Cavy92

Coming off now. From what I can remember:

antman vs wasp

mission impossible

mama Mia - here we go again

- basically all first run items that just came out on DVD/digital. Extremely overpriced - $12. They showed a few at the aqua-theater through out the week. Honestly, so much to do on the ship we weren’t in our room long enough to watch a movie. Enjoy your cruise! We booked another while onboard.

Boarding Oasis of the Seas right now, and this is what they are handing out at check-in. Hope this helps.

Hey crew...just got off today and will give a couple quick answers.

1. Grand Cayman was a no-go as they port authority shut the port down. 12-16' swells. Lots of sick people on board. Rockin' really started about 4am, but people received notifications of excursion cancellation on their doors before 7pm the night of Falmouth. On the "sea day," waves were crashing along the side of the ship and going over the 4th floor promenade walk around area. There were some serious thuds and shutters from the show lounge, Studio B and Star Lounge. Again, lots of sick passengers.

2. No problems with speed. Watched the navigation screen on channel 16 a lot and she was doing 19.2-19.7 all the way....except when she cozied up alongside Navigator when both sailed away from Falmouth. It was pretty cool to see them by outside for most of the night.

3. Cruise to Cozumel had a head start so doesn't count. However, from Cozumel to PC, she was doing 19.7+\- until she hit the full Gulf Stream and was around 21.7-21.9 knots. That speed of 19.7 was with a 54-59mph relative wind off the bow. I was impressed. Waves were awesome!

Nothing said to me, refurbished, other than all things others have said. Deck above new staterooms is amazing! Large, high wind-shield/glass walls. Don't have enough chairs up there to fill the deck. Snuck a peek into hallway for rooms and carpeting is in, appears some crew are "testing" rooms.

All those waiting to go, relax and start packing. My family and I got off with smiles on our faces, but tears in our eyes.

It won't let me edit:

I wouldn't go based on recent reviews.

I was trying to research a little last night. I'm choosing between two cruises, Freedom of the Seas and NCL Getaway. The itineraries are almost the same. It's for me and my 9 year old son.

 

 

 

I noticed that the Freedom has so many negative reviews lately. But then also saw it's in drydock and I'm looking at April. A lot of complaints were on service though. Getaways were mostly positive.

 

 

 

I would lean towards Getaway being newer but I did pay the open $100 deposit when I went on RCCL in 2013. Plus it's out of PC and I live in Orlando. But driving to Miami for the Getaway is not that big of a deal.

 

 

 

The only RCL I've done was Enchantment and it was nice. Everything else has been Disney but I'm just priced out of them now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Should I be concerned if I chose Freedom or go with the newer Getaway?

I will say this... There is a reason why Freedom of the Seas consistently ranks in the top 10 on cruise critics best ships list. My parents have been on 20 cruises on all lines, and FoS was their favorite until we all did Disney Fantasy last summer. We are heading out on FoS Sunday. I would go based on recent reviews. She just came out of drydock a week and a half ago.

Just my $0.02.

Just like you, I understand nothing about the technology of how these ships float and function, nor do I want to. I do want to know about safety onboard, so I pay attention during the Muster Drill (even though I have cruised plenty). I don't get consumed by things that I can't control, I do however enjoy everything I can and take whatever else happens with a big grain of salt.

 

 

 

The cruise line keeps maintaining what I can see, and I fully expect they maintain what I can't see and do (just as you do in your home) the upgrades necessary and repairs as well. I always look forward to what is new on a ship (if I have gone on it in the past) and enjoy whatever is available. I don't sweat the rest.

Absolutely! Agree 100%

I hope this picture will put a smile on everyone's face. FOS on webcam in Cozumel.

http://www.***********/cruise-port-webcams/caribbean/cozumel-mexico.php

Hello! My name is Kevin.

Ditto. Very well said.

 

I can feel the breeze and smell the salt air. I see the waves and the crystal clear blue water. I am there. Now will someone please get me a margarita...on the rocks no salt.

I would like a Mango one please...I'll buy.

Hello! My name is Kevin.

Maybe I'm argumentative, but I'm still not buying the izumi example. I just blame your issue on a crappy web site. I'm also not sure about the upgrades to cabins, some were upgraded. I blame poor communication from Royal and assumptions by the public.

Welcome to the fray

Don't buy it or not, but Izumi was an option for me. Sabor was, but it wouldn't allow you to book and said it was free.

RCCL is making so much money they still have two more Oasis class ships coming, and no signs of selling off the fleet. They aren't the cheapest, but have found the secret formula. Unfortunately, this one ship won't effect them the way "we would hope" to make them address and respond to the issues. It's just one ship in a mighty fleet. Sadly they are ignoring a ship that has been consistently ranked in the top ten by Cruise Critic with scores just behind Oasis and Allure.

There is a reason why Disney gets high marks across the board, AND can get away with their high prices.

We are just the wake left behind every cruise.

Hello! My name is Kevin.

I appreciate all that you have to say, but I do question the comment "supposed to be done".

Very few updates were officially mentioned. Just because something happened on another ship does not mean it was supposed to happen on Freedom.

Izumi is a perfect example. Not because of hear-say, but because people, such as myself, had and did make reservations for that restaurant prior to drydock. Aftrr she came out a week ago the restaurant and reservations were gone. That is one example. Another is that RCCL listed in their press release prior to drydock that the rooms were going to be updated, and after drydock it was discovered that the suites were updated. A lot of the "changes" we're speculation, but when press releases and documentation on my personal reservation show something as available and then they are not, those are "supposed to be done." There are posts within this thread that show someone booked Izumi at the end of March and the reservation was still showing on their cruise planner.

Hello! My name is Kevin.

Very well said :) I agree with you (what's coming next is not meant for you!)......but by the same token, we have folks on this thread who deal with crisis (or perceived crisis) very differently. I'll admit that when it was first reported that Freedom may have propulsion problems again, I had a pang of fear :eek: For me, it was just a pang - for others, it is much more. I have resolved the possibilities in my head, and that is where my "go with the flow" attitude comes from. Not everyone is capable of that. What would make these boards really great, is if we all showed some patience and understanding and remembered why they were set up in the first place - to share information, not make people feel bad they even asked the question....

CKRobyn, isn't to you, but I hope better explaining my place.

I wasn't tired of people asking questions, I was tired of rude remarks when questions are asked of someone who does know. Go back on this thread and look at where Barklee gave the info about the propulsion system. He was given a bunch of derogatory remarks and speculation on if his comment was factual when he said there was an issue and the Chief Engineer spoke to him directly. Then when Cheng gave his Maritime input, as he does this for a living, he was replied multiple times negatively, and with that response about the Gulf Stream info made me say enough.

I am with you that this board is a wealth of information, and we would all like a head's up as to the propulsion issue. It appears that multiple things have happened from last fall until now regarding the FOS. Work to be done appears not to have been done. Restaurants that were supposed to be added weren't added. Items that were supposed to be resolved weren't resolved. It's disappointing because I was looking forward to going on a "minty fresh' FOS.

I love these boards. That's why I have been here since 2000. I just don't like when people disrespect an answer given from someone who really a knows the answer and not someone "who heard."

Ask questions and receive answers. It's a learning place and a place to share insight. When I first saw this website I loved it. I have watched it change and morph. I completely understand that with 2-6k people on a ship, someone is bound to have a bad experience. It's the law of averages. I want to here those stories. Negative feedback is extremely valuable. You can't fix a problem if you don't know there is one. We all need to share. I was hoping to see a little more respect to one another than I have in the last week.

I know this won't get "liked x1000" but there are people on this board that agree with statement above.

Hello! My name is Kevin.

Who cares how the ship reaches whatever speed it needs to reach. They can mount sails on the ship for all I care. Just as long as it reaches whatever speed it needs to reach.

Someone needs a Xanax. I value hearing his insight. Notice I said insight, and not opinion. HE is the ONLY one on this thread, last time I checked, that does this for a living.

We, the people on this thread, need to remember we are talking about a vacation.

Vacation - noun -

a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday:

"Schoolchildren are on vacation now."

Let's try to remember this is time we are all so looking forward to, plan and spend hard-earned money on. Please show respect to others here. Just because some are wound up tighter than a tick, doesn't mean you need to be a catalyst for panic on this thread; or board. Keep it to yourself.

Any comments that someone wants to make about my lack of posts should look at how long I have been on this site. I am just saddened by watching this thread go from excitement to absolute distress, dismay, and utter panic. Let's go back to being excited about our upcoming vacations, and start listening to those who know the difference between a bow-thruster and an azipod.

Hello! My name is Kevin.

So thus far the port times have only been shortened by about an hour... Great to hear. We would actually be happy if Royal decided to send Freedom to Cococay instead of Labadee for the rest of the Western Caribbean itineraries, provided the fixipod isn't fixed by then. Thanks for the info Barklee! Keep updating us if you can!

Where is it showing that the ports are being cut short by and hour? Grated this is with Labadee, but this is our itinerary in 2 weeks.

Port Canaveral, Florida 4:30 PM

16-FebCruising Cruising

17-FebLabadee, Haiti 8:00 AM 4:00 PMDocked

18-FebFalmouth, Jamaica 10:00 AM 7:00 PMDocked

19-FebGeorge Town, Grand Cayman 8:00 AM 4:00 PMTendered

20-FebCozumel, Mexico 10:00 AM 7:00 PMDocked

21-FebCruising Cruising

22-FebPort Canaveral, Florida

Hello! My name is Kevin.

When you live a few hundred feet from the ocean you do plenty to get ready for one of those visitors.

Well, yes, I would too.

Hello! My name is Kevin.

According to Marine Traffic, she averaged 18 knots all night long, and she only needs to do about that again tonight. This question won't get answered until Friday night/Saturday when we see what speed she can make coming back from Cozumel.

Yep!

Hello! My name is Kevin.

I am booked on the 2/8/2016 cruise. My husband and I both got a phone call today and this email. Looks like it's the new terminal for FOS. Hello, this is Royal Caribbean International. We would like to provide you with some important information regarding your sailing onboard Freedom of the Seas out of Port Canaveral. Please note that check in for your cruise will take place at 9050 Discovery Road Terminal 1, Port Canaveral Florida. This is a new terminal and cannot be located on a GPS or maps program at this time. However, there are signs at the pier will guide you to the correct location, terminal 1. Please note that this address and terminal differs from the address on your Set Sail Pass, which contains incorrect information. The correct address above can also be found in your guest ticket booklet. We look forward to welcoming you onboard.

Looking forward to hearing how it goes! Enjoy your cruise. We can high five as you come off and we go on.

Hello! My name is Kevin.

Thanks for the explanation, Kevin.

 

I'm not worried about whether the ship is slow for my cruise or we miss ports -- I'm just worried about it coming into Port C very late and having another nightmare embarkation like the folks had on the last 2 day cruise before Drydock for my cruise.

I think a lot of delay issues will be resolved too with the new terminal. We shall see, as I wonder if Sunday's crew will embark at the new terminal. I know it has our 2/15/15 cruise going out of there.

Hello! My name is Kevin.

Destination FALMOUTH [JM] 

 

ETA 2015-02-04 14:45 UTC

 

Last Known Port CAPE CANAVERAL [uS] (2015-02-01 22:04:00)

 

Previous Port NASSAU [bS] (2015-01-31 19:24:00)

 

Draught 8.7m

 

Speed recorded (Max / Average) 18.1 / 18.1 knots

 

Info Received 2015-02-04 11:50 (15 h, 59 min ago)

That's what the picture was. Thanks for posting it this way.

Hello! My name is Kevin.

I think 18.1 is the current speed

18.1 was its average reported speed from Coco Cay to Jamaica.

Look at the pics I posted of the screen shot.

Hello! My name is Kevin.

Are they doing 18.1 knots or 13.4 knots on the way to Grand Cayman?

Look at the pictures. The average speed was 18 knots. They slowed down to 13 knots prior to coming into Jamaica. Marine traffic showed same info as found earlier this morning. There is no reason to speculate until Saturday evening/Sunday morning. If she doesn't make it back on time, or cuts Cozumel short and makes it back in time, then you know your answer.

I am confident that RCCL will handle the engine issue better than thy did the last 3 months prior to dry dock as they knew the problem was going to be addressed. Now they will need to address it or loose out on revenue and additional bad press. Either way, if it's slow it doesn't bother me. I have always picked my cruise primarily due to the ship and then select dates, if avail, based on itinerary.

There is no reason to be concerned. It's like being worried about a hurricane coming. You can't do anything about it, and worrying does nothing but expend energy on something you can't change.

Hello! My name is Kevin.

Marine traffic info on FOS:

18.1 knots

Last recorded speed 13.4

Hello! My name is Kevin.

What's to worry about? Barring a catastrophic failure that requires immediate drydock (highly unlikely), you will still go get onboard and go somewhere warm and tropical. My #1 rule for happy cruising (and I know it's been said around here before) is to choose the ship as the destination and don't worry about the scheduled ports of call. This is your honeymoon cruise. Choose to be happy and have fun on it right now.

 

Don't sweat the small stuff. Fixipod issues qualify as small stuff in my book.

I completely agree. By the way, what do you need to get off the ship for when it's your honeymoon…

Hello! My name is Kevin.

I don't know why some forum members think I'm making this up. Check out my posting history; I'm a long time lurker but minimal poster. The posted Twitter/Instagram photo shows the wake 1/4 mile behind thew ship where the prop wash has merged. I just took a photo this morning that shows 2 distinct prop wash trails. Due to some of the nuts on this forum, I will not post my Twitter account. Is there an easy way to post a photo without setting up an online photo sharing account?

I don't think you're nuts. I completely agree. Some people just don't want to face the fact that something like this could happen. Accidents do happen. Regardless of timing… It could be Murphy's Law.

All I did was find that one picture, and posted to ask for the one guy who is an engineer's opinion.

Hello! My name is Kevin.

Freedom isn't due into Falmouth until 10:00AM - so she is on time.....

And she left Coco Cay on time at 5. I think the telling sail will be between Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Hello! My name is Kevin.

OK, so I searched for GPS location and found her still 2hrs and 15 mind from Falmouth. Doing my math, she has averaged 18knots from Coco can to Falmouth. She is 2 hrs an 15 mins from Port (31 nm), and based on those numbers, she will be averaging around 14 knots.

Here is a screen shot of the info. Someone tell me if my math is wrong.

Hello! My name is Kevin.