Freedom of the Seas - No Worries!!

[Wrh2016]

I just returned from our 7 day cruise (ABC) on FOS.  This is not a full review of the entire trip, just a post with my general feelings about the ship.  I read so many reviews before our cruise with complaints about FOS, that I was a little bit worried about going on our cruise.  Because of this, I really wanted to share our experience on FOS.  

 

Bottom line - do not worry if you are cruising on FOS soon!  I have been on four Royal Caribbean cruises, and this by far was the best service and food experience we have had on RC.   We are foodies, and we found the food and service in the main dining room to be well above what we had experienced on other RC ships. We usually do a couple of specialty dining options, but did not feel it was necessary on this cruise. Food was always really good, hot, and well prepared.  This also carried over to room service. We ordered room service for breakfast every day and our food was always delivered on time and was always hot. Fruit was fresh and the coffee was actually good. LOL

 

Service on this ship exceeded our expectations.   From our cabin attendant, to the dining room staff, to the bar staff, and to the general staff around the boat cleaning and tidying the ship (including constant bathroom attendants), everything was top-notch.

 

It is only fair to note that the ship is showing her age a little bit. Some buttons on the elevators didn’t light up.   There were little scratches in the wood in some places.  Worn areas in the restroom in the cabin.  Etc.  None of this minor cosmetic blemishes, impacted our cruise experience at all.

 

I can also comment on the key. We purchased the key for this cruise to test it out. We always buy an Internet package, so for us it wasn’t a big jump to try the key. We really enjoyed the benefits of the key. Having a Chops lunch on the first day, the breakfast on the last day with an escort to the terminal when we departed the ship, was definitely a nice perk.  Luggage was placed in its own section of the terminal when departing, and was ready to be picked up at 8 AM.  Check in was also a breeze, even in San Juan, with a designated line for key members.

 

I hope this alleviates anyone’s concerns about cruising on FOS. This being my fourth RC cruise, it has been my favorite so far!  

 

Now ....  on to Explorer!  😉

[Meet Me In the Windjammer]

3 hours ago, Wrh2016 said:

I just returned from our 7 day cruise (ABC) on FOS.  This is not a full review of the entire trip, just a post with my general feelings about the ship.  I read so many reviews before our cruise with complaints about FOS, that I was a little bit worried about going on our cruise.  Because of this, I really wanted to share our experience on FOS.  

 

Bottom line - do not worry if you are cruising on FOS soon!  I have been on four Royal Caribbean cruises, and this by far was the best service and food experience we have had on RC.   We are foodies, and we found the food and service in the main dining room to be well above what we had experienced on other RC ships. We usually do a couple of specialty dining options, but did not feel it was necessary on this cruise. Food was always really good, hot, and well prepared.  This also carried over to room service. We ordered room service for breakfast every day and our food was always delivered on time and was always hot. Fruit was fresh and the coffee was actually good. LOL

 

Service on this ship exceeded our expectations.   From our cabin attendant, to the dining room staff, to the bar staff, and to the general staff around the boat cleaning and tidying the ship (including constant bathroom attendants), everything was top-notch.

 

It is only fair to note that the ship is showing her age a little bit. Some buttons on the elevators didn’t light up.   There were little scratches in the wood in some places.  Worn areas in the restroom in the cabin.  Etc.  None of this minor cosmetic blemishes, impacted our cruise experience at all.

 

I can also comment on the key. We purchased the key for this cruise to test it out. We always buy an Internet package, so for us it wasn’t a big jump to try the key. We really enjoyed the benefits of the key. Having a Chops lunch on the first day, the breakfast on the last day with an escort to the terminal when we departed the ship, was definitely a nice perk.  Luggage was placed in its own section of the terminal when departing, and was ready to be picked up at 8 AM.  Check in was also a breeze, even in San Juan, with a designated line for key members.

 

I hope this alleviates anyone’s concerns about cruising on FOS. This being my fourth RC cruise, it has been my favorite so far!  

 

Now ....  on to Explorer!  😉

 

We have purchased the key for our upcoming FOS cruise and have a couple of questions.  

1. Did you arrive before the terminal opened and if so, was there a special Key line outside of the terminal or just inside for check in?

2. Did you use the priority debarkation in any of the ports or just when you came back to San Juan? 

3. If you could share any other details of how the Key program worked on this ship since you don't need reservations for shows. It sounds like it works a little differently on the different ships from what I have read. 

 

Thanks for any info.

 

[davekathy]

8 hours ago, Wrh2016 said:

I just returned from our 7 day cruise (ABC) on FOS.  This is not a full review of the entire trip, just a post with my general feelings about the ship.  I read so many reviews before our cruise with complaints about FOS, that I was a little bit worried about going on our cruise.  Because of this, I really wanted to share our experience on FOS.  

 

Bottom line - do not worry if you are cruising on FOS soon!  I have been on four Royal Caribbean cruises, and this by far was the best service and food experience we have had on RC.   We are foodies, and we found the food and service in the main dining room to be well above what we had experienced on other RC ships. We usually do a couple of specialty dining options, but did not feel it was necessary on this cruise. Food was always really good, hot, and well prepared.  This also carried over to room service. We ordered room service for breakfast every day and our food was always delivered on time and was always hot. Fruit was fresh and the coffee was actually good. LOL

 

Service on this ship exceeded our expectations.   From our cabin attendant, to the dining room staff, to the bar staff, and to the general staff around the boat cleaning and tidying the ship (including constant bathroom attendants), everything was top-notch.

 

It is only fair to note that the ship is showing her age a little bit. Some buttons on the elevators didn’t light up.   There were little scratches in the wood in some places.  Worn areas in the restroom in the cabin.  Etc.  None of this minor cosmetic blemishes, impacted our cruise experience at all.

 

I can also comment on the key. We purchased the key for this cruise to test it out. We always buy an Internet package, so for us it wasn’t a big jump to try the key. We really enjoyed the benefits of the key. Having a Chops lunch on the first day, the breakfast on the last day with an escort to the terminal when we departed the ship, was definitely a nice perk.  Luggage was placed in its own section of the terminal when departing, and was ready to be picked up at 8 AM.  Check in was also a breeze, even in San Juan, with a designated line for key members.

 

I hope this alleviates anyone’s concerns about cruising on FOS. This being my fourth RC cruise, it has been my favorite so far!  

 

Now ....  on to Explorer!  😉

Thanks for posting. Looking forward to our B2B cruise on the Freedom 3 and 10 March. 

[Russ Lomas]

8 hours ago, Wrh2016 said:

I just returned from our 7 day cruise (ABC) on FOS.  This is not a full review of the entire trip, just a post with my general feelings about the ship.  I read so many reviews before our cruise with complaints about FOS, that I was a little bit worried about going on our cruise.  Because of this, I really wanted to share our experience on FOS.  

 

Bottom line - do not worry if you are cruising on FOS soon!  I have been on four Royal Caribbean cruises, and this by far was the best service and food experience we have had on RC.   We are foodies, and we found the food and service in the main dining room to be well above what we had experienced on other RC ships. We usually do a couple of specialty dining options, but did not feel it was necessary on this cruise. Food was always really good, hot, and well prepared.  This also carried over to room service. We ordered room service for breakfast every day and our food was always delivered on time and was always hot. Fruit was fresh and the coffee was actually good. LOL

 

 

I hope this alleviates anyone’s concerns about cruising on FOS. This being my fourth RC cruise, it has been my favorite so far!   

 😉

 

Thanks for your opinion.  We cruise the Freedom in less than 3 weeks and a few family members have expressed some concerns after reading recent reviews on the Freedom here on CruiseCritic.  Most cruises are what you make of them.  They are usually excellent we feel, but some people are overly critical of their cruise and nitpick far too much.  Glad you had an enjoyable time on the Freedom.

[Btank]

8 hours ago, Wrh2016 said:

I just returned from our 7 day cruise (ABC) on FOS.  This is not a full review of the entire trip, just a post with my general feelings about the ship.  I read so many reviews before our cruise with complaints about FOS, that I was a little bit worried about going on our cruise.  Because of this, I really wanted to share our experience on FOS.

 

Thank you for posting this!  There just aren't too many Freedom posts here, and as you point out the reviews can be a little harsh.

 

Plus, some people seem to be... surprised... that a lot of people from Puerto Rico are on Freedom cruises.  This must be a shock to them, and departing out of San Juan may have something to do with that.  Of course... the cruises I've taken out of New Jersey seem to have a lot of NJ / NY people on them, and my friends who have cruised out of Galveston and New Orleans have told me that a lot of people from Texas and Louisiana go on them.  I can sense a pattern here?  Maybe they're concerned that people aren't speaking English, like they do in Louisiana.  As they'll tell you, "Allons, mes ami!  Manger chevrett, boire a biere, and laissez les bons temps rouler!!"

 

       --bruce T.

 

P. S.  I also speak East Texan.

 

[Wrh2016]

14 hours ago, Meet Me In the Windjammer said:

 

We have purchased the key for our upcoming FOS cruise and have a couple of questions.  

1. Did you arrive before the terminal opened and if so, was there a special Key line outside of the terminal or just inside for check in?

2. Did you use the priority debarkation in any of the ports or just when you came back to San Juan? 

3. If you could share any other details of how the Key program worked on this ship since you don't need reservations for shows. It sounds like it works a little differently on the different ships from what I have read. 

 

Thanks for any info.

 

Hi Meet Me!.  We arrived at the San Juan port around 10:40.  We walked right to the porters station and dropped our luggage.  I didn’t see a “key” line out side the terminal, but it didn’t matter, because drop off was quick and easy.  

 

Inside the terminal, there was a line for key members.  We were the only two in that line and got checked in right away.

 

Once checked in, we were directed to the pinnacle/suites waiting area.  This was kind of a mess, because San Juan ‘s port is just a large warehouse type building.  There was no separate “ waiting room.”  Once the door opened, we were allowed to board with all the top tier crown member and suites (around 11:10).  I am guessing in most terminals, we would have waited in the top tier waiting room.  

 

We didn’t really need to seek out the lines for Key departures, because there was no lines getting on or off the ship in ports.  This ship and is crew handled ports very efficiently.  

 

It is hard to fully evaluate the key on a ship like freedom, because there are no reservations for shows and we did not do flowrider (there are designated times for this stuff listed in your key welcome letter).  For us however, since we always get the internet package, the couple dollars more for easy check in, chops, the farewell breakfast (really great upgrade!), and departure escort was worth it for us.  I would think that the other FOS itineraries, with tender ports, the key departure would be a big perk also.  

[Eldaph]

Thank you for posting.  I'm pretty easy going and it takes a lot to ruin my vacation so seeing posts like yours are always a pleasure.  I had heard many of the same complaints on Adventure of the Seas before sailing that one and we had an amazing cruise.  I am excited to stay earlier and enjoy San Juan before our FOS cruise in the fall.

[bouhunter]

We were B2B on Freedom in January - great cruise and no complaints.  Booked another B2B on her for winter 2021.

 

We burned out on the MDR ritual years ago and don't do dinner there, so can't vouch for that.  Chops and Giovanni's were great

[EeyoreRN]

Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts!  So excited to be sailing on Freedom in May!!

[bagadonitz]

I was on FOS Jan 27th to Feb 3rd. 

 

I echo this review.  The service was fantastic as was the service all around.  Ship was showing her age but not distractingly so.  Only small gripe was poorly stocked bars which seemed to not be able to keep supplies for certain drinks (but I always managed to not leave empty handed).  This was my 5th cruise with RC.

 

I didn't have The Key but for that terminal, if I had paid for it, I would have looked for my money back.  The keys were with the pinnacles, followed by the emeralds, diamond+, etc. but after about the first 15 people or so went through after they opened the door, it was a circus and basically everyone just went on.  I thought they did a terrible job of that, bordering on dangerous.  It was much better coming off.  I didn't see how the key worked for coming off but if it helped me avoid the long customs line I would probably do it next time.

 

"I just returned from our 7 day cruise (ABC) on FOS"

 

Dumb question I'm sure, but what does ABC mean in this context?

[uday23]

1 hour ago, bagadonitz said:

Dumb question I'm sure, but what does ABC mean in this context?

 

ABC stands for Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao AKA the "ABC Islands"

Edited February 22, 2019 by uday23

[Tanker]

We are starting to prepare for our FOS Sep cruise and exploring shuttle service options along with times to arrive at the port. 

 

What is "the Key" mentioned above? 

 

We are looking at Go Airport Shuttle and Puerto Rico shuttle services for our transportation.  Anyone use these two shuttle services and do you have a recommendation?  Were they on time with the right size vehicles?  We are a party of 13 staying in the Embassy Suites and will be flying in with groups of 2, 3, and 7.  We are also exploring using a Taxi.

 

Tanker

Edited February 23, 2019 by Tanker

[Tanker]

I went to the cruise planner and found the "Key".  Looks to me like they are providing some of the perks they provide to suite and Diamond plus and above guest.  Except for the Chop's lunch.

 

Thoughts?

[Clarea]

54 minutes ago, Tanker said:

I went to the cruise planner and found the "Key".  Looks to me like they are providing some of the perks they provide to suite and Diamond plus and above guest.  Except for the Chop's lunch.

 

Thoughts?

 

See thoughts here:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2601591-the-key/?do=findComment&comment=56708714

[mac66]

We were on the same cruise the OP mentioned and agree with the service provided. It was fantastic throughout the ship.  We (group of 6) ate in the MDR every night and it was very good. The service was excellent and the food above average (and better than on the Oasis last December).

 

We had a Jr. Suite this time so boarded with the suite patrons. There was virtually no line.

 

Would do the Freedom again in a heartbeat. The ABCs are a great itinerary.

 

Edited February 23, 2019 by mac66

[AJ's Girl]

On 2/21/2019 at 9:27 PM, bagadonitz said:

I was on FOS Jan 27th to Feb 3rd. 

 

I echo this review.  The service was fantastic as was the service all around.  Ship was showing her age but not distractingly so.  Only small gripe was poorly stocked bars which seemed to not be able to keep supplies for certain drinks (but I always managed to not leave empty handed).  This was my 5th cruise with RC.

 

I didn't have The Key but for that terminal, if I had paid for it, I would have looked for my money back.  The keys were with the pinnacles, followed by the emeralds, diamond+, etc. but after about the first 15 people or so went through after they opened the door, it was a circus and basically everyone just went on.  I thought they did a terrible job of that, bordering on dangerous.  It was much better coming off.  I didn't see how the key worked for coming off but if it helped me avoid the long customs line I would probably do it next time.

 

"I just returned from our 7 day cruise (ABC) on FOS"

 

Dumb question I'm sure, but what does ABC mean in this context?

 

I have to agree with you.  I was on the sailing right after you.  On day 2 Mint was nowhere to be found on the ship!  On day 5 my brand on Vodka was out.  I found this to be crazy!  We are Diamond Members and have never had this issue before.  We bought the drink package, and although like you we never left the bar empty handed, it was VERY frustrating not to be able to drink what we wanted.

As for the Key Program, as a Diamond Member this is also something that is very frustrating to me.  I had to earn my right to board early, etc.  Now....you are just able to buy your way in....yet we get nothing in return for it?  Just doesn't seem fair.  Trust me, I am not taking it out on you, Good for you that can.  Just not fair to us.
The staff was AMAZING!  If you are at the Pool bar....Please tell Nitro that Sissy and AJ said HELLLO!!!!!

[bagadonitz]

16 minutes ago, AJ's Girl said:

 

I have to agree with you.  I was on the sailing right after you.  On day 2 Mint was nowhere to be found on the ship!  On day 5 my brand on Vodka was out.  I found this to be crazy!  We are Diamond Members and have never had this issue before.  We bought the drink package, and although like you we never left the bar empty handed, it was VERY frustrating not to be able to drink what we wanted.

As for the Key Program, as a Diamond Member this is also something that is very frustrating to me.  I had to earn my right to board early, etc.  Now....you are just able to buy your way in....yet we get nothing in return for it?  Just doesn't seem fair.  Trust me, I am not taking it out on you, Good for you that can.  Just not fair to us.
The staff was AMAZING!  If you are at the Pool bar....Please tell Nitro that Sissy and AJ said HELLLO!!!!!

 

Yes the lack of mint was my major gripe as well.  LOL!  First world problems.