Observations on Freedom Cruise 5/12 - 5/19

My wife and I just returned from our cruise aboard Freedom,May 12-19th. I thought I would share a few random thoughts and observations. We are experienced cruisers,(diamond, if anyone cares) and have seen the changes though the years. Usually we cruise just the two of us, but this trip we brought our two granddaughters,ages 13 and 14. Anyway, here goes…

This was out first time on the Freedom. We have cruised once on Indy, and many times on Adventure, so the layout was very familiar. The ship is in decent shape, with a little wear and tear if you looked for it. Nothing really worth noting. For those who may have seen the recent thread, our stateroom air filter was clean. Our stateroom attendant did her job, cabin was clean, towel animals a couple nights, but nothing exceptional. We were in a D1 on deck 9, the girls slept on the pull out couch, which was perfectly fine. We didn’t spend much time in the cabin.

Since we had the girls, we didn’t spend time in the casino,but we did walk through a couple times. Yeah, it was smoky. The smoke smell also drifted out into the photo area, and was in the Schooner Bar as well.

We purchased soda packages for the four of us. We were able to use our Diamond drink vouchers in the dining room. We debated getting the drink package for my wife and I but in hindsight, it would not have been worth it. Given the port-intensive itinerary, and the fact that we had the vouchers, we just didn’t consume all that much alcohol.

We had early seating in the main dining room, and ate there every evening. The girls really enjoyed the “fanciness” of it. Our waiter and assistant waiter were fantastic. Definitely among the best we have experienced. We were at a table for eight, and with the exception of one evening, it was just the four of us. Looking around at the other tables, I saw very few full ones. I think our waiters may have had a total of maybe 12-14 diners combined for all of their tables on any given night. I think this may have been why they were able to provide such good service. Drink orders were taken by the assistant waiter, and delivered by a bar waiter. Speedy service, and as mentioned before, the diamond vouchers were accepted. The food was tasty, and well prepared. One of the girls is a pretty picky eater, and she always found something to her liking. “Savory Bites” are alive and well!Once the assistant waiter found out that they are my favorite, there was always an additional plate of them on the table. If I had to list a negative, it would be that there was nothing new and exciting on the menu. We have been on enough cruises that everything was familiar. First world problem, I guess. Based on a suggestion from Cruise Critic, a couple of nights we asked for the brownie sundae from the kid’s menu. Most excellent, and I think it should be on the regular dessert menu. Other than on the last night, there was no mention whatsoever of the survey. Our waiter told us about it, said it was important to respond to it, but no pressure for any particular rating.

We ate at the Windjammer for lunch a few days. Nothing the ordinary to report, food was as expected. Even during the busier periods, we never had an issue finding a table for four.

There was no shortage of bar service on the pool deck, and the ice cream machine always seemed to be operating. The girls ate more than their share!

All in all, a great cruise. While some may complain, I think Royal continues to deliver a solid product at a reasonable price point.

Thanks for your review! Glad to hear the girls enjoyed themselves.

Good Trip report..

Thanks for sharing

My wife and I just returned from our cruise aboard Freedom,May 12-19th. I thought I would share a few random thoughts and observations. We are experienced cruisers,(diamond, if anyone cares) and have seen the changes though the years. Usually we cruise just the two of us, but this trip we brought our two granddaughters,ages 13 and 14. Anyway, here goes…

 

This was out first time on the Freedom. We have cruised once on Indy, and many times on Adventure, so the layout was very familiar. The ship is in decent shape, with a little wear and tear if you looked for it. Nothing really worth noting. For those who may have seen the recent thread, our stateroom air filter was clean. Our stateroom attendant did her job, cabin was clean, towel animals a couple nights, but nothing exceptional. We were in a D1 on deck 9, the girls slept on the pull out couch, which was perfectly fine. We didn’t spend much time in the cabin.

 

Since we had the girls, we didn’t spend time in the casino,but we did walk through a couple times. Yeah, it was smoky. The smoke smell also drifted out into the photo area, and was in the Schooner Bar as well.

 

We purchased soda packages for the four of us. We were able to use our Diamond drink vouchers in the dining room. We debated getting the drink package for my wife and I but in hindsight, it would not have been worth it. Given the port-intensive itinerary, and the fact that we had the vouchers, we just didn’t consume all that much alcohol.

 

We had early seating in the main dining room, and ate there every evening. The girls really enjoyed the “fanciness” of it. Our waiter and assistant waiter were fantastic. Definitely among the best we have experienced. We were at a table for eight, and with the exception of one evening, it was just the four of us. Looking around at the other tables, I saw very few full ones. I think our waiters may have had a total of maybe 12-14 diners combined for all of their tables on any given night. I think this may have been why they were able to provide such good service. Drink orders were taken by the assistant waiter, and delivered by a bar waiter. Speedy service, and as mentioned before, the diamond vouchers were accepted. The food was tasty, and well prepared. One of the girls is a pretty picky eater, and she always found something to her liking. “Savory Bites” are alive and well!Once the assistant waiter found out that they are my favorite, there was always an additional plate of them on the table. If I had to list a negative, it would be that there was nothing new and exciting on the menu. We have been on enough cruises that everything was familiar. First world problem, I guess. Based on a suggestion from Cruise Critic, a couple of nights we asked for the brownie sundae from the kid’s menu. Most excellent, and I think it should be on the regular dessert menu. Other than on the last night, there was no mention whatsoever of the survey. Our waiter told us about it, said it was important to respond to it, but no pressure for any particular rating.

We ate at the Windjammer for lunch a few days. Nothing the ordinary to report, food was as expected. Even during the busier periods, we never had an issue finding a table for four.

 

There was no shortage of bar service on the pool deck, and the ice cream machine always seemed to be operating. The girls ate more than their share!

 

All in all, a great cruise. While some may complain, I think Royal continues to deliver a solid product at a reasonable price point.

Thanks for the report.

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Thanks for your review. Sounds like a good trip!

Thanks for taking us along on your cruise. Glad to hear you were able to use your

What are Savory Bites?

What are Savory Bites?

Small, crusty pieces of bread made with the spice savory.

What are Savory Bites?

Small, crusty pieces of bread made with the spice savory.

LOL.

Savory bites are small rolls or pieces of bread made with different seasonings. My favorite - but sure to get stuck in your teeth and embarrassment ensues! - are the poppy seed bites. My husband likes the sourdough or cheese buns, and I have also seen banana bread, pumpkin rolls, and multigrain rolls on various cruises as well.

LOL.

 

Savory bites are small rolls or pieces of bread made with different seasonings. My favorite - but sure to get stuck in your teeth and embarrassment ensues! - are the poppy seed bites. My husband likes the sourdough or cheese buns, and I have also seen banana bread, pumpkin rolls, and multigrain rolls on various cruises as well.

Ah-ha! They are various flavors. Thanks for clearing that up