Freedom of the Seas - "top" points you liked

[BillOh]

Deck 9 hump, or deck 10 aft.

 

I thought I was going to have to call you out on this one, but I was wrong :o I very specifically remember enjoying the D1 cabins on the deck 9 hump. When I checked before shooting my mouth off, I see the two D1s in the center of the hump (also great cabins) are surrounded by JS.

 

Score another for Bob.

[Kimnjimnkids]

Thanks Kim. It is really great to actually read what some folks eat....I'm loving it. I have lots of questions and can't wait for your review. You write so personally, love hearing everything you did and ate haha. What entertainment did you have/see? Were the big things on formal night? Were there more suits or tux? Where did you sit in the large theater (I gather there are several floors???) Did you order anything from room service? Is there any chance you could email me a copy of the Compass? Here is my email (don't leave the spaces though) yxelyxel @ gmail. com

Oh, I wish I could talk to you in person for all your hints. Please do a review soon. Let us all know when you post one so we don't get lost trying to find it on CC. Have a good day. Have you found your kitchen yet back home?

 

 

I forgot to answer the theater question...you can get in from floor 3 and 4. We like balcony so we went up into deck 4....such better options there too since they keep the theater doors closed and locked until promptly one he before show time and on deck 3 entrance there's a HUGE mob of ppl trying to get front row seats. But in deck 4....never a line..just casually walk in, pick your seat..chill lol. We went in when they opened the doors...we brought our CruiseCompass for the following day in and spent that hour looking over the itinerary and making our daily agenda. It provided a quiet time for us while we waited for the show to begin and we always had an excellent seat! We would occasionally look down over the rail at the bottom level and ppl struggled to get good seats (ain't nobody got time for that haha!)

 

 

Royal~Freedom of the Seas 3-2-14

 

Carnival Glory 2012

Disney Magic 2011

Carnival Triumph 2010

Carnival Victory 2009

Disney Magic 2008

Carnival Inspiration 2008

Carnival Victory 2007

Carnival Triumph 2002

[BillOh]

JR does not charge for individual items, the single cover charge is for all the food. I know you can have all the fries and onion rings you want for that cover charge. However, I don't know if you can have more than one main entree.

 

You can have more than one entre. (I can't) JR does charge for Milkshakes. I wasn't found of the Crown and Anchor Benefit change. It use to be Gold and above got coupons that covered the "cover charge". I understand the reasoning behind it, but this was a coupon we used. They changed it to Buy one Milkshake, get one free, which we dont' use because we can't eat food and drink an entire milkshake ourselves.

[Clarea]

You can have more than one entre. (I can't) JR does charge for Milkshakes. I wasn't found of the Crown and Anchor Benefit change. It use to be Gold and above got coupons that covered the "cover charge". I understand the reasoning behind it, but this was a coupon we used. They changed it to Buy one Milkshake, get one free, which we dont' use because we can't eat food and drink an entire milkshake ourselves.

We've never done it ourselves, but I've read of people using the BOGO milkshake coupon for takeout, with no cover charge.

[SilverDollarDoll]

Buy one Milkshake, get one free, which we dont' use because we can't eat food and drink an entire milkshake ourselves.

 

Could you maybe get the buy one get one free milkshake/(or my pick) malted milk to go? I wouldn't think you have to pay the cover charge if you were not going to be eating. Just wondering.

[SilverDollarDoll]

I forgot to answer the theater question...you can get in from floor 3 and 4. We like balcony so we went up into deck 4....such better options there too since they keep the theater doors closed and locked until promptly one hour before show time and on deck 3 entrance there's a HUGE mob of ppl trying to get front row seats. But in deck 4....never a line..just casually walk in, pick your seat..chill lol. We went in when they opened the doors...we brought our CruiseCompass for the following day in and spent that hour looking over the itinerary and making our daily agenda. It provided a quiet time for us while we waited for the show to begin and we always had an excellent seat! We would occasionally look down over the rail at the bottom level and ppl struggled to get good seats (ain't nobody got time for that haha!)

 

Thanks Kim. I look forward to whatever you can send. You didn't mention if you eat early or late and then go to the first or second show time. I kinda prefer the first floor (deck 3) but that sounds nasty about getting seats so early (you mentioned one hour ahead). We don't need

"front row seats so I doubt we would be pushing to get in ahead of others.

Did you see "Marquee" or "Once Upon a Time"?

Did you do any booked tours? Any gambling and is it really smoky in the Casino? How about any drink packages? Aren't you glad you offered to answer questions :-)

[DrD]

I'm still confused where to put my review...

 

Although there's a specific section on the site for reviews most of us simply post a review here on the forums, or put it in both places. So feel free to start a thread called "FOS review" and type away.

 

I generally put in a word doc and cut and paste it in, that way it's easy to post in other places if you need to. And you won't lose all your work to an internet glitch.

Edited March 12, 2014 by DrD

[descotes]

Not crowded AT ALL!! Even on sea days, the only time it was crowded was at 3:45-ish (the windjammer buffet closed at 3:30) and we still got seated in less than 5 minutes!

Johnny Rockets always became our quiet meal time when the buffets were impossible!

 

 

2

 

I thought there was a extra charge for Johnny Rockets. Is that not the case?

[Clarea]

I thought there was a extra charge for Johnny Rockets. Is that not the case?

You are correct, the JR charge is $4.95 per person for food, beverages extra.

[CathyCanada]

My vote for best kept secret on FoS:

 

Vintages does a wine pairing dinner pretty much every night. The food is a selection of the MDR menu, but they do some very well thought out (and fairly generous) wine pours for each course. If memory serves, it was about $50/person plus gratuity, but it was very enjoyable, and the wines were very good. You sign up for it at Vintages, on the Promenade.

 

Totally agree! The 3 sommeliers there were terrific. Most ships have "wine experts", but this was the first ship since a cruise on Oceania where I found an actual sommelier let alone 3 of them!

 

Great Promenade, great crew...one of my favourite cruises (out of 50) was on the Freedom last year.

[AandBmom]

Although there's a specific section on the site for reviews most of us simply post a review here on the forums, or put it in both places. So feel free to start a thread called "FOS review" and type away.

 

I generally put in a word doc and cut and paste it in, that way it's easy to post in other places if you need to. And you won't lose all your work to an internet glitch.

 

In addition to that though I would do a specific "member review" in the review section as many of us look there before we book a ship.

[Kimnjimnkids]

Thanks Kim. I look forward to whatever you can send. You didn't mention if you eat early or late and then go to the first or second show time. I kinda prefer the first floor (deck 3) but that sounds nasty about getting seats so early (you mentioned one hour ahead). We don't need

"front row seats so I doubt we would be pushing to get in ahead of others.

Did you see "Marquee" or "Once Upon a Time"?

Did you do any booked tours? Any gambling and is it really smoky in the Casino? How about any drink packages? Aren't you glad you offered to answer questions :-)

 

 

I'm truly happy to answer your questions...by the way, did you get my emails?

We went to the first showing of the plays, not the 'main' showing. Yes we saw those plays. We saw all of them except the farewell show. Once Upon A Time was by far the most packed ( CRAZY!!)...people were standing in any open spaces including stairs. I've never experienced that before on any cruise. But since we sat early it didn't affect us.

We did the MyTime dining and made a daily reservation for 5:30pm. We loved the waiter from the first dinner so we requested his section and it was no problem..they allow you to reserve a waiter/section but can't guarantee a specific table. Our waiter was Ronnie if you were wondering. He was so sweet!

We did not do an excursion bc weve been to Grand Cayman and Cozumel before and we knew EXACTLY where we wanted to go and so we just got the can to drive us straight there and back. Seven Mile Beach in Caymans and Chankanaab National Park in Cozumel (my fav place on earth!!!) I can send you pics to your email. For Jamaica we had planned to do RedStripeBeach but cancelled since my little girl felt sick (she ended up being just fine ) but my son and husband went into the port to use wifi and shop. He said it was clean and hassle free! In Haiti we went to the furthest point Columbus Beach and I highly recommend that if you like shallow, calm, gorgeous beach, that's your spot!!! And the last buffet location is right there!!!! We walked it and it's not far whatsoever but you can take the shuttle/tram...it just wasn't coming fast enough and my husband insisted he could get is there quicker if we did done speed walking. How embarrassing lol! But we did it and opted to ride the tram back when we were ready to go back! Labadee is AMAZING!!!!!!!

I'm not a big gambler so I didn't gamble this trip. But I walked through. Yes it was quite smokey. Just like all the casinos on ships. We didn't buy drink packages bc neither of us drink alcohol but we bought our son the soda package as a birthday gift. They have a great selection on free juice (kiwi-raspberry; mango), lemonade, tea and coffees.

 

 

Royal~Freedom of the Seas 3-2-14

 

Carnival Glory 2012

Disney Magic 2011

Carnival Triumph 2010

Carnival Victory 2009

Disney Magic 2008

Carnival Inspiration 2008

Carnival Victory 2007

Carnival Triumph 2002

[MagneticMags]

It's so exciting to read all of this info. DH and I are going to be on the FOS in Sept. 2014. Can anyone tell me what time the shows are at night? We chose the My Time dining. Is it possible to reserve a table for 2 (and if so, how do I go about doing this?)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

[Kimnjimnkids]

It's so exciting to read all of this info. DH and I are going to be on the FOS in Sept. 2014. Can anyone tell me what time the shows are at night? We chose the My Time dining. Is it possible to reserve a table for 2 (and if so, how do I go about doing this?)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

 

 

Typically (most days) there's one at 7pm and a second at 9pm. Doors open one hour before show and usually running times are 40-50min. The Ice Show times are listed on the website...make SURE to book ahead (it will tell you not available to reserve yet but keep trying daily and approx 60-30 days prior to your sailing date, you can reserve). That's the best show of them all!! They fill up fast so if you're interested, do not wait to book it...check everyday until you have success! You will thank me later trust me!!!

Enjoy!!! :)

 

 

Royal~Freedom of the Seas 3-2-14

 

Carnival Glory 2012

Disney Magic 2011

Carnival Triumph 2010

Carnival Victory 2009

Disney Magic 2008

Carnival Inspiration 2008

Carnival Victory 2007

Carnival Triumph 2002

[Clarea]

It's so exciting to read all of this info. DH and I are going to be on the FOS in Sept. 2014. Can anyone tell me what time the shows are at night? We chose the My Time dining. Is it possible to reserve a table for 2 (and if so, how do I go about doing this?)

The shows will be timed to be convenient for the traditional dining times of 5:30pm and 8:00pm. Keep checking Royal's website in the Pre-cruise Planner section to make your MTD reservation. If you are unable to make a table size selection there, then visit the MTD desk when you board. This is on deck 5 aft, at the entrance to the dining room.

Edited March 13, 2014 by clarea

[SilverDollarDoll]

We went to the first showing of the plays, not the 'main' showing. Yes we saw those plays. We saw all of them except the farewell show. Once Upon A Time was by far the most packed ( CRAZY!!)...people were standing in any open spaces including stairs. I've never experienced that before on any cruise. But since we sat early it didn't affect us.

We did the MyTime dining and made a daily reservation for 5:30pm. We loved the waiter from the first dinner so we requested his section and it was no problem..they allow you to reserve a waiter/section but can't guarantee a specific table. Our waiter was Ronnie if you were wondering. He was so sweet!

We did not do an excursion bc weve been to Grand Cayman and Cozumel before and we knew EXACTLY where we wanted to go and so we just got the can to drive us straight there and back. Seven Mile Beach in Caymans and Chankanaab National Park in Cozumel (my fav place on earth!!!) I can send you pics to your email. For Jamaica we had planned to do RedStripeBeach but cancelled since my little girl felt sick (she ended up being just fine ) but my son and husband went into the port to use wifi and shop. He said it was clean and hassle free! In Haiti we went to the furthest point Columbus Beach and I highly recommend that if you like shallow, calm, gorgeous beach, that's your spot!!! And the last buffet location is right there!!!! We walked it and it's not far whatsoever but you can take the shuttle/tram...it just wasn't coming fast enough and my husband insisted he could get is there quicker if we did done speed walking. How embarrassing lol! But we did it and opted to ride the tram back when we were ready to go back! Labadee is AMAZING!!!!!!!

I'm not a big gambler so I didn't gamble this trip. But I walked through. Yes it was quite smokey. Just like all the casinos on ships. We didn't buy drink packages bc neither of us drink alcohol but we bought our son the soda package as a birthday gift. They have a great selection on free juice (kiwi-raspberry; mango), lemonade, tea and coffees.

 

Hi Kim,

Yes, thank you. I'm having so much fun reading them and trying to see what I should note on my papers. I wish there was a way to copy and print but I can't discover how to do that. I haven't finished reading them all yet...it was late last night that I could get to them. I so appreciate your doing that for me...again, thank you. I think of a question as I read but then forget after a few pages....so, obviously I'll have to go back and figure out what I wanted to ask..................I'm so loving everything you add here..what a help to all of us who read these boards.....you gave great ideas for diy trips to beaches etc. We are getting a cabana in Labadee which includes a perk of allowing you to eat with the "high-end cabin folks at the "private beach" (the first one I think and the cabanas are at Nellie beach, the second one??, we are looking forward to those) We also have MTD at 5:30 for most nights so will go to the earlier showing. I suspect that Once Upon a Time was so crowded because they only did that once that night. Well, must run to do activities for today and can't wait to get back tonight to finish reading the "dailys". Yes, please send any and all photos.....love it. Thanks so much.

[Kimnjimnkids]

I almost forgot to share our one favorite 'secrets'.....did you know that all guests are permitted to use the showers in the locker rooms in the ship gym?!! They are clean, VERY spacious, they have thick n fluffy towels, there's benches and mirrors for getting ready. My husband and I took advantage of this everyday so that one could use the cabin shower while the other used the locker room. Saved us a ton of time on port days when we were pressed for time getting ourselves ready for dinner! Also the ladies can appreciate the added space for shaving legs :)

Thank you Lord!!!!

 

 

Royal~FreedomOfTheSeas 2014

Carnival Glory 2012

Disney Magic 2011

Carnival Triumph 2010

Carnival Victory 2009

Disney Magic 2008

Carnival Inspiration 2008

Carnival Victory 2007

Carnival Triumph 2002

[beshears]

We are cruising on FOTS the end of April. Does anyone know what times the below shows start? Is there only one show time, or two, as we have the late dining?

Love & marriage

Once upon a time

Quest

[Clarea]

We are cruising on FOTS the end of April. Does anyone know what times the below shows start? Is there only one show time, or two, as we have the late dining?

Love & marriage

Once upon a time

Quest

Can't help with the times, but Quest and Love & Marriage will only be once per cruise. Once Upon A Time will be performed twice on one evening. If you have traditional dining, then the show times will be convenient for both early and late dining.

Edited March 14, 2014 by clarea

[UCF_Knight]

We are cruising on FOTS the end of April. Does anyone know what times the below shows start? Is there only one show time, or two, as we have the late dining?

Love & marriage

Once upon a time

Quest

 

Love & marriage - ONCE

Once upon a time - TWICE

Quest - ONCE

 

Show times can vary depending on itinerary. I can't remember if Once Upon a Time is before or after dinner for those on late seating. Someone else may be able to help you there.

 

Love and Marriage and Quest will both be after late dining.

[beshears]

Yes, there is a certain section to put the member ship reviews in. If you go under RCCL where people post questions, and your title says that your posting your FOTS review, I know a lot of people, myself included would be glad to read it there.:)

[APDMOM]

We are cruising on FOTS the end of April. Does anyone know what times the below shows start? Is there only one show time, or two, as we have the late dining?

Love & marriage

Once upon a time

Quest

 

The Compass from last June is in my signature. We did the Eastern Caribbean itinerary. It may have changed, but should be close to what was in the Compass last year.

 

Enjoy planning!

[MagneticMags]

Typically (most days) there's one at 7pm and a second at 9pm. Doors open one hour before show and usually running times are 40-50min. The Ice Show times are listed on the website...make SURE to book ahead (it will tell you not available to reserve yet but keep trying daily and approx 60-30 days prior to your sailing date, you can reserve). That's the best show of them all!! They fill up fast so if you're interested, do not wait to book it...check everyday until you have success! You will thank me later trust me!!!

Enjoy!!! :)

 

 

Royal~Freedom of the Seas 3-2-14

 

Carnival Glory 2012

Disney Magic 2011

Carnival Triumph 2010

Carnival Victory 2009

Disney Magic 2008

Carnival Inspiration 2008

Carnival Victory 2007

Carnival Triumph 2002

 

Thanks! Even though we are 197 days out, I was able to reserve for the Ice Show! I'm not able to make reservations at the specialty restaurants...I'm assuming I have to wait closer until the sail date?

[MagneticMags]

The shows will be timed to be convenient for the traditional dining times of 5:30pm and 8:00pm. Keep checking Royal's website in the Pre-cruise Planner section to make your MTD reservation. If you are unable to make a table size selection there, then visit the MTD desk when you board. This is on deck 5 aft, at the entrance to the dining room.

 

Thanks! I'm assuming if I make reservations for 7 pm that will give us plenty of time to catch the later shows?

[SilverDollarDoll]

Thanks! Even though we are 197 days out, I was able to reserve for the Ice Show! I'm not able to make reservations at the specialty restaurants...I'm assuming I have to wait closer until the sail date?

 

Not sure if I'm right or not but I would advise you to check your Royal Caribbean Calendar and make sure it shows that your Ice Show is booked.

I'm surprised that so far in advance they did that. Most people can't do it until 60 days ahead.....maybe things are changing but I would make sure it's written down somewhere that you can see.