All Things Freedom of the Seas!

[Gon2hwe]

I want to book a cruise next summer (2010) from Cape Canaveral. I'm looking at FOS and Carnival Dream. RCL hasn't listed or priced FOS yet but Dream looks very reasonably priced. Only been on RCL once and haven't been on Carnival yet. DH is agreeing to book now, afraid he may change mind later(because of economy). When does RCL list cruises that far in advance and will it be priced close to Carnival Dream? This will make a big difference in our decision.

[lbullard]

Okay, I held off for as long as I could. But with two in a row I just could not hold off any longer ...

 

 

 

Your cabin is an E2 balcony cabin located between decks five and seven and between cabins 6312 and 6316.

 

 

 

Your cabin is an E1 balcony cabin located between decks six and eight and between cabins 7296 and 7300.

 

Okay, with that out of the way, here goes ...

 

6314 has cabins above it and public space below it. The public space below looks like the shore excursion desk. It is not likely to be very noisy (as compared to being above the disco) but it will not be as quiet as a cabin on decks seven, eight or nine, which have cabins above and below.

 

6314 is on the starboard (right) side and fairly close to the rear elevators without being too close. That is good. It is also mid ship. That is also good. An E2 cabin is a little smaller than a D1 cabin. Basically you will have less room between the end of the bed and the wall in an E2 than in a D1.

 

7298 has cabins above and below. That is good. It is an E1 cabin. Best I can tell, the difference between an E1 and an E2 is an E2 does not have a third bed while the E1 cabins do (or connect to one that does). In your case it is a bed that comes out of the ceiling. If you have three in your cabin then this is perfect. If you only have two in your cabin, and someone needs a cabin with three beds, Royal Caribbean might move you.

 

7298 is also on the starboard side and is mid ship. That is good. However, you have a longer walk to the elevators. You will have to decide how you feel about that.

 

For both of you, most people consider the "hump" balconies to be more desirable. The reason is they stick out a little and thus provide a better view and a little more privacy. The "hump" cabins are the ones on where the ship is a little wider.

 

On deck six the hump cabins on the starboard side are 6332 through 6346 with 6338 and 6340 being the best of the bunch. All of the "hump" cabins are E2 cabins.

 

On deck seven the hump cabins on the starboard side are 7332 through 7346 with 7338 and 7340 being the best of the bunch. All of these are E2 cabins.

 

An E2 cabin on deck six costs the same as an E2 cabin on deck seven which costs the same as an E2 cabin on deck eight. A "hump" E2 cabin cost the same as a non-hump E2 cabin. So, if one of the hump cabins is available, you could move to one of the hump cabins if you want. If you are already in an E2 cabin the price would be the same. If you are in an E1 cabin and there are only two of you, the price would be a little less ($20 I believe). If there are three of you, do not move to an E2 cabin.

 

While I was not in a balcony cabin on the Freedom (I was in the RFS) I was in a side facing balcony cabin on the Navigator of the Seas (which is just slightly smaller than the Freedom). I was on the port side (left) and I was in a D2 cabin (which is a little wider than an E2 cabin). I was not in a "hump" cabin (I will be when I cruise on the Mariner next year). The cabin was fine. I had no complains.

 

If you are going on the Western Caribbean itinerary, the ships docks in Miami with the starboard side facing the dock. In Labadee the view from either side is equally good. In Ocho Rios the ship will likely dock with the starboard side facing the island. In Grand Cayman the view on the left side is perhaps a little more interesting. In Cozumel it really depends on how the captain feels. When we were in Cozumel the port side was facing the island.

 

 

Hi you share such great info on cabins can you tell me anything about rooms on Deck 3?? We have two rooms they gave us because we are a triple I wish they were connecting but they are side by side. 3304 and 3306. It appears that the hallway ends right near our rooms. This would be a good thing so kids don't run up and down?? Anythoughts??

[lbullard]

The beef we had in the MDR two weeks ago was good. I enjoyed my prime rib the night they offered it.

 

 

So it was free?? They don't offer prime rib everynight?? I bet they offer sometype of good beef for free don't they??

 

Amenities in the room, shampoo etc do they still offer the little bottles?? Soap??

[Cuizer2]

I want to book a cruise next summer (2010) from Cape Canaveral. I'm looking at FOS and Carnival Dream. RCL hasn't listed or priced FOS yet but Dream looks very reasonably priced. Only been on RCL once and haven't been on Carnival yet. DH is agreeing to book now, afraid he may change mind later(because of economy). When does RCL list cruises that far in advance and will it be priced close to Carnival Dream? This will make a big difference in our decision.

 

Royal Caribbean will release its prices around April 28.

[Cuizer2]

So it was free?? They don't offer prime rib everynight?? I bet they offer sometype of good beef for free don't they??

 

Amenities in the room, shampoo etc do they still offer the little bottles?? Soap??

 

The extra cost steak is optional. It is offered, but there is also a free steak every night. I was on the Voyager of the Seas two weeks ago. The free food was good. The extra cost steak was better, but I don't know if it was $15 better (actually it is $13 plus 15% tip - 15% of $13 = $1.95 - thus the total is $14.95).

 

You will find two small bars of soap (one in the shower and one by the sink). Shampoo and conditioner are in the shower).

[Cuizer2]

Hi you share such great info on cabins can you tell me anything about rooms on Deck 3?? We have two rooms they gave us because we are a triple I wish they were connecting but they are side by side. 3304 and 3306. It appears that the hallway ends right near our rooms. This would be a good thing so kids don't run up and down?? Anythoughts??

 

Are there three or four of you? Each cabin holds two. If there are only three of you, you might be better off in one cabin that sleeps three (the third person will be at a reduced rate).

 

I am not real familiar with the cabins on deck three. However, I do believe you are at the end of the hall, so you are correct, most likely kids will not be running by your cabin (unless they are in 3300 or 3302). You are mid ship, so that is good.

 

You are right next to Studio B. I believe that Studio B offers some late night activities, but I don't know if they are noisy. The dancing is in the Crypt, which you are not next too, so that is good.

 

These are cat H cabins which are 183 square feet (a good size). Below you are more cabins, which is good (quiet). It appears that just above you is either the photo gallery (quiet) or the casino (noisy) or you are between the two. The deck plans are not to scale, so it is hard to tell.

[sailingawaysoon]

I've read that you do not need tickets for the ice show anymore...was this correct? We are going to be on the first sailing out of Port Canaveral, so I'm anxious to see the compass for this trip.

[Cuizer2]

I've read that you do not need tickets for the ice show anymore...was this correct? We are going to be on the first sailing out of Port Canaveral, so I'm anxious to see the compass for this trip.

The ice show tickets are free. They are used to prevent too many people from trying to get into the show (limited seating). As of two weeks ago you needed to have an ice show ticket.

[Wisdom]

I've seen the menus posted here. I think with right wording you could make anything sound appealing.

 

 

Hand stirred melted sharp cheddar cheese, combined with slow churned creamy butter and imported Swiss milk along with a dash of salt and pepper. All blended together and poured delicatley over freshly cooked French Macaroni. Topped with bread crumbs.

 

 

 

Macaroni and Cheese.

[keiki40]

we'll be sailing the Eastern Caribbean on FOS

 

Would someone please be so kind and let us know which nights are the formal one?

 

Thanks in advance

[BobKat406]

Finally got them all loaded. Western Compasses for 4/12-4/19/09 cruise on Freedom. All 7 days plus the spa pricelist.

 

Enjoy!

 

http://s590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/bobkat406/

[croosieloosie]

Has anyone ever been in 6710? I've been told it's noisy because of the crew deck being right there. Has anyone actually been there and can give me some info?

[UGA Fan]

Finally got them all loaded. Western Compasses for 4/12-4/19/09 cruise on Freedom. All 7 days plus the spa pricelist.

 

Enjoy!

 

http://s590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/bobkat406/

 

 

 

Thank you so much for taking time to post these. They were very helpful. We aren't going until next Feb. but I do enjoy looking at what all is offered. We haven't been on the FOS and I can't wait to cruise on her. We are diamond members and have loved cruising on all of the ships that we have been on and I know we will enjoy this one.

[vavasmom]

So it was free?? They don't offer prime rib everynight?? I bet they offer sometype of good beef for free don't they??

 

Amenities in the room, shampoo etc do they still offer the little bottles?? Soap??

 

I did not pay extra for any beef in the dining room. I think they had a beef entree almost every night in addition to the upcharge chops steak.

 

But no they do not offer prime rib every night - I remember we had prime rib offered once or twice, a field of beef with peppercorn sauce one night, and grilled beef shoulder served with shrimp("surf/turf").

 

The beef in Chops (where we did dine) was excellent.

 

No bathroom amenities in my "E" balcony stateroom. There were two small wrapped bars of soap (one in the shower; one by the sink). They did have a dispenser with what I call "mystry" liquid (I think it is body wash.

[vavasmom]

we'll be sailing the Eastern Caribbean on FOS

 

Would someone please be so kind and let us know which nights are the formal one?

 

Thanks in advance

On our eastern two weeks ago it was the Monday (first sea day) and Thursday (St. Marten)

[vavasmom]

I've read that you do not need tickets for the ice show anymore...was this correct? We are going to be on the first sailing out of Port Canaveral, so I'm anxious to see the compass for this trip.

On Freedom 2 weeks ago you needed tickets until approx. 5 - 10 minutes before the show. At that time they let anyone in that could fit. There were still a few empty seats at the show I attended.

[MrsPete]

Great thread! We've sailed Mariner (loved it!) and we've just reserved a cruise on Freedom. I have a couple questions, which vary widely in content!

 

Cabin-questions:

 

Details: We actually have two reservations for the same cruise: Our favorite aft balcony 1400, which we will use if it ends up being just our family of four. We're hoping and assuming, however, to bring our two nieces; as such, if we turn into a group of six, we've also reserved two interior connecting cabins on deck 10 (1605 and 1607). Obviously, we'll be cancelling one of the reservations.

 

We've never had an inside cabin. Any hints? Anyone know anything about 1605 / 1607? If we end up keeping that reservation, of course, it'll be me and my husband in one inside and four teenaged girls in the connecting inside.

 

Someone on this thread mentioned the balconies being so hot in summer that they're barely usable. I'd like to hear some other opinions on this. We've really used our balcony in the past, but I'd be disappointed to pay for it and not use it. Are we talking about the balcony being hot-hot-hot all day, or just part of the day? How about evening hours? If the balcony's going to be un-usable for much of the day, we might change to two promenade cabins.

 

Mariner had plenty of electrical outlets by the desk/dresser. Is this true of Freedom?

 

Can we bring a Wii to attach to the girls' TV? I won't let them stay out too late, and I know they'd enjoy sitting around playing games with their cousins. It'd be much cheaper to bring it ourselves than to put money into the arcade games.

 

Ship ammenities questions:

 

Is it 16 or 18 to use the Solarium pool? I'll have a 16 year old daughter and a 16 year old niece, and I want to be sure to tell them whether this area is available to them.

 

Is Freedom reserving deck chairs for suite passengers? Is this just by the main pool?

 

Does Freedom's sports' deck have ping-pong tables? My girls LOVED them on Mariner.

 

Questions about services:

 

Is the bag-o-laundry for $20 something that's always available? I'd like to pack light if possible.

 

Does Freedom offer anything like a bridge tour? My engineer husband would love that.

 

What are the best programs for girls ages 12, 13, 16 and 16?

 

Dining questions:

 

Which night is formal night on Freedom's Western cruise?

 

I asked for My Time Dining, but they told me I had to sign up for either Main or Late at the time of reservation. I don't remember how they told me I could change this to My Time. Do I do that once I'm onboard?

 

How do they manage to have traditional and My Time dining in the same dining room? I'm guessing that they have My Time on one level?

 

We loved the little sandwiches in the Promenade Cafe on Mariner. Does Freedom have a similar menu? I'm guessing they don't serve pizza since there's a pizza place also on the Promenade.

 

Island stops:

 

We'll be seeing Labadee -- OchosR, Jamaica -- Grand Cayman -- Cozumel. We can spend $1000 on excursions, but that has to stretch for six people.

 

We did an ATV trip in Cozumel last time, and my husband said it was one of the best things he's ever done in his life. Not on a cruise, in his whole life. I'd like to do something simliar . . . but I'm thinking about doing the ATVs in Jamaica instead so that it'd be a little different. Can anyone comment on that tour?

 

Or maybe we'll do the Waverunners in Labadee. On Mariner they offered a special (might not've been offered until we were on the ship): Sign up for the very first Waverunner trip of the day, and a passenger rides free. Has anyone seen this deal on Freedom? Can a 16 year old (who has a driver's license, of course) drive a Waverunner?

 

We'd like to do the NativeWay stingray city tour in Grand Cayman, but I KNOW that at least one of the girls will not get off the boat. Would this be decent fun for her (party pooper that she is) if it were essentially just a boat ride for her?

 

Thanks!

[vavasmom]

I have answered those that I can - I have sailed Freedom twice (most recient was two weeks ago) - I am sure others can help

Cabin-questions:

 

We've never had an inside cabin. Any hints? Anyone know anything about 1605 / 1607? If we end up keeping that reservation, of course, it'll be me and my husband in one inside and four teenaged girls in the connecting inside. When I looked at inside cabins from the hallway made-up for four people it looked very tight. Four teen girls with one bathroom may be a challenge on formal night (but I guess some of the girls could use your bathroom.

Someone on this thread mentioned the balconies being so hot in summer that they're barely usable. I'd like to hear some other opinions on this. We've really used our balcony in the past, but I'd be disappointed to pay for it and not use it. Are we talking about the balcony being hot-hot-hot all day, or just part of the day? How about evening hours? If the balcony's going to be un-usable for much of the day, we might change to two promenade cabins. I enjoy the balcony first thing in the morning and in the evening and at night so I can not comment on this one. I have also not sailed in "prime" summer (I will be this year!)

 

Mariner had plenty of electrical outlets by the desk/dresser. Is this true of Freedom? We had either 2 or three

 

Can we bring a Wii to attach to the girls' TV? I won't let them stay out too late, and I know they'd enjoy sitting around playing games with their cousins. It'd be much cheaper to bring it ourselves than to put money into the arcade games. The TV is a flat screen - I don't know if it had any imputs

 

Ship ammenities questions:

 

Is it 16 or 18 to use the Solarium pool? I'll have a 16 year old daughter and a 16 year old niece, and I want to be sure to tell them whether this area is available to them. According my compass from last week the Solarium pool, Solarium Hots tubs (they are the cantilevered ones), and Solarium area are reserved for guests 16 and older.

Is Freedom reserving deck chairs for suite passengers? Is this just by the main pool? Yes - The chairs on the tiers by the main pool are reserved for Suite guests

 

Does Freedom's sports' deck have ping-pong tables? My girls LOVED them on Mariner. Ping-pong is on deck 14

 

Questions about services:

 

Is the bag-o-laundry for $20 something that's always available? I'd like to pack light if possible. We had the special one day only and 1 bag per cabin - they also limited what you could put into the bag

 

Does Freedom offer anything like a bridge tour? My engineer husband would love that. We only saw 1 bridge tour (our room was just down from the bridge) - It looked like it was by invitation only (probably D+ cruisers)

What are the best programs for girls ages 12, 13, 16 and 16? My Dd (age 13) like meeting girls in AO and then doing some of the AO activities, using the ships facilities (rock wall, ice rink, mini-golf) and being by the pool/hot tubs. At that age their interests will vary. Encourage them to attend the AO get-to-know-you the first night. At that event many people don't know others.

 

Dining questions:

 

Which night is formal night on Freedom's Western cruise? We did the western 2 years ago so I will defer to someone more recent

 

I asked for My Time Dining, but they told me I had to sign up for either Main or Late at the time of reservation. I don't remember how they told me I could change this to My Time. Do I do that once I'm onboard? You can preserve my time dining for the Freedom. Crown and Anchor connected me to the correct department. You must prepay your gratuities. Your seapass card will be preprinted with my time dining when you check in (Your confirmation should note open seating in the special services section). We loved MTD a few weeks ago. MTD filled on our cruise

 

How do they manage to have traditional and My Time dining in the same dining room? I'm guessing that they have My Time on one level? All people using MTD are seated in a section of the 5th floor dining room on Freedom. There are specific servers assigned to that section. We did not make a reservation - just came to dinner each night. You check in at the MTD desk each night

 

We loved the little sandwiches in the Promenade Cafe on Mariner. Does Freedom have a similar menu? I'm guessing they don't serve pizza since there's a pizza place also on the Promenade. Sounds similar - They have small sandwiches in the cafe. (Sorrentos has some pananni style sandwiches and pizza).

 

Island stops:

 

We'll be seeing Labadee -- OchosR, Jamaica -- Grand Cayman -- Cozumel. We can spend $1000 on excursions, but that has to stretch for six people.

 

We did an ATV trip in Cozumel last time, and my husband said it was one of the best things he's ever done in his life. Not on a cruise, in his whole life. I'd like to do something simliar . . . but I'm thinking about doing the ATVs in Jamaica instead so that it'd be a little different. Can anyone comment on that tour?

 

Or maybe we'll do the Waverunners in Labadee. On Mariner they offered a special (might not've been offered until we were on the ship): Sign up for the very first Waverunner trip of the day, and a passenger rides free. Has anyone seen this deal on Freedom? Can a 16 year old (who has a driver's license, of course) drive a Waverunner?

 

We'd like to do the NativeWay stingray city tour in Grand Cayman, but I KNOW that at least one of the girls will not get off the boat. Would this be decent fun for her (party pooper that she is) if it were essentially just a boat ride for her? We have used Nativeway twice (once from Freedom and once from Disney Magic. I admit I spend most of my time on the boat - I love the ride but the snorkel stop can be a little boring. They did get me into the water at the stingray sandbar (I am so glad I did it). They have always been wonderful.

 

Thanks!

Edited April 22, 2009 by vavasmom

[MrsPete]

When I looked at inside cabins from the hallway made-up for four people it looked very tight. Four teen girls with one bathroom may be a challenge on formal night (but I guess some of the girls could use your bathroom. I'm not overly worried about that; they're fortunate to be going on a cruise, and if we take the cousins, this is what we can afford! They can manage.

 

Is it 16 or 18 to use the Solarium pool? I'll have a 16 year old daughter and a 16 year old niece, and I want to be sure to tell them whether this area is available to them. According my compass from last week the Solarium pool, Solarium Hots tubs (they are the cantilevered ones), and Solarium area are reserved for guests 16 and older. Great. The two older girls'll be glad to have a priviledge that isn't afforded to the younger ones.

 

 

Is the bag-o-laundry for $20 something that's always available? I'd like to pack light if possible. We had the special one day only and 1 bag per cabin - they also limited what you could put into the bag. Hmmm . . . what limits? With six people, I have to plan my packing carefully!

 

What are the best programs for girls ages 12, 13, 16 and 16? My Dd (age 13) like meeting girls in AO and then doing some of the AO activities, using the ships facilities (rock wall, ice rink, mini-golf) and being by the pool/hot tubs. At that age their interests will vary. Encourage them to attend the AO get-to-know-you the first night. At that event many people don't know others. That's what my girls have done in the past, and the results have usually been good. I think they'll want to spend most of their time with their cousins (they live four hours away, and they don't get enough time together).

 

We'd like to do the NativeWay stingray city tour in Grand Cayman, but I KNOW that at least one of the girls will not get off the boat. Would this be decent fun for her (party pooper that she is) if it were essentially just a boat ride for her? We have used Nativeway twice (once from Freedom and once from Disney Magic. I admit I spend most of my time on the boat - I love the ride but the snorkel stop can be a little boring. They did get me into the water at the stingray sandbar (I am so glad I did it). They have always been wonderful. Great. Last time half our group really wanted to do the Sting Ray tour, but the other half was just as adamant with a NO. This time we're going, and anyone who doesn't like it can just consider it a boat trip!

 

THANKS for the quick answers! They were very helpful.

Edited April 22, 2009 by MrsPete

[vavasmom]

Concerning the laundry special. I am pretty sure it was left afternoon #5. I have the form about the laundry special in front of me. It was $25.00 for the bag. The bag could have socks, underwear, shorts, t-shirts, swimwear, and pajamas.

[courtneyMC]

Finally got them all loaded. Western Compasses for 4/12-4/19/09 cruise on Freedom. All 7 days plus the spa pricelist.

 

Enjoy!

 

http://s590.photobucket.com/albums/ss348/bobkat406/

 

Thanks BobKat! I'm going to read it all later today! I leave in less then 3 weeks on the Western route :D

 

Do you know, what time did people start lining up for tenders to Grand Cayman, and how long was the process? We have to be at the Hardrock at 9:30 ship time to meet our excursion so i'm wondering what time i'll need to line up!

 

thanks again!

 

Courtney

[MrsPete]

Concerning the laundry special. I am pretty sure it was left afternoon #5. I have the form about the laundry special in front of me. It was $25.00 for the bag. The bag could have socks, underwear, shorts, t-shirts, swimwear, and pajamas.

Okay, so the idea is easy-wash things -- not evening wear, etc. That sounds good.

[MrsPete]

And another question -- I know y'all thought I must be all out of questions, but I'm not! In Cozumel, does Freedom dock at the International Pier or at Punta Langosta?

 

Thanks!

[Cuizer2]

And another question -- I know y'all thought I must be all out of questions, but I'm not! In Cozumel, does Freedom dock at the International Pier or at Punta Langosta?

 

Thanks!

Yes.

 

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Royal Caribbean docks at the International Pier. In this picture the Freedom OTS was a little camera shy, and was hiding behind its little sister, the Grandeur OTS ...

 

 

 

The following picture was taken from Chankanaab Park. The Voyager OTS is on the far right ...

 

 

Here are the taxi prices as of April 7, 2009 ...

 

[Reiko]

Thanks BobKat! I'm going to read it all later today! I leave in less then 3 weeks on the Western route :D

 

Do you know, what time did people start lining up for tenders to Grand Cayman, and how long was the process? We have to be at the Hardrock at 9:30 ship time to meet our excursion so i'm wondering what time i'll need to line up!

 

 

Can you advise when you can start departing in all Western ports and how much does the process take: Labadee, Ocho Rios, George Town and Cozumel? The arriving should be 8:00 AM in Labadee, 9:00 AM in Ocho Rios, 8:00 AM in George Town and 10:00 AM Cozumel.

 

We have booked private tours for Ocho Rios and George Town.

 

The pick-up is around 9:00 AM in Ocho Rios. I asked if we have enogh time to leave the boat. The tour organizer said: "You should not have any problems clearing the ship to make the 9 o'clock tour The pick up time for the tour is not hard and fast as we are only 2 minutes away from the Pier and do allow some felxibility for the ship passengers.... In Jamaica there is no need for tender boats as the ships dock along side the pier allowing you to disembark easily and quickly, therefore you should have no problems making it within the time frame allowed. We have not had any problems in the past and see no reason why we should now."

 

In Grand Cayman we have pick-up between 8:15 and 8:30. The tour organizer explained: "Freedom of the Seas has been arriving here in Grand Cayman between 6:50 and 7:00 am local (Cayman) time for the last month (since daylight savings March 08, 2009).We have been accommodating customers off the Freedom of the Seas and have not had anyone miss the meeting time."

 

I am first time cruiser. I am not living in US or Canada and we know quite little about cruising.