What do I need to know before boarding Freedom of the Seas?

[RCI Cruisers 004]

I did captian Marvin's sting rays once before but I really want to see the sea turtles this time. I can't wait!! And the rhino 4x4 sounds interesting also. Thanks!

 

Just a suggestion, but do the sea turtle excursion where you get to actually swim in the lagoon with the turtles and do lunch when it is over. It was an incredible experience to actually swim with them, and I took some fantastic pictures of them under water ! There was an excursion that you only got to tour the farm, but this one was worth the extra cost !

[dogchopper]

That does sound like fun!!!

[1northstar]

Hope Kory Simon is in the Schooner Bar. He is so entertaining. Bon Voyage !

[Mel8730]

Enjoy your cruise! My cruise ended this morning. There's lots to do and many places to just hang out. Freedom is a wonderful ship. I've sailed her twice and wouldn't hesitate to do so again.

[cruisinpips]

I am making a list of things to remember to do, and helpful hints. I don't want to miss a thing.

 

We were going to take the carnival Dream and it was pretty close to the same price but out TA told us this would be much better. From all the photos and reviews I can only imagine I'm going to be totally in awe!! I can't wait!!

 

Having sailed on Carnival Dream, I can say for sure, you made an excellent choice with FOS! We have been on Liberty of the Seas four times, and she is our favorite. (Sister ship to Freedom). We are going on FOS for Thanksgiving and we can't wait to see if we like it as much as LOS.

 

The Royal Promenade is an excellent place to sit before or after dinner and just watch the people go by, and on some nights they have entertainment. Try the snacks and sandwiches at Cafe Promenade, they are delicious, and the selection varies each day. Try the Flowrider, check the schedule, they offer "boogie boarding" if you don't want to try it standing up. It is a ton of fun. Also, I see your sailing includes a visit to Labadee, so make sure you have a "Labadoozie"... They are great. Have fun!!!:D:D

[dogchopper]

Enjoy your cruise! My cruise ended this morning. There's lots to do and many places to just hang out. Freedom is a wonderful ship. I've sailed her twice and wouldn't hesitate to do so again.

Wow just fresh off the ship!! I hope you post a review or maybe some photos!!!! After you get your land legs back :)

[dogchopper]

Having sailed on Carnival Dream, I can say for sure, you made an excellent choice with FOS! We have been on Liberty of the Seas four times, and she is our favorite. (Sister ship to Freedom). We are going on FOS for Thanksgiving and we can't wait to see if we like it as much as LOS.

 

The Royal Promenade is an excellent place to sit before or after dinner and just watch the people go by, and on some nights they have entertainment. Try the snacks and sandwiches at Cafe Promenade, they are delicious, and the selection varies each day. Try the Flowrider, check the schedule, they offer "boogie boarding" if you don't want to try it standing up. It is a ton of fun. Also, I see your sailing includes a visit to Labadee, so make sure you have a "Labadoozie"... They are great. Have fun!!!:D:D

A labadoozie!!! Sounds intriguing !!! I can't wait to try one

[Jimnbigd]

You've prebooked the ice show. Good. It is a "do not miss".

Dinner in the buffet is always a good alternative. Check out this video (not mine).

[dogchopper]

You've prebooked the ice show. Good. It is a "do not miss".

Dinner in the buffet is always a good alternative. Check out this video (not mine).

Well, we usually like the mdr to meet up with the waiter but I guess on the first night we can skip it so we can see the show. The windjammer looks great!

[dogchopper]

You've prebooked the ice show. Good. It is a "do not miss".

Dinner in the buffet is always a good alternative. Check out this video (not mine).

Well, we usually like the mdr to meet up with the waiter but I guess on the first night we can skip it so we can see the show. The windjammer looks great!

[dorisis]

We will be on her in a few months. It will be a first time on that ship. i think i am needing more than 7 daays to enjoy all she has to offer. On this cruise the ship will be our destiny.

[Jimnbigd]

Well, we usually like the mdr to meet up with the waiter but I guess on the first night we can skip it so we can see the show. The windjammer looks great!

Is there is an ice show the first night?

On my cruises the ice shows as been in the afternoon on day 2 (Monday with a Sunday sailing date), and in the evening on day 4 (Wednesday).

I would expect a "Welcome Aboard" show in the theater, but no ice show the first night.

But maybe the Freedom OTS is different.

You should be able to go to theater show and still go to the MDR.

[Mel8730]

Wow just fresh off the ship!! I hope you post a review or maybe some photos!!!! After you get your land legs back :)

 

 

I did not take a lot of pictures this time. Will try to do a review soon. You've gotten lots of great advice already which is good.

 

There is lots to do on Freedom and you won't have time to do everything. I would say the ice and magic shows are must sees. The nightly shows were pretty good too. I heard that I missed a great jazz show on the last night in Olive or Twist so if you like jazz check it out.

 

Final advice is to behave! Part of a family group was kicked off the ship in St. Thomas. I heard that they were Diamond members and banned from sailing on RC for 3 years. Yikes!

[dogchopper]

I did not take a lot of pictures this time. Will try to do a review soon. You've gotten lots of great advice already which is good.

 

There is lots to do on Freedom and you won't have time to do everything. I would say the ice and magic shows are must sees. The nightly shows were pretty good too. I heard that I missed a great jazz show on the last night in Olive or Twist so if you like jazz check it out.

 

Final advice is to behave! Part of a family group was kicked off the ship in St. Thomas. I heard that they were Diamond members and banned from sailing on RC for 3 years. Yikes!

Wow kicked off for 3 years!!! Yikes.. I think we're pretty safe there, the hubby and I are pretty laid back people.

But I have the ice show booked and will definitely not miss the magic show!! I love any kind of show!!

[dogchopper]

Is there is an ice show the first night?

On my cruises the ice shows as been in the afternoon on day 2 (Monday with a Sunday sailing date), and in the evening on day 4 (Wednesday).

I would expect a "Welcome Aboard" show in the theater, but no ice show the first night.

But maybe the Freedom OTS is different.

You should be able to go to theater show and still go to the MDR.

No the ice show isn't on the first night, I think it's on the sea days ( I did pre book that). I am concerned about the welcome aboard show. It's only at 7 and I have early dining. So, I'm worried we won't make it there in time. I assume since there is only one show it will be packed.. So if we get out if dinner at 6:30-6:45 we won't find a seat. But, if that's the only thing I have to worry about I would be good

[dogchopper]

We will be on her in a few months. It will be a first time on that ship. i think i am needing more than 7 daays to enjoy all she has to offer. On this cruise the ship will be our destiny.

I've been told there is no way to see everything but that you will have a great time no matter what you do!!! I can't wait !!

[RNcruiselover]

I don't think you will have a problem finding a seat for the Welcome Aboard show, even if you do go to the MDR first. Many people who have been on cruises before tend to skip that show - some people find it boring I guess. My husband and I always do late seating in the MDR and we arrived early for the show on our FOS cruise last summer. We regretted showing up early because it definitely wasn't necessary and we could have spent that time exploring the ship. I guess I can't guarantee that it won't be different on your sailing, but in general I think the Welcome Aboard shows are the least crowded. Also, I think FOS's theater is pretty impressive in the sense that we never found it to be difficult to find a seat for anything. If it were me, I wouldn't skip a night in the MDR - I honestly think you will be able to do both very easily!

[Piper934]

We were on July 28th. The welcome aboard show was not crowded at all. We had early dining as well and thought it would be an issue, no worries. None of the shows had seating issues all week long.

[dogchopper]

Well that is great news!!! We are hopefully going in the least crowded time of year ( hurricane season) so I assume that if it wasn't bad for you guys it shouldn't be then for sure!!!

[jcaz14]

We're sailing FOS with you! Soooooo excited!

 

Thanks for all the suggestions! I've done a lot of homework and CC is so helpful! Well done!

[dogchopper]

We're sailing FOS with you! Soooooo excited!

 

Thanks for all the suggestions! I've done a lot of homework and CC is so helpful! Well done!

Wow, that's cool!! I know we will both have a great cruise!!

It's my first 7 day cruise, and by far the nicest ship I've ever been on.. It's going to be an entirely new experience !!

[petesweet]

If you are excited to try out the flow rider, do it the FIRST day or the early morning slots for less waiting & more time doing!

On the Oasis, we were able to sign our waiver for things like the Flowrider, rock wall, and zip line. Check to see if you can do that on FOS. Will save a little time.

 

Happy sails.

 

Kathy

 

Edited to add that I should have kept reading. The person who posted a couple of posts down said the same thing. Oh, well . . . .

[petesweet]

My husband and I have a cruise coming shortly on the FOS (on sept 29th ) We have been in several carnival cruises, only one RC cruise and this is our first 7 day cruise..

Any tips, pointers, must see/do's that I need to know would be appreciated.

So far all I have gotten figured out was to reserve my ice show time (which I did) but I don't want to miss out on anything...

I see you have one Royal cruise under your belt. Did you sign up for the Crown & Anchor Society? If not, you can do so now - before you board - and that will give you some small benefits as a repeat cruiser. Then you can build from there. I have a feeling that once you experience this cruise, you will stay with Royal Caribbean.:)

Kathy

[dogchopper]

I see you have one Royal cruise under your belt. Did you sign up for the Crown & Anchor Society? If not, you can do so now - before you board - and that will give you some small benefits as a repeat cruiser. Then you can build from there. I have a feeling that once you experience this cruise, you will stay with Royal Caribbean.:)

Kathy

Yeah I have signed up for it. Not sure what benefits I will be getting as of yet?? Other than the past guest party? I've heard something about a coupon book?? I need to learn more about that.

[Clarea]

Yeah I have signed up for it. Not sure what benefits I will be getting as of yet?? Other than the past guest party? I've heard something about a coupon book?? I need to learn more about that.

This is the current Gold coupon book, courtest of Patti (cruisenfever):

 

Gold Members

 

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