1northstar

Told my DH & sons we had a balcony. Once we got onboard they found out we had a GS!

The ice show sounds cool! We'll make reservations for that when we're able to make them online.

 

As far as there being no risk tied with seeing the shows, we just wouldn't feel comfortable walking out (my husband more than me). Also, I'd really like to see the welcome show, but I worry that if the first show he sees isn't that good, he won't want to see any of the shows.

 

Should we skip the welcome show? What is the welcome show like?

The ice show on Freedom no longer requires reservations. It is now on a first come first served basis.

Looks like your trip is in April. You shouldn't anticipate any problems.

Entertaining read ! Thank You for taking the time to review.

I have used them as well without any issue. They give you an address in Miami to mail them in. You simply fill out the certificate with the sail date and reservation#. Takes about two weeks to process.

Really enjoyed your pictures and review. Well done !

We have stayed in a GS on Freedom. As far as priority boarding : yes there is a line for Suites Guests only and the check in process is quite swift.

One of the nicer perks of being in the suite is that a Dining Room menu will be available in your stateroom daily. This will allow you to order your meals in in the event you chose to dine in your stateroom or balcony.

The Concierge will also secure a private elevator for his suite guests for disembarking on port days.

On the final day suite guests are assigned a designated lounge to gather prior to disembarking the ship.

You will also receive an invitation by your Concierge for special behind the scenes tour on sea days. The first of ours was an extensive galley tour. We met in the DR for Mimosas , coffee , and assorted baked goods prior to the tour.

Your gold sea pass card will allow access to the Concierge Lounge, and special reserved seating areas in Giovanni's for lunch, shows and the pool area.

Hope this helps. Wishing your husband well.

Most informative and entertaining review I have read on this forum😉

Enjoying the review as much as your last one. The both of you look like a fun couple. It must have been maddening and stressful for you to deal with all the fanfare that accompanies your new found fame as CC blogger. Hopefully the Concierge delivered the WOW by keeping the aisles clear given your C&A status. All kidding aside , great review. Subscribing because I totally " get it".😉

I, for one, am not attempting to disparage PR or it's citizens. I'm just relating the experiences we had on two ships during December that sailed from San Juan.

 

In addition I had either extremely long cruises with certain nationalities, or I've found the same behavior on cruises over 41 years.

 

As I said above: "It's not the nationality or the country, but the irritating behavior in excess enough to create a noticeable pattern."

 

If the shoe doesn't fit, don't wear it.

Peggy , point well taken.

And let me add that that in over forty years of traveling with RCCL my DH and I have encountered many ill mannered sail mates . Many undefined.

Thank You for posting.

The direction of this thread troubles me. Somewhere along the line it has become disparaging against Puerto Ricans.

I interpreted the initial OP's question to be of a particular ship from a specified departure port.

The unfortunate direction the thread has taken is disturbing to me.

The generalizations and outright prejudices are alarming.

As a first generation , well educated , and financially secure Puerto Rican I take great offense to the posted comments.

Enjoyed the review !

Enjoy a Labadoozie!

As always an outstanding review. We're doing a B2B on the AOS in late January and are beach lovers just like you! I love all the advice. A very enjoyable read. Thank You 😄

Just off FOS. We are up there in the C&A tier. My daughter was two nights away from from Diamond and under no circumstances would the concierge let her into the lounge. All points verified by LA. And may I add we were in a JS and the concierge Katarina was not even pleasant about it.

I can add that I just got off FOS. And per Hotel Director and crew she will go DD. Izumi will also be added. Heard some changes re CL.

Royal Caribbean management confirmed over a month ago no Dynamic Dinning for Freedom.

 

 

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Guessing it will be a wait and see then 😉

Just off FOS yesterday. Rumors relayed were that she will undergo similar changes as instituted recently on Oasis. Dynamic dining, therefore new restaurants, elimination of the Crypt and most likely a designated Suites Guest only Lounge.

Thanks! I am looking for friends that are going on the Explorer over New Year's. I also contacted Executive and liked what I heard from them. It is a bit pricey in my opinion, but they are traveling the day of the cruise so don't want to wait for a shuttle or bus to have to fill up!

We use Executive VIP when we fly into Orlando twice a year to sail from Port Canaveral. They are extremely reliable and yes we do stop to purchase wine and sundries on the way to the ship. On departure day they are always there at the pier waiting for us. We highly recommend them. Michael the owner will email you and call to confirm the day of arrival and departure morning as well. Hope this helps.

Loving your pictures and input. Many thanks for taking the time to post and share! 😄

The answer is ... 10 too many !

Robes are absolutely still a perk!

Nice job on your review. Thanks for sharing ! :)

Enjoyed your review . Thanks for sharing.