Freedom of the Seas Cruising Questions

[Humor_Me]

Hello Everyone,

 

We are taking our first ever cruise in 2 weeks and are very excited. We are going on a 7 day Western Caribbean Cruise aboard RC’s Freedom of the Seas. I’ve been ‘lurking’ around the message boards looking for tips and advice and have found them to be very handy—so thank you to both poster and responders. Naturally I still have some questions and any responses would be appreciated.

 

Background: We are 2 young women who are looking for relaxation and fun (aren’t we all ), so no children to look after means more flexibility with activities. We are not party animals nor big drinkers, but we wouldn’t say no to dancing and a cocktail or 2, so long as it’s dark and the drinks are good, lol. I’ve booked through RC’s website, so I have no agent to work with and the research is starting to get overwhelming— I can feel the pressure to book things!. This is our “big” trip of the year and we want to make the most of it without having to pay more than we have to, so we have more money to spend on activities/excursions/ cocktails. On to the questions:

 

Questions:

 

1)Transport: We don’t drive, so renting a car is not possible. I think RC only provides transport if you book via their Air2Sea program—which we didn’t. Any recommendation on transport companies or taxi lines? We obviously don’t live in Orlando, so we don’t know what is available.

 

2a) Excursions: Are there any differences in the prices online vs. onboard? Some of the excursions we liked are no longer available online, do they save some spots for onboard booking? Will there be more excursion options onboard? Any more companies offering excursions on board like in hotels? We like the idea of booking via RC for the peace of mind of safety and making it back to the ship on time. If you have any names to drop, please do so and I can research them.

 

2b) If you’ve traveled here recently, which excursions would you recommend, alternatively which ones did you find to be a waste of time and money?

 

3a) Staterooms: I splurged on a balcony for a few reasons, I though it would be nice to enjoy the outdoors while sailing and I am afraid of the dark and the inherent pitch darkness of the interior rooms freaked me out a bit. That being said, how is the lighting at night in a balcony room? Should I still pack a night light?

 

3b) Someone mentioned soot in the aft cabins in another post, is this still an issue? Also, are the doors still magnetic?

 

4) Ports: Any ports where you would recommend taking your passport. We’d like to enjoy the beaches at the ports and passports are not waterproof.

 

4b) What happens if you loose/misplace your Seapass while in Port?

 

4c) A friend mentioned we had booked at the most active time during hurricane season—any advice?

 

5) Disembarking: This friend also advised that I don’t go crazy shopping at the ports —they know me so well— and there was a list they give you at disembarking listing the amount of items allowed by customs. Is this list available before boarding?

 

5b) We booked a flight after 12pm at the suggestions of some posts, does this suggestions still stand?

 

6) Is the Voom surf and stream worth it? I wanna keep up with the Olympics Is live TV available?

 

7) Are there any activities/ foods/ anything we should take full advantage of as 1st time cruisers? Have any other advice for us?

 

Thank you in advance for reading my long post and providing any response to any question/concern. I’m hoping this will the first of many cruises.

Reply With Quote Multi-Quote This Message Quick reply to this message

[cb at sea]

You will not need your passports in ANY Caribbean port! Take your DL for ID...same size as your ship's key.

Most things are easy to do on your own...a guidebook is a useful thing to read! You don't need excursions or hotels for beaches in most ports! What are your ports?

 

Prices are the same whether you book in advance or on the ship...sometimes, there are specials on the ship, for things like spa treatments, etc....

 

Simply don't lose your seapass....and why would you? You don't go around losing your DL, do you? You cannot leave the ship without it, and you can't get back on the ship without it! If you misplace it ON the ship, they will make you another. If you misplace it ashore, it will be a HUGE hassle! Don't lose it!

[payitforward]

I agree with the last poster on passport/DL and Seapass.

 

As for lighting at night, I like to bring a little LED "candle." It gives enough light to find your way to the bathroom without feeling like a "light." There is light that comes in from the balcony, but you have blackout curtains.

 

For transportation, check the Florida departure board. Here's one thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1367326&highlight=port+canaveral+transportation

 

For shopping - use common sense. You can't bring home live plants or animals, fruit, veggies, weapons, etc. Remember that you have to pack and/or carry everything you buy, and things aren't always the great deal you think they are.

 

Most importantly - relax, go with the flow and have fun!

[Clarea]

I recommend Cortrans for a shuttle, they charge $20pp, each way.

[jaimevoyager]

I recommend Cortrans for a shuttle, they charge $20pp, each way.

 

 

I agree. Used them a few weeks ago and they are excellent.

[Humor_Me]

I recommend Cortrans for a shuttle, they charge $20pp, each way.

 

Thank you, will look them up :)

[Biker19]

3b) Someone mentioned soot in the aft cabins in another post, is this still an issue? Also, are the doors still magnetic? No. Not sure what you mean magnetic.

 

4c) A friend mentioned we had booked at the most active time during hurricane season—any advice?Not to worry - the Captain will keep you out of harms way.

 

5) Disembarking: This friend also advised that I don’t go crazy shopping at the ports —they know me so well— and there was a list they give you at disembarking listing the amount of items allowed by customs. Is this list available before boarding?$800 allowance before duties kick in, small amount of cigarettes and alcohol allowed.

 

5b) We booked a flight after 12pm at the suggestions of some posts, does this suggestions still stand?Yes.

 

6) Is the Voom surf and stream worth it? I wanna keep up with the Olympics Is live TV available? If you think you'll really need it, the SURF package is enough for most folks - buy it ahead of time. Yes, Olympics will be on TV.

 

7) Are there any activities/ foods/ anything we should take full advantage of as 1st time cruisers? Have any other advice for us? Lentil soup on shiitake night.

 

See above. Don't overthink it too much - take a break from CC - the info overload is just as bad as no info.

Edited July 31, 2016 by Biker19

[Clarea]

Thank you, will look them up :)

 

http://www.cortrans-shuttle.com/

[Surfguyxxx]

One thing that you really need to do is pack your clothing. Just before you leave, take 1/2 of your clothes out and leave them. You won't need them. Couple of swim suits, couple pairs of shorts and T's, couple of pairs of shoes and your all set. Have a fantastic time; I love Freedom and you will too!

[Clarea]

One thing that you really need to do is pack your clothing. Just before you leave, take 1/2 of your clothes out and leave them. You won't need them....

You forgot to mention the other half of that equation ... remove half the clothes and take twice the money.:D;)

[Pancake16]

I've cruised twice (Love it!)! Once on Allure and the second on Freedom (New Years Eve Cruise!) ...

 

Tip for sea pass (especially women cause you don't always have pockets and DON'T carry a purse).

 

Take a "retractable badge holder clip" (office supply store if you dont have one for a work badge) that I attach to my sea pass. It clips on my shorts or spaghetti straps or to my book cover or beach bag! I stop by customer service once on the ship and ask them to punch a hole in the card to attach. It is more descrete than a lanyard and I had a few laying around from work badges, etc.

[OKC Cruisers]

The issue of the passport often leads to some debate. Do you need the passport when you go ashore? No...you can use a government issued ID such as your Driver License. HOWEVER, remember, you are in a foreign country. If, heaven forbid, something happens and you cannot get back on the ship, you will wish you had your passport as it will make things easier to manage. I know that a lot of people worry about their passport being lost or stolen, but folks, if the police or security forces of the country you are in decide that your State of (insert your state here) Driver License is not acceptable to them, then you are at their mercy. A passport is THE recognized form of identification when traveling outside the borders of the US. This is backed by international treaties and laws.

 

As to your passport not being waterproof, there are a number of travel pouches specifically made for this purpose that are. Travel safe, travel smart.

[Truluv]

A tip - You will hear about watch sales, "gold" by the inch, t-shirt sales, etc. constantly. Keep the sale prices that you pay at home in mind. Your best souvenir might actually be the photos that you take of each other, or that you ask other cruisers to take of the 2 of you!

 

DO -- Take advantage of the photo stations, especially on formal night (despite the long lines). You won't have to buy any pictures you don't like, but a really nice picture makes a wonderful gift for MOM. Better than a Cozumel t-shirt lol....

 

DON'T get swept away by the excitement of onboard bingo, onboard art auctions, spa sales, etc. I suggest just observing, and waiting to jump in until cruise #2 if you decide that's how you want to spend your money. And don't let the heat and crowds of the muster drill spoil anything. It's a necessary evil.

 

DO - Look at your onboard account periodically on your cabin tv, and don't wait until the last night to stand in line at the pursar's desk with the 600 passengers who just discovered something that needs to be corrected.

 

DO take advantage of the shows, including the RCL stuff. Even the Love & Marriage show, pool games etc. can be fun, and unique cruise experiences.

 

And don't feel bad about being thrown off the ship so early in the morning on the last day of your cruise. (I'll be boarding later that morning!)

Edited July 31, 2016 by Truluv

[Johnamac123]

The issue of the passport often leads to some debate. Do you need the passport when you go ashore? No...you can use a government issued ID such as your Driver License. HOWEVER, remember, you are in a foreign country. If, heaven forbid, something happens and you cannot get back on the ship, you will wish you had your passport as it will make things easier to manage. I know that a lot of people worry about their passport being lost or stolen, but folks, if the police or security forces of the country you are in decide that your State of (insert your state here) Driver License is not acceptable to them, then you are at their mercy. A passport is THE recognized form of identification when traveling outside the borders of the US. This is backed by international treaties and laws.

 

As to your passport not being waterproof, there are a number of travel pouches specifically made for this purpose that are. Travel safe, travel smart.

 

If you don't make it back to the ship before it departs, RCI will leave your passport with the port authority. Do carry your Cruise Compass with the Port Authority contact information on it.

[adavin92]

3b) Someone mentioned soot in the aft cabins in another post, is this still an issue? Also, are the doors still magnetic?

 

 

 

You can put magnets on the doors,if that's what you mean.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Bette And Bill]

As for what you can bring into the country duty free - as stated previously - you can not bring live plants, flowers, etc. You are allowed $800.00 per person duty free. Even if you go a bit over that amount, claim it on your form at the end of the cruise. Listen and comprehend what the customs agents ask as you get off the ship - and answer what they asked.

 

It can get confusing, and I do remember being a bit overwhelmed. Just relax have a good time and enjoy yourselves. Do bring the cruise compass with you when you go on shore, do not take your passport but do bring your drivers license and sea pass card.

 

And always try and get back to the ship at least 30 minutes before all board. It is one of my favorite past times to go down to deck 5 and see how many people think the ship will wait for them if they are late getting back.

 

If you have a lanyard - get your seapass card hole punched at guest relations and put it around your neck. No worry about it catching on something and it is always with you. If you do not have a lanyard or something that goes on your wrist - then wait until after sail away and head to the logo shop and pick one up for about $10.00 - all charged to your sea pass account.

[Peachy59]

If you don't make it back to the ship before it departs, RCI will leave your passport with the port authority. Do carry your Cruise Compass with the Port Authority contact information on it.

 

Do you know this for a fact? I've heard it before, but find it hard to believe they will actually go into your safe to get it before the ship sails. Would really like to know if this is true as I've never heard a first hand account of them doing this.

[KBD1516]

Don't miss QUEST. There's a 70's party on the promenade one evening.

 

I got to security once in Grand Cayman without my sea pass (have no idea where it went while I was snorkeling ?). Luckily my DH had my drivers license in his wallet. I had to wait while ship checked the manifest to get on the tender. When I got on board, I was escorted immediately by security to Guest Services to get a new sea pass, then escorted back to "ding" me onto the ship.

 

I recommend that you take a photo of your passport and/or birth certificates and email it to yourself. That way you will at least always have a copy available via your own email account.

[Trainer]

OP says she doesn't drive, so probably does not have a Drivers' License. Any other government ID or other ID with her name and photo will do.

[griffy116]

Tips:

 

DO: Make a copy of your passport and credit cards (front and back) and e-mail it to yourself. That way you can retrieve it in an emergency. Get a gov't issued ID. You can get it at the DMV for a much reduced price from a DL and it is what you need to carry, along with your SeaPass card when you get off the ship. We make a copy of all of our documents, including e-mails on excursions we book and e-mail it to ourselves. Make a photo of your luggage (in the event it gets lost). Take a photo of the Cruise Compass where it has the number of the Port Authority.

 

Do: Remember to lay out a change of clothes on the last night so that you aren't walking off the ship in PJ's on the last morning after you set your luggage in the hallway.

 

Do: Take a couple of large zip lock bags for wet/damp swimsuits so that the rest of the things in your suitcase doesn't get wet.

 

Do: Take some $1's and $5's for tips (porters at pier and for room service)

 

Don't: Try to do everything. This will just be your FIRST cruise, but not your last. Pick out your most favorite, but don't try to do everything.

 

Do: Take a few clothes pins. You can wash out your swimsuit in the sink or shower with the "mystery gel" provided in the shower dispenser, rinse, take a towel and roll it tightly in the towel to squeeze out the excess water and clip with the clothespins to the back of the chair on your balcony. By the time you return from dinner, it will practically be dry.

They're also great to keep your towel from blowing away on the pool deck. I buy the jumbo ones at the Dollar Store. Six to a pack for $1.

 

Do: Buy a lanyard that can hold your SeaPass card and ID in it. Slip it down under your shirt on shore. Easy access when you get ready to come back from an excursion and board the ship and out of the way during your excursion.

[Johnamac123]

Do you know this for a fact? I've heard it before, but find it hard to believe they will actually go into your safe to get it before the ship sails. Would really like to know if this is true as I've never heard a first hand account of them doing this.

 

I would suggest you confirm with Guest Services when you board. I got it from a cc posting of a first hand account. Also, I think it is very believable that they would retrieve your passport and anything else of value from the room safe if they are getting ready to leave a paying pax in a foreign port.

[TrishRip]

Humor... how exciting to be headed out on your first cruise! You picked a great ship to begin your cruising history on! We will be on that same cruise (8/14). Have you joined the roll-call for it?

 

Most important thing..... remember this is a vacation, so relax and have fun! Make sure you have your swimsuit and a change of clothes in your carry-on as it could be late evening before your checked bags arrive at your room. This way you can start enjoying the sun and fun immediately after boarding and not have to wait on your suitcases to arrive.

 

Please, please, PLEASE make sure you are back at ship 30 minutes before they say. The ship is well within rights to leave you stranded if you do not make boarding.... and I would hate for you to be the ones entertaining us as we sit on our balcony watching you make the desperate run for the ship... (LOVE cheering on last minute runners lol)

 

As for food... try everything!! If you see multiple things on the menu you want to try... ask for them all! You can eat as much as you want, and it is okay to ask for more than one! My husband orders two lobster tails and my daughter would drown herself in the escargot if she could! Be adventurous, try something you never have before, you just might like it!

 

If you are planning on drinking, remember for every alcoholic drink you imbibe, drink just as much water to prevent dehydration and becoming too inebriated!

 

Definitely do not miss the Quest show, and Love and Marriage is usually entertaining. The ice show is usually awesome. Just keep an eye on the Cruise Compass(the event planner). You will get the next days in your cabin the night before. Look it over and plan your onboard time.

[CruisnDeb]

I've cruised twice (Love it!)! Once on Allure and the second on Freedom (New Years Eve Cruise!) ...

 

Tip for sea pass (especially women cause you don't always have pockets and DON'T carry a purse).

 

Take a "retractable badge holder clip" (office supply store if you dont have one for a work badge) that I attach to my sea pass. It clips on my shorts or spaghetti straps or to my book cover or beach bag! I stop by customer service once on the ship and ask them to punch a hole in the card to attach. It is more descrete than a lanyard and I had a few laying around from work badges, etc.

 

I am sailing on Freedom New Year's Eve this year and I can't wait! Were all the Christmas decorations taken down before your cruise?

 

I have lanyards but I really like the idea of the retractable badge holder :)

[bartdog]

I am sailing on Freedom New Year's Eve this year and I can't wait! Were all the Christmas decorations taken down before your cruise?

 

I have lanyards but I really like the idea of the retractable badge holder :)

 

The thing about retractable badge holders is they have a small clip that can come loose too easily for my taste....

[MommaBear55]

Do you know this for a fact? I've heard it before, but find it hard to believe they will actually go into your safe to get it before the ship sails. Would really like to know if this is true as I've never heard a first hand account of them doing this.

 

Yes, two security staff go into your safe, look for passports, wallets, medications, etc. I have seen the hand off on the dock when two of my group arrived just as the ship had pulled away.