FREEDOM ....Disapointment Jan 7, 2017

[Zaniac]

That's the thing - I looked up drink prices, did the math, and for the beverage package to be even remotely worthwhile, you'd have to indulge far more than just "a bit" to make it worth your while. One can of pop is a mere $3.25 - how many cans a day is a person going to have?!? And there's iced tea and lemonade and water, tea and coffee all available for free! :confused:

 

I totally get allowing the kids to have a soda or two while on vacay, but again, for the PACKAGE to be worth it, the kids would have to be having 5-6 a day... I don't care how "judgey" you think i'm being for saying it - but that's excessive, and it's exactly why childhood obesity in NA is out of control. :(

 

If you knew me, you'd know that these comments are coming from someone whose only dietary vice is sugar - I LOVE soda, and will likely have one each day, but the price of the refreshment package is ridiculous, and made me laugh out loud. If the $26 package per day was per *stateroom*, then it would absolutely be a deal. But it's not.

 

Obviously your mileage may vary - but in my world I am considered a soda addict because I have 1 a day (most people i know, family, friends, colleagues, have a 2-3 per week, if that). I can't even fathom having 3-4 soda a day - vacation or no vacation. Holy cow... :(

 

And i realize many cruisers are on the ship to relax and booze up by the pool all day.. I have no issue or judgement for that. I just never would've thought they would make up the majority of the passengers, enough to make waitstaff all but obsolete - that's all I was saying.

 

I get what you are saying and if I reacted a little harsh, i apologize. I too agree that the price of the drink packages is excessive and in order to "make back your money" or "get ahead", you need to indulge and for some, that may be too much. I can only speak personally but I enjoy the packages. In the past, I would not take in places like Boleros or the nightclubs, or even the schooner bar as the thought of spending $12 for a drink creeped me out. That being said, with the package, I don't have to worry about it and find I enjoy much more of the what the ship has to offer. A few drinks during the day, some wine at dinner, a drink during the show and maybe a few in the casino, I don't feel I am losing out that much. Plus, I take into account all the bottled waters for the port days to the beach, specialty coffees at dinner, delicious smoothies, etc.... I am not a pop drinker so not a big deal there, I too prefer water throughout the day in between drinks :)

 

Stay safe and have great cruises...:D

[molsonschooner]

That's the thing - I looked up drink prices, did the math, and for the beverage package to be even remotely worthwhile, you'd have to indulge far more than just "a bit" to make it worth your while. One can of pop is a mere $3.25 - how many cans a day is a person going to have?!? And there's iced tea and lemonade and water, tea and coffee all available for free! :confused:

 

I totally get allowing the kids to have a soda or two while on vacay, but again, for the PACKAGE to be worth it, the kids would have to be having 5-6 a day... I don't care how "judgey" you think i'm being for saying it - but that's excessive, and it's exactly why childhood obesity in NA is out of control. :(

 

If you knew me, you'd know that these comments are coming from someone whose only dietary vice is sugar - I LOVE soda, and will likely have one each day, but the price of the refreshment package is ridiculous, and made me laugh out loud. If the $26 package per day was per *stateroom*, then it would absolutely be a deal. But it's not.

 

Obviously your mileage may vary - but in my world I am considered a soda addict because I have 1 a day (most people i know, family, friends, colleagues, have a 2-3 per week, if that). I can't even fathom having 3-4 soda a day - vacation or no vacation. Holy cow... :(

 

And i realize many cruisers are on the ship to relax and booze up by the pool all day.. I have no issue or judgement for that. I just never would've thought they would make up the majority of the passengers, enough to make waitstaff all but obsolete - that's all I was saying.

 

FYI soda package starts at $8.5 /day , so 3 drinks a day would male the package worth while

[ASBJumper]

I get what you are saying and if I reacted a little harsh, i apologize. I too agree that the price of the drink packages is excessive and in order to "make back your money" or "get ahead", you need to indulge and for some, that may be too much. I can only speak personally but I enjoy the packages. In the past, I would not take in places like Boleros or the nightclubs, or even the schooner bar as the thought of spending $12 for a drink creeped me out. That being said, with the package, I don't have to worry about it and find I enjoy much more of the what the ship has to offer. A few drinks during the day, some wine at dinner, a drink during the show and maybe a few in the casino, I don't feel I am losing out that much. Plus, I take into account all the bottled waters for the port days to the beach, specialty coffees at dinner, delicious smoothies, etc.... I am not a pop drinker so not a big deal there, I too prefer water throughout the day in between drinks :)

 

Stay safe and have great cruises...:D

 

Fair enough. ;) You too!

[gelli8112]

We sailed on her in late October/ November on the last sailing before she was re-positioned and the service was terrible. I assumed that the crew was tired. I enjoy cruising with Royal Caribbean but I have noticed that service is not as good as it was in the past.

 

It was so bad on Freedom that I nearly reactivated my membership in the whale tail club. Just kidding. Loyal to Royal. Hopefully the company will be back to delivering the wow on my and your next sailing.

 

Happy cruising!

[mcatmcat]

Agree on

#

3-4-6

It didn't bother us at all but you are right I saw the same thing.

 

 

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[Spurschick]

Just returned from the Freedom of the seas. I am a diamond plus guests so I think I can speak freely with my experience, As I have always been loyal to royal.

1. Small children allowed in both the concierge lounge and the diamond lounge. I'm pretty sure it says 21 and older. The children were crying, standing on the furniture, one actually fell off the sofa and hit his head on the table. I thought the lounge was for a pre dinner drink to relax?

 

2. Apparently with the inception of the drink package, waitstaff around the pool and in the theater are hard to come by. You might find a random one or two floating around. I remember the day when I was asked by waitstaff nearly every 10 minutes if I need a drink. Not the case any more. If you want a drink, you might as well get in the line at the bar.

 

3. The dining room menus looked like a rat had been chewing on the corners. Very worn and tattered. The napkins were equally worn with snags and picks.

 

4. Our robes and bed sheets were stained.

 

5. The ships of this size and bigger are definitely gearing towards families with children. The Dreamworks sail away, parades and photo ops made it feel like I was on a Disney Ship. Great for families but not for those of us wanting a romantic type of cruise.

 

6. Forget about dress code. Anything goes in the dining room including shorts, tshirts and flip flops.

 

7. Disembarking was a disaster. The lines were winding in several different directions causing the guests to argue over where it started and where to go. When you asked for help by the staff they just pointed in a general direction and said "over there". Why not set up rope with lanes so we know where to line up? It wasn't the line that bothered me but the chaos.

 

I wouldn't want to end this without at least giving kudos to the activities staff. They were energenic and entertaining.

 

That being said, looks like my next cruise might be on the sister ship Celebrity. Perhaps it will be a little more of what I'm use to and looking for. We shall see.

 

Re #1 children have been allowed in CL for a long time. Re DL access for children the rules have always been listed on the welcome back letter you should have received in your cabin. However having sailed on Celebrity as well I have also seen children allowed there as well at the Elite evening hours provided they are well behaved.

 

Re #7 I thought you got priority disembarkation as D+ did you arrange with the Concierge to meet at the priority disembarkation area or did they not offer it? I am interested as will be sailing on her soon.

Edited January 17, 2017 by Spurschick

[immy619]

We made the mistake of thinking the great experience which we experienced on Independence would translate to Freedom. Oh no, we were so wrong. Just upon boarding we knew something was wrong. No crew meeting you other than the person taking your key at the gangway, no crew trying to sell you on drink packages, and on and on. Dining room food was poor, service there was poor. Many a night we went to windjammer because it was better in every way. Every pool was closed by 11 - even the adult pool. I don't understand how this boat was so out of lines compared to other ships for Royal.

[gelli8112]

We made the mistake of thinking the great experience which we experienced on Independence would translate to Freedom. Oh no, we were so wrong. Just upon boarding we knew something was wrong. No crew meeting you other than the person taking your key at the gangway, no crew trying to sell you on drink packages, and on and on. Dining room food was poor, service there was poor. Many a night we went to windjammer because it was better in every way. Every pool was closed by 11 - even the adult pool. I don't understand how this boat was so out of lines compared to other ships for Royal.

Cruising Independence later this year. Hope the experience delivers the wow. Reading about how good your experience was, makes me feel better.

 

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[drrich2]

I thought the lounge was for a pre dinner drink to relax?

 

I'm guessing even diamond & suite guests who don't drink use these lounges?

 

Out of curiosity, just what is the layout/usage of these things? What else do people do there besides drink alcohol & wait for for dinner?

 

Richard (Aways from Diamond, too cheap for a suite, can't see for himself).

[Clarea]

... Out of curiosity, just what is the layout/usage of these things? What else do people do there besides drink alcohol & wait for for dinner?

Enjoy sparkling conversation, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. Receive assistance from the concierge.

[gobo2]

Other than that Mrs. Lincoln. How was the Play?

 

 

Exactly. If you look for the negative that's exactly what you will find.

[margaret91326]

We did not disembark with the Diamond group as we were traveling with a handicap person. However, the mess was in the luggage area before customs not on the ship. Not sure exactly who is responsible

[mets07]

Enjoy sparkling conversation, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. Receive assistance from the concierge.

[emoji1] sparkling..love it.

 

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[grapau27]

If the lounge has good sea views we might pop in during the day for a tea,coffee or hot chocolate. We might pop in at 5 pm for some snacks and a couple of drinks then pop back about 8pm for pre- dinner drinks.So far in 12 plus cruises as diamond I can't remember seeing any kids in lounge which suits us fine.

 

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[kernow]

Enjoy sparkling conversation, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. Receive assistance from the concierge.

 

And for those of us on this side of the Atlantic, learn all about Baseball :D

 

Julie

[Clarea]

And for those of us on this side of the Atlantic, learn all about Baseball :D

 

Julie

And for those of us on this side of the Altlantic, we learn a whole new vocabulary!:) Hope we can do it again soon.

[grand isle joe]

Thanks for pointing out the fact about kids in the CL. I am looking forward to the time when the CL will be suite guests only. Imagine paying for a child in a suite at those high prices and not being able to enjoy your family. How annoying. Also which cruiser do you think RCL makes more of a profit on? A kid or a D+ that probably bunks in a lowest price room? Have a great time on Celebrity and make sure the workers know of your high ROYAL status.

[dd likes to cruise]

"1. Small children allowed in both the concierge lounge and the diamond lounge. I'm pretty sure it says 21 and older. The children were crying, standing on the furniture, one actually fell off the sofa and hit his head on the table. I thought the lounge was for a pre dinner drink to relax?"

 

Not that I'm Diamond or anywhere near it, could you not ask staff why the children were being allowed in there? Maybe it's a case of not enforcing the rule if no one complains.

[grapau27]

No problem if kids behave themselves but if they don't the parents should take responsibility and either make them behave or get out of the lounge.

 

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[HillBilly Bob]

Just returned from the Freedom of the seas.

.

 

I also sailed Freedom 01-07-17. The food and the service was exceptional. I found the bakery staff provided wonderful breads, cinnamon raisin bread, and sweet treats. Chops and Giovanni's also hit a home run. Both wonderful.

 

 

We found the ship a real treat and enjoyed every moment until debarkation. It was slow with 3000+ passengers but my no means was it unbearable. The new Mobile Passport really helps.

 

My only issue was being in Handicap Cabin 2340. There are NO electrical outlets bedside for our two CPAP machines. This is an issue any handicap passenger might need for medial reasons. Our Cabin Attendant did supply our distilled water and a 100 ft extension cord which had to lay across the room during the middle of the night....a big tripping hazard but we did manage.

 

Our second issue was the toilet that wouldn't flush. Had maintenance to our cabin twice and when we left on Sunday morning the toilet still was not flushing.

 

Other than the rough seas and missing Labadee, RCL had NO control over that.....weather is weather and the Captain also agreed it was one bad wind storm. By the time we arrived in San Juan, it was beautiful and the rest of the trip was worth every penny! Thank you Captain Been for providing a wonderful trip.

[ckrobyn]

I also sailed Freedom 01-07-17. The food and the service was exceptional. I found the bakery staff provided wonderful breads, cinnamon raisin bread, and sweet treats. Chops and Giovanni's also hit a home run. Both wonderful.

 

 

We found the ship a real treat and enjoyed every moment until debarkation. It was slow with 3000+ passengers but my no means was it unbearable. The new Mobile Passport really helps.

 

My only issue was being in Handicap Cabin 2340. There are NO electrical outlets bedside for our two CPAP machines. This is an issue any handicap passenger might need for medial reasons. Our Cabin Attendant did supply our distilled water and a 100 ft extension cord which had to lay across the room during the middle of the night....a big tripping hazard but we did manage.

 

Our second issue was the toilet that wouldn't flush. Had maintenance to our cabin twice and when we left on Sunday morning the toilet still was not flushing.

 

Other than the rough seas and missing Labadee, RCL had NO control over that.....weather is weather and the Captain also agreed it was one bad wind storm. By the time we arrived in San Juan, it was beautiful and the rest of the trip was worth every penny! Thank you Captain Been for providing a wonderful trip.

 

I am really hoping the quality of food in the MDR has improved - I am still seeing conflicting reports :confused: I'm glad you enjoyed though!

[thewebbys]

That's the thing - I looked up drink prices, did the math, and for the beverage package to be even remotely worthwhile, you'd have to indulge far more than just "a bit" to make it worth your while. One can of pop is a mere $3.25 - how many cans a day is a person going to have?!? And there's iced tea and lemonade and water, tea and coffee all available for free! :confused:

 

I totally get allowing the kids to have a soda or two while on vacay, but again, for the PACKAGE to be worth it, the kids would have to be having 5-6 a day... I don't care how "judgey" you think i'm being for saying it - but that's excessive, and it's exactly why childhood obesity in NA is out of control. :(

 

.

 

I believe you should re-do your math. Soda packages are only $8.50/day. SO after the second soda you are ahead. That is a soda at lunch and one at dinner plus a souvenir cup. My kids are not soda drinkers except when they are on vacation has a tendency to not finish their drinks once they become watery so in that case after coming out of the pool etc they deserve a new non-watery drink. It makes it every economical for families. They truly enjoy experimenting with the soda machines trying different flavors. They are on vacation. Childhood obesity has a lot more to do with lack of exercise and healthy food choices than a few sodas a day.

 

Yes are entitled to your opinion but you don't have to put others down while expressing yours. Just say it is not for you but to each his own

[Ocean Boy]

I am really hoping the quality of food in the MDR has improved - I am still seeing conflicting reports :confused: I'm glad you enjoyed though!

 

I'm counting on you to fix any issues before a board March 4th.

[baileybrad]

I am honestly shocked that the drinks packages are purchased often enough that it warrants such a huge reduction in wait staff.

 

Do people really drink that much crap nowadays? If they're being geared more and more towards families, would that not mean less and less alcohol being consumed (i sure as heck hope these parents cruising with kids aren't getting sloshed every day..?!), and furthermore, even if the packages are mainly for the kids, that begs the q - are ALL these parents really giving their kids THAT much sugary juice and pop every day? Seriously?? :(

 

We are sailing on the Freedom next month and it never even occurred to me to purchase a drinks package - our family will be mostly drinking water, the occasional pop (me) and maybe a glass of wine for dinner (DH - not me, I don't like wine). But really, mostly water - which I have asked about and apparently you can bring some in your carry-on and RCI doesn't really say anything, or worst case we will just bring empty water bottles and sippy cups and refill them at the Windjammer every morning.

 

To the OP - our first cruise was on the Celebrity Silhouette, and the vast majority of the cruisers were over 50 and yes, it was more elegant, quiet and luxurious. We would've done a cruise on a Solstice class ship again in a heartbeat, but we now have a 2.5 yr old daughter, so we needed the more family-oriented ship this time. ;)

 

Absolutely go with Celebrity next time - you will not be sorry!! :D

 

If at all possible, carry on a couple bottles of your favorite wine and have the MDR wait staff, store and pour it for you nightly. A nice way to save yourself some cash and ensure that your wine is what you enjoy.

 

Celebrity is a great experience for adults. We have found that there are fewer children on board. Then again, it does depend on the time of year.

 

Hope your cruise is great on the FOS.

[baileybrad]

I believe you should re-do your math. Soda packages are only $8.50/day. SO after the second soda you are ahead. That is a soda at lunch and one at dinner plus a souvenir cup. My kids are not soda drinkers except when they are on vacation has a tendency to not finish their drinks once they become watery so in that case after coming out of the pool etc they deserve a new non-watery drink. It makes it every economical for families. They truly enjoy experimenting with the soda machines trying different flavors. They are on vacation. Childhood obesity has a lot more to do with lack of exercise and healthy food choices than a few sodas a day.

 

Yes are entitled to your opinion but you don't have to put others down while expressing yours. Just say it is not for you but to each his own

If a person enjoys soft drinks, the BP is a bargain. I love Coke....it is my one vice (yeah right).

 

Oddly, I do not care all that much for the taste of regular Coke from the new Coke product machines, but on the ship and, obviously, in the MDR one can get just regular Coke from the wait staff and from the bartenders.

 

That being said, my teenage sons (all string beans) love the variety that they can get from the machines on board and at the local chains (5 Guys, Firehouse Subs, Zaxby's, Wendy's, etc).

Edited January 17, 2017 by baileybrad