Hi Guys, which ship should I choose FREEDOM OR VALOR???

[Divamama0609]

I just read some very bad reviews regarding the freedom and now I am scarred. :(

 

I have a choice of going on the valor or freedom. It will be me, DH and our 2 daughters. we always get a balcony because we like to do ur thing but food, cleanliness and service is important to us. Do you guys have ideas? please help!

[Loving My Life]

What are the itineraries?

 

I choose primarily by itinerary. If the itineraries are the same, then the ship becomes more important.

[Divamama0609]

Pretty much the same inteniery. The ship is what I'm torn on

[drychi]

Just came off a six day cruise on Valor last Saturday. Great cruise and a Great Ship. Thought it was well maintained and the crew was pleasant and helpful.

[SMSACE6]

I wouldnt pay too much attention to the bad reviews, especially if they say that everything was bad. That usually comes from a very negative person. I have been on both ships, and they were excellent. Same in layout, differ in decor. I give a nod to the Valor there, but Freedom was fine too. I would make my decision on itinerary, price, number of days, and which port the ship sails from. I had a great time on both cruises.

 

A vacation, be it land or cruise, is what you make it. There will usually be one thing or more that could be better, but dont dwell on those. Just go have fun and laugh, relax and have a good time. Whichever ship you choose, go and enjoy!:)

[mizLORInj]

I was on Freedom in May. No reason not to sail it!

Sister ship to the Valor so either one would work for me.

[Divamama0609]

I was on Freedom in May. No reason not to sail it!

 

Sister ship to the Valor so either one would work for me.

 

 

Oh they are sister ships??? I thought the Freedom was bigger. Good to know. Thanks!!! :D

[golfadj]

Same ship essentially would go with the cheaper price.

[golfadj]

But probably only due Freedom before the nude cruise. After that not sure would go on it again.

[Paul Bogle]

One thing to keep in mind when reading revues. Each ship has over one thousand employees. Most passengers will come to know and rely on only a few, room steward, dining staff, one or more bartenders, perhaps a few casino staff, some hospitality staff. Most of these employees are on a nine month contract though lengths vary. If you are looking now to book a cruise next winter the vast majority of the staff will have finished their contract and moved on. Some will take some time off then return to the same ship others will sign on to a different ship and many will not return at all. Everyone has a bad day from time to time so perhaps the cause of a bad revue was a one-off situation. The chances of finding the same situation in several months on any ship is slim to none. I just don't think it is something to be too hung-up on when looking to book.

 

Use revues for information on onboard activities and port destinations. Then make your booking based on price, departure city and itinerary that works best for your family. I'm sure you will be pleased. There is very little difference between ships in the fleet and with sister ships the most noticeable difference is the decor, something that never makes or breaks my cruise.

[gobucks_43228]

But probably only due Freedom before the nude cruise. After that not sure would go on it again.

Haha!! I literally laughed out loud!

[partman57]

Freedom Inaugural Cruise: 2007, Renovations to ship 2009.

 

Valor Inaugural Cruise 2004, Renovations to ship last time. 2/13/11

 

 

Both ships same except inside decor.

[gobucks_43228]

We have sailed both not certain why but liked the Freedom better. If what the above poster has mentioned is accurate then the Valor has been updated since we went on her.

[Soupernerd]

In Florida, the Freedom sails from Ft. Lauderdale while the Valor sails from Miami, so where you want to depart from could be a factor.

 

Most of the time I think the Freedom takes 6 day cruises that include Key West on their itineraray. I think that is the only boat that goes there.

 

The Valor I believe sails longer cruises, as my DBF's parents just took an 8 day on the Valor from Miami.

 

Both ships seem nice to me, I would consider going on the Freedom because I really want to go to Key West, and not having to drive their myself would be nice. It has a pretty good itinerary and 6 days in't a bad length. The valor is also really nice and takes long cruises so it really depends on the itinerary, the length, and the departure port because the Valor sails a totally different itinerary than the Freedom.

[Bobby_Mac]

I like trying different ships. I like ships that others don't, so it is really what you make of it. My favorite so far is the Triumph. Least favorite, Dream (too many people on it for me).

 

If I were you I wouldn't get wrapped up in what a few people say. If the ship was that bad, people would avoid it and the word would be out. Besides, those that like to complain tend to complain. Those that are satisfied go about their lives happily satisfied.

 

Have fun on whichever ship you go on.

[Sparky2]

In Florida, the Freedom sails from Ft. Lauderdale while the Valor sails from Miami, so where you want to depart from could be a factor.

 

Most of the time I think the Freedom takes 6 day cruises that include Key West on their itineraray. I think that is the only boat that goes there.

 

The Valor I believe sails longer cruises, as my DBF's parents just took an 8 day on the Valor from Miami.

 

You are incorrect on Freedom itineraries.

 

The Freedom has 3 different itineraries -

6 day - Key West, Grand Cayman, & Jamaica

8 day - St. Thomas, Antigua, Tortola, & Nassau

8 day - Grand Turk; La Romana,Dominican Republic; Aruba; Curacao,

[aks7465]

In Florida, the Freedom sails from Ft. Lauderdale while the Valor sails from Miami, so where you want to depart from could be a factor.

 

Most of the time I think the Freedom takes 6 day cruises that include Key West on their itineraray. I think that is the only boat that goes there.

 

The Valor I believe sails longer cruises, as my DBF's parents just took an 8 day on the Valor from Miami.

 

Both ships seem nice to me, I would consider going on the Freedom because I really want to go to Key West, and not having to drive their myself would be nice. It has a pretty good itinerary and 6 days in't a bad length. The valor is also really nice and takes long cruises so it really depends on the itinerary, the length, and the departure port because the Valor sails a totally different itinerary than the Freedom.

 

The Valor does an 8 day & a 6 day itinerary. The 6 day is a completely different route than the 8 day. I believe the 8 day is eastern & the 6 day is western caribbean. The 6 day does visit Key West (plus Jamaica & Grand Cayman). I'm sailing the 6 day route with a stop in Key West this coming Sunday :D