Report from Freedom of the Seas 10/12/14

[phtktz3]

Sailed Freedom of the Seas W. Caribbean 10/12/14-10/19/14. Sailing were myself (49) my DH(41) BIL (47) SIL (50)

 

This was our 3rd time on Freedom. We have always liked this ship but must admit she is showing her age.

 

 

We did Anytime dining and made reservations for 7:15pm every night. After dinner our first night we asked to have the same table and server through out the cruise and we were accommodated. Our table was ready every night except once when we arrived. The one time it wasn't ready we were sat at a table nearby with same servers. The food was very good and service was wonderful. We especially enjoyed all the many selections each night.

We did eat in Portofinos one night , however , it was not any better than the food in the Main Dining room. We did not eat any of the desserts in Main Dining room or Portofinos so I can't speak to that. We did have dinner in the Windjammer one night and the food was hot and very good!!

 

 

We had a Balcony Cabin (#9252) that was spacious and clean, although there was 1 shelf in the bathroom that was totally missing, the rest of the room was fine and felt plenty roomy for the 2 of us. Our room steward did a very nice job.

 

We didn't go to any of the shows in the Theater but we did enjoy Karaoke in the On Air Club a few nights. I attended one of the Art Shows which I always enjoy, however, it took forever for them to get started!!

We spent a lot of time in the casino and in the end pretty much broke even. My DH had the Premium Drink Package and it was definitely worth the money!! I had the soda package and probably broke even in that. The Bartenders were very good and service was fast and friendly.

 

We didn't get to spend too much time in the pool area. My DH and BIL are smokers and there were only about 8-10 tables in the "smoking" area by the pool so unless you got there early there was really no place to sit or stand since the walk way was always crowded with people standing around to smoke. The crew in this area were very good and attentive.

 

We love Johnny Rockets and went 3 times during this cruise. We did feel like the service and atmosphere wasn't up to par. Out of the 3 times we were there the servers only stopped once to dance......not that we go for that but it is always fun when they do. The food wasn't as good either. Twice our chili was cold and my grilled cheese wasn't even melted.

 

 

I visited Cafe Promenade on quite a few occasions to get the Cheesecake Lollipops.....they were amazing!! We also tried the red velvet cupcakes from the Cupcake Cupboard but didn't care for them at all, they tasted really dried out. We had Room Service twice and the food was just okay.

 

 

We are Diamond members and did enjoy all the perks. Especially the separate line at Guest Relations!! We didn't have any photos taken other than on Formal Night when a photographer came around to our table in the dining room and that one turned out good so we picked it up with our free 8x10 Diamond perk. It is nice to have all the Diamond coupons right on your Seapass card too. There were a few times I didn't even know I had a discount coming until they ran my card.

Another great perk is being able to sit in Chops in the morning after getting food from the Windjammer. Chops is available for seating for Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle from 8:00am-1:00pm. The tables already have silverware and napkin on them and in the morning there is water, juice and coffee available.

 

Embarkation and Debarkation were a breeze. We also had no long lines or issues getting on or off the ship in port. The only excursion we booked was Jet Skis for the guys in Labadee and they had a blast.

 

Overall we had a great time but since being on the Allure last year it was hard going back to a smaller , older ship. We booked our next cruise while onboard to get the OBC and reduced deposit. We booked Anthem of the Seas February 6, 2016.

 

 

If anyone has any questions I will be happy to answer them if I can.

Edited October 23, 2014 by phtktz3

[docBarb]

Thanks for taking the time to post this. I am glad you had a good time.

Barbara

[Cruisingthesuitelife]

Thank you for taking the time to post a review. It sounds like there may have been a few issues, you took them all in your stride and didn't let it ruin your cruise.

 

Hopefully things will improve on the ship after what sounds like a much needed dry dock early next year.

 

I am sure you will have a great cruise on Anthem!

[beerman2]

We were on the sailing before you and agree with most things.

 

If you haven't experienced WJ for dinner 1 night , it was a nice change of pace.

 

Trivia at Schooner Bar was very well attended on our sailing, not to mention the bar staff there is great!

 

 

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[rsuther223]

We are sailing on 11/9. Do you know if the coffee machine in the diamond lounge was working. We loved making our own coffee drinks. Thanks for all the great info. We were considering the Portofino, but now????

[phtktz3]

We are sailing on 11/9. Do you know if the coffee machine in the diamond lounge was working. We loved making our own coffee drinks. Thanks for all the great info. We were considering the Portofino, but now????

 

We are not coffee drinkers so I don't know about the coffee machine in the Diamond Lounge.....sorry. As for Portofinos it was good but wasn't any better than what we had in the Dining Room so wish we hadn't spent the $65.00 on dinner and tip there.

[just erica]

We are sailing on 11/9. Do you know if the coffee machine in the diamond lounge was working. We loved making our own coffee drinks. Thanks for all the great info. We were considering the Portofino, but now????

 

I have nothing to add or ask...I just noticed that I will be on the FOS at the same time as you! My first cruise and I am starting to get excited....less than two weeks now.

[Barbiegator]

We are sailing on 11/9. Do you know if the coffee machine in the diamond lounge was working. We loved making our own coffee drinks. Thanks for all the great info. We were considering the Portofino, but now????

 

I asked in Sept and was told it will not be fixed.