Freedom of the Seas 4/21/14 Western Caribbean Review

[TammyC]

Ok so I'm back in Va for almost a week from vacation and almost back to normal. On this trip I had myself my husband Fred, my daughters Ashley (12) and Ally (9), and my parents, Mike (63) and Sue (62). The names have been changed to protect the innocent. Let me start by saying that has a child my parents never did vacations with me and my sister other than weekend camping in our pull behind travel trailer, which we never really pulled anywhere. After my sister and I grew up, moved out, and started our own families, my parents still did not do any real vacation type trips anywhere. They would go bum extended stays with family that live Mrytle Beach every year, but never spend money on anything. So I have named the names I will continue the story with names from this point on. It is just easier for me to keep straight. With that said we move on. Fred was planning a trip with Ashley to Orlando to take her wakeboarding for spring break. Kinda sorta last minute he decided to bail on that plan and instead do a cruise for everyone. We asked my parents if they would want to go and surprisingly they said yes. Jamie told them that he would plan everything thing out and take care of all of the logistics. Just as promised my parents never had to lift a finger other than packing their bags and putting on their sunscreen. All the planning was set after many nights and many hours of internet research. As the date loomed my mom began to get nervous and ask everyone on Facebook what they thought of cruises. The people that had been on them told them they were the best time ever and that they would have a blast. The 1 or 2 people that would never take a cruise and have never been on a cruise of course gave their opinion on something they had never experienced. Guess which one my mom focused on?? She worried about motion sickness, sleeping, eating, motion sickness, wet towels, not enough clothes, no iron in the room, where do I get coffee, motion sickness. I along with everyone that had been on cruise before told her to relax and enjoy but she would not have any of that at this point. 2 days before we were to leave to drive down to the port Fred told me (his idea to bring my parents) "I feel the road to Hell is paved with good intentions".

 

Drive down was pretty uneventful. We left from Northern VA on Friday 4/18/14 at 9:15 in the morning. Made it to St. Augustine FL before stopping for the night. The plan was to make it to Daytona, but I95 lane closures that ate 1.5 hours up changed that plan a bit.

 

Sat 4/19/14 we had reservations for the night at The Radisson by the Port. We did not want to arrive too early, and Fred and the girls really did want to wakeboard at some point to the plan for this day was to drive to Orlando and spend the morning at Orlando Watersports Complex. We arrived there about 10:30. My parents enjoyed watching everyone have a good time while we were there. My camera was stuck in manual focus mode so the pictures did not turn out every well but there were some, so check it out

[TammyC]

After that we were in the car back to the Port Canaveral to check into the hotel and get cleaned up for dinner. hotel check in was quick and easy. We had signed up for their stay and cruise package that included 1 night stay, breakfast the next day, parking while on the cruise and transfer to and from the port. Rooms were nice, well maintained, and very clean. I was walking around checking things out when I ran into my mom who had already found the poolside bar. We went looking for my dad. After a bit of searching we found him under a palm. I think we could have left him their for the week and he would have been just fine.

[TammyC]

After cleaning up it was back to Orlando, (man we drove a lot!!) for dinner at Fultons Crab House at Downtown Disney. Just know I am a total Disney junkie. Fred knowing this would not plan a trip this close to my favorite place on earth without at least a small taste of Disney. My Parents were floored by the vast complex that Disney has built. Dinner was good. I wished we could have stayed longer but we have a cruise to catch people!!! Lets get a move on!!

[TammyC]

CRUISE DAY!!!!! YAY!!!! We wake, clean up, and make sure everything is packed up. I had to explain to my parents how everything was going to work. "Dad, the guy driving the shuttle will load the luggage on the bus. You don't have to. When we get there he will unload it too. We have to tip him." My dad asked so I don't put my bags on the bus? Again I say, "No Dad, the guy driving.." You get the point. While we are on the bus to the port Mom asks, "So the driver unloads the bags from the bus right?" "Yes Mom." "Do we take them on the ship then?" I had been over this with them countless times before. I don't know why they kept asking. Fred kept laughing at the entire situation. So we make it though security without any real problems. It was a bit of a wait, but it was due to something with Customs from what I heard. I don't really know. We arrived at the port around 10:45. It took us about 20 - 30 minutes to get through security. Again I don't think it was terrible. We make it up to the checkin portion of the terminal. They had lines broken down by deck numbers for checkin. This is the first time we had to send my parents, again who have never done anything like this before, off on their own to get checked in and get their Seapass Cards. We had 2 ajoining rooms on deck 6 and Fred booked my parents on the port side of deck 8. Fred pointed out to them which line to get in and instructed them to wait in line and go to the counter. Once at the counter the person their will take the passports and cruise contract and get you set for everything. So we break in our separate ways. We had 30-40 people in front of us. For the amount of stuff that they have to do at the counter for each guest I feel the line moved every quick. Fred stayed on lookout for my parents so they would not get lost in the crowd. After about 5 minutes entering the line he said they were done and going to sit down. I thought WOW they made it through fast. We continued to wait in line another 15-20 minutes. Get to the counter. The person behind was very nice, very quick, and very easy to talk to. She answered all of our questions and moved us out with the speed of a cheetah. No complaints at all. So we go find my parents and sit down and wait for the attendants to allow ship boarding to begin. Ship boarding began around 11:45-12:00. Again I don't think it was too bad. I pulled the Seapass cards out of my pocket and started to had them out to the girls when my mom asked "Where did you get those cards?" I told her that I got them at the counter when I checked in and asked her where theirs where. She told me that they asked someone in line what they were suppose to do (after Fred told them to wait in line and go to the counter). From what I was able to gather the person asked them if they had waited in line (meaning to checkin) already. They said yes, and the person told them to sit and wait. Fred And I were very confused, in shock maybe, but still confused. At this point Ashley, the 12 year old, said I will take care of it. She took both of them up to the counter, which had no line at this point and explained to the situation to the staff. Lickity split we were ready. Fred and I could not help but laugh at the chain of events that had unfolded in front of us to this point. Just say moments like this did not stop coming for the entire week. It was like have 2 more kids with us that we had to look after.

[socialsea]

Great start to your review. Love your sense of humor. I can tell this is going to be a fun ride. Your parents sound like a hoot. We have been on Freedom twice and are going again on November 30. Can't wait for more of you review. Keep it coming, please!!

[Wildcatfish]

Oh this sounds like a trip down memory lane! Yep, I've been there with my parents.:D

 

Looking forward to the rest of the review!

[TammyC]

i just noticed that I have a type-o in the title. We were on Freedom 4/12/14 not 4/21

[TammyC]

One thing I noticed is that Royal Caribbean did not have a spot to view the ship from the terminal. Or at least none that I found. We enter the ship and my dad was in amazment of how everything looked. His first words were "7 nights are not going to be enough." At this point I know Fred's vacation was made because he knew everything he had planned was working out just fine and everybody was going to enjoy the time away from reality. My parents wanting to experience everything in the first 12 minutes wanted to rush right to their room and see their new home for the week. Being that we kinda decided late to book this cruise for spring break, pickins were getting a little slim. We normally book balcony rooms, but none were be had for 4 when we booked. Our only options were suites, ocean view, or interior. Fred noticed that the promenade interior rooms where a bit larger than standard interior rooms and had the window, so since we could not get our normal balcony, we booked the promenade interior. We were going to get 1 room for the 4 of us but Fred noticed that for the week we were going Royal was charging the same price for the 3rd and 4th guest. So he said screw that, and book 2 adjoining rooms for the same price. We like to have highest decks possible, but since we needed adjoining we had one choice deck 6, so 6287 and 6289 it is. Again Fred always thinking when we plans vacations (he is a bit like Clark Griswald to be honest with you), not wanting our "other" 2 kids on top of us booked them on the 8th deck. I don't remember which room. I do know that it was on the other side of the ship though. We never went over there to check on them. They had the same promenade interior room as us. Dad did come to our room and say "Our room is laid out opposite of ours". Really dad? it is on the other side of the ship. I would hope it is opposite or you would have to climb in the window. Our room was clean and nice. As you would think it was a little tight, but not bad at all for 2 people. I did put down when we did online checkin to have the beds apart in one of the rooms. That did not happen. The beds were together. We also wanted the adjoining door open so we would have access to the kids without going into the hallway. It took awhile for this to happen. I was told that there was only one key and they made rounds doing that. There was a piece of paper on the bed asking if you wanted the door open, beds apart and various other questions that I don't remember at the moment. I think they took care of everything at turndown. That brings me to another question. Do you get a different level of care based on the class of stateroom you get? I know suites get extra, but to interior get less? Why do they call it turndown service? Our beds were never once turned down. Sorry for the off topic rant. Where was I...Oh yeah. So After the parentals checked out as Fred put it "Where the Magic happens" they wanted to eat. This again became a great source of entertainment for Fred and myself. We headed to the ever packed Windjammers. I don't know why they call it Windjammers, Peoplejammers is more like is. Come on people, The food will be here all week. You don't have to eat it all now. Eat your plate and move on. Other people need your seat. OK rant over. Seriously though we had to sit different tables because it was so jam packed. Fred and Ashley sat over by them selves. Before they were done Fred noticed a couple with a small child looking for a place. He told Ashley to get up and they bussed their table so the small family would not have to look anymore. I think they just grabbed a drink and rolled out. We skipped the deck party and went to the helipad for sail away. not many people there. Pretty cool being in the front of the ship and not having anything else in your line of site.

[TammyC]

Some pictures from my parents room

[TammyC]

Views from my parents camera from around the ship. I have no clue what that last one is about.

Edited April 27, 2014 by TammyC

[LBumb]

great job

[TammyC]

If felt like we had just ate lunch when it was time for dinner. Fred picked early dining at the request of my parents because you know, they might run out of food. Our waiter, Helbert, was fantastic. Seriously by far the best waiter that we have on any ship or fine dining experience. This was the beginning where my parents learned that they could turn a 3 course meal into a 4 or 20 course meal if they wanted to. Every night at dinner Fred and I would take bets on how many appetizers and entrées they would order and at what point in the meal they would order them. It was quite comical. One night they had lobster tail on the menu. Neither Fred or I care for lobster so we did not even give it another look. We ordered our meals just like any other night. Helbert took the liberty and brought one plate for us to share. It was very thoughtful of him. No wanting to be rude we accepted the plate and sat it between us. My parents finished their first and second entrées and noticed the lobster sitting between us. My mom asked if we were going to eat it. I told her that we really don't like lobs... and with that the plate was gone and the shell was coming apart like a tiger shark on a turtle shell.

Edited April 27, 2014 by TammyC

[TammyC]

More tomorrow. Man reliving all of it again is cracking me up!!!

[melk71]

You must have the patience of a saint! Too funny dealing with your parents.

 

Enjoying your trip report, taking this cruise next year.

[momof3cruisers]

Your parents sound like a riot. Drive you crazy to be sure, but a riot!

 

Say, do you think you could add some paragraph breaks here and there? I am really enjoying your writing but it would be a little easier to read if it were broken up a little.

 

Great job so far!

Edited April 27, 2014 by momof3cruisers

[TammyC]

Your parents sound like a riot. Drive you crazy to be sure, but a riot!

 

Say, do you think you could add some paragraph breaks here and there? I am really enjoying your writing but it would be a little easier to read if it were broken up a little.

 

Great job so far!

 

First time I've ever taken on something of this length. Thanks for pointing it out. I will try to break it up some. :-)

[Tyron]

More tomorrow. Man reliving all of it again is cracking me up!!!

 

Fantastic review so far. :cool::)

[TammyC]

Man I had a bunch of stuff written with pictures and all and I got timed out!!!! Lost it all. Oh well. Guess I will do it again later.

:mad:

[Eng23]

Hello fellow Virginian!!!! I'm enjoying your review. The Freedom is an excellent ship. I have sailed her twice. :)

[banderboo]

went to the helipad for sail away. not many people there. Pretty cool being in the front of the ship and not having anything else in your line of site.

 

How do you get to the Helipad? I'll be on Freedom in 21 days.

[TammyC]

How do you get to the Helipad? I'll be on Freedom in 21 days.

 

Deck 4 outside edge, walk to the forward. There is stairs at the end of the deck that will lead you directly up to deck 5 forward onto the helipad. Great spot to sail away from!!!

[TammyC]

Man timed out AGAIN URGHH!!!!

[TammyC]

So we let left off with dinner. We were assigned to the main dining room on deck 3. The plan for the evening was to head to the theater for the Welcome Aboard Show which only had one show time that evening. Before going on lets share another fun story form the parentals.

 

Before I go any further let me say that this story is not meant to offend anyone in anyway. It is not it disrespect or discredit anyones beliefs or faith. If you are easily offended then I applogize in advance. This story is only meant for enjoyment and nothing more. With the disclaimer out of the way, we move on.

 

At some point earlier dad had wonder the ship getting lost and looking around, just as any first time cruise guest would. He was excited and overjoyed with the ship and could not get enough of it. As we were walking out of the dining room dad mention to Fred that he had found the church while he was wondering. He said that he was suprised by the artwork pictured in the stained glass in the windows. Fred looked and him with interest. Dad proceeded to tell him that the it was obvious religious images and that the women portrayed were wrapped in hooded robes, but were also scanty clad and very busty. I locked eyes with Fred at this point of the description and both looked confused at each other. He shrugged our shoulders and moved on.

 

As we headed out of the dining room up the steps to deck 4, we cut through the casino on our way to the theater. As we exited the casino dad stopped us and said "Look, here is the church!" with excitement.

 

We went in to see for ourselves just what he was talking about, and yes there were very voluptuous women depicted in the stained glass on the walls as you entered. Fred was in front and began to chuckle as he got into the main part of the room. I looked around and saw a bar, deep set booths, a dance floor, and a second level loft area. I said "Dad this is not a church, this it a club. The only people worshipping in here are the sinners." The sign on the door as you entered read "The Crypt". How he got church out of that I have no idea. Fred told me afterwards that Ashley (the 12yr old) quietly stated "I thought he was the smart one". Just another one of countless moments of enjoyment that we will forever have.

 

We arrived slightly late to the show in the theater thanks to our detour to "worship" so we went and sat in the balcony. The cruise director Casey came on stage and introduced himself. He spoke about the things going on that evening and some of the things going on for the week. He introduced the orchestra who played for a bit. They were really good. They were rocking out to Eye of the Tiger if my memory serves. After them a comedian came out and did about a 25 minute set. Sorry I don't remember his name. He was pretty funny, not great, but good. He did an adult show the next night at 10:45. Fred went to see and said it was OK.

 

Let try to post this before it times me out again.

[TammyC]

Day 2

 

Day at sea. Ahh. A day to relax. A day with no phone ringing, no text message chiming, no Facebook alerts, no nothing. Ahhh. We headed to Peoplejammers for breakfast with the clan. Actually it was not that bad as the day before, nor was it that bad any other time after the first day. We were able to get a table quickly, eat and enjoy the view. After that I told my mom and dad to meet us at the pool. So went back to the room to change. Fred and the girls decided that they didn't want to hit the pool just yet and decided they were going to look around some, so I was solo.

 

So you are going to leave me all alone on this ship to entertain my parents at the pool by myself, yea I don't think so. I did tell my mom to meet me at the pool. I did not tell my mom which pool. I went and found me a prime spot poolside in the adult pool area. it was as if the heavens had opened up and cast shadows upon everything else and one lone ray of sunlight was highlighting this one spot, calling me to it as if the cushion was custom formed to my rear. In this moment I truly was lost at sea. This is what vacations are about. If anyone wanted me they were going to have to file a missing persons report and have the Coast Guard launch a full search and rescue mission. I was not going give up my real estate to look for anyone.

 

Fred managed to snap some shots while he was wondering about. Lets spice it up and look at some pictures now, cause everyone wants the pictures right?

 

This one is one of Ally with her hair blowing in the wind. The first couple of days it was a little rough but not too bad.

 

 

 

Here is one of the pools with the big screen over it. They showed movies on the big scene at night that you could watch while you play under the stars. Notice the area under the screen, its the stage that a caribbean band would play live music on for the pool deck. They were not particularly good, but they were not bad either. We enjoyed having live music around the pool area, but as the week went on the volume knob on the amp kept getting turned up each day. By mid week they were so loud we had to lean into each others ears and almost yell to talk to the person beside us. Fred refused to go to the pool area once the volume knob went to 11. Come on people, you are playing on the pool deck of a cruise ship, not Madison Square Garden.

 

[TammyC]

This one is take from deck 12 above the rear of the kids pool area.

 

 

Another one taken from the top of deck 12 looking down on the pool area.