Freedom of the Seas 3-15-15: Mini Review and Random Thoughts

[shopping is fun]

Freedom of the Seas 3-15-15 Western Caribbean

 

We had a wonderful time on our 4th RCI cruise (2nd time on Freedom) with our 2 teenage daughters. Rather than a full review, I thought I would share some observations and random thoughts. This cruise was incredibly smooth, with perfect weather throughout. Our first cruise on Freedom was 2 years ago, also during spring break, so we had no anxieties about cruising during this timeframe. In fact, we noted that the many families and kids of varying ages were exceptionally nice, polite, and well-behaved!

 

Changes since our last cruise on Freedom (not sure when implemented):

Windjammer—during peak times, staggered seating (and thus a line) has been implemented. While there were some complainers, in our opinion, this greatly reduced the chaos once inside the buffet area. We appreciated the crowd control and the line actually moved quite quickly. A staff member actually comes up to the front of the line and takes you to a table to accommodate the size of your party. Also in the Windjammer, the omelet station has implemented a “place your order, take a number” system, allowing you to go to the other stations, load your plate, and then come back to claim your omelet. This seemed much more efficient than everyone crowding around as they made just one or two omelets at a time. We did not see the assortment of creatively carved fruits throughout the Windjammer this time, but that certainly did not really detract from our overall cruise experience. Finally, the Freestyle Coke machines were always in service, never running out of Diet Coke. This was our first cruise that we did not encounter issues with the machines! We actually LOVE eating in the Windjammer for all meals, only going to the Main Dining Room on Formal Nights. We prefer the variety offered in the Windjammer, which apparently was appreciated by many others too, as it was almost crowded (relatively speaking) some evenings!

 

Deck 4, Photo Area—it appeared that some reconfiguration has occurred where the photo area transitions into the casino; or wait….. there is not really ANY transition now, as it seems like the casino just flows right into the photo area. Also, flowing right in is the smoke from the casino. To me, I could barely breathe while looking at photos, and when I tried to ask a question, no sound came out—the smoke had made my voice scratchy at first, then almost mute! The staff said they had “made the casino bigger”. Guest Relations apologetically acknowledged that it unfortunately is rather smoky at times in the photo area… (I was visiting them for a different reason—not because of the smoke!)

 

Shows—the production shows lacked a WOW factor (for us anyway), with the exception of the incredible aerial performers, who were breath-taking in their maneuvers! The most significant change was in the magic show. Very little magic/illusion effects occurred, as the singers and dancers have pretty much taken over this show….that is rather sad, as Drew Thomas’ illusion work was very entertaining 2 years ago. Also, we did not really enjoy the impressionist, but perhaps we did not give him enough of a chance, as we snuck out after a few minutes! Love and Marriage was a hoot, as was Quest.

 

Excursions:

 

We booked everything independently except ziplining at Labadee.

 

In Jamaica, we used Courtney Taylor Tours and went to the Blue Hole and then had enough time for one daughter to do a horse swim. The Blue Hole outing was deemed “best day ever” by our girls, and yes, it was amazing! Climbing down the waterfall, swinging from the rope and dropping into the water, plus jumping into the water from rocks of varying heights made this a memorable adventure!

 

In Grand Cayman, we rented bikes from West Bay Loop bikes and rode a 10 mile loop through neighborhoods, along a beach road (not on sand) and through the national park. It was very enjoyable, but be sure to take water, as there is very little shade for about an hour. The entire ride took us around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Then we did some shopping and returned for a late lunch on the ship.

 

Finally, for our activity in Cozumel, we booked a 3-hour tour with Tours Plaza, who were very accommodating in tailoring the outing to meet our requests. We then finished up with some shopping in the market area OUTSIDE the pier area. Our guide said the prices were less in this market, but that was not always the case. They were a bit aggressive and did “encourage” bargaining, which of course, we did!

 

Random snippets:

 

A funny highlight--during the Captain’s Corner (now held on the Promenade, rather than in the theater), a gentleman was inquiring about the barometric pressure, as he was keeping a weather journal. The captain did not believe this info was recorded on a daily basis, but almost as an afterthought, he mentioned that some fancy watches were on sale at the other end of the Promenade. About 10 minutes later, the gentleman walked back up to the captain and proudly showed him his new watch that had a barometer!!

 

On a different note, if you play in the organized soccer or basketball competitions on the sport court…. for adults, if the ball goes overboard, that team is “out”. If the teens are playing, the game is over (even if they were just a few minutes into the allotted hour of play). Luckily, one teen brought a ball from home, so play was able to continue—not sure what would have happened if THAT ball had gone overboard!

 

Our girls discovered that many families were traveling together, so “groups” of kids were already established. They did not find that many other “unattached” teen girls to hang out with, but there were a few that got together at times. Our girls actually ended up spending more time with us—which we thought was great!

 

All in all, it was a perfect cruise, and we hope to begin planning another one soon!

[Woodmnky]

Thanks for insight, especially about the lines in the Windjammer. We tend to turn around and make another choice if we encounter a line on a cruise, but it is nice knowing that the lines move quickly if we do want to wait.

[pjamms]

Great review and very helpful. How old are your teens and did they try out the flowrider, was there a queue or do you book to use it. Also did you get a look at the new staterooms on deck 12 and do you have any opinion as to whether they would be a good choice for position and noise factor.

[Paulette3028]

Great review and very helpful. How old are your teens and did they try out the flowrider, was there a queue or do you book to use it. Also did you get a look at the new staterooms on deck 12 and do you have any opinion as to whether they would be a good choice for position and noise factor.

 

I have not been on Freedom, but have been on the Flowrider on other ships. There is a queue line, that moves quickly. The staff manages the flowriders and the line to keep it moving very well.

 

Those that love the Flowrider, just finish their wave ride and get back in the line. Some do it once and they are done -- either way it is fun.

[mattpro]

Question about casino and the smoking

 

When I was on the 3/1 - 3/7/2015 sailing on the Freedom the casino area abutting the photo section was - NON SMOKING.

 

Has that been changed to a smoking section at the end of the month of March ?

[shopping is fun]

Flow rider lines form, but move quickly, as most people cannot stay upright very long! Sometimes they let people try again if they fall within a few seconds! As mentioned, you can get back in line right away.

 

Casino smoking area may be at the end farther away from the photo area, but the smoke manages to travel and infiltrate throughout. Others may not be as sensitive, but I definitely was well-aware of it.

 

We never saw inside any of the new suites, but we wandered the halls, hoping for a peek! Everything smelled brand new, and the carpet was a newer pattern, in a more navy hue, compared to the other Caribbean colors elsewhere. We wondered if there was any way to view these from the outside (looking through the windows), but you'd have to be on another ship docked alongside to see the windows, I believe.

Edited March 28, 2015 by shopping is fun
Title

[shopping is fun]

Sorry, I believe the rooms on 12 are staterooms, not suites! The hallway sure was quiet, but did not get a sense of whether there would be any noise from below...

[bobmacliberty]

I'd also like to know how old your girls are. My daughters will be 17 and 19 (nearly 20) on our Freedom cruise in June. This is the first time that one of them will be too old for the teen groups. My understanding is that they are pretty strict about the 18 year old upper age limit. I'm worried that DD19 will be stuck halfway between the organized teen stuff, and the boring adults.:)

[bigque]

They might be trying the line thing at the Windjammer on all cruises or they might be trying it out to see how it works because they were also doing that on my Enchantment cruise March 13th! :cool:

[shopping is fun]

Our girls are 15 and 17, so we will be facing the aging-out situation soon. The age limit for teens on this cruise was 17......and they were strict about it!