Sailing Oh So Single on Freedom of the Seas

[Funsinger75]

Really enjoyed your review, thanks!

 

Are you sure the taxi to the airport was $25 per person and not per cab?

 

Yes, the taxi driver said 25 each which surprised us both, but we paid

[Funsinger75]

Thanks for sharing your expereince! I just looked at the site and may do a singles cruise late 2019 :)

 

You’re welcome. I always have fun on these so hopefully you will find something that works for you!

[PhoenixCruiser]

Yes, the taxi driver said 25 each which surprised us both, but we paid

We could not remember paying $50 in the past so I looked up the current rate which is $19 according to their website.

 

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[Alter Ego]

Add me as someone who also enjoyed reading your report. Interesting to get one from a little different perspective. I probably had a very stereotypical idea of a “singles’ cruise”, so nice to have an idea as to what it’s really like. I look forward to reading another review from you someday.

[JamesEM]

Thanks for the reports and photos, also found the single cruise web site I was looking to find.

[Funsinger75]

We could not remember paying $50 in the past so I looked up the current rate which is $19 according to their website.

 

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We were thinking about the same rate... 20 dollars, but the taxis were charging the price of a prepaid transfer during the debarkation which was 25 per person. I started to argue the point and probably should have at the time.

[Clarea]

Yes, the taxi driver said 25 each which surprised us both, but we paid

Must have been some sort of shuttle. This is why it's important to ask for an estimate before getting in the vehicle.

[Funsinger75]

Hello All!

 

Just in case some of you are planning to cruise Freedom anytime soon, here are snapshots of the cruise compasses starting with Day 2:

 

 

 

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[Missusdubbya]

Great review thanks! Were your tours private or through the ship?

[Funsinger75]

Great review thanks! Were your tours private or through the ship?

 

 

 

Thanks! All tours were through the ship except Kimsha Beach in St. Martin where we just took a shuttle from the cruise port.

 

 

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[Shlee2TheSea]

On 7/3/2018 at 8:52 AM, Funsinger75 said:

Day 4: Scenic Antigua and Beach

 

I awake around 8:30 and get dressed for my day. Breakfast, then an island and beach tour. I am doing breakfast solo in the dining room today. The line is long, but it’s all good, this gives me time to journal. My roomie is still counting sheep after another late night in the casino.

 

So, some people may wonder about my art auction purchase... here’s the scoop. First, you tour the art gallery and put a little sticky with your bid number on anything that catches your eye. Gallery staff are circulating to give you a price breakdown on these pieces should you want to purchase before the auction. This only lasts 10 minutes. The interesting part is the actual auction. I have to say the art auctioneer was very entertaining and very clear about how things would work. He had good jokes too!

 

There’s a bang of the gavel to open the bidding which was fast and furious. His assistants start yelling out each time a bid is made. There are mystery or blind bids placed for artwork before it is even seen. This could be a good deal if it happens to be something you actually like.

 

A couple of folks bid over 35 thousand for some pieces. Let me be clear. This is not me... AT ALL! I appreciate good art, but most teachers don’t have that kind of a budget. I am; however, a fan of animation art cels, so of course one of my childhood favorites: Garfield is put up for auction. Yup! You got it. That’s my highbrow art purchase for 50 bucks. There was a bidding war and I won. It makes me smile and will be a good momento of the cruise. Maybe I’ll hang it in the kitchen? Anyway, the line for breakfast has gone down. Back to the dining room.

 

I order the classic breakfast. 

I’m seated with a lovely family from Ireland and a Florida couple this morning. We reminisce about Jolly Old England. I explain what grits are (smile). This is another thing I love about cruising... meeting people from all over the world and discussing cultural differences... like why the Brits put butter on EVERYTHING?! Before you know it, it’s time to leave the ship.

 

We are in port with the the Carnival Fascination right along side. There’s a nice breeze. A steel drum band is playing away

I’m a bit early, nothing to do but stand in line and journal for you fine folks. I wonder if Klaudia is up yet?

 

The tour gets started, we are shown the various churches, plants and wildlife. Next, a lookout stop at Shirley Heights and then on to Nelson’s Dockyard. After a short tour, we roam the dockyard and museum. 

It’s a 30 minute stop and then on to Fort James Beach and Miller’s By the Sea. The bus driver and tour guide lead us in a singalong of “Day-O” and “When The Saints Go Marching In.” They conclude by singing for us Antigua’s National Anthem. Did I mention that I’m a music teacher? Music, Music Everywhere. LOVE IT!!!

 

We arrive at the beach. A rum punch and beach chair are included. Umbrellas and food are extra. Yet another paradise awaits... 

I end up having a grand ole time chillin in the ocean with two couples from Texas.

 

It’s about 3:00 and time to head back to the ship. The cost of this tour was 65 dollars. Something that’s nice about the port in Antigua.... the gangway is right there. You’re not forced to walk through tons of stores and it’s a short walk to get back on the ship which is kinda nice after a 5 hour excursion. In any event, I get back onboard. Lunch is needed. Off to the Windjammer I go! A little of this, a little of that, some dessert and I’m all set.

 

I head back to my super suite cabin for a shower and also to relax a bit. I have a 6 pm meeting in the art gallery (to discuss the careful shipping and handling of Garfield) After that, it’s the white party... and dinner of course.

 

We shall see what the evening holds for me after dinner. Tonight’s the ice skating show as well as the Love & Marriage Game Show, but these don’t peak my interest. Will it be more drinking and dancing or will it be a show? The movie Pitch Perfect is playing on the pool deck and I’ve been wanting to see that as well. Only time will tell.

 

I’ll have to give you the evening’s highlights tomorrow on Day 5 in St. Lucia. I have no excursion planned. It may be a port/ship day. I could use one of those right about now. Jacuzzi and cocktails anyone? I’ll leave you with tonight’s dinner:

 

Maryland Crab Cake (Not Good)

French Onion Soup (YUM)

Chicken Breast (Not Good)

Grand Marnier Souflee (Not Good)

Creme Brûlée (YUM)

 

 

 

 

 

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 Hello, Did you enjoy your excursion in Antigua? We just booked this same one and some people said it wasnt good - Thanks!

[Funsinger75]

Shlee2theSea.... yes! It’s a nice tour of the island with a little beach time thrown in. If you are looking for mostly beach, book a beach escape or taxi to the beach.