Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

HUGE Group on Nov. 3, 2013 Sailing of Freedom

cruisead

By cruisead,
in Royal Caribbean International

 Share

Recommended Posts

cruisead

cruisead

Posted
Posted

Heres a heads up to anyone thinking of booking this cruise, unless you're part of the High Seas Rally group. This is a very large group of motorcycle enthusiasts, this years cruise numbered 1600 or so, that will be sailing on Freedom. We were on at the same time, but not part of the group, and it did affect a lot of the cruise. They are a fun group, but when a group this size is on any ship, it does affect those who are not part of that group. We heard some stories of people filing complaints that RCI should have informed passengers that a group of that size would be on board. Don't know if the complainers got anything as we didn't complain (the group didn't bother us one bit), but some passengers were apparently big time angry.

 

So, unless you don't mind a group of 1500 or so, you might want to think about an alternate booking.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
RuthlessBoss

RuthlessBoss

Posted
Posted
Really, someone can predict how many or what kind of cruiser will be on a ship 11 months out when it's an open booking. I predict the group on this ship will be about 4000 strong as it is every week.:rolleyes:

No predictions, when it's an openly advertized event. Google it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
lady_cruiser

lady_cruiser

Posted
Posted

I can remember growing up as a teenager in the later 60s, early 70s when motorcycle groups were limited to the Hell Angels.

 

Now more motorcycle groups I know around this area has members whose other professions are doctors, lawyers, educational administators, etc.

 

My how times have changed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
ticktoneer

ticktoneer

Posted
Posted
Heres a heads up to anyone thinking of booking this cruise, unless you're part of the High Seas Rally group. This is a very large group of motorcycle enthusiasts, this years cruise numbered 1600 or so, that will be sailing on Freedom. We were on at the same time, but not part of the group, and it did affect a lot of the cruise. They are a fun group, but when a group this size is on any ship, it does affect those who are not part of that group. We heard some stories of people filing complaints that RCI should have informed passengers that a group of that size would be on board. Don't know if the complainers got anything as we didn't complain (the group didn't bother us one bit), but some passengers were apparently big time angry.

 

So, unless you don't mind a group of 1500 or so, you might want to think about an alternate booking.

Our first ever cruise was on the beautiful Mariner of the Seas and half of the ship had been chartered to Hogs on the High Seas. It was the WORST experience of my life. While I'm sure there are many very nice 'hogs' we got bullied and abused for a full 7 days for being gay. I can't tell you the names we were called at least once every hour if we were out and about. All from the hogs cliques. Neither of us 'looks' gay nor are camp or effeminate. I used to think - how do they know ???? We also had an incident where I went to the pool bar and 4 hogs started shouting at the bar staff to wash the glasses well so they don't catch fag disease !! There was another incident where my partner got in the solarium pool and all but one person got out. We ended up staying in our cabin nearly 24/7 for the last 3 days. We even ate room service rather than Windjammer or MDR. While disembarking and chatting to people in line we did find out a small contingent of hogs had decided to use us for 'fun' that week and due to the 'pack mentality' others followed and after a couple of days a decent sized group were looking out for us to 'make good sport'. Thankfully when we got back onboard (as it was B2B) we had an amazing, fantastic 2nd week.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 6 months later...
Rakeman

Rakeman

Posted
Posted

Just so you know we are a lage group of bikers not affiliated with anyone other than our passion for riding and american made motorcycles. Yes we take over the ship but we are held to very high standards far more than the rotten teenagers get away with.

This is actually a charity called Debbies Dialysis fund where our goal is to raise $$$$ to bring dialysis patients on vacation with a partner plus spending money. We have all the equipment onboard with staff for their treatments. Are they bikers with bad kidneys? NO. This is open to anyone all you have to do is ask. We raised 350K last cruise for this year, we have our own shows our own vendor areas. Most passengers get a little put off at first but the vast majority join our fun. First ever ever fireworks on a cruise ship last year and we paid for it. Probably this year again! Our shows at the pool get alot of laughs from all.

Join the fun you will have a good time don't let the tatoos scare you. The majority of us are very affluent people that enjoy being with others that have the same interests. Last year 2300 this year I believe we were limited to 1600. We can easily fill an entire ship but RCCL rules. The crew looks quite forward to our cruise each year.

Just though I'd give you the Real Deal.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
luvsunnydayz

luvsunnydayz

Posted
Posted
Our first ever cruise was on the beautiful Mariner of the Seas and half of the ship had been chartered to Hogs on the High Seas. It was the WORST experience of my life. While I'm sure there are many very nice 'hogs' we got bullied and abused for a full 7 days for being gay. I can't tell you the names we were called at least once every hour if we were out and about. All from the hogs cliques. Neither of us 'looks' gay nor are camp or effeminate. I used to think - how do they know ???? We also had an incident where I went to the pool bar and 4 hogs started shouting at the bar staff to wash the glasses well so they don't catch fag disease !! There was another incident where my partner got in the solarium pool and all but one person got out. We ended up staying in our cabin nearly 24/7 for the last 3 days. We even ate room service rather than Windjammer or MDR. While disembarking and chatting to people in line we did find out a small contingent of hogs had decided to use us for 'fun' that week and due to the 'pack mentality' others followed and after a couple of days a decent sized group were looking out for us to 'make good sport'. Thankfully when we got back onboard (as it was B2B) we had an amazing, fantastic 2nd week.

Oh my goodness! That is such a horrible experience. I am so sorry that you and your partner had to endure this. I am glad that you were able to enjoy the second half of your cruise.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Loves_Dogs

Loves_Dogs

Posted
Posted
Our first ever cruise was on the beautiful Mariner of the Seas and half of the ship had been chartered to Hogs on the High Seas. It was the WORST experience of my life. While I'm sure there are many very nice 'hogs' we got bullied and abused for a full 7 days for being gay. I can't tell you the names we were called at least once every hour if we were out and about. All from the hogs cliques. Neither of us 'looks' gay nor are camp or effeminate. I used to think - how do they know ???? We also had an incident where I went to the pool bar and 4 hogs started shouting at the bar staff to wash the glasses well so they don't catch fag disease !! There was another incident where my partner got in the solarium pool and all but one person got out. We ended up staying in our cabin nearly 24/7 for the last 3 days. We even ate room service rather than Windjammer or MDR. While disembarking and chatting to people in line we did find out a small contingent of hogs had decided to use us for 'fun' that week and due to the 'pack mentality' others followed and after a couple of days a decent sized group were looking out for us to 'make good sport'. Thankfully when we got back onboard (as it was B2B) we had an amazing, fantastic 2nd week.

 

That is awful. As the mother, sister and aunt of individuals who are gay stories like that make my heart ache. Here is hoping for the day when you (or anyone) never have to endure behavior like that again. Wishing you nothing but wonderful cruises in your future!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Cruising89143

Cruising89143

Posted
Posted (edited)
Just so you know we are a lage group of bikers not affiliated with anyone other than our passion for riding and american made motorcycles. Yes we take over the ship but we are held to very high standards far more than the rotten teenagers get away with.

This is actually a charity called Debbies Dialysis fund where our goal is to raise $$$$ to bring dialysis patients on vacation with a partner plus spending money. We have all the equipment onboard with staff for their treatments. Are they bikers with bad kidneys? NO. This is open to anyone all you have to do is ask. We raised 350K last cruise for this year, we have our own shows our own vendor areas. Most passengers get a little put off at first but the vast majority join our fun. First ever ever fireworks on a cruise ship last year and we paid for it. Probably this year again! Our shows at the pool get alot of laughs from all.

Join the fun you will have a good time don't let the tatoos scare you. The majority of us are very affluent people that enjoy being with others that have the same interests. Last year 2300 this year I believe we were limited to 1600. We can easily fill an entire ship but RCCL rules. The crew looks quite forward to our cruise each year.

Just though I'd give you the Real Deal.

 

It might have been the first fireworks on a RCI cruise ship but Disney has had fireworks at sea for years. If the group is that popular and can fill a ship then chartering the ship for the week sounds like a good idea. I applaud your fund raising efforts.

Edited by cruisingator2
Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 4 months later...
Clarea

Clarea

Posted
Posted
How do you find out if a large group is sailing with you?

I've had good luck doing a query on Google using the name of the ship and the sailing date. You may have to use different forms of the date.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...