waterbugohio

CF is is only available in cans at the bars, and cans are not included in any package.

Really?? I have asked this question on these boards many times and on the Royal FB page. Have been assured that it is in the machines also. Was leary to trust it.

Glad I am going to wait and check it out first hand before buying package.

OK, we don't have these machines in anywhere I go. So a couple questions

If I drink only caffeine free past noon, will I be safe knowing for sure that I am getting caffeine free in the machine?? Or am I just being a trusting fool (like I have done in restaurants and found out later that it was not CF)

And also, can I get CF at the bars?? What about cans of CF, is that included in the drink package??

This will be the first time sailing with a machine and want to make sure before I get onboard without my own (like I normally do)

Thanks for all the great input and suggestions. I checked out valuetrips.com and it shows a value rate at the Hyatt for $219.00/night for our time frame but it says "Reservations are temporarily unavailable, but will return as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience." so I can't check our exact dates right now but will keep trying and will definitely book if we can get that rate! If not I will contine looking at some of the other areas suggested. :D

We have stayed at the Hyatt a couple of times. (been a couple years ago) The valuetrips rate is a great deal. However, you have to be patient. Once the reservations are open, you do it by email, and sometimes it can take up to two weeks to get a response. So you have to play the wait and see game.

Do a search on valuetrips and read the many threads explaining the whole process. While it can be very unnerving to do. It is sometimes well worth the wait.

Another thing you may want to check it Hotwire "hotdeals" I have gotten to the point where I would rather take a chance on what hotel I get, as long as its within my star level. With a little research on areas and star ratings around FLL, you can normally narrow down the hotdeal to 2-3 hotels. If you are find with all of them, go for it and you can end up with a great deal.

We are sailing in November. Found a hotdeal back in April for $128 for a 4 star in the Port Everglades area. I watched the deal a couple days and double checked it with the other couples we are traveling with. Then I get a email from hotwire for $20 off any booking. So with all the taxes and extra charges I am still only paying $136 total for the Renaissance Hotel. I think I got a great hotel in a great area. Within walking distance of the water taxi and some hotels. May have to uber to get our wine, but even then, at $6-10, we still come out way ahead on other hotels at $200+ per night.

I did a little checking for you time frame, I did see a 4* for $261 a night. Might be worth checking into. I have also used priceline and bid. Just need to do some research and know what area and what hotels you can end up with. To me, its become a game. Love trying for a really great hotel and getting it at a really low price!!! Only once was I disappointed and it was not the hotel, but the location. A little further out than I wanted, but I knew that was a chance, and we had a rental car so it wasn't a big deal.

The deals are out there. Just need to work more to find them!!!

Waterbugohio, if you are still following along here, I can confirm that the Freestyle machine has Caffeine Free Diet Coke. It is my go to drink, and I was extremely glad to be on a ship where it was available. I slept better than ever on Freedom!

thanks so much. In the past I would carry caffeine free on board, but so like the idea of not having to do this. I know I will consume for than I need, as i don't try to drink much at home. But at least it will be caffeine free, and like you I hope to sleep great.

They will still honor the terms of the Select package you purchased.

Any idea what they mean by "until it's depleted" Assume that means they will honor until all that purchased have sailed???

I am also seeing the 30% internet sale. $9.09 per day.

Can someone tell me what the actual onboard pricing is for 1 device, surf only??

And what about any specials they run all week?? Anyone have those deals??

WE are doing the Freedoms first 8 day sailing.

Sea day and then a Labadee, so no service there. May try to muddle thru those first two days without wifi.

Then we do San Juan (free calls home) and then St Maarten and St. Kitts where we will probably find a bar/restaurant to check in at home.

Then the last two sea days. May just decide to buy internet for those two days.

I think when we sailed the navigator in April, there was a special for last couple days for an internet package. Just curious. Does anyone know those prices???

Thanks for the info

Awesome review. Thanks so much for taking the time to do it. We sail the first 8 night the Freedom does in November.

Have to agree with everyone else that the BW photos are incredible. They must have some more "professional" photographers onboard, as we have encountered some lately that just snap and go!! I can see why they were hard to pass up buying.

Have a few questions.

Did either of you buy the soda package?? We normally do not buy any drink packages. I can't drink caffeine, so in the past we carried on some caffeine free diet coke. But the freedom cruise will be our first time with the coke machines. Do you know if the machines have CF Diet coke??

Also a question on the drink card?? Do you have any idea if this card can be used for frozen drinks?, ie, pina colada??

And what about your bed?? We have requested a mattress topper on our bed after reading some reviews about beds on the Freedom being as hard as a rock. I know this is a preference, and a firm mattress doesn't bother me. However, I really don't want to feel like I'm sleeping on the floor!!

Again, great review and great pictures.

Any idea when they will start?

Price?

Website?

It works fine for everything but streaming or creating video's. I will be on this pkg for rest of week. End of the day all my internet time only cost $8.

 

That was with the D+ coupons

 

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Are there internet coupons for Emerald??

Debating if I should book it ahead. We are on the first 8 day sailing.

At Sea, then Labadee. So first two days no contact. (or maybe a minutes package)

Then San Juan (free)

St. Maarten then St.Kitts. Hopefully can find wifi on the islands

Then two more sea days. Maybe I will just buy it the last couple days. If I remember right from the Navigator this spring, they ran different kinds of packages for a couple days during the cruise. Can you keep those offers and share them when you post the compass??

No more periscopes, not enough speed with the Surf pkg. Sorry, it was fun for a while

So assume you will be using the surf package the rest of the week? Will be interested in what all you can do. I think that is what I will buy in November.

Just need to use internet to get imessages to keep in contact at home. And maybe check in with cruise critic and FB a time or two.

Can you tell me what all you are using it for?? Any problems??

What about trying several online travel sites?? Might help with some insight.

Maybe you are missing something in the site you are using.

I would also suggest a trusted travel agent. Tell her what you are finding on the online travel site. Sometimes they can't beat the price, but you have to decide if you are comfortable being completely on your own when traveling, or if you would like someone to call if you need help.

A TA might be able to tell you the difference in the two prices.

Just a thought

You might actually want to consider Majesty now that she has the kiddie pool area.

Will have to check that out.

Double occupancy means the OBC is split between two guests in the stateroom. Single occupancy means all the OBC goes to one person.

 

If both guests in the stateroom are charging to the same folio, then it makes no difference.

 

Also, sometimes they get this wrong, so just to go Guest Services if this is the case and they can re-allocate the OBC any way you want.

Bob, This is what I assumed, but just wanted to double check. I knew you would help me out.

We will both have the same card on file, so it won't matter.

THANKS

So can someone explain the difference is doing OBC as a single occupancy or a double occupancy??

I have enough points for $300 OBC.

Is it going to matter if things are changed to my card or my husbands?

thanks in advance.

PS. I think I have mentioned in this thread numerous times, I will be so glad to be done with this card!!!!

Looking at taking the whole family in a cruise next June. Pricing out June (which we've never done). And the prices are crazy. Especially when paying for five cabins!!

Can't do another time because of college kids and one daughter is a teacher

So if we can't afford one of the 7 day cruises. So now I am looking at the 4 day on the enchantment.

Will there be enough to keep a 4&6 year old busy on the enchantment???

Child care and babysitting for a one year old??

Enough to do for 18-26 yr olds???

Thanks for the replies.

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Awesome.

Can't wait to follow along all week. We sail on the Freedom when she comes to Port Everglades in November

How far from port is paradise beach?

 

 

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I am not exact as I tend to get my ports mixed up. But I know it was just a short taxi ride. The one year my hubby and I rented a scooter. Took off about 9AM, went to Paradise for the first 3-4 hours of the day. And then took the scooter the rest the way around the island.

We have done Paradise Beach several times.

Depends if you want all inclusive (if you get your moneys worth drinking) Or want to pay as you go.

Paradise beach has a gorgeous pool and great beach. But it is just a couple bucks to get in. No reservations needed. And then you pay as you go for drinks or food. We usually get one or two drinks and maybe an appetizer to share. Maybe spend $30 total. But we aren't big drinkers.

NOt sure what you like to do. But if you are able look into the segway tours in San Juan.

We did it post cruise several years back. They kept our luggage in their locked office and off on the tour we went. It was awesome.

We are doing a port stop in San Juan in NOvember and wanted to do it again. Unfortunately the segway company now has a contract with Royal. What would cost you $94 pre or post cruise. You must book thru royal while on a port stop. And the cost jumps to $139!! Thats a pretty hefty kick back for Royal.

Since we have already done it, we decided against for the extra price. But if i was still 94 we would probably do again.

Just an option.

Totally depends on port personnel. If not, then stay with the others, the difference is minimal.

Thanks, will do. The couple that sailed before was with a large group and just "followed the leader" The other couple has hardly traveled at all and would be unsure what to do.

We will definitely stay together.

Thanks

So I am Emerald.

Can I take the two other couples traveling with us (one couple first cruise, other couple second time) with me in the line for Emerald???

OK, I stand corrected. Starting to see just a few people walking around.

Doesn't look like crew, so hopefully that means they are starting to board

webcam still looks like no activity onboard.

wow I would be disappointed

Thanks all for your recommendations. I will call on Monday because I am kind of worry about this

 

 

PR, just keep calling. It took me about 3-4 weeks till I got my credit. My final payment is due next week. Finally it shows no balance.

 

check out this thread for more details of peoples recent troubles. Can't wiat to be done with this card.

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2335436