Review - Freedom of the Seas - 8/10 - 8/17 , some live, some not

[jamon]

Great review...

[roerinaci1961]

Great info..Thank You for sharing..We are going on Freedom Oct 10-26 for our 30th Anniversary:p Can't wait :D

[MrsCruise2007]

Day 6 – At Sea

 

 

 

Today was a very lazy day, with no particular event on the “must do” list. A little afternoon trip to the casino, with a short nap in the afternoon.

 

 

 

The dinner menu tonight was Jasmine, and was the second formal night. Fewer “formal” folks tonight and some shorts were spotted.  The grandson is still enjoying the Royal Tots club, but is tiring of sitting for 1.5 hours for dinner. To be expected. Overall he has been very, very good.

 

 

 

We went to the Top Tier Event tonight, where they debuted the video showing the float-out of the Quantum. Also the captain talked about the upcoming dry dock. Many of the changes have been discussed before, but one that I had not officially heard was that they are going to convert the three-level main dining room to three separate dining rooms – and go Dynamic Dining. The hotel director mentioned that one will be Silk, another Grand, and did not mention the name of the third. A couple of executives from Miami will be on board on Sunday to talk to the captain and the hotel director and discuss the changes.

 

 

 

I will give my personal reaction to the changes, and I am not in favor. I did not like the idea of Dynamic Dining when it was announced for Quantum. My guess is this will go fleetwide – and quickly. The hotel director mentioned that he thought the Oasis would get it during its drydock, and I bet all will convert as soon as they can do it. I think it’s a big money saver for them, having fewer menus that do not change daily. Time will tell --- and even though I don’t like it, we will be unable to avoid it. Time will tell. OK – off the soapbox.

 

 

 

Skipped the show again tonight and made a small donation, then watched a bit of Casablanca on the poolside screen. There were probably about 30 or so folks watching.

 

 

 

For those who are interested:

 

Captain – Tor Olsen

 

Hotel Director – Michael Rasmussen

 

Cruise Director – Casey Pelter

 

Diamond Concierge – Berty

 

 

 

One last sea day left  . . . . . more tomorrow.

 

 

We went on Freedom last week and have another one booked next summer to do the eastern side. Should I anticipate that these dining room changes will have been made by then?? We love FOS and adored our waiter and assistant waiter-I would be so disappointed if we had to change every night...

 

 

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[nicstress]

Day 6 – At Sea

 

 

 

We went to the Top Tier Event tonight, where they debuted the video showing the float-out of the Quantum. Also the captain talked about the upcoming dry dock. Many of the changes have been discussed before, but one that I had not officially heard was that they are going to convert the three-level main dining room to three separate dining rooms – and go Dynamic Dining. The hotel director mentioned that one will be Silk, another Grand, and did not mention the name of the third. A couple of executives from Miami will be on board on Sunday to talk to the captain and the hotel director and discuss the changes.

.

 

Someone mentioned this somewhere about a month ago so good to know it was not a rumor. Someone bit off my head when I mentioned DD was a possibility on Freedom in the near future. Jokes on them! I heard Sabor is going in for sure too and Izumi. As well as Portofino is being converted to Giovanni's table. I am on the 2nd sailing after dry dock so it will be fun to try all of these restaurants. I was not looking forward to My Time a Dining, which is all we could get.

[cruising bean]

Can you post some pictures of your JS? We will be sailing in December in the same rooms. First time in a JS on a Freedom class and am so hoping we like them. By the way, great review. :)

[mac_tlc]

How did you handle the whole car seat issue? Trying to figure out what we can do

 

We brought a car seat from home for the grandson to use on the plane. Then we used it in the rental car. We then brought the car seat on the ship (since we turned in the car). We checked it with the porter at the pier and it is now sitting in my daughter's closet. We will tag it again tonight and hopefully pick it up in the terminal for use in the new rental car tomorrow AM.

[mac_tlc]

Someone mentioned this somewhere about a month ago so good to know it was not a rumor. Someone bit off my head when I mentioned DD was a possibility on Freedom in the near future. Jokes on them! I heard Sabor is going in for sure too and Izumi. As well as Portofino is being converted to Giovanni's table. I am on the 2nd sailing after dry dock so it will be fun to try all of these restaurants. I was not looking forward to My Time a Dining, which is all we could get.

 

Sabor is going on Deck 4 where the Crypt now resides. The deck 3 portion of the Crypt will be additional cabins. Giovanni's Table will replace Portofino. Also a bunch more cabins on deck 12 forward, similar to what was recently done to the Navigator.

[mac_tlc]

Can you post some pictures of your JS? We will be sailing in December in the same rooms. First time in a JS on a Freedom class and am so hoping we like them. By the way, great review. :)

 

We took a bunch of pictures of the JS today -- after the room steward made it up :) . I will post them when we get back on land, probably Sunday or Monday. We are staying in Orlando for a couple more days so I will have some time.

 

mac_tlc

[mac_tlc]

We went on Freedom last week and have another one booked next summer to do the eastern side. Should I anticipate that these dining room changes will have been made by then?? We love FOS and adored our waiter and assistant waiter-I would be so disappointed if we had to change every night...

 

 

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The dining changes will happen when she is in drydock in January 2015. We are still contemplating booking her again next summer, but the changes give me a little pause.

[mac_tlc]

Did this ship have the $1 blackjack and various specials like that for the casino? We are very very much beginners so we hit up these events just to get a feel for it on our last cruise. Lots of fun really when just learning.

 

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I did not notice any $1 blackjack, but may have missed it. I will look through the Cruise Compass's to see if there were any casino specials.

[rrrrall]

Sabor is going on Deck 4 where the Crypt now resides. The deck 3 portion of the Crypt will be additional cabins. Giovanni's Table will replace Portofino. Also a bunch more cabins on deck 12 forward, similar to what was recently done to the Navigator.

 

I hope these additional cabins doesn't make it miserably packed on sea days. Did you see the pool deck on your sea days during this trip? I know on enchantment it was unbearable! On freedom there are a few sea days

 

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[Mary521]

We brought a car seat from home for the grandson to use on the plane. Then we used it in the rental car. We then brought the car seat on the ship (since we turned in the car). We checked it with the porter at the pier and it is now sitting in my daughter's closet. We will tag it again tonight and hopefully pick it up in the terminal for use in the new rental car tomorrow AM.

 

 

Did you use it on the islands? Or did you use the cans without it?

 

Thanks again!!!

[taxgal]

Enjoying your review as DH and I did the FOS July 27 Eastern Carib trip.

Just love reliving the vacation thru you review!:D

 

My DH hates the towel charged as you mentioned....

His Marine Corps solution was to re-allocate assets...get 4 towels for the two of us the day before going ashore at the pool where they just give you all the towels you want.:rolleyes: Not only was there no deposit for the towels, there was also no line to scan your sea pass when returning to the ship...just toss the towels in the bin and keep going.

[RCCL Fan]

So happy to get your review, Thank you!!!

 

I'm very eager to hear more about the nursery, we'll be using it !

[poodog]

Good review thank you

[jayblue]

I am immensely enjoying your review. I am particularly happy to hear about your grandson having a blast.

 

Question: Drink vouchers. What are they and why were you given only 3?

[Clarea]

I am immensely enjoying your review. I am particularly happy to hear about your grandson having a blast.

 

Question: Drink vouchers. What are they and why were you given only 3?

Drink vouchers are given to Diamond and above loyalty members, and they are given 3 vouchers per day.

[jayblue]

Drink vouchers are given to Diamond and above loyalty members, and they are given 3 vouchers per day.

 

OK. Thank you!

 

It will be a little while before I'm there, I think. I will be platinum after my next cruise. I do like to hear how RCI rewards its loyal customers, though.

[Jiffymom]

What the heck is Dynamic dinning ?

Do they still have early and late dinning

[mac_tlc]

Can you post some pictures of your JS? We will be sailing in December in the same rooms. First time in a JS on a Freedom class and am so hoping we like them. By the way, great review. :)

 

Here is a link to the cabin pictures, uploaded to my Flikr account.

 

[mac_tlc]

What the heck is Dynamic dinning ?

Do they still have early and late dinning

 

On the Quantum and Anthem, there will be no "early" and "late" dining, or any assigned dining room at all. Instead, there will be a number of restaurants, both complimentary and "pay", that have varied themes and menus. Guests will have the choice of any restaurant on any day -- so long as you can get a reservation.

 

If you do a search on "Dynamic Dining". you can find many threads discussing the pros and cons --- and there are very strong feelings in both directions.

 

mac_tlc

[mac_tlc]

I hope these additional cabins doesn't make it miserably packed on sea days. Did you see the pool deck on your sea days during this trip? I know on enchantment it was unbearable! On freedom there are a few sea days

 

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A quick scan of the new deck plans for the Navigator looks like there is room for about another 100 passengers on deck 12, didn't take a look at the Deck 3 changes.

 

During sea days, it was usually possible to get a chair, although some times only on the smoking side (port, left). I found it curious that the tot wading area is on that side. That is the only place that non-toilet trained youngsters can go.

 

We saved our pool time for later in the day, usually after dinner -- either to watch the movie or avoid the crowds.

[mac_tlc]

Great info..Thank You for sharing..We are going on Freedom Oct 10-26 for our 30th Anniversary:p Can't wait :D

 

Congrats on the 30th :) . We just celebrated our 31st the week before the cruise.

 

 

mac_tlc

[mac_tlc]

Day 7 – At Sea

 

This is the usual “Oh my God – there are so many things to do on this ship and I haven’t done any of them and I’m not packed yet” day. I actually started packing yesterday, so that was not a big deal – although we weren’t done until 10:50pm --- about 10 minutes before they would like you to have your luggage in the hallway. There is always that moment of trepidation where I worry I’ll be the one disembarking in my pajamas – or less.

 

We did a little picture shopping. Since we have 5 Diamond members in the group, we only get the freebie picture. Also a little more casino time – they are located next to each other ---. We actually are about even on this cruise in the casino, which is like winning lotto.

 

The wife and son went to see “How to Train Your Dragon 2”, which was in 3D in the Arcadia Theater at 1:30. Before that my son and daughter went to Johnny Rockets – since we had a BOGO Free milkshake coupon. $17 later, after the cover charges, they got their free milkshake – such a deal.

 

One last day in the Diamond lounge, which was full by 5:00 – as has been the case on this cruise every day. I only realized it the last day that I would rather use my 3 free drink vouchers and sit right outside the Diamond lounge in the Viking Crown--- which has much better views.

 

The dinner menu tonight was Pomodoro. The grandson has been a little more fidgety at dinner the last couple nights, but I don’t think any staff have been hit by any flying objects  . Overall he has been better than could be expected for a two year old on his first ocean voyage.

 

After dinner, my son and I took one last dip in the Solarium Pool, and watched the lighting from a nearby thunderstorm – with a little rain and wind to boot.

 

Missed the Farewell show tonight – can’t believe we only went to two of the shows, that is strange for us as we usually make all of them. Grandson paid his last visit to the Royal Tots club tonight. We did not know what to expect, but he really liked it and was there 2 hours a night for 6 of the 7 days. His parents can’t wait until he is 3 and the club is free.

 

Some final packing and it was lights out at 11:15, with a 6:00 am wake-up call.

 

Day 8 – Not my favorite

 

Boy, 6:00 came quickly. We had group 2, which has a posted disembarkation time of 7:15am. At 6:00 we were still approaching the dock. A quick look at what we did not pack relieved my fear that the pj’s would be the fashion of the day – not this time as shorts, tee-shirts, sneakers were correctly left behind.

 

We did a quick Windjammer breakfast at 6:45 and went back to our room at 7:14 to grab our stuff and head to the Pharaoh’s Lounge on deck 5 where the C&A members are told to go. No more ship wide announcing of the groups. Announcements are only made in the designated lounges. This seems to lessen the number of people congregating at the gangway at 7:00 with luggage tag 34 – never did understand that.

 

We were called at 7:20ish, and headed out. We had a lot of bags, so we used a porter to assist. That little purchase we made in St. Thomas gave us the opportunity to see a different part of the terminal – the Customs room – where they assess (maybe) any duty tax due. I claimed everything we bought on the customs declaration (which is what you are supposed to do, but I get the sense it may be less than universally followed). After a short discussion with the Border agent, we were set to go – tax free.

 

We rented a minivan from Dollar to get us back to our house in Orlando, where we will be until Tuesday when we fly back to CT. The original plan was for me to go and get the car and then loop back to pick everyone up, but we scrapped that plan and packed everyone into the shuttle – bags and all. It was a cozy ride to the Dollar office, but we only waited maybe 10 minutes for the shuttle. Not bad considering there were four ships in port. A quick visit to the rental counter, and we were on our way by 8:39am.

 

We arrived at the house in Orlando at about 9:35, where the post-cruise clothes washing began in earnest. As I write this at 2:45, there is only one more load to go ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

 

So as we close this wonderful cruise with the family, a few random thoughts:

 

--- There were 1417 C&A members on board, 12 Pinnacle’s

 

--- The ship is in very good shape, maybe a few worn spots, particularly around the carpet in the elevators where they show you the day of the week.

 

--- I find it odd that there is only one ice-cream station, and it is only open 11:00 – 6:30.

 

--- No food available on deck 11 after 9:00pm, even though the deck is quite active with the movies and other activities.

 

--- Many have wondered about the noise in cabins 1300 & 1302, given the pool deck above. Only during the night time pool party did we notice any noise of note. Otherwise there was as much noise from people running down the hall as there was from above.

 

--- I am still in search of a cruise ship that can make acceptable toast. Thin, hard and cold are not the adjectives I would use for acceptable toast.

 

--- For those interested in more information regarding the nursery, my daughter will either respond directly or give me her impressions. It is better to come from Mom than Grandpa.

 

--- For those interested in more information regarding cruising with a dairy and gluten allergy, my son-in-law will provide his perspective. Better to get the info from the person most closely affected s opposed to an interested observer.

 

I am sure over the next few days I will have a few more thoughts --- and I will scan and post all of the Compass’s to my Flikr account. I will also post more pictures, both of the ship (and the grandson) and of Maho Beach.

 

If there are any more questions, please ask --- it seems to make the cruise last longer if I can help others get ready for their journey.

 

 

mac_tlc

[cruising bean]

Thank you so much for the pictures. Looks great. Do you have any pictures of the balcony? Once again, great review. :)