Bad reviews of Freedom

[John&LaLa]

I have cruised on the Freedom of the Seas 15 times just got off from a cruise in December and I have never ever had a bad experience on the Freedom. Don't believe what other folks write. You are going to love your cruise. I hate to see the Freedom leave Port Canaveral at the end of October 2016 and go to Ft Lauderdale.

Have a great cruise. I know you are going to love it.....

 

We have 14 and two more booked before she leaves us. She will be missed, but Oasis should be a fine replacement

[casinostreer]

Sailed on Freedom for the 2nd time this past October. It was (again) wonderful.

 

Just remember that not every ship is going to suit all people. We sailed on Allure and it was NOT for us. WAY too big and too many people. Freedom was the right size (enough stuff to do) without feeling over crowded.

 

Don't worry about reviews. One small incident can cause a first time cruiser to post a scathing review - even though it may seem inconsequential to others. Just go in with an open mind and the idea that you're not going to let anyone spoil YOUR cruise.

 

(And then - when you have a fantastic time - you can come home and write a wonderful review of the Freedom to counteract the few bad ones. :) )

[John&LaLa]

(And then - when you have a fantastic time - you can come home and write a wonderful review of the Freedom to counteract the few bad ones. :) )

 

Unfortunately it's human nature to remember the bad and overlook the good.

[Terre]

Everything (ships, cruise lines, restaurants, etc.) get good reviews and bad reviews. I wouldn't worry about them too much...make your own review.

 

We were on the Freedom of the Seas this past Sept. and have booked it again for Sept. 2016. There are things I loved about it, things I only liked and things that I hated. My review is below in my signature.

 

A few years ago we had booked a cruise to Hawaii on the Pride of America (NCL). All we could find were really bad reviews. Like you we wondered if we should go. We did, and loved the ship, did not see any dirty bed sheets, or have any of the terrible things happen that all those reviews mentioned.

 

Go and enjoy your cruise. Reviews are only someone else's opinions.

[casinostreer]

Unfortunately it's human nature to remember the bad and overlook the good.

 

So true. I'm guilty of it as well. I've had 3 WONDERFUL RCL cruises and I swore that I would write glowing reviews - and I still haven't. But you better believe that I would have written one if something bad had happened.

 

Let's start a new trend! :)

Edited January 1, 2016 by casinostreer

[John&LaLa]

So true. I'm guilty of it as well. I've had 3 WONDERFUL RCL cruises and I swore that I would write glowing reviews - and I still haven't. But you better believe that I would have written one if something bad had happened.

 

Let's start a new trend! :)

 

I did a live on Freedom this past June. It was fun

[casinostreer]

I did a live on Freedom this past June. It was fun

 

I'm sure I've read it. :) I read everything labeled "Freedom" before our cruise in October. I'm sure I asked you some annoying questions.

 

Unfortunately, I'm too easily distracted to do a live review - plus - I usually don't get back to the room until LATE.

 

Oh - and I have a 4 year old. :)

[paulvdb1]

I must say that I read all reviews but only to see whether there are any trends of things to take note of. The hard mattress issue was real but if we had asked for a topper I would have been too hot - I find that the foam topper traps in body heat. I think that the service was much better than I had read but noted that people were comparing it to a few years ago. The individual people were great but looked VERY busy.

 

As an Aussie I particularly noted that US interests were different (belly flops are more exciting than a show apparently) so it's easy to see then why different people could see the cruise in a different way.

[Toddy709]

Had my first RC cruise on IOS in October and really enjoyed it. Just off FOS today and it was the least enjoyable cruise DH and I have had in our 12 or so cruises. It wasn't a "bad" cruise; just several small, but irritating things, coupled with several less than friendly crew members, it was just not what we are used to... Will post a full review when I get home.

[irishone127]

49 days until our 4th time on the Freedom. I can hardly wait. We are building a house and moving to central Florida this summer. I am sad that Freedom is moving from Port Canaveral since that will only be 90 miles from our new home. I would continue booking this ship since we have only had positive experiences. Of course we always see grumpy people complaining about everything. You have to make it fun and have fun with the people working on the ship and they will have fun with you. The help always goes above and beyond for us because we are friendly to them. Any day that I don't have to cook and clean is a great day. Enjoy your trip.

We are sailing on the Freedom the same day you are. We love this ship too and hate to see her leave PC .

[firegirley]

I was very disappointed and quite annoyed at the construction going on to the ship during my "supposed" relaxing vacation. I felt as though I was in the middle of the city when trying to relax on the decks. I actually videotaped the construction to show my friends and family on Facebook four or five different times during the day and night. It was loud and obnoxious!! I dont understand why RC would schedule loud construction work on "At Sea" days. At least you could have done it while we were on the islands or during YOUR time. I spent $2000 and then some (drink packages, excursions, tips, services etc) on my boyfriends very first cruise and my sixth cruise (4th with RC) and did not appreciate feeling like I had never left the city. Tom was disappointed as well.

Furthermore, the first day onboard, we were expecting the customary (and scheduled) "Sail Away Party", and it never happened. It was the most boring sail away, with a few people on the deck watching football on the big screen. I dont care about football, I'm on a cruise looking to be in a tropical atmosphere. I come form the North (Massachusetts) and this trip was the most disappointing I've ever experienced.

We also encountered a very rude waiter during a breakfast in the Leonardo. A customer at our table asked for salmon on her eggs benedict. He told her that he could not provide it, and she said that they had it the day before. (she was Jewish and she doesnt eat pork products) She then asked if she could have it on the side (its always available in the buffet line at Windjammer) and he went behind her back, rolled his eyes and made a very unprofessional face behind her back. He returned with the salmon on the side. I had asked him if I could have a glass of Cranberry juice with breakfast, he YELLED at me, saying "You'll have to pay for it, we dont have that here". I was surprised, but knowing I had the premium package (drinks) I told him "Thats fine, I'd like some". He never brought it. I saw him later at a buffet near the pool. Again, he was hostile toward the guests, and ignoring their requests for plates. Three people asked him if there were any plates for the buffet (they ran out). He ignored them and continued to act as if he was counting the silverware. Both times, he did not have a name badge on, as I wanted to report his behavior to the other staff. I did not see him for the remainder of the cruise.

As a return customer, I have always preferred to use Royal Caribbean over the other cruise lines. I have always spoken highly of, and recommended you to family and friends. I'm not sure I can continue doing this after this last cruise. I dont feel as though the guests are particularly cared about. I did put a deposit on another RC cruise on one of the first days of sailing, thinking that I would like to go again. After the lack of customer care on this cruise, I am contemplating retracting my deposit.

I will be very happy to send along the videos of the construction work from at least 9 am until about 8 pm at night if you would like to hear the major annoyance that we all experienced ALL DAY LONG.

My room was very nice and larger than I remember. Unfortunately, the TV did not work properly and kept shutting off randomly. Also, the interactive area for bill checking was always on "error" and I was unable to access it for the most part. I mentioned the TV issues to my housekeeping manager twice, it was never resolved.

[John&LaLa]

What voyage was that? Other than the never ending scrubber install, I haven't seen a lot of construction

[later]

we have cruised on freedom 10+ times and will be on her again may 29. the only problem we ever encountered was a malfunctioning tv

[Alaska Newbie]

I'm thinking the January 24th sailing of Freedom.

[John&LaLa]

What voyage was that? Other than the never ending scrubber install, I haven't seen a lot of construction

 

Just remembered there was construction going on for the Future Cruise Sales office on Promenade this November or December :o

[HillBilly Bob]

All the recent reviews of the Freedom of the Seas sound bad. I hope we didn't make a mistake booking this cruise in January. We sailed the Independence last January

 

How was your trip?