Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

LIVE From 6/4 Freedom of the Seas - Add your thoughts here & WIN PRIZES

LauraS

Recommended Posts

intothevoid

intothevoid

Posted
Posted

I have a question about Freedom, I know that one thing they were stressing was the dancing under the stars thing. Where they convert the pool area into sort of a outdoor night club. Can anyone give any insight into this? Also about the Sports Pool, did anyone see the Jousting and the other events they hold there and if so how was it? Thanks in advance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
caribbeanfever

caribbeanfever

Posted
Posted

Cruzin' Rob,

 

Not sure if I understood correctly--when you went to Cozumel, did you say that you caught a ferry instead of a tender for an excursion? Was that for a RCCL excursion? We are traveling with our parents(in their early to late 70's) as well as our adult children, and are trying to see what we should do in Cozumel. Hope you are having a wonderful time and that it is not going too fast!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
skiiergirl

skiiergirl

Posted
Posted

Thursday, June 8, 2006

 

Here is our take so far on FOS. Please keep in mind that we have not read what others have posted due to the cost of internet. This is our opinion/impressions/experiences and may be totally opposite of what others onboard may feel. So please take what we say here as simply that. Also, please keep in mind that while we have done many cruises, we have only sailed RCCL. We have never sailed another cruise line so have nothing to compare to there. We have never sailed an “inaugural”. “maiden”, or “first revenue sailing” before so have nothing to compare to there either.

 

We have not posted earlier nor read what others have said. We are accustomed to bringing our laptop and paying the $100 for cyber-cabin for the week. Cyber-cabin is not available here since the whole ship is wireless. So with the only option being a per minute charge we have opted not to use the internet services typically as much as we have in the past. (But Mr. Ski’s blackberry works because of the wireless and global roaming so he is able to stay connected for business purposes…..just no “internet play time” for me. LOL )

 

We arrived at the pier on Sunday, June 4, 2006 at 10:00 am . We were checked in by 10:10 am and sent to the waiting area. We were told boarding would begin at 11:00 am. At precisely 11:00 am they began boarding procedures. Everything went really smoothly. I hope this is the norm but it could be because the sailing before was the one night fundraising cruise so probably didn’t take too long for debarkation.

 

A first for us…..we were handed a complimentary glass of champagne as soon as we stepped through the doors of the ship.

 

We were told the rooms would not be ready until 1:00 pm. There were “lookouts” posted outside the stateroom corridors to “enforce” this procedure. However, all of the public areas appeared to be open and accessible. The Windjammer was serving lunch. So there were plenty of places to be besides your room. However, I did get tired of wagging our carry-ons around.

 

The flowrider seems to be a very big hit. However, it is smaller than it appears on tv but appears to be the perfect size for its purpose. We have spent a lot of time there spectating. Sunday afternoon and early Monday morning were good times to be there without lots of crowds. Monday afternoon started to get a little crowded. Wednesday morning (Grand Cayman day) was a nice morning to be there with small lines. While I’m sure I won’t have the nerve to do it, Mr. Ski has done it. He spent 4.5 hours on Monday watching and “analyzing” styles to get “tips” on how to do it. It all looks extremely hard to me. He says the boogie board/body board (I have heard it called both) is easier than the surfing. It definitely looks easier to me….but then they are both too challenging for the very non-athletic person I am. LOL Mr. Ski says that snowboarders would be good at the surfing part (or at least he thinks they would be). You must be 56” to “board” and 58” to “surf”. People of all ages seem to love it. Of course the teenagers seem to be the best at it but we have seen folks of all ages do very well. Some of the younger folks may be tall enough but just don’t “weigh enough” to keep from getting “swept away”. Mr. Ski says it doesn’t hurt to fall because the water flows over a cushioned surface that you fall on.

 

The sports decks with the wall, bb court, golf sim, mini-golf, flowrider flows well even though it is “chopped up” a bit as far as layout.

 

The H20 Zone. We love it! Mind you we do not have children either here or at home but we think it is fabulous for several reasons. First….it looks way cool! Secondly, it keeps the younger children out of the adult pools. Now mind you…some of us adults want to “rent” kids so we can go play in the H20 zone though since it looks so cool! We love all of the brightly colored statues. We especially love the one that has two buckets that fill with water and then dump in to the pool. Mr. Ski wants to go stand under one of them. Again….can we rent a kid? LOL

 

We love the upgraded bedding! It is awesome! Ken Rush (CD) told us last night that it will be implemented on all RCCL ships by April, 2007. Cool! Wooohooooo!!!!!!

 

The food quality has been very good so far even though the selections sometimes leave a little to be desired. The quality is of the highest level we have experienced in a while. I would say it is to the level it was 5 years ago (or more) before the food quality onboard started going “downhill”.

 

So far I would say Tuesday would be the perfect Chops/Portofino night. Dinner selections were all relatively new to the RCCL menu and did not tempt us for the most part. Our table for 6 had 2 of us ordering the tortellini with blue cheese sauce and the other 4 ordered from the alternative menu (3 steaks and 1 cod). The quality of all entrees was excellent though. However, we loved the new concept of the “family style” salad. There was a large bowl of mixed greens tossed with dressing in a glass bowl on a wire stand used as the centerpiece and then served by the waiter. Excellent. So far we have not been tempted by desserts except one night.

 

Also, we have dined 3 nights and have yet to meet our headwaiter. No problem though as we have received excellent service from our waiter and asst. and have had no special requests or needs that would require a head waiter…..it is just unusual not to meet one by now.

 

 

The Diamond Club is very nice. However, we haven’t used it yet since we don’t go in for the continental breakfast. Also with so many Diamonds and D+ onboard they are using Pharoah’s Palace in the evenings for the snacks/cocktails. (But we haven’t done that yet either since there is so much other stuff to do.) The Diamond lounge does basically everything that the Diamonds usually get in the concierge lounge except they cannot book shore excursions. Apparently they are not tied in to the shore ex booking system. The ice skating tickets are delivered to the Diamond’s stateroom as opposed to being given out in the Diamond lounge. Also, no priority tender tickets for diamond members. This hasn’t been a problem for us. If you are booked on a shore ex then you don’t need a tender ticket.

 

Since we were booked on the golf excursion in Cozumel we did not need a tender ticket. We were on the first tender so I do not know how the tendering process went in Cozumel. Today in GC, Mr. Ski did the flowrider and then we did lunch before we headed ashore so it was “open” tendering by the time we were ready to go. However, I can tell you that tendering started around 9:00 am and by 10:00 they were on tender ticket #9. By 10:30 tender ticket # 14, 10:40 #18 and by 10:45 it was “open” tendering.

 

The golf course in Cozumel was very nice and we look forward to playing it again.

 

The flying bridge in the promenade is great. Capt. Billy and the band were on it when it descended from the sky for Capt. Billy to make his speech during the Captain’s cocktail party.

 

The officers and crew are all great. So far I believe that they truly have put the “best of the best” on here. So far not a single request has been denied. (Not that we ask a lot….but have asked for a few extras and have been granted every request.)

 

Capt. Billy came to the Meet & Mingle where “Terfer” read our “Twas the Night Before Freedom” poem that we created well over a year ago. “Onevacationlover” had done the poem in calligraphy and had it matted and framed. They presented it to Capt. Billy. Capt. Billy is really cool…..he even put on a pink boa for just a few moments! We have the pix to prove it. LOL!

 

As far as the cabin…..we are in an E1 aft. It is your typical E1 cabin with the exception of the flat screen tv, upgraded bedding, and upgraded towels. While the flat screen tv is nice and allows more “desk space” it takes away the shelving above the tv. The safe is now in the closet. The “cabinet” that is above the tv on other ships that held the safe and had shelving above is gone. There is one narrow shelf above the tv. It hasn’t been a big issue for us but we did note the difference and have had to cram more stuff in the closet. As far as the tv, it is nice but we have a “policy” while on the cruise….no tv unless “RCTV” related for shopping talk, onboard shows we missed, helipad cam, etc. Mr. Ski is a tv fanatic at home so this is my “vacation” from having the tv on constantly. We don’t have a cord with us to try, but Mr. Ski says he thinks the tv could be hooked up to the laptop to use as a monitor.

 

Craps table has not been good. Slots have not been good to us but have heard a few jackpot winners announced.

 

Ice show is phenomenal! Production show was good. Love and Marriage great as always.

 

Golf was good in Jamaica today. We arrived/were cleared a little late. We were pushing it to get back from the golf course. As I sit here, we are running about 30-45 minutes late because we are waiting on a tour with about 100 pax or so.

 

Tonight is formal night again. (Formal nights Monday and Thursday)

 

Well…..that is all I can remember to “report on” for the moment.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Zati

Zati

Posted
Posted

are the tenders handicap accessible? i just broke my elbow and am in a cast and sling. i also need to use a cruch to walk. will i be able to get off the ship? i leave on june 11 so need to know asap. thanks for any info. also will the wait staff help cut my food? can't do it with only 1 hand.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
CruiseAwayWithMe

CruiseAwayWithMe

Posted
Posted
are the tenders handicap accessible? i just broke my elbow and am in a cast and sling. i also need to use a cruch to walk. will i be able to get off the ship? i leave on june 11 so need to know asap. thanks for any info. also will the wait staff help cut my food? can't do it with only 1 hand.

I'm not sure if the tenders are hanicap accessible. Maybe someone from this cruise could answer that. I'm sure the wait staff could help you cut your food if you ask. The head waiter came around on one of our cruises and helped cut my mom's food. She didn't have any kind of injury. The wait staff was just being nice. Just inform your waiter and i'm sure someone will help you. :) Good luck and have a nice cruise.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
tezbear

tezbear

Posted
Posted

How are the seas this week? Just curious as others (on the short trips in NY) had reported that the Freedom was top heavy and you could feel a lot of motion. How are the casinos and night clubs? Also, who are the comediennes this week? I emailed RCCL, but they never answered.

 

Have a great time...the rest of your cruise!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
cruiselife4me

cruiselife4me

Posted
Posted

Skiiergirl - YOU ROCK! Thanks for a really great update on the ship. Like Mr. Ski, my hubby would probably find it difficult not to have a tv around. But then again he doesn't cruise with me so....no problem!!

 

Thanks so much!!

Mary

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Host Karen

Host Karen

Posted
Posted

Three technical questions:

 

(1) How is the cellular phone service? I have Verizon and DH has Cingular. Would be curious to know if either/both work at sea and in the ports.

 

(2) What is the pricing structure for the internet service? I too am used to RCCL's CyberCabin pay-one-price plan. Looks like RCCL is moving toward Celebrity's pay-per-minute plans.

 

(3) Any problems connecting in your cabin to the internet? We have a wireless card in our laptop, so that's not a problem. I assume the connection is as slow as dial-up.

 

Thanks a bunch and enjoy the rest of your cruise!

 

Karen

HostKaren@CruiseCritic.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites
alb38

alb38

Posted
Posted

Hi Ski ~~

 

Thanks for the review of the Freedom. Sorry to hear that the craps tables aren't kind to Mr. Ski as I remember how much he enjoys playing the game!! Enjoy your last days onboard and have safe travels home!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
penguin6969

penguin6969

Posted
Posted

You mentioned something about wanting to rent a kid so you can play in the H2O zone - is that really necessary - only kids can play in there? I was planning on being in the lazy river all day and now need to know if someone is going to kick me out of there = LOL. I was also wondering about the pool with the waterfall. Is this really a pool - and again can adults go in there as well and how deep is it?

 

Thanks - Have a great time on the rest of your cruise - Can't wait until we leave....

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Green Eyed Mom99

Green Eyed Mom99

Posted
Posted

Wow, I'm so excited, have my bags packed!!! Check with American Airlines and they have AAdvantage baggage check on the Freedom so don't have to worry about getting luggage to airport when we're done. Probably will check Miami out a bit before our 4:00 p.m. flight home. I'll be looking for the pink boa ladies when we're getting on.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
emmy

emmy

Posted
Posted
Hi Chris,

 

Everything is just peachy!

 

How are you and Kat doing these days?

 

Peggy

 

Yes Peg.. you are missing a wonderful cruise.. Chris off to drink that bottle of wine you sent in a dear friend's cabin...

 

Spent a beautiful sunny hot day in Labadee... floating on a mat and the view of Freedom against the green hills was amazing..quite the photo op..

 

Back from a 'snack' with Flames Carol and Bob in Johnny Rockets... yummy chocolate shake and a cold draft for Rick :)

 

Yesterday was an amazing excursion Canopy Tour in Mo Bay...ziplining was so much fun and many conquered their fear of heights... went with many of the Pink Boa crew... the last traverse was 1000 feet long.. Michael I liked it better than the scary horseback ride I had in Mazatlan :)

 

Lots more to type but will do that when we get home...Crown & Anchor Platinum/Diamond party is this evening.. they have a new dance/singing number by the wait staff in the dining room... surfing number..beats that old macarena...

 

Last evening before the show our friend Adam Goldstein spoke to the crowd....

 

Well I am late... chat later..hello to all my CC friends.. this truly has been an unforgetable cruise... so glad I stuck with the inaugural...

 

Emmy :p

Link to comment
Share on other sites
imjp

imjp

Posted
Posted

Hello

Well today was our last day in port - Labadee. RCCL has done a great job putting together this beach area. Lots of things to do - wave runners, parasailing, beach volleyball or just relaxing on the beach - which is what I did. They also brought over lunch and served it in 3 different areas around the beach.

Today I also took advantage of the Spa special of the day a 25 minute massage and 25 minute facial for $89. Very nice. Linda was great. Very relaxing.

Freedom is an awesome ship - the entertaiment is great and the staff is great. Having a wonderful time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...