Freedom B2B Trip Review 4/28/13 - 5/12/13 (picture heavy)!!!

Introduction

Hello everyone. I'm new to these boards and new to writing cruise/trip reviews, but I figured I'd give it a shot and start off huge with a trip review of my back-to-back on the Freedom of the Seas! Yea, you heard me: Two cruises, one cabin, no packing or unpacking.

Basically:

All while on:

My wife reads these boards regularly and directed me to some of the "better" trip reviews which I used as a guide. Hopefully, my contribution will be a success and entertaining to read. Enjoy!

About Me

I'm a male, 45 year-old, retired Software Engineer whose been married for 23 years with no kids. I'm a food and wine guy who also enjoys cigars and having a good time. I've been on 10 cruises since 1993, all with RCCL, ranging in length from 7 to 11 days. My idea of a vacation hotspot includes lots of sun, sandy beaches and drinks with umbrellas in them (lots of rum works too). All my itineraries have been either Mexico or the Caribbean (sorry Alaska). I also like to blaze my own path and do my own thing on shore. Except for my first cruise and a few exceptions, I don't generally use the ship's shore excursions. I'm not a photographer or an aspiring photographer. I'm a guy on vacation whose smart phone happens to have a camera. So, if some of my photos suck, that'd be why.

Overview

I'm going to divide this review into two parts: Part 1 will be all about the Freedom of the Seas itself. I'm hoping this will be a good resource for newbie cruisers and those who haven't been on the Freedom before. Part II will be a day-by-day account of the cruise(s). If you've ever wondered if you can have a great vacation in the Caribbean without taking a shore excursion, this part is for you! Of course on Day 8 (or Day 1 part deux), I will reveal all the mysteries and secrets of a back-to-back cruise! RCCL agents didn't storm in and apprehend me for typing that, so I guess it is Ok.

Naturally, I've taken plenty of pictures (sorry, no movies), including just about everything I ate or drank. I'll do my absolute best to answer any questions. Please feel free to ask, comment, critique or whatever.

Booking

Alright, it's time to pull back the curtain a little and talk about how I got a back-to-back. There are a couple of ways to do it. I used the patented "24 hour hold" method where I found the same cabin on two consecutive cruises and put a 24 hour hold on both. Then I called RCCL and they "linked" them together. It was very easy to do and the extremely nice person at RCCL was delighted to help, as they always are.

However, it didn't really do that much. I still had two reservations, two sets of online check-ins to complete, two Set Sail passes, etc. As part of the online check-in, I had to select "continuing on cruise" (or something like that) as my post-cruise transportation in the first reservation and something similar as the pre-cruise transportation in the second reservation (duh). Other than that, my "back-to-back" was just two individual cruise reservations. No fanfare or fireworks, sigh.

Cabin Selection

Some people say that cabin location isn't that important. I respectfully disagree. I picked a Junior Suite on the "hump", specifically cabin 9338. As with all real estate, it was all about "location, location, location".

Being close to the aft elevators was key. I wanted to be close to all the places I would be frequenting most: Main Dining Room, Windjammer, specialty restaurants, Champagne Bar, Vintages, Connoisseur Club (Ok, the last one really doesn't work). Trust me, having to walk down a long corridor after a few (too many) drinks, with rough seas and a wife in 5" heels does not make for a fun vacation experience. Been there, done that. Lesson learned.

Another big part of the cabin selection was the balcony. With five Sea Days and the "turnover" day (is that what it's called?), I was planning to spend some quality time on the balcony. Having been in a "hump" cabin before, the balcony view is just a little bit better (maybe just in my head, though).

Port Canaveral

Freedom departs from Port Canaveral, Florida. Not the most convenient location, but not exactly hard to get to either. Unless you live close enough to drive there or fly and cruise in the same day (do-able, but not from the western USA), you're going to have to stay somewhere overnight. Some people pick Cocoa Beach. I decided to stay at the Hyatt Regency in the Orlando Airport.

Ok, that isn't part of the cruise, but I wanted to include that picture. That's enough preamble. Let's get this party started and get on board!

Totally off topic of cruises...

I'm a 37 year old Software Engineer. I want to know how to add the word "retired" to that by 45 :) CONGRATS on that. Looking forward to the rest of your post on this trip.

Judy

Coffee in hand, ready to go!!!!! I love the Freedom.

Thank you in advance,

Michelle

Part 1 - Freedom of the Seas

Terminal

The terminal can get a little crowded. Luckily, Platinum members or above and suite guests can take advantage of Priority Boarding - we got to board as soon as the ship had cleared last week's passengers. If you can't take advantage of Priority Boarding, do not show up early as you will just sit in the terminal until "regular" boarding begins.

A quick trip across the gangway and we're on the ship!

It took about 15 or 20 minutes from when we arrived at Port Canaveral until we were on board. Granted that was as Diamond members with a suite.

Food

There isn't much chance of going hungry on Freedom. Just about any time of the day or night, there is something to eat. Here are the available options:

Main Dining Rooms (Leonardo, Isaac, Galileo)

Three levels of dining room serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at specific times. My Time Dining allows you to choose a different dining time each night for dinner.

Windjammer Cafe

Cafeteria-style dining hall serving a wide variety of food all day long - covering breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a good chance that many (or even most) of your meals will be enjoyed here.

Specialty Dining

These are more like regular restaurants. There is an additional charge.

Johnny Rockets

Classic 50's diner serving burgers, fries, milkshakes, etc.

Yay - yet another Freedom review! I love the Freedom - can't wait to read more and to see pictures! I have never done a B2B, but it's my dream...one of these days....sigh.

Portofino

Fine Italian dining.

Chops Grille

Upscale steakhouse.

Sorrento's

Pizza, sandwiches, salads, desserts. Convenient location and open late. Gets packed when The Crypt finally closes.

Cafe Promenade

Coffee and snacks. Convenient location and open all the time.

Ice Cream Parlor

When dessert just wasn't enough.

Cupcake Cupboard

Who doesn't love a good cupcake?

I can't wait to read your review. We will be on the freedom for the first time in October. It will be our first hump cabin as well. Did you have any noise issues in your cabin since it is close to the elevators? Nice Pictures.

Thinks for bringing us along. Can't wait to board this ship in November!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Please excuse any typographical errors.

Decorating classes are provided for an additional charge.

Room Service

Always an option as well. There is an additional charge for late night orders (midnight to 5am, I think).

Beverage Packages

There are three non-alcoholic and three alcoholic beverage packages. If you drink lots of soda or have kids who drink lots of soda, the Unlimited Soda package is a no-brainer and is also universally popular. The Wine & Dine package has a pretty good selection of wines and is a good choice if what you will want to drink is on the list. I found it far too limiting for my tastes, so I didn't participate. The others packages can provide a bargain depending on your tastes.

Bottled Water: 8 bottles for $28.45; 12 for $40.30; 16 for $50.55; 24 for $71.10. Normally $3.95 each.

Unlimited Soda: $6/person/day (adult); $4/person/day(child). Normally $2.50 per can.

Juice Package: 6 bottles for $20.15; 8 for $25.25; 12 for $35.55. Normally $3.50 each.

Classic Alcohol Package: $45/person/day - beer, house wine by glass, non-alcoholic, soda.

Premium Package: $55/person/day - call & premium brands, frozen drinks, all beers and everything in the Classic package.

Wine & Dine: 5 bottles for $165; 7 for $220; 10 for $300; 12 for $335.

Alcohol prices on board are typical "service industry" prices - about what you would expect to see at a night club or restaurant: $4 for beer; $5 for house wine; $10 to $12 for top-shelf martini.

Bars

I probably should have put this before food, but I don't want to come off as a drunk. Much like food, there is no shortage of beverages on Freedom. Most drinks are available at most bars and there is a bar open somewhere on the ship at just about any time of the day or night.

Drink of the Day

Every day there is a different Drink of the Day, available at most bars and by the numerous roving waiters on deck who are out there bright and early. They are available with or without alcohol and are usually quite tasty. They just aren't my kind of thing, so I rarely order them.

Viking Crown

They have just about everything, but you should be coming here for the view. I like to have a sunset drink on departure day in the Viking Crown.

Sky Bar

For when you're sitting by the pool. They serve just about everything.

Pool Bar

Like the Sky Bar, just one deck lower.

Squeeze

A fresh juice bar, for those who are into that kind of thing. They can also make all those power shakes (with the various powders) for the very serious fitness folks and offer the usual spread of bar drinks for when the Pool and Sky Bars get busy.

Solarium Bar

Just like the Pool and Sky bars, except in the Solarium.

Subscribing. Less than a month until our Western cruise!

Bull & Bear Pub

A proper English-style pub serving a nice variety of on tap and bottled beers as well as other bar drinks. An entertainer usually plays music on most nights.

Vintages

Wine and only wine here. The widest selection by the glass on the ship. They offer flights (three small tastes of different wines) as well as tastings (costs extra). You can also get some wine-appropriate snacks as well. They do carry a number of Italian Reds that would go great with a slice from Sorrento's (hint, hint).

Champagne Bar

As you would expect, they serve a wide variety of champagnes, champagne cocktails, some wines and a variety of spirits (no beer). My favorite bar because it caters to my tastes and preferences.

Schooner Bar

A full service bar with an old sailing ship theme (including smell). A piano man performs nightly.

Boleros

Like the Viking Crown, this place has just about everything except the view and the long elevator ride to get there.

Plaza Bar

A full service bar inside the Windjammer. I'm not sure anyone every really sits at the bar itself, but you can if you want.

Of course, you can get a beverage in the Main Dining Room and Windjammer Cafe. As well as The Crypt, Casino Royale, Connoisseur Club, Pharaoh's Palace, Arcadia Theater, On Air Club and Studio B when they are open and/or during a show or event.

Fitness/Sports

Now that you you've had way too much food and drink, you might think about working it off. Not to worry, the Freedom has you covered.

Fitness Center

A full service gym with just about anything you could want, including classes (yoga, aerobics, etc.)

There is even a boxing ring.

Jogging/Walking Track

Very popular, especially in the mornings and early in the cruise. The only drawback (a minor annoyance) is its location and proximity to people hanging around on deck and loitering on the narrow track.

Flow Rider

A surf simulator that allows Boogie Boards or even Surfing. Looks like a blast, but is obviously not easy to master (the staff makes it look simple). Requires a waiver.

Rock Climbing Wall

Just like the name says. Also requires a waiver.

Freedom Fairways

Who doesn't love mini golf?

Sports Court

A multi-purpose court allowing basketball, volleyball and a number of other court sports. A various times, organized competitions are scheduled.

Sea Tek Dive Shop

If dive or want to dive, these guys will hook you up.

Studio B

Ice skating rink. Yep, you read that right. Waiver required. The ice skating headline show is held here.

Relaxation/Wellness

I don't know about you, but all that stuff would wipe me out. Time for some relaxation and pampering.

Vitality Spa

A full-service spa offering all kinds of treatments and services. Massage anyone? Ladies, they have a full salon, too.

Pool Area

Grab a lounge chair, work on your tan and maybe take a dip in the pool. As you might expect, afternoons on sea days are pretty busy here.

Don't worry about being entertained, there is a big screen and often a live band beneath it, usually playing island-style music.

Getting on Freedom in 26 days ... daughter and I counting down with anticipation!! Can wait to see more of your review.

Solarium

An nice alternative to the Pool Area, and tends to be a bit warmer. This is a kid-free area (or so the signs claim).

Cantilever Hot Tub

Hot tubs that hang over the edge of the ship. Speaks for itself. World famous or perhaps infamous.

Children

You brought your children on vacation? What were you thinking?!?

I don't have any kids, but my understanding from others is that the programs on board are excellent. Most importantly, they allow parents to actually have a vacation rather than just serving as escorts for the children's vacation.

Nursery

For the very young ones (6 - 36 months).

Adventure Ocean

For ages 3 - 11.

H2O Zone

The kid in me would never leave this area, ever.

Video Arcade

For the kids.

Living Room

Hang out for teens only.

Fuel Teen Disco

Teens need a nightlife too.

Entertainment

So, after eating, drinking, working out, relaxing and dropping off the kids, it's time to have FUN! There are more activities every day in the Cruise Compass than any one person could possibly do.

Casino Royale

They have just about every type of game here.

Pharaoh's Palace

Where smaller events are held.

Arcadia Theater

The main theater for the headline shows and big events.

On Air Club

Sports bar by day, karaoke by night.

Boleros

Live Salsa music every night.

The Crypt

The adult nightclub. Each night usually starts out with a theme (70's, 80's, Rock, etc.) and transitions into your typical club music by midnight.

Shopping

A wide variety of shops that sell all kinds of stuff. None of the shops is open while in port (even the sundries shop). All are located on the Royal Promenade.

The Rest

These don't fit into specific categories or cover multiple categories.

Skylight Chapel

Can't do a honeymoon cruise without a chapel. I need more friends who would invite me to their wedding cruise.

Diamond Club

Private club for Diamond members and above. Loyalty has its perks.

Concierge Club

Private club for full suite ("Gold Card") members. I sneaked this shot just after someone went in. So that's how the other half lives...

Business Services

Book your next cruise while on your current one.

It has a cool ship's bow area.

RC Online

Computer room with internet access for a charge. Wi-Fi and cell coverage is available on the ship. Charges vary and depend on your cell carrier. I like to get away on my vacations, so I put everything in Airplane Mode until the end of the cruise.

Library

Books, for reading and such. A small, but varied selection.

Conference Center

Can you say "boondoggle on the high seas"? I want a job that sends me on exotic cruises to have business meetings. I envy anyone who has used this area of the ship.

Connoisseur Club

Cigar lounge. They sell cigars (limited selection) and spirits. One of the few indoor places you can smoke on the ship.

Some of what's available in the cigar lounge.

Britto Art Gallery

Featuring (you guessed it) Britto art.

Photo Gallery

Where you'll find all those photos that the ship's photographers took.

Art Gallery

A small but nice collection.

Helipad

Where you can land your helicopter.

Given the location, it gives great views when entering and leaving port. Not so much when the ship is doing 20 knots into a headwind.

Art/Displays

The Freedom has a number of pieces of art that are worth noting. In addition to these, all of the stairwells have artwork that is themed. It is worth the time (and exercise) to walk down (or up for you go-getters) each of the four stairwells and enjoy the art.

Antique Car

Parked in front of Vintages on the Royal Promenade.

Boleros Glass Art

In Boleros (duh).

Diving Girl

On the ceiling of the Royal Promenade.

F16s

In the forward atrium/elevator area. The aft atrium/elevator area has traffic lights (not worth the photo).

Obelisk

Outside Pharaoh's Palace (regular and bathed in sunlight).

Awesome review

Food and Ice Sculptures

This one was in the Windjammer on day 1. All of them are absolutely amazing!

Getting Around

After seeing and doing all that, it should be 1 pm which is when cabins are ready. Did you get lost? Don't feel bad. Freedom is a huge ship. Luckily, RCCL has included some maps to help out.

Ship Diagram

You'll find one of these on every deck in the forward and aft elevator/staircase area. Very helpful, but not very detailed.

Interactive Touch Screen

These are scattered throughout the ship. They are a wealth of information which can be displayed in many different languages. Whatever it is you need to know, including all the activities that are happening or are going to happen, these things can tell you.

They can even tell you exactly how to get to your cabin and draw you a map. I'm guessing the next version of these things will just teleport you there or something.

Cabin 9338

Home sweet home. We'll start Part II and take a look inside tomorrow...

Totally off topic of cruises...

I'm a 37 year old Software Engineer. I want to know how to add the word "retired" to that by 45 :) CONGRATS on that. Looking forward to the rest of your post on this trip.

 

Judy

I really would like to say that I made it happen, or it was my awesome programming skills, or my fantastic contributions to my employer. But I can't, sigh. It was just dumb luck. Right dot-com company at the right time.

I can't wait to read your review. We will be on the freedom for the first time in October. It will be our first hump cabin as well. Did you have any noise issues in your cabin since it is close to the elevators? Nice Pictures.

We had no problem with noise from the elevators at all. In fact, the only noise was one night when I guess the suite above us invited screaming children riding stampeeding elephants over (or so it sounded). But, you can get that from just about any cabin.

To everyone else: Thank you and enjoy.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do your review of your backtoback cruise. Freedom is our favorite RCCL ship and I can't wait to read your review. I would love to do a back to back but for right now I like to cruise twice a year and don't get that much vacation time. Looking forward to more! Wanda

More, please!! :D:D:D Your review is so fabulous, it makes me feel like I was there with you. Oh, wait...I was. :rolleyes: