

As per our usual, we flew in on the day before our cruise, which was Thanksgiving Day this time. Gotta say, did not miss the whole Thanksgiving turkey cooking this year! We took a Lyft to the Hyatt Regency Miami in the Brikell district of Miami. As we are Globalist with Hyatt, we got a free upgrade to a Panoramic Suite with a view of the Port of Miami, and the Freedom when she pulled in Friday morning…nice! We even ended up just eating dinner at the hotel for a more relaxed evening before our cruise. Friday morning, a quick 10-minute Lyft ride to Terminal A for our 12 o’clock boarding slot…in hindsight, we should have arrived around 11:30 vs 12. Quite the chaos!

 

 

We dropped our bags with the curbside porter and tipped him for taking care of our bags, then followed his instructions: “go down to where you see lots of people, then join them!” Boy, was he correct! There were scores of want-to-be passengers in some semblance of lines. There are signs up by boarding slots, but can’t say they were being followed. Ours was the longest line for 12 o’clock and we made our way to the back of the line. Now, having lived overseas in both Europe and Asia, we are used to different cultures where everyone just shoves forward en masse until you can’t cram in anymore, and this embarkation was no different! Forward, ho! When finally herded into the terminal, all the agents want to see at this point are your vaccinations cards and negative covid-19 tests results 2 days prior, no passports at this time. Then, they send you up the escalators to checkpoint 2 where they had agents directing you to which line to get into for your cruise check-in. There, the agent had an I-pad device where they scanned your boarding passes, ensured you had completed the online health questionnaires (we had that morning), and you had scanned in your negative covid-19 test results ahead of time (we had). We had not pre-uploaded our pics for our key cards, but no problem, she took them right there with her I-pad and thru we went to enter even more chaos in the security screening lines. The ship is now sailing at about 75-80% capacity, but there were only 3 security lines open for 3,000+ pax wanting to embark…so wait we did. And wait. And wait. Hint, cram

 

everything into your carry-ons, even your belt, jewelry, phone, etc…it will make your processing much easier and quicker. All-in-all, from drop off to boarding took about 1-hour…ugh! Worst embarkation process we’ve experienced out of 40+ cruises, but I have to caveat, our first embarkation post-covid. So, not slamming Royal at all as they are trying to ensure safe boarding, but the port definitely needed to open more security lines (they had capacity for 8 lines, but only 3 operating) given the increased capacity of the cruise ships. Now, once through security, Royal showed their true efficiency! As you board the ship, have your boarding pass out or pulled up (we printed ours, just in case). There were multiple crew members directing you to your muster station, no confusion. I had seen videos online where you had to watch a power point presentation before going to your muster station, not the case anymore. You get to your muster station and they have big green dots for 1-person-each to stand on for separation, then a crew member holds up a life vest and demos what to do as well as explaining what to do if you’re not in your cabin to get your life vest in the unlikely event of an emergency. Very quick and no more stickers for your seapass card as they scan your boarding pass and it then indicates you completed your muster drill.

 

So it’s a little after 1pm…1+ hour for embarkation for us this trip, and we thought we’d go by our stateroom and grab our key cards so we could start using our Deluxe Drink Package with our embarkation lunch…not! They have the fire doors

 

closed to the stateroom hallways with signs posted that staterooms will not be ready until 2pm. Ugh, outsmarted again! OK, we had a plan to go right to the Solarium Pool area (adults 16+ only) and grab lunch from El Loco Fresh…great idea! No problem finding chairs by the pool, changed into bathing suits (we had ready in our carry-ons) in the bathrooms, and splish, splash! Went up to the Solarium Bar and explained we did not have our key cards yet, but had purchased the Deluxe Drink Package. No problem, explained Patricia (freaking awesome bartender from Brazil!!), what’s your room #? Cocktails, anyone?! I went and checked out pool towels right next door at the main pool area (you have to give your room # if you don’t have your room card), and we were set to enjoy some pool and cocktail time. The place was so uncrowded, very glad we avoided Windjammer Buffet and went straight to Solarium area. I hopped in the Cantilever Hot Tub 2X by myself and then hit the water slides, again, nobody in line! Even the wave rider only had 1 person in line, but I chose not to do that just yet as I wanted to ride it the same time as my DD. So, I highly recommend if you’re wanting to hit the wave rider and the water slides, pack your bathing suits in your carry on and hit it on embarkation day! In addition, the pool area did start to fill up about 3pm when we already had our chairs by the pool. Almost forgot, the rooms were ready announcement came about 1:30, so about 30 mins after we finally got onboard and poolside. However, we were in no rush, so we stayed poolside and enjoyed the afternoon. Now, a tip I

 

picked up from other posters for Anytime Dining passengers (that was us), is to stop by the main dining room and see the Maitre’ D about reserving your times which we did. Now, when I went to reserve, the Maitre’ D informed me Anytime Dining reservations start at 6:45, but I had previously read you could start at 6pm. K, 6:45 it is for the next 3 nights as my DW hopped online as soon as we got onboard and reserved evening show times for us. We missed the comedy show this night as 6:45 was too late to make it and we had an under 18-yr-old with so the late 18+ show was out. Don’t worry, we still had plenty to do and had a great evening, it was just a twist we didn’t anticipate. A side note, I’d recommend bringing your own reusable metal straws or plastic straws: on Freedom, they’ve gone to paper straws, and they break apart in your drink unless you suck it down fast! Not a problem for me, but you-less-than-drink enthusiasts may get some “extra fiber” in your drinks LOL.

 

So, we finally leave the solarium pool and go to check into our room, a spacious family promenade room…huge! Our room steward, Mohammed was there and greeted us by name using a room roster…nice touch, IMO. We unpacked…plenty of closets, walk-in closet, and cabinets for the 3 of us. After freshening up for the evening, we head down to deck 4, then forward up a short flight of stairs to the helipad at the very front of the ship to enjoy the sunset sailaway…something unique on some Royal ships where you can actually do your Titanic “I’m King of the world”

 

moment from the bow of the ship. Beautiful departure out of the Port of Miami as night set. Then off for chow.

 

We go to check in at the desk marked “Anytime Dining reservations” and were immediately seated at a window table. It was not crowded at all on the 3rd floor which is for vaccinated only passengers (although, everyone over 12 years old is now required to be vaccinated to board). We ended up with 2 great waiter/waitress, Mondhor and Anastasia (Anna) they were so much fun!

 

Now, we’re sharers in our family when it comes to trying food from each others plate…don’t hate, we’re just weird like that, so we ordered several appetizers to sample. Crispy on the outside, yet creamy on the inside crab cake…yum! Wild mushroom soup a big hit!, French Onion soup was good, but not great. Escargots are available every night…one of my cruise favs and they did not disappoint! The brie on the every day cheese plate was very good and creamy. And really enjoyed the Caesar salad, dressing was not too tart. And for main dishes, They nailed the medium-rare prime rib, one of the better ones we had in 40+ cruises. The herb-crusted salmon was OK, felt it was a little overcooked, but still tasty. Although I had no intention of ordering an entree, Mondhor would not hear of it! So he brought me the panko battered seafood plate where the shrimp were actually very good as were the scallops, but we left the fish. Whew! And I’m not to desserts yet! We had the apple blossom ala mode,

 

the Royal cheesecake with strawberries, and my cruise go-to dessert, crème brulee.To me, my crème brulee won the night! I will say, the dining room was not crowded in our section while we dined, but started to fill up as we left.

 

Off to the Star Lounge for some post-dinner Latin Rhythems with the Kayros Band then the Finish That Lyric game show. Since we got there to listen to the band, we had great front seats, but it quickly fills up for the game show. Just something to add to your evening planning thoughts. Finally called it quits about midnight our first night (very late for me who is normally there for the opening of the fitness center every morning, but very early for DW on a cruise who normally closes down the casino!). Please note, no dumbbells were hurt in this cruise…did not even do a walking tour of the fitness center this time. Down time before the Holidays, baby!

 

Day 2 At Sea

 

Room service Continental breakfast at 9am for us…complimentary. Note: we had the Deluxe drink package and checked the box for Bloody Marys with our order. Room Service called our room ahead of time and said our breakfast was almost ready, but did we know the 2 Bloody Marys were a surcharge? No, we have the Deluxe Drink Package. Yes sir, but that does not work for Room Service. I really appreciate them calling us ahead of time to verify we still wanted them

 

as I thought the drink package should cover it. So, we cancelled that part of our order. Well done, Room Service.

 

We got up to the Solarium Pool area at 10 am and had plenty of loungers from which to choose. Got us 4 seats by the windows overlooking the sea. However, I must say by 10:30…packed house in the Solarium Pool area! Get here early, folks. Now, the main pool area with the splash park…all I can say is “holy crap, what a sea of humanity!” Packed. Every. Single. Seat. But there were seats on the upper deck still open, just not Deck 11. Coronovirus note, the Deck 12 Casitas are no longer available. They are rope off and the furniture removed as a Covid measure. Not sure I understand that as right next to each one are rows of deck loungers, so what’s the diff?? I guess it is what it is. Now, BIG shout out to Priscila at the Solarium Bar…wow, she seriously rocks that bar!! Little picky, but I like Grey Goose on my cruises, and she pours a Grey Goose Cosmo Martini using Cointreau vs triple sec syrup…if you know, you know. I talked to her quite a bit each day about crew life when Covid shut everything down, and life onboard now. I learned a lot like how all the first crew that were on Royal’s very first re-start in June on the Freedom are now finishing their 6 month contracts at the same time, so the company asked for volunteers to extend so as to stagger the departures with the new crew arrivals. She volunteered to extend into Jan 2022, so if you are sailing the Freedom by then, definitely hang out at the Solarium pool with her! So, we

 

hung out Day 2 at the Solarium pool watching the ocean go by and enjoying food from El Loco Fresh, and cocktails from Priscila. What a great day! As for the Windjammer Buffet, we did get some snackings from there, but found nothing special. Not bad food, by any means, but nothing I’d choose over El Loco Fresh which we found very enjoyable, especially the beef tacos with the queso sauce and pico de gayo to top them off.

 

Dinner, again, was wonderful! Mondhor tols us not to worry about ordering, he knew what we would want! How fun! Would you believe he started us off with 8 different appetizers? Seriously, 8 for the 3 of us! We couldn't stop laughing as he and Anastasia kept bringing more food! Too funny. Escargot, yum! Tempura seafood, double yum! Filet Mignon, wow! How many people did he think he was feeding...dinners in the main dining room with Mondhor and Anastasia were a highlight of our cruise. Ask for table 109 on the 3rd deck, they are a great team!

 

Then, off to the show Once Upon A Time. We got great first row side balcony seats with no problem. The music and dancing were very enjoyable and we had a good time. Then off to karaoke. Holy crap, some of these passengers got serious talent...and some, well, bless their hearts! Hit the casino for a little while with the wife where I took off my shirt and twirled it around when she hit a $10 win on the penny slots...true story. Stopped off at Sorrentos for some

 

late night pizza before turning in for the night around 1am.

 

Day 3, Perfect Day at Cocoa Cay...yes it was OUR perfect day as we never left the ship and practically had the whole ship to ourselves! Seriously, Solarium pool area empty except for this couple (who is now my new travel agent, btw), and Priscilla at the bar. My DD and I hit the water slides where we were literally the only 2 on the slides, played some ping pong, and hit Sprinkles for some ice cream cones. We were the only 2 passengers in the area...how great! About 2pm, passengers were coming back onboard and start hitting the pools decks, just fyi. Lunch at El Loco Fresh again...made some nachos out of the chips and dip and the salsa bar ingredients. Priscila made great cocktails all day and was very insightful on how Covid hit the crew and how happy they really are to be back at work. I really enjoy hearing the crew's stories and how they actually appreciate us coming back to cruising.

 

Got washed up and headed back to the dining room. Told Mondhor to not even bring me a menu as I know he'll just bring us what he knows is best and he did not disappoint again! Another 8 appetizers...seriously? Prime rib again along with some more escargots! I cannot complain about the food in the main dining room on this cruise as the 3 of us found the food tasteful, cooked right, and lots of variety! I had some stomach issues this evening (from eating too much great food), but DW and DD went out to the ice show and

 

give it great reviews! She recommends getting reservations to see this event. DW and DD did try to go to the silent dance party where everyone gets their own headphones and selects their own music, but they were carding because it was 18 and over. A little disappointing, but wanted to put that out there in case you have underage folks.

 

Day 4, disembarkation 😞

We opted for self-carry our luggage off the ship, so we were part of the early debarkations at 7:30 am. I sauntered up to the Windjammer buffet to bring some breakfast back to the room since there is no room service on disembarkation day. Fed and ready to go, disembarkation was fast, fluid, and less than 20 mins from cabin to Lyft ride outside the terminal. We got to Miami airport about 5 hours befoe our flight, but we had airport lounge access from one of our credit cards, so we hung out with heavy hors d'ourvres and free cocktails until our flight.

 

All in all, we really enjoyed our quick get away on FOS, great food, plentiful cocktails, big room, great staff. Well done Royal! This is a perfect cruise for families with kids with so much to do onboard. I will say, the embarkation process does need some improvement, but still a great, quick cruise!

Enjoyed reading your review. My guess is two things happened on embarkation day. One, passengers showed up before their check-in time. Two, and more importantly, staff at the terminal didn’t enforce check-in times.
 

We sailed on Freedom a little over a month ago with roughly 3000 passengers. Embarkation was a breeze, however, staff outside the terminal was strictly enforcing check-in times. There was a very long line for people who showed up before their check-in time that didn’t move for a long time from what I heard talking to other passengers during the cruise. We literally never stopped moving, except when staff was checking documents, from the the time we left our car parked in the parking garage until we were on the ship. 
 

Based on the 5 cruises we have been on recently, embarkation goes fast when staff members enforce check-in times. Of course this wouldn’t be an issue if people simply arrived at the terminal at their designated check-in time. 

[ClemsonTiger96]

Thanks for the review @psmarkle. This really made me excited for our June cruise. Our first cruise was on Freedom, and we’ve done the family promenade room. You’re certainly right that they’re a great room with lots of space. 

[dominicr]

You guys did day 2 at sea and not Nassau? 

[PriceIsRight473]

Thank you for the review!  I am cruising for the first time on Freedom in June and this was helpful!

[Maitaivegas]

Thank you for the review.

Sharing food is a huge thing in many Asian countries, so I didn’t bat an eye when you mentioned it.

[psmarkle]

5 hours ago, dominicr said:

You guys did day 2 at sea and not Nassau? 

It was a 3-night cruise, only stopping at Cocoa Cay. We chose to stay onboard and enjoy the ship to ourselves!

[CruiseOrRust]

Great review.  Thank you for taking the time.  My DW and I will be on Freedom in January for a four night Bahamas cruise.  You mentioned prime rib on two nights.  Was it available every night?

 

Ken

[coldweather]

Thanks for your review.  Will you please share if there is noise in the promenade rooms?  I have avoided them because I thought there may be too much noise especially when there is a promenade event.  

[JCDCA]

I’m surprised you didn’t at least get off for a while at Coco Cay.  It is really excellent and seems you would have enjoyed it based on the balance of your review.