Fabulous Freedom of the Seas - Eastern 3/22/15

[Aunt Sue]

This is our second cruise on the Freedom – we love it. We are Emerald status and went with dh (we’re a young late 50s couple), dd 25 and her fiancé 26. We got connecting E1 balconies and were excited to have the partition opened, which room steward did right away. I like the new paper slip to indicate room preferences for steward – beds, ice, balcony, connecting door, etc. So fun to have a nice big balcony with 4 chairs when opened – we were in 8304 and 8306 which we felt was a good location and the room was kept very nicely and the beds had a comfy mattress topper.

 

Flew into Orlando from Phoenix, got a Budget car rental, drove to Cocoa Beach Suites as we only needed one room with the two room configuration. Nothing fancy, but fine for one nite, good location to pier, car rental and Ron Jon surf shop where we had dinner Sat nite at the bar. After we realized how much luggage the 4 of us had, we updated the return car rental to a suv.

 

Embarkation at the new terminal was a breeze as we had dd drop off all our luggage and they returned the car, returning to pier on Budget shuttle. So dh and I arrived at 10:49am and literally were onboard by 11:00am. Got our Ultimate drink packages right away which included the soda drink cups, which we didn’t use. Started with a cocktail at the new R Bar and met an avuncular man from WI who drank Crown Royal only all cruise! We chose the Ultimate over the Premium because there are no prices for drinks on cocktail menus (mostly) and I just didn’t want to have to figure out what was included and what wasn’t. Also, it includes the fresh squeezed OJ from WJ, coffees and bottled water. They did not have all the high end liquor some lists here on CC include; when bf asked for something very high end they didn’t have it.

 

As Emerald we did get our pins and robes. Didn’t go to the Meet and Mingle, sorry to say. Also, got the water gift in room that I had requested. Yes, the amount of paper/advertising delivered daily is a waste. We didn’t rebook onboard – the only thing I bought was a photo package of (10) 8x10s for $175 because dd and fiancé took some engagement portraits and a few of the 4 of us. Dd bought some Michael Kors items when they were 10% off. We didn’t get internet but dd tried one nite and it never worked so she got refunded. Internet was available in the two ports – for sure at the internet café by the pier in St. Maarten, she said $3 for 10 mins or something. There were a number of kids on our cruise – but they were pretty good if you ask me. One boy gave me his 3D glasses at the movie when I hadn’t any – isn’t that nice? I like having kids around anyway – not just us old folks!

 

Ended going up to Windjammer first day even tho we knew it was busy but each time a server would quickly help me find a table. We like WJ for quick easy breakfast – try the corn beef hash but I did miss the salmon they used to serve. At lunch I like the hot choices at WJ and dh likes to make a burger. I don’t understand some complaints I’ve read here about variety…there’s plenty to try! Also read there’s no service in WJ – untrue – they’re happy to bring coffee, water, etc.

 

We had My Time Dining which is always Galileo on 5 and they try to give you the same servers. We kinda just went whenever we were ready – I may have had 8:00 reservations but we had no prob getting a table any time after that. We like later dinner so we can have a cocktail beforehand and not be getting ready for dinner at 5:00. Couple times we went up to WJ @ 6pm for a drink from Plaza Bar and a couple pieces of sushi from Jade. We like the food at MDR as we were able to order different items and share/try each other’s – we always had appetizer, salad, entrée with wine, desert, coffee with after dinner cordial. The lobster tail dinner was actually very good, we did order escargot, and we had no complaints about the food in MDR. One nite we had a complimentary dinner so I made reservation for last nite at Chops ($35 dinner) – yummo! It was great – just too much to eat. I had the scallops app and branzino but everyone else had nice filets. Excellent service – it was a really nice treat. One sea day we had lunch at Sabor for $15 each – this again was excellent! Guacamole made tableside, great chips and entrees but it took a chunk of our afternoon, prob 1.5 hrs. Also, loved the cucumber/jalapeno margarita so much I had 2! We didn’t try Giovanni’s ($25 dinner). Formal nites were 2 and 6. Other nites men can wear nice dress shorts – they didn’t say a word. Our only issue with MDR: we felt it was understaffed. Servers are good just soooo darn busy running all around, so many tables each. Especially the bar servers – hard to get a glass of wine so that we started bringing one in from a bar. When we finally got a bar server we ordered wine and after dinner drink at the same time! We did ask as soon as seated and asked waiter for a bar server but they were swamped. Lobster nite they were really hustling – it took almost 45 mins just to order our dinner. Again, it’s not that the servers were bad – they need more servers in the MDR for sure so patience is required.

 

Went to the ice show again as it is very good, saw both of the late nite comedy shows, went to the Quest, Love & Marriage, saw a 3d movie (Home – excellent), but that was about it – we’re not into the production shows anymore. Went to a couple of trivia games which is fun and dh watched some march madness at On Air. He also liked taking a steam in the spa.

 

I love the music – I love to sit at Boleros or Schooner, go up to Star Lounge, listen at Bull and Bear, etc. I think the live music makes my vacation very special. The Kronos band did a great Eric Clapton set one night. And who doesn’t love island music at the pool or at the nite pool party? We did go up to late nite at Olive or Twist with DJ Stan Taylor (the Crypt is gone) which I like dance music but only made it once. Oh did I mention since we are on west coast time, we were real nite owls up usually to 1am but not up for anything too early in the am. We’d often get a slice at Sorrento’s before bed and grab a bottle of water there too for the room.

 

Ports – Coco Cay: we rented a Barefoot Beach Cabanette (I call it a clamshell) from Excursions ahead, for $50 which is at a nice secluded area and includes ice, water, fruit, floatees, two chairs and table, and snorkel equipment. Only problem was we didn’t know we were supposed to meet at excursions and get a ride. We were glad the tram took us back to the tender pier after as it was a long walk, but some good exercise. The tendering here does take some time – just be patient – it’s worth it. The tender was a little rough so we could understand how this port has to be cancelled due to winds at times. Luckily we had a great day there – not too sunny which was fine for us. One can use their drink package on the island – I tried the Cocodoozle, or something, it was great!

St. Thomas: we wanted to go to Magen’s Bay so we just hopped a large shuttle right from the pier - $8 per person each way plus entrance to the beach I think was $4 pp. Yes, it’s a more crowded beach but very pretty and we were able to find chairs since we arrived later. Our ship docked about noon, all aboard was at 6:30pm. Very pretty to see St. Thomas at night for sail away.

St. Maarten: kids went on an inflatable boat/jet ski excursion they booked thru Viator. Dh and I enjoyed the ship – nice brunch alone, all alone in the hot tub/Jacuzzi overlooking St. Maarten port. Got off ship just for a bit to walk around the shops, buy a tshirt and head back to our dear FOS. Oh, there is a small shuttle in front of the yellow building that will take you back right to the gangway.

 

With this itinerary we had Fri and Sat two days in a row at sea – awesome!! Reminders: always check your Cruise Compass and bring a highlighter, Sprinkles ice cream, cookies from WJ at tea time, at the Soliarium there is a quiet outdoor seating area all the way fore behind a door to the left of the spa – very nice. Don’t forget Eastern is a little more rough seas being out in the Atlantic more than Western itinerary. I took Dramamine first nite until used to the rocking. Felt the ship vibrate a little but I didn’t notice any mechanical issues that have been discussed here on CC. The rockin and rollin is very soothing for sleeping!

 

To navigate the FOS, try to learn where fore and aft are. Then know that dining is aft, theaters/lounge are fore, casino and promenade midship. We took a good tip from Beachcampin – use outside deck 4 to quickly traverse from end to end. We played shuffleboard there one nite – so fun! Taking a moment to enjoy the art around this beautiful ship enhances the whole experience. I actually won some $ at casino and came out ahead, but alas dh ate up the winnings!

 

Debarkation – they started announcing self-carry departure at 7am, I believe. We got a schedule with our luggage tags and were called promptly but we were having breakfast at WJ. The only problem was by time we got down there past luggage claim the custom line was loooong – probably 30 mins of walking the line. I don’t think we got our folio printout of charges the nite before – unless we just didn’t see it – but we had checked it on the in-cabin tv.

Afterwards we went to Universal Studios Orlando for the day ($$$) and spent the night at Hyatt Place Orlando airport before flying out Monday am.

 

All in all, the cruise was quite prompt according to schedule and we had no problems (never once had to go to guest services), nor heard of illnesses or emergencies. We really enjoyed the drink package, the beaches, relaxing onboard, the lovely dinners, our balcony, and the music!

Edited March 31, 2015 by Aunt Sue

[Uri1961]

Thanks for the gray reviews! I have 2 cruises booked for next year.

[milaz002]

I did miss the salmon they used to serve.

 

Amen.

[LeCricket]

Great review. Thanks!

 

Cricket

[Maybaybie10]

Great review...we are sailing on Freedom in 19 days, so I'm reading everything I can in anticipation!

 

One quick question: Where do you sign up for the cabanettes on CocoCay? I looked under excursions for our sailing and there is nothing listed.

 

Also are there other lounge chairs available in the same location, so maybe my parents could sit in the shade in the cabanette and the rest of us could sit outside it in the loungers? Is the tram only for people who paid for the cabanettes?

 

Ok...that was technically 3 questions! :p

 

Thanks!!

[Beachcampin]

Great write up! Glad I was able to help a little bit.

 

Thanks for the info about the Cabbenettes on Coco Cay. I had't heard about those before and will definitely look into one of those next time we go. Lately, we've not been getting off the ship there as we live in Florida, so a beach day is not as uique, but I love the idea of enjoying Coco Cay this way. Were there two sets of snorkeling gear?

[ryano]

Thank you :) Very much looking forward to freedom in 12 days!

[cajuncowgirl13]

Thank you for the great review!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HiCSailor]

Thanks. Getting more excited for August with every nice thing said about Freedom! This ship has quite a following and is setting up some great expectations from me. [emoji41]

[TominNC]

Thanks for the review. I'll be on this cruise in just a few days

[Big_G]

Thanks for the great review. Going again in May and forgot about the new terminal.

[Aunt Sue]

One quick question: Where do you sign up for the cabanettes on CocoCay? I looked under excursions for our sailing and there is nothing listed.

 

Also are there other lounge chairs available in the same location, so maybe my parents could sit in the shade in the cabanette and the rest of us could sit outside it in the loungers? Is the tram only for people who paid for the cabanettes?

 

 

First thing onboard I went to Excursions desk by Guest Services to request a Cabana but there was a waiting list so I took a Cabanette. You will get an excursion ticket - now the gal emphasized that it was for two persons. DD and bf were able to get lounge chairs right next to the area, next to the rope divider between the private area no problem. But probably not in the private area because we had VIP wrist bands and they did not. they did let them on the tram but I'm not sure about a large group. maybe get more than one cabanette?

 

We didn't use the snorkel equipment - it wasn't in the cabanette - I believe one would just ask the attendant. I don't know if they'll give you more than two sets - like I said the excursion ticket is for two people per cabanette.

 

Oh did I say there's a private bar right in the cabanette area? nice!

[Aunt Sue]

Great write up! Glad I was able to help a little bit.

 

Thanks for the info about the Cabbenettes on Coco Cay. I had't heard about those before and will definitely look into one of those next time we go. Lately, we've not been getting off the ship there as we live in Florida, so a beach day is not as uique, but I love the idea of enjoying Coco Cay this way. Were there two sets of snorkeling gear?

 

Yes, I'm sure you could ask for two sets of gear - there was an attendant always in the area. She also announced when we could take the tram to lunch, which we didn't do.

 

All the reviews were helpful to us - but I do love the live reviews like you did, Beachcampin! :)

[cruiseapril]

Nice review. Glad you enjoyed Magen's Bay Beach.

 

Good to hear about others enjoying the music. One fine aspect of cruises.

[Aunt Sue]

here's a picture of the Cabanettes and bar at Barefoot Beach on CocoCay.

[Betsynh]

here's a picture of the Cabanettes and bar at Barefoot Beach on CocoCay.

 

Those are super cute and just what we need! I pre-booked a couple of floating beach mats. Are the Cabanettes booked as an excursion in advance? Do you recall the official name? (My hubby sunburns easily, so this is perfect!)

[mollyeilis]

I like the new paper slip to indicate room preferences for steward – beds, ice, balcony, connecting door, etc.

 

Is that something because of your status, because you maybe had suites, or is it just normal procedure?

We chose the Ultimate over the Premium because there are no prices for drinks on cocktail menus (mostly) and I just didn’t want to have to figure out what was included and what wasn’t.

 

U and P have the exact same liquor as each other, FWIW. The difference between P and U is the coffee/tea fancy drinks, the OJ, and sparkling water. Ultimate = Replenish + Premium.

 

Hope that doesn't ruin your thoughts of the cruise, but maybe it'll be good to know for the future.

[kahcarre]

I did miss the salmon they used to serve.

 

Are you saying they don't have smoked salmon in the Windjammer anymore for breakfast?? :(:eek:

[milaz002]

Are you saying they don't have smoked salmon in the Windjammer anymore for breakfast?? :(:eek:

 

We were on FOS between 3/22 and 3/29/15. To my great disappointment, there was no lox on the breakfast buffet in the Windjammer. I did ask for it one day, and a courteous waiter brought it. It was also available as a menu item in the MDR at breakfast.

Edited April 3, 2015 by milaz002

[cant_w8_2_cruise]

I like the new paper slip to indicate room preferences for steward – beds, ice, balcony, connecting door, etc.

 

 

Is that something because of your status, because you maybe had suites, or is it just normal procedure?

 

Nope! It was for everyone, because we had one and so did the rest if my party and we're all first timers, not in suites. It was handy!

[disneylil]

great review. I haven't been on Freedom for a couple years now and am wondering about what shows you have to make reservations

[ciera123]

Very nice review. Sailing on Freedom in May, so this was much appreciated! :)

[Aunt Sue]

Those are super cute and just what we need! I pre-booked a couple of floating beach mats. Are the Cabanettes booked as an excursion in advance? Do you recall the official name? (My hubby sunburns easily, so this is perfect!)

 

I still have the excusion ticket - it's called "Barefoot Beach Cabanettes". it says "first come, first service" meaning you don't reserve a specific cabanette - you'll get one when you arrive. I don't know if you can book before boarding - did you try looking at your excursions online? otherwise go to the excursion desk next to guest services when you board. when we were on CocoCay they were not sold out. good luck!

[Aunt Sue]

We were on FOS between 3/22 and 3/29/15. To my great disappointment, there was no lox on the breakfast buffet in the Windjammer. I did ask for it one day, and a courteous waiter brought it. It was also available as a menu item in the MDR at breakfast.

 

oh I wish I had thought of asking for the smoked salmon/lox!! good for you. :)

[Aunt Sue]

great review. I haven't been on Freedom for a couple years now and am wondering about what shows you have to make reservations

 

hi - on the Freedom you do not have to make any show reservations except the Freedom on Ice show. I made reservations online beforehand but when we got there they had changed the times of the show so they said no reservations required.

 

funny side note - I had made reservations for dinner at Izumi on the FOS but the FOS has no Izumi!! I got an email from RCI that due to that misfortunate error we were to receive a complimentary dinner at Chops, or we could have gotten at Giovanni's. Chops was excellent, thanks RCI!