Freedom vs Independence

[EJPhilly]

I am looking into doing Western Caribbean next May w/ DH. Would you do Freedom or Independence, we've never been on either. I know they are the same class of ships, but is one better than the other? I'm torn between the two.

Thanks :)

Edited November 19, 2014 by EJPhilly

[fwacruiser]

They're basically identical ships. Freedom was the first so it's a little older, but otherwise they are far more alike than different. Can't go wrong with either, so I'd pick the itinerary that you like better and roll with it.

 

 

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[Clarea]

If you have kids, you may prefer Freedom because it has Dreamworks characters. Freedom also has the Freestyle Coke machines.

[EJPhilly]

They're basically identical ships. Freedom was the first so it's a little older, but otherwise they are far more alike than different. Can't go wrong with either, so I'd pick the itinerary that you like better and roll with it.

 

 

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Thanks.. The itinerary is exactly the same (Western Caribbean). With the BOGO sale going on now, the Independce is about a couple hundred dollars cheaper.

[EJPhilly]

If you have kids, you may prefer Freedom because it has Dreamworks characters. Freedom also has the Freestyle Coke machines.

Bob, it's just hubby & I. Does the Independence have Park Cafe? We absolutely loved it on Oasis. Thanks :)

[crusinot]

Are there freestyle Coke machines on Indy? We used them on Enchantment an they worked out great!

[Clarea]

Bob, it's just hubby & I. Does the Independence have Park Cafe? We absolutely loved it on Oasis. Thanks :)

No Park Cafe on any Freedom or Voyager class ship. You will have Cafe Promenade and Sorrento's Pizza, but no roast beef sandwiches.

[delirious9876]

Are there freestyle Coke machines on Indy? We used them on Enchantment an they worked out great!

No coke freestyle machines on Indy :(

[LibrarianBecky]

Freedom will be going into dry dock in January 2015, so that might be something to consider. Indy also does not have the 3D movie theater.

 

 

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[EJPhilly]

No Park Cafe on any Freedom or Voyager class ship. You will have Cafe Promenade and Sorrento's Pizza, but no roast beef sandwiches.

Oh, I thought I just saw under "Dining Options" that Park Cafe was listed.. :(

Thx

[EJPhilly]

Freedom will be going into dry dock in January 2015, so that might be something to consider. Indy also does not have the 3D movie theater.

 

 

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Do you know what's being done on Freedom during the Dry Dock? Thx

[Clarea]

Oh, I thought I just saw under "Dining Options" that Park Cafe was listed.. :(

Thx

If it's listed, it's a mistake. Could you have been thinking of Cafe Promenade?

[EJPhilly]

If it's listed, it's a mistake. Could you have been thinking of Cafe Promenade?

No.. I know that Cafe Promenade is in Promenade area. Thx

[LibrarianBecky]

I believe FOS will get the show "Hairspray" during dry dock. RC has also indicated that it will not get dynamic dining. Nothing else is official, at least as far as I know.

 

 

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[Topo Gigio]

If it's listed, it's a mistake. Could you have been thinking of Cafe Promenade?

 

She might get one in January. But they are tightlipped about her dry dock.

[Clarea]

She might get one in January. But they are tightlipped about her dry dock.

I'd love it!:)

[molly361]

No Park Cafe on any Freedom or Voyager class ship. You will have Cafe Promenade and Sorrento's Pizza, but no roast beef sandwiches.

 

Or roast pork sandwiches

Edited November 19, 2014 by molly361

[Chuggiebug]

Freedom may be slightly older but we much prefer her. Embarkation and crew are the reasons.

[EJPhilly]

When will RCL release whats going to be done to Freedom? Thx

 

 

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Edited November 19, 2014 by EJPhilly

[Clarea]

When will RCL release whats going to be done to Freedom? Thx

Probably after the dry dock in January.

[American Bear]

I am looking into doing Western Caribbean next May w/ DH. Would you do Freedom or Independence, we've never been on either. I know they are the same class of ships, but is one better than the other? I'm torn between the two.

Thanks :)

 

Ships basically the same!

Itineraries basically the same!

Port Canaveral vs Fort Lauderdale (we like Port Canaveral more!)

Prices we see show Freedom a little higher, $50. per person!

A true tossup!:eek:

[Ocean Boy]

I think the production shows on Indy are horrible. It also does not have a Logo shop. The Promenade has devoted lots of space to selling tobacco, alcohol, and perfume. There are no freestyle soda machines. Maybe now that the ship won't be going back to the UK in the summer they will convert things back to the way they were and add the soda machines. I have no idea when the shows will FINALLY change on this ship.

 

All that being said, I choose to sail on this ship because I love the 8 night itinerary (which will be disappearing soon) and very much enjoy the Freedom class ships. Hmmm, maybe RCI should keep the itinerary and change the shows instead.;):rolleyes:

[ihavecats]

If you are flying that could make a big difference into which I chose. It doesn't get any more convenient that Ft. Lauderdale. Orlando to Port Canaveral would take some extra planning and cost to get to the port. This could really swing the price in favor of Indy.

[Clarea]

If you are flying that could make a big difference into which I chose. It doesn't get any more convenient that Ft. Lauderdale. Orlando to Port Canaveral would take some extra planning and cost to get to the port. This could really swing the price in favor of Indy.

I agree, one has to consider the costs of transportation. In addition, if the OP is spending a night in a hotel, that might swing the cost benefit back to Port Canaveral. I've been very surprised at the high cost of hotels in Ft. Lauderdale lately.

[MKESail]

I have to agree with the previous posters, the two ships are identical. Freedom has the Dreamworks Experience and the 3D Movies, which Indy does not. I, personally, like Freedom better, it's got that kinda cozy feel to it, I liked the crew better and I do like Port Canaveral so much better then Fort Lauderdale even considering the ride from Orlando. We sailed on Freedom during Spring Break and Indy over the New Years, so both are kinda busy seasons, but I am not sure if this is an apples to apples comparison, and Fort Lauderdale was just SOOOOOO busy :-O I would imagine with Disney World and all - Orlando would be as busy during the holidays. Just my 2 cents, I guess. ;)