Lupush

The cruise I was on last week was mediocre at best. Food awful. RCCL was definitely better the last time I was on prior to the pandemic.

I was on the first RCCL sailing on 8/8 which pre-cruise testing was not required. We had no issues getting off in the Bahamas. You will not need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, only your vaccination card.

Just returned from a 4 night cruise on Freedom of the Seas on Friday and wanted to share some highlights (and lowlights). The Good Check-In - Parked my car and was onboard the ship in 20 minutes. Probably the fastest and easiest check-in of any cruise I've been on. Coco Cay - I was blown away by Coco Cay, RCCL absolutely nailed it with their private island. My son and I did the Thrill Waterpark and it did not disappoint, worth every penny. Johnny Rockets - I never have Johnny Rockets on land, and forgot how good it was. Service and food were great. Bingo - Bingo host George was great and made it fun for all ages. My 9 year old had a great time and looked forward to Bingo everyday. Giovannis Table - I was impressed with how good Giovanni's was. It was easily the best Italian I've had at sea. No COVID Testing - This was the first cruise that RCCL did where COVID testing was not required for vaccinated guests. Was a JOY not having to go through that hassle. The Bad Food - Even with the Dining Package the food was pretty bad overall. Giovanni's was decent, and the food in Playmakers was good despite absolutely awful service. Did the buffet for Breakfast one morning and it was absolutely inedible, avoided it the rest of the trip. Compared to NCL, RCCL's food can't compare. Cabin - We were in a balcony cabin and the condition was pretty worn overall. Broken drawers and shelving, loose fixtures, and just a pretty drab feel overall. I know this is an older ship, but I was surprised at how bad the cabin was considering it was refurbished not too long ago. Internet - I don't know what Royal is talking about with the "fastest internet at sea". I got the Key with the surf and stream internet and when it worked it was extremely slow and streaming was impossible. The Key - The Key is a total money grab and not worth it at all. The only reason I did it was for the Internet Access which was terrible. The welcome lunch was not good, and there were no benefits as a Key guest during check in that I would not have received otherwise. Service at Playmakers - The service at Playmakers was the absolute worst I've ever experienced on a cruise ship. Disorganized and salty wait staff, and a complete free for all with seating. The food was good once it came, but the wait to get served was atrocious. My son and I were sitting for almost 30 minutes before anyone even acknowledged our presence. What could have been a highlight for us turned into a lowlight due to the poor service and attitude of staff. The Ugly Service - Overall the service on the ship was a mixed bag. Some employees were always smiling and ready to help, while others looked absolutely miserable. Flowrider Wait Times - I get that this is a popular attraction, but they have to extend hours to make this more accessible. On a port day, when the ship was empty it was still a 45 minute wait to ride the Flowrider. In the middle of August, waiting on a deck with no shade was not pleasant at all. Nassau - I understand why all ships stop there, but for me Nassau is a really crappy destination. I really wish more lines would consider Bimini for their short itineraries. Final Thoughts For a short cruise, Freedom of the Seas was fine as long as you know what to expect. Do not expect the same kind of attention to detail and quality that you would find on the newer ships. Overall I'd give it a 6.5/10. I'd do another sailing as long as it was for 4 nights or less.

That's a really crappy policy.

Everything ended up working out pretty well so far. Got a spacious balcony on Deck 8. Hopefully it will be a good cruise.

I booked the unlimited dining package for my 4 night run on Freedom of the Seas next week. It says a complimentary reservation is made for night 1 and 2, but no others? Is it not possible to book all times in advance?

I think I'm going to bite for my upcoming voyage. My reason for booking RCCL was for the Flowrider which my Son can't get enough of (went on it 30 times in one day at Turnberry a few weeks ago). Flowrider reserved hours and the internet makes it worth it to me at 22.99/day.

Thanks!

Do you have the URL by any chance?

So just to be clear, The Key includes internet for each guest and not one device per cabin? I was just on the line with RCCL and they said that the key is one device per cabin.

I too will be visiting CocoCay for the first time. I will be with my 9 year old son, is the water park a must? He likes water slides, but not really intense and scary ones.

Booked last night, haven't gotten a cabin assigned yet. I also haven't received any Royal Up offer emails. I wonder if I missed the upgrade opportunities as my sailing is inside of 30 days.

Thanks for the info. What were your upgrades and what did you bid?

Thanks! I'm inside of 30 days so hoping I'd get assigned immediately.

How far in advance of the sailing do cabins get assigned?

I was in a cabin years ago on NCL Getaway that was just below the nightclub. Definitely ruined that experience for me. Didn't sleep for a week.

Have you had to pay for the upgrades or have they been complimentary?

Howdy All, I primarily cruise NCL and book my plans well in advance. I am looking at a last minute cruise with my Son on Freedom of the Seas on 8/8, and am about to pull the trigger on a Balcony Guarantee Stateroom. This would be the first time I've ever booked a cabin without knowing the location in advance, and was hoping to hear if anyone has any horror stories (or positive experiences) to share. Thank You in advance for your help!

Kim! Are you not cruising anymore? I'm dying for a Mistugirly review!

We were on the Sky a few months ago in that same cabin, I believe! Enjoy your stay in Florida and have a great cruise(s). I'll be following along.

I was on Sky this past March with stops in Key West and Nassau. There was a "history of rock" show on the third night, which was decent. We went to karaoke the 1st and 2nd nights, but I believe there was a "The Voice" type singing show one night, and a magician on the other. Shows were at either 8 or 9pm.

Unfortunate to hear, but looks like this is going to be the world we live in moving forward. Covid isn't going anywhere.