Just off Freedom.....

[sheilb4]

Decided last minute to book this trip, got the last cabin before sailing closed I was told!

 

Embarkation - Smooth, onboard within 30 mins of arrival to port.

 

Cabin - As it was last minute I had an ocean view/porthole window on the 2nd deck, not the best as I love my balcony, but again, last minute, what can I expect, better than inside!! lol....Unfortunately my cabin was occupied by a crew member when I went to check it, so after 2 hours, I was able to get my cabin back, cleaned and ready for me. A disappointment but not a big deal...

 

Ports - Having visited the other ports many times, I only got off at Falmouth for an hour to wander about, I went outside the port area, and it is still very local and "unspoilt". Tho a lot of construction going on and waste areas for building....not much to see but glad I had a look around.

 

Why did I go? - All I wanted was to get away from computers, phones, complaining staff etc...and lie in the sun all day, which is pretty much what I did! had the pool to myself on the port days too so that was most enjoyable until the wonderful children (sooo many on this cruise!! aargh!!) , decided to jump in and do their thing, so peace was short lived...

 

Food - quality was ok, better than the last cruise actually, tho still limited on choices if you are like me and can't bear garlic....still better than preparing and cooking yourself.

I had asked for a table for 2 in the dining room but ended up only eating there once because of slow poor service and RCCL changing my table twice, it was embarrassing.....so I preferred the Windjammer...well kinda..... :(

 

The Diamond lounge was a pleasant area that I looked forward to nightly,tho very quiet, I met some nice folks, and enjoyed my mimosas' Beautiful view to watch the sunset!

 

Entertainment - once again the Ice show surpasses, talented skaters with a small area to skate in...most enjoyable. The 2 "shows" were good again, The magician, was good again....the headliner, some chap who played the piano was very disappointing, stayed 5 mins, otherwise average. I would not recommend the trio "Anastasia" either...not the best I have heard....

 

New modificatons - Cupcake bar...I had one...definately not worth $2.50 as they are very small, but had to try one out! It was "ok"

The electronic navigation boards - helpful and provide lots of info including dining choices, entertainment and locations...

The Dreamworks experience - OK if you are a kid....to me it spoils the class of RCCL....

Poolside Movie screen - don't really see the point, it was hardly used for movies and repeated an ocean background 24/7 it seemed.

Flat screen tv's in cabin - nice to look at, but as usual the same 4 movies repeated all day every day, same programs, etc....

 

Overall it was a relaxing week, no real "excitement", but travelling solo I am used to the quiet evenings, tho it can feel a little lonely sometimes, but I am not at work, so its all good! My next cruise will be with family, so that will be more fun I am sure! Just so long as the sun shines every day and I have some choices of food without garlic! I am happy! :p

Please feel free to ask any questions.

[AF-1]

Do u think Freedom with all the new stuff, is gearing itself to cater to families? The Dreamworks, outdoor movies, parades, etc. I see u are going back on Freedom in Oct, is this the family cruise you mentioned?

[sheilb4]

Do u think Freedom with all the new stuff, is gearing itself to cater to families? The Dreamworks, outdoor movies, parades, etc. I see u are going back on Freedom in Oct, is this the family cruise you mentioned?

 

Yes, I really think they are going more and more towards families/children....I see Carnival class creeping up.....not to be too negative about carnival, as you get what you pay for I guess, and food is often better than RCCL IMHO, but RCCL quality is definately deteriorating.... :(

 

I am taking my niece along for the Oct trip as I usually celebrate my birthday on a cruise, and I do like Freedom...Its a good month to go as not too many kids! lol and I splurged on a suite so we can enjoy more... I will still stay loyal to Royal for now plus living in Florida is so convenient... :)

[AF-1]

I am sailing Freedom in Dec. I picked the first week of Dec, I figured most kids would be in school and it's a few weeks prior to the holidays. Well I just found out that NASCAR has chartered a good portion of the ship for the same week I am going. Nothing like having kiosks set up with Nascar stuff. My birthday is in Oct, but I am doing Dec cruise; will be taking five, yes thats right, five grandkids on this cruise. They have never been on any cruise, so this should be a thrill.

[time4u2go]

Cabin - As it was last minute I had an ocean view/porthole window on the 2nd deck, not the best as I love my balcony, but again, last minute, what can I expect, better than inside!! lol....Unfortunately my cabin was occupied by a crew member when I went to check it, so after 2 hours, I was able to get my cabin back, cleaned and ready for me. A disappointment but not a big deal...

I'm just curious what you mean by this...were they cleaning it? Sleeping in it? Doing something else?:eek:

[sheilb4]

I'm just curious what you mean by this...were they cleaning it? Sleeping in it? Doing something else?:eek:

 

I didn't see the crew member, but all their luggage was there, stuff in closet and safe..and they had just taken a shower as bathroom was "used" I was told they were given that cabin the day before as it wasn't booked until I came along....odd huh.

[yummymummy99]

Do u think Freedom with all the new stuff, is gearing itself to cater to families? The Dreamworks, outdoor movies, parades, etc. I see u are going back on Freedom in Oct, is this the family cruise you mentioned?

 

I think it suits all that enjoy good fun! We have 2 kids whom had a ball but I was glad that dream works had not taken over the ship! The big screen showed some of the masters golf when we were on the ship - not a kids choice I don't think! One night me and DH went to the busiest part of the ship - the casino! No kids there! And we went from there to the schooner bar, looked into the crypt and found really busy places where there were no kids and folks of all ages were having fun! Surprisingly enough we thought that the crypt would be full of youngsters - OMG the youngest must have been about 50 on the dance floor!

 

So therefore I think that freedom is a ship for all! Still!