luv2zdworld

May 22, 2018

If the FCC is issued to compensate for a problem with your cruise it should not expire. That is good customer service. You were out of the cabin you paid for 3 days, they offered compensation for affecting your vacation. That kind of FCC should not expire.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

May 22, 2018

My wife and I just returned from our cruise aboard Freedom,May 12-19th. I thought I would share a few random thoughts and observations. We are experienced cruisers,(diamond, if anyone cares) and have seen the changes though the years. Usually we cruise just the two of us, but this trip we brought our two granddaughters,ages 13 and 14. Anyway, here goes…

This was out first time on the Freedom. We have cruised once on Indy, and many times on Adventure, so the layout was very familiar. The ship is in decent shape, with a little wear and tear if you looked for it. Nothing really worth noting. For those who may have seen the recent thread, our stateroom air filter was clean. Our stateroom attendant did her job, cabin was clean, towel animals a couple nights, but nothing exceptional. We were in a D1 on deck 9, the girls slept on the pull out couch, which was perfectly fine. We didn’t spend much time in the cabin.

Since we had the girls, we didn’t spend time in the casino,but we did walk through a couple times. Yeah, it was smoky. The smoke smell also drifted out into the photo area, and was in the Schooner Bar as well.

We purchased soda packages for the four of us. We were able to use our Diamond drink vouchers in the dining room. We debated getting the drink package for my wife and I but in hindsight, it would not have been worth it. Given the port-intensive itinerary, and the fact that we had the vouchers, we just didn’t consume all that much alcohol.

We had early seating in the main dining room, and ate there every evening. The girls really enjoyed the “fanciness” of it. Our waiter and assistant waiter were fantastic. Definitely among the best we have experienced. We were at a table for eight, and with the exception of one evening, it was just the four of us. Looking around at the other tables, I saw very few full ones. I think our waiters may have had a total of maybe 12-14 diners combined for all of their tables on any given night. I think this may have been why they were able to provide such good service. Drink orders were taken by the assistant waiter, and delivered by a bar waiter. Speedy service, and as mentioned before, the diamond vouchers were accepted. The food was tasty, and well prepared. One of the girls is a pretty picky eater, and she always found something to her liking. “Savory Bites” are alive and well!Once the assistant waiter found out that they are my favorite, there was always an additional plate of them on the table. If I had to list a negative, it would be that there was nothing new and exciting on the menu. We have been on enough cruises that everything was familiar. First world problem, I guess. Based on a suggestion from Cruise Critic, a couple of nights we asked for the brownie sundae from the kid’s menu. Most excellent, and I think it should be on the regular dessert menu. Other than on the last night, there was no mention whatsoever of the survey. Our waiter told us about it, said it was important to respond to it, but no pressure for any particular rating.

We ate at the Windjammer for lunch a few days. Nothing the ordinary to report, food was as expected. Even during the busier periods, we never had an issue finding a table for four.

There was no shortage of bar service on the pool deck, and the ice cream machine always seemed to be operating. The girls ate more than their share!

All in all, a great cruise. While some may complain, I think Royal continues to deliver a solid product at a reasonable price point.

Thanks for the report.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

May 20, 2018

Made our first mistake today.... After having a morning coffee and bagel, decided to do full blown breakfast in the Windjammer at 9:00 am before disembarking the ship. BAD IDEA. I have never seen anything like it. Imagine Disneyland on on a holiday with Elsa herself serving waffles. We will be eating breakfast in the MDR from now on, or at 8 am, but I digress...

St. Thomas - windy but beautiful. They have a sign as you leave port for taxi prices, and someone to place you in taxis. Run, don't walk, run to Sapphire beach. It was hard hit during the hurricane, but the beach rental shop is up, great beach bar with fresh food (best.snapper.sandwich.ever.), and rest rooms. We were the only crusies there until 1:30 pm, when it got windy. The rest of the patrons were locals or those staying on the island. Taxi stand right there to bring you back. Couldn't recommend it more. Cheers.

Sent from my 2PS64 using Forums mobile app

Following your review! I have been there before but never visited the beaches. Did you take a taxi to Sapphire beach? If so, how much was it? Do you have any pictures?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

December 29, 2015

It is available on the cruise planner. We are doing the January 2, 2016 cruise.

December 28, 2015

Really enjoying your review. We are leaving this Saturday, same itinerary.

December 17, 2015

Thank you all for your response. I forgot it was nonrefundable.

December 16, 2015

I have a reservation for a cruise on Anthem in the fall, made using an old next cruise certificate. I already know I will not be able to go. I have a cruise on Adventure in two weeks, all paid for. I was wondering if I would be able to cancel the Anthem cruise while on board Adventure and have the deposit placed for Anthem applied to my current cruise as on board credit. Has anyone done this and been successful?

December 12, 2015

We are booked for the Jan 2, 2016 cruise. Who was the Cruise Director? How was the enterntainment?

December 2, 2015

WIFI was very slow..couldn't even print my boarding pass...RCI says it will get the new fast WIFI that the Quantum ships have now...don't think there are any other packages on the ship other than RCI's...

Thanks for the quick response. I think I'll wait to be on board to decide about the internet package.

December 2, 2015

Thanks for the concise review. You mentioned briefly WIFI. How was it? We will be cruising Adventure in a month, and I have been considering doing the $20 per day unlimited internet, as I thought Adventure had the enhanced internet WIFI already. Also, are there other internet packages available?

November 18, 2015

Were the tours thru the cruise planner very crowded?

November 11, 2015

How was the entertainment at night? Was there a good piano player in the Schooner bar?

April 21, 2015

Another yes!

April 18, 2015

I have cabin views of 6160 if anyone wants to post them for me. I can email/send them text message. I'm on the sailing currently as well :D

I would like to see them rosa.diazrm@gmail.com

April 15, 2015

Bugsy4271:

Wonderful review and pictures. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Say hello to Annefran and have a wonderful cruise.

Rosa

November 28, 2014

How is RCI handling changes to reservations made on board? For example, if I book on board selecting a specific cruise and date and later on decide to change to a different sailing, are the treating that as an NCC and reducing the OBC to the lower rates?