First Time Cruiser on Royal Caribbean Freedom of Seas - November 8th

[love80sgirl]

My husband and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas departing on November 8th. We've taken some advise by purchasing a balcony room and drink package! Other than that, we have no idea what to expect, but are extremely excited. Any other recommendations to make our first experience a lasting one?

[Host Walt]

My husband and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas departing on November 8th. We've taken some advise by purchasing a balcony room and drink package! Other than that, we have no idea what to expect, but are extremely excited. Any other recommendations to make our first experience a lasting one?

One thing you can do now is join the Roll Call for your cruise and meet many of your fellow cruisers; some first timers and some with many cruises under their belts.

 

Here's a link: Freedom of the Seas November 8, 2015

[champagne123]

Oh my goodness. All I can say, is you are going to have a wonderful time. Royal is my favorite cruiseline. They do an amazing job and their ships are gorgeous.

[George C]

You will love it, do not miss the ice skating show it is amazing, it will be on multiple times. Drink package is great, if you like wine I still would bring 2 bottles of your choice ( no corkage fee for 2 bottles) and I would do at least one specialty restaurant, we love Giovanni's Table . I agree join your roll call.

[widallas]

I agree...join the roll call! There may be cruisers who have done the itinerary before and will have tips to share.

 

We are getting ready for our second cruise. I started a packing list for our last cruise and have added to it...it has our packing list, and reminders for embarkation (parking, etc), things I want to do on board, possible excursions, etc. So much information (both here and on other sites) that it can be overwhelming!

[theminnow]

Check out the daily cruise compass for activities that interest you. This is delivered to your room the previous day so you can plan ahead.

 

Enjoy you cruise.

 

Craig

[Baz23]

Amazing cruise line, I am sure you will have loads of fun!

 

Happy travels and welcome to the forums

[Jimnbigd]

Here are some tips that apply to just about every cruise line...

 

• Lunch when you board is free (more technically, "included in the price") -- probably the buffet.
  
• When you arrive at the embarkation port, you'll check your luggage except for carry-on luggage. Make sure before then you have your luggage properly tagged. If you don't, your porter will help you tag them. Tip the porter a couple of USA dollars per bag (more if he/she helps you tag them).
  
• Your cabin probably won't be ready until 1pm or later so be prepared to lug your carry-on luggage until then. It's especially awkward at the lunch buffet. Best bet then is to grab a table, and one of you at a time goes to the buffet. Also, be sure to check out all of the buffet. I think on the Freedom of the Seas the first section is smaller than the back section.
  
• Be sure to check out any free stuff. Shows are free. Main dining room is free. Buffet is free. Some additional eating places are free. (Freedom of the Seas includes Cafe Promenade and Sorrentos on deck 5).
  
• Main Dining Room (MDR) is open for breakfast and dinner every day, and lunch on sea days (when not at a port). Royal Caribbean (and some other lines) have both fixed "traditional" dining and anytime dining -- you choose when you make your reservation. MDR is all-you-can-eat. Order as much as you want. I often get 4 or 5 starters and 2 entrees.
  
• Room service is also free. You should tip a couple of bucks or more though for room service. Royal Caribbean charges a flat tip for room service between something like midnight and 5am.
  
• Shows are free. Some find them "cheesy", but I like them.
  
• Royal Caribbean has an adult game one night called "The Quest". Other lines sometimes have this sometimes too -- even Disney. I find the Quest fun, but other might find it too offensive or silly. I say "Try it and see." It is free.
  
• It is usually best to fly in at least one day before your cruise. If you fly in the day of the cruise, you will likely be tired and stressed, and you won't have any cushion if your flight is delayed or cancelled. Also, don't book the return flight too early. It can take a while sometimes to get through USA customs at the end of the cruise. Driving is usually better than flying, because you can take more luggage, and not worry about making your return flight should the ship be late for disembarking.
  
• Know what time it is on the ship. Ports-of-call departure times are always given in "ship time", which is not necessarily the local time. Also, similar to an airline, don't arrive back to the ship exactly at the departure time. Usually you need to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure time. Oh, and at the original embarkation port, you need to be checked in at least 90 minutes before departure time.
  
• Put your cell phones in "airplane mode" -- or turn then off. You don't need expensive roaming charges added to your phone bill.
  
• When you check in you get a card about the size of a credit card. This is your room key, and also for charging just about everything you buy on the ship. When you order something, if they ask for your card, you can assume (with few exceptions) it is not free.
  
• Tips are now over $12 per day. It is still worth it. Your cabin will be cleaned twice a day, and you have waiters for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even in the buffet waiters are bringing your drinks and clearing your dishes.
  
• Bring some cash. The casino requires cash. Ports often require cash. And bring some $1 and $5 bills for tipping. Tip the bus drivers a dollar per person (more for shore excursion drivers). Tip the porters when you embark $2 per bag. If you use a porter at the end of your cruise when you disembark, tip more -- $5 per bag is good -- because they stay with you while you clear customs. It is usually faster to get a porter when you disembark.
  

Enjoy your cruise.

Edited September 22, 2015 by Jimnbigd