First Timers on Freedom of the Seas - general Qs

[crackity jones]

Hi all,

 

we are a family of 4 from Ireland and have just booked our first cruise on Freedom of the Seas sailing Western Caribbean this June 24th. Can't wait! I've been pouring through all the info and threads on this great site. I have a couple of general Qs though that I haven't seen answered yet (may be obvious Qs to you guys!)

 

Firstly we are planning on doing some shore excursions and beach time on port days. Are there beachside lockers for stuff like cameras when we want to go swimming?

 

Coming from Ireland where air conditioning is largely unnecessary (!), is the ship air conditioned in public areas like the MDR and the promenade areas? I guess when we are sailing it will be hot up on deck but I was curious about the temperature in these indoor public areas at night time when we may have to wear trousers and shirts.

 

Thanks all!

[BillOh]

Hi all,

 

we are a family of 4 from Ireland and have just booked our first cruise on Freedom of the Seas sailing Western Caribbean this June 24th. Can't wait! I've been pouring through all the info and threads on this great site. I have a couple of general Qs though that I haven't seen answered yet (may be obvious Qs to you guys!)

 

Firstly we are planning on doing some shore excursions and beach time on port days. Are there beachside lockers for stuff like cameras when we want to go swimming?

 

Coming from Ireland where air conditioning is largely unnecessary (!), is the ship air conditioned in public areas like the MDR and the promenade areas? I guess when we are sailing it will be hot up on deck but I was curious about the temperature in these indoor public areas at night time when we may have to wear trousers and shirts.

 

Thanks all!

 

 

I hope you love the cruise as we did. In Labadee there were lockers available for rent, I think back in 08 they were $3.50 US. Yes, the ship is air conditioned to the point many people, especially women wear a sweater or wrap in areas like the main dining room.

 

In case you are interested, I did a website from our roll call group from our freedom cruise, you can see it at http://mccallw.tripod.com/freedom.html

[crackity jones]

great thanks! will check out the website... I'll probably know this ship inside out come June!

[BillOh]

great thanks! will check out the website... I'll probably know this ship inside out come June!

 

That actually is a great idea and I find it really helps once on board. Your family will be amazed at how well you know your way around. I always study the deck plans on a new ship. Between that preparation and the ship maps located at the end of each deck Freedom is remarkably easy to find your way around for such a big ship. They have added the electronic touch screens since I was onboard making it even easier.

[njmomof2]

If you're doing beach days at any of the ports, you probably won't find lockers for rent. You'll probably have to swap off watching your stuff at one of your chairs.

 

As for the A/C, I come from New Jersey where it's hot and muggy in the summer and we have A/C on from May through September, and let me tell you, that ship can get cold. The dining room and theaters especially. It would help to have a light jacket or wrap to bring with you into public areas so that no one gets too chilled and can't enjoy yourselves.

 

We're sailing Freedom on April; have been on her sister Liberty twice and love her. You'll have a great time.

[crackity jones]

Ah beach set up is just like home so. Thanks for tips re aircon.

[burtonnm]

If you don't want to pay for a locker, and the only thing you're worried about is your camera, consider investing in a waterproof pouch. They are very inexpensive and some of them even allow you to take pictures in the water. A lot of them also have straps to wrap around your wrist or neck and a lot of them float so you can't drop them and lose them.

 

Here's an example:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Lewis-N-Clark-Waterproof-Purpose/dp/B0010Y0ZNW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1327429245&sr=8-5