Freedom of the Seas – July 21-28 - Southern Caribbean Trip Report

Hello!

My husband and I will be sailing on the Freedom of the Seas in a couple of weeks. I love reading other people’s trip reports, so I thought I’d try to contribute one of my own.

My name is Kristi (39) and my husband is Steve (35). We are from Atlanta, Georgia. We have been on seven Royal Caribbean cruises (Allure,Jewel, Brilliance, Serenade and Liberty x3) and one on Celebrity Solstice. We actually got married on the Liberty of the Seas in 2012, but this will be our first time sailing on Freedom. Our last cruise was on Allure and it was just a little bit too big for us, so I’m looking forward to getting back on a Freedom class ship. We’ve been to most of the Caribbean islands Royal visits, but never to Aruba and Curacao which was our primary reason for selecting this cruise.

We are flying from Atlanta to San Juan the evening of Friday, July 20, and staying at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. We’ve stayed at this resort in the past, so it’s our go to when departing out of San Juan.

I like to get on the ship as early as possible. I have a Cruise Compass from a June Freedom sailing that looks like the Windjammer and shops open around 11:30 a.m. so we will probably depart the hotel around 10 or 10:30 on Saturday morning.

We have the Four Night Dining Package. I bought this several months ago so I cannot quite remember how it works, but I think I was able to pick the first courtesy reservation for day 2 rather than the first night on the ship. I think I signed up for My Time Dining, but we are not big main dining room fans. If I had to guess we will eat at specialty restaurants, Johnny Rockets, the Windjammer or room service each night of the cruise, but we will see! I’ll do my best to still go by and take pictures of the main dining room menus for each day though.

I’m the planner in the family. My husband is the opposite and it’s possible he doesn’t even know where we are going on this cruise. He just shows up and goes with it. Needless to say, most of our trip is planned at this point.

Here’s a quick rundown of the cruise itinerary and what we have planned for excursions. All of our excursions are through Royal Caribbean.

Saturday, July 21 – San Juan

Sunday, July 22 - Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas – original excursion was cancelled by RC, so nothing planned yet. We’ve been to St. Thomas before, so it’s possible we will stay on the ship.

Monday, July 23 – Cruising

Tuesday, July 24 – Willemstad, Curacao - Curacao Highlights and Beach Fun excursion

Wednesday, July 25 – Oranjestad, Aruba - Sailaway Beach and Snorkel Cruise excursion

Thursday, July 26 – Cruising – Bottomless Galley Brunch

Friday, July 27 – Basseterre, St. Kitts - St. Kitts Catamaran Sail & Nevis Beach Getaway excursion

Saturday, July 28 – San Juan

I’m not sure if I’ll post a review each day on the ship or do a full review after we depart. I do plan on getting a Surf and Stream package but haven’t purchased it yet. I think it’s cheaper if I wait until I get on the ship, but I could be wrong?? It’s showing in the Cruise Planner at $12.59 per day right now.

Currently, I’m working on our packing list and buying any last-minute items we need. The planner in me has to resist the urge to start packing this far out, so I’m just pulling the clothes we need into the spare closet at this point.

Let me know if you have any questions about Freedom of the Seas or this itinerary and I’ll try to get the information/take pics for you while onboard.

16 days!!!

We will be getting off Freedom after our first B2B on her from July 7-21. I look forward to reading your review and thoughts of her when you get back. Enjoy your cruise!

Barbara

Currently, I’m working on our packing list and buying any last-minute items we need. The planner in me has to resist the urge to start packing this far out, so I’m just pulling the clothes we need into the spare closet at this point.

Excuse me , but it's NEVER to early to start packing :'):'):') we're on the freedom in Feb 2019 and I'm already putting things together

I'm on the same cruise! :D

Typically the pre-cruise costs for VOOM are LOWER than onboard...I always buy it in advance. So I would recommend jumping on the deal now, if it is discounted.

I've done the Caribbean multiple times as well, and have sailed on Freedom several times, but like you...Aruba and Curacao are new ports for us. Looking forward to it!

Looking forward to reading your review. Our first cruise was on Freedom in 2014 out of Port Canaveral. We loved it. I am interested in the southern Caribbean itinerary.

Look forward to your review! Will be sailing Freedom again next June, can't wait! :D

I'm sailing on Freedom in October, and can't wait to hear about your trip!

Oh, wow, you're embarking today! Bon voyage! Can't wait to read more.

What Happened to the Report?

Please post lots of pictures of the ship including all public areas and the embarkation area at San Juan. Also looking to hear how lively the passengers are... and the nightlife. Thanks!

Please post lots of pictures of the ship including all public areas and the embarkation area at San Juan. Also looking to hear how lively the passengers are... and the nightlife. Thanks!

Bob,

Not sure if we are going to get that report or pics.:confused:.. would be nice if the Op would pop back in to let us know they were busy and it would be coming but nothing after 10 days and haven't actively posted anything since july the 4th....Really hoping for some info on the Curcauo Highlights and Bottomless Galley tour!!!

Mike

We were on the Freedom last Jan out of FLL, awesome trip. Next RCI cruise will be also on the Freedom out of San juan March 2019. First time sailing out of San Juan, 8 months out starting to look at the packing list now..

What is a bottomless galley tour? We are sailing her in January 2019. Can't wait for your review!!! Hope you had a fabulous cruise:cool:

Freedom was our very first cruise ever and will always bring about fond memories. Hope your trip went well and would love to hear your opinions of the ports.

I'm interested in your review of the Curacao excursion. Thant's the one I'm leaning toward for my cruise in November.

I'm interested in your review of the Curacao excursion. Thant's the one I'm leaning toward for my cruise in November.