dacsmom

I don't usually get a drink package, for me, it is very expensive and you got to deal with those servers and bar tenders.

 

I only get a drink package if there are coke freestyle machines on the ship and I just get the soda package and it is worth it for the money.

 

Side from it is dirt cheap at only around $50 for a 7 day sailing, which is less than the $60 tip you paid, you get a nice souvenir cup which you can reuse when you go back home.

 

And aside from the usual servers and bars, you get to use those coke freestyle machines to completely bypass those servers wanting some tips, on top of getting around 130 different coke products from soft drinks to juice to water variants all cruise long. The powerade are also provides value while working out in the gym or when playing in the sports deck.

I believe the OP is only talking about the premium drink package and that does not include sodas. I have gotten the package and found it worth the price. Everyone is different and for some it is a good deal while for others it is not. I have not had issues with being ignored but this was in February and they were just rolling out the drink packages then. It could be that so many passengers are taking advantage of the deal and it is cutting into their tips. This is not meant as an excuse, but a reason.

Thank you for the wonderful review and pictures. I am starting to plan my vacation on the Allure, I am a Freedom Class fan and I am finding this ship a bit overwhelming.

Your pictures are beautiful, what do you use?

Thank you for the wonderful review and pictures, I cannot wait until your next one.

I have also had the waiters in the MDR not understand that I am a solo cruiser by choice. I sometimes cruise alone or with others but when I am alone I avoid the conversations that start out "What do you want to do, I don't care, what do you want to do." You wind up compromising and doing something no one really wanted to do. As solo cruisers we are able to do what we want, when we want. I have met some of the nicest people on ships, even if some cannot understand why I would ever want to vacation alone. Baby steps, first double points, next let's tackle that single supplement.

Loving your review. I am booking a solo on the Allure for next October and I cannot wait. I wish you had gone bobsledding, I really want to know what that was like. Did they have a kitchen tour or pasta demonstration? I enjoyed them on the Freedom and wouldn't mind seeing both again. Keep up the great naked men, er.. I mean review, sorry got sidetracked .

Thanks for the information, I am about to book a solo for next October. I will love the double points.

Wonderful review, I am also a solo cruiser at times and I have the best time meeting new people. Cannot wait to read more.

Thank you for the wonderful review. I like reading reviews from solo cruisers since I frequently cruise alone. Your pictures were beautiful. I am looking at the Allure next October, I am a FOS fan and thought this ship might be a bit too big for my tastes, I try to do everything on a vacation and come home exhausted. I think I will give it a try.

I bought the premium package on the Freedom last month and it was well worth the money. They are still working out the kinks and sometimes you had to sign a slip but most of the time all I did was flash my card. As another post said the only issue was on CoCo Cay with the Coco Loco but that was no big deal. I had a drink of the day often and you just had to make sure you asked for one without the souvenir glass. Even the after dinner shooters were included (without the fancy glass). I never found a drink that was not included and many people bought the packages. I will buy it again every cruise.

I have the same question, when are we going on the next cruise?

I love your reviews and your pictures. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

I was on the fence about Bernard's Tour and you convinced me to book.

Thank you for the wonderful review and great pictures.

I am loving this review as much as the last one. We are on the Freedom in Feb. and I am thinking about booking Bernard's tour although I have read some reviews about some passengers indulging in too much rum punch and creating an unpleasant experience for other passengers. I cannot wait to read your thoughts.

I am in the same dilemma debating between these two ships. I am a first time RCL customer and the family board recommended these ships to me because of the swim/play area for non-potty trained kids (in case my 3 yr old is not potty trained by next spring). They also seem to have nice accomodations for him in the kids club (he has autism). That said, there is a big price difference in the two ships. For the same week, Freedom sails to the E Caribbean and a balcony for 4 would be about $5196. A balcony on Indy to the W. Caribbean for 6 nights (one less) for 4 would be about $3336. That is a difference of $1860. Is the Freedom that much better with the new upgrades?

 

My cruising priority in the past has been the following: nice casino, good food, decent kids club (for older son who is now a teen), nice pool area to lay out (I like Princess' MUTS), nice mix of ages onboard. I am not a big partier or drinker. I now am also very concerned about a water/swim/play area for the 3 yr old which has led me to these two ships. Which would you choose? I'm willing to spend the money if it is truly worth it, but I am not made of money as I am a teacher and save up for these precious vacations!! Thoughts??

That is a big price difference for the minor differences between ships. You do get one more day though. How much does your youngest like the Dreamworks characters that are on.the Freedom?

Just started my cruise binder today for our Freedom cruise in Feb., thanks for the tip.

Beautiful pictures, can't wait to see more. What type of camera are you using?

The best picture is always the one when just about to board the ship, such anticipation. You captured it perfectly.

Thank you for taking the time to post the pictures, they were beautiful.

Me too, as much as I am enjoying this review I cannot wait for the Freedom review. I am booked for Feb. and eagerly await your thoughts.

Enjoy your time off. I have heard wonderful reviews about you and am looking forward to experiencing you in person in Feb. If you shorten your contracts to four months, will you still be on the Feb 10th sailing?

Thanks for your review. We are thinking of going to Coral World and Coki Beach also. Would you do these again? I like the idea of swimming with sea lions and turtles.

Welcome back. Please forgive my selfish thoughts of wanting your vacation to pass quickly so you would be back writing your review. Your pictures are wonderful.

Thank you for the wonderful review and pictures, you have a beautiful family. I am on the FOS in Feb. and cannot wait.

This is the best review, you really should write a book. I cannot wait for the continuation of this one and one on the Freedom.

Thank you for the fantastic review.

I love your review. I was on the Monarch in May and I miss it. The pictures are wonderful.