MITSUGIRLYS FREEDOM OF THE SEAS REVIEW & PICTORIAL

[T-2]

Super Thank you, I had totally missed the earlier part of 456 and only caught the ending, had peeked in case way too late that night and was skimming, was so excited you were still on your posts, we are close to #19 at the Decantur so I know this is going to be a wonderful break for the grandson.  Exploring is awesome but the chance to find other kids from time to time is also priceless when you travel with an only child.  Can't wait for our turn on the Freedom and thank you so much for all the insights!  PS we did know about the kite area but that park seemed super handy.  Small is still just fine. 

[mitsugirly]

3 hours ago, WisconsinFan said:

I wasn't thinking this June 🙂 yes that would be a very quick (and most likely expensive!) turn around. Just a thought for the future.

 

Round trip meant a cruise starting and ending in Seattle. When you look at Alaska cruises you will find many that go one way, either from Vancouver BC north to say Seward, or just the opposite, Seward back to Vancouver. Those itineraries require you to buy a one way ticket to your port of embarkation and a one way ticket from where you get off, with one of course being in Canada. Often that can result in a more expensive way to do things- instead of starting and stopping in Seattle and buy one domestic round trip ticket.

 

Oh ok gotcha. Good to know. I guess I didn't realize that they start and stop at different places, which was what was confusing me. Thanks for the insight. I'll keep this in mind.

 

2 hours ago, T-2 said:

Super Thank you, I had totally missed the earlier part of 456 and only caught the ending, had peeked in case way too late that night and was skimming, was so excited you were still on your posts, we are close to #19 at the Decantur so I know this is going to be a wonderful break for the grandson.  Exploring is awesome but the chance to find other kids from time to time is also priceless when you travel with an only child.  Can't wait for our turn on the Freedom and thank you so much for all the insights!  PS we did know about the kite area but that park seemed super handy.  Small is still just fine. 

 

No problem. I figured you missed that reply.

 

We stayed at Decanter last time and absolutely loved the place. It's located more toward the back of OSJ (compared to the ship port) and we explored a lot more back there that time around with the forts and grave yard (which is so pretty). So you'll just walk down toward the wall and it would probably be just as easy to walk through the gate and along the water until the end at the Raices water fountain and head down that street to the playground. Otherwise, you'll be walking on the upper half on the other side of the wall and around and down to get to it. OSJ is super easy to navigate! Super easy!

 

Have a wonderful time.

[SuiteTraveler]

Kim,

Thank you for writing this review.  I am caring for one of my dogs who just went through dental surgery today (poor little thing her face is swollen from the extractions.) This helped me be quiet while caring for her.  I'm so sorry to hear of your health problem and truly hope that somehow things will turn around so you can have the surgery and everything goes great and you get back to normal.  About 19 years ago I was faced with a catastrophic life-shattering injury that I had a less than 2% chance of making a full recovery from.  I had to make drastic changes in my life to make the recovery and steel myself and work tenaciously on a daily basis pushing past incredible pain and 9 surgeries over the course of a year, but I did the "impossible" and not only recovered fully, but far past my surgeon's idea of what was even possible for me - this after 3 other surgeons told me nothing could be done and I'd be handicapped for the rest of my life. They were wrong.   I searched until I found a doctor who believed he could help me.  My recovery was complex and I had all kinds of setbacks where it appeared it wasn't going to work, but I persevered.  Believe in the power you have within yourself, harness the help you need from the medical profession and use it to the max and know others are pulling for you!  

[cincicruisers]

Hi

i was trolling around looking for info on Maya Chan in Costa Maya.  I thought you may have a review on them.  Sure enough you did.  I was reading about your time there and I saw a picture of a young girl holding a starfish.  It took me awhile to realize that was Sakari!  She is so cute.  You can see she really enjoyed the water even at her young age.  Time passes too quickly and our kids grow up.  

[bearette]

First, I wish you luck and good vibes on your health situation.

 

I appreciate all the time and effort that goes into your reviews. They are fun to read and assist us all in planning, or wishful planning, our cruises! (yes those $800 airfares to San Juan is a reality out of California!)

 

Watching your daughter grow up has been part of the fun since my kids are a few years behind her it gives me a preview of what is to come. I had a tear for you when she wouldn't go to the kids club!

 

Oh and the pop vs soda debate.  No matter what you order, it is a "coke" here in CA.

 

Edited June 1, 2019 by bearette

[bearette]

Just now, bearette said:

First, I wish you luck and good vibes on your health situation.

 

I appreciate all the time and effort that goes into your reviews. They are fun to read and assist us all in planning, or wishful planning, our cruises! (yes those $800 airfares to San Juan is a reality out of California!)

 

Watching your daughter grow up has been part of the fun since my kids are a few years behind her it gives me a preview of what is to come. I had a tear for you when she wouldn't go to the kids club!

 

Oh and the pop vs soda debate.  No matter what you order, it is a "coke" here in CA.

 

 

[retiring soon]

Hi all!

 

mitsugirly ~ just found your review so have lots of reading to do!!

Bringing it up the page so I can find it again.

Hope you loved Freedom, I did, so did it twice.

I'm sticking with NCL & just got back last month from a TA from NYC to Amsterdam. Branching out to MSC next year though.

 

~ Jo ~😊

[mitsugirly]

On 5/29/2019 at 9:56 PM, SuiteTraveler said:

Kim,

Thank you for writing this review.  I am caring for one of my dogs who just went through dental surgery today (poor little thing her face is swollen from the extractions.) This helped me be quiet while caring for her.  I'm so sorry to hear of your health problem and truly hope that somehow things will turn around so you can have the surgery and everything goes great and you get back to normal.  About 19 years ago I was faced with a catastrophic life-shattering injury that I had a less than 2% chance of making a full recovery from.  I had to make drastic changes in my life to make the recovery and steel myself and work tenaciously on a daily basis pushing past incredible pain and 9 surgeries over the course of a year, but I did the "impossible" and not only recovered fully, but far past my surgeon's idea of what was even possible for me - this after 3 other surgeons told me nothing could be done and I'd be handicapped for the rest of my life. They were wrong.   I searched until I found a doctor who believed he could help me.  My recovery was complex and I had all kinds of setbacks where it appeared it wasn't going to work, but I persevered.  Believe in the power you have within yourself, harness the help you need from the medical profession and use it to the max and know others are pulling for you!  

 

So sorry to hear about your fur baby. Hopefully she is doing better now. 

 

Thanks for sharing your words of encouragement. I'm so glad things turned out so good for you. Hopefully I'll find a way to correct my heart and be able to have a surgery I desperately need. Money is one of the major factors in this scenario. I just can not afford heart surgery and not sure how I can pull it off. 😞

 

On 5/29/2019 at 10:20 PM, cincicruisers said:

Hi

i was trolling around looking for info on Maya Chan in Costa Maya.  I thought you may have a review on them.  Sure enough you did.  I was reading about your time there and I saw a picture of a young girl holding a starfish.  It took me awhile to realize that was Sakari!  She is so cute.  You can see she really enjoyed the water even at her young age.  Time passes too quickly and our kids grow up.  

 

LOL That was one of our first cruises with her I believe. She was only 3 at the time and it started this whole love of the ocean and creatures on that cruise. She's never been the same since. She learned to swim at that age and I knew at that time that swimming in the ocean and increasing her skills were going to explode after that. My how things have progressed. 😄

 

On 6/1/2019 at 2:03 AM, bearette said:

First, I wish you luck and good vibes on your health situation.

 

I appreciate all the time and effort that goes into your reviews. They are fun to read and assist us all in planning, or wishful planning, our cruises! (yes those $800 airfares to San Juan is a reality out of California!)

 

Watching your daughter grow up has been part of the fun since my kids are a few years behind her it gives me a preview of what is to come. I had a tear for you when she wouldn't go to the kids club!

 

Oh and the pop vs soda debate.  No matter what you order, it is a "coke" here in CA.

 

 

Thank you so much!!! I appreciate you mentioning the time and effort it goes into these reviews and as long as it helps others out with planning, giving them ideas, and enjoying a little humor in the things our crazy family does, it's all worth it. 

 

I look back on her earlier cruising years and think "oh my!" I had no idea the cruising monster I would create back then. LOL  She loves her cruising and ocean for sure!

 

No more kids club for her. She has mentioned that she can't wait to get into the "teen club" so maybe that will change once she turns...12 is it? We'll see.

 

I do remember others telling me (on another review) that it's called "coke" (I believe they said in Texas) no matter what drink you are having. hehe

 

 

3 hours ago, retiring soon said:

Hi all!

 

mitsugirly ~ just found your review so have lots of reading to do!!

Bringing it up the page so I can find it again.

Hope you loved Freedom, I did, so did it twice.

I'm sticking with NCL & just got back last month from a TA from NYC to Amsterdam. Branching out to MSC next year though.

 

~ Jo ~😊

 

Absolutely LOVED the freedom for sure!  We are going back to NCL for our next. 

[mitsugirly]

We are headed back to NCL and on the Breakaway next...so look for me over there in August!!! We will be going to Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize and Roatan again (with Harvest Caye being new for us). 🙂

Edited June 4, 2019 by mitsugirly

[Ontario cruise duo]

Hi Kim,

Another thank you for writing this review.  Thoroughly enjoyed reading it as well as other reviews you have posted in the past.  That family of yours cracks me up!  Always an adventure.  We have a cruise booked leaving San Juan on December 1st doing the ABC islands on the Freedom of the Seas.  Have never been to Bonaire, but have been to the other two islands.  It was great seeing your pictures and now we know what to expect.  We also are planning on leaving here (well Detroit, MI) on your US Thanksgiving, however, airfares are currently crazy for that day.  So as of right now no flights booked.   We have an Air BNB booked for 3 nights pre-cruise, staying near the Marriott Stellars Casino (actually our studio apt. overlooks the ocean with a glimpse of that Marriott) in view.  We have cruised previously out of San Juan and stayed at the Marriott, but prices for Thanksgiving are just crazy.  

Wishing you all the best with your health issues and saying some words to the "man upstairs" on your behalf.   Stay positive, get second opinions and never give up!  That family of yours I'm sure is doing their part to keep you smiling, laughing and going strong.

We did an Alaskan cruise five years ago to celebrate my DH's retirement.  It was absolutely stunning.  If you get a chance, do it.

We did a return cruise via Seattle (with a few days before in Seattle and a day after) and absolutely loved it.  As a matter of fact, we were on the ship 5 years ago today!!  Great memories.

 

[SuiteTraveler]

21 hours ago, mitsugirly said:

 

So sorry to hear about your fur baby. Hopefully she is doing better now. 

 

Thanks for sharing your words of encouragement. I'm so glad things turned out so good for you. Hopefully I'll find a way to correct my heart and be able to have a surgery I desperately need. Money is one of the major factors in this scenario. I just can not afford heart surgery and not sure how I can pull it off. 😞

 

 

Kim,

My dog is doing so much better. She is patting her feet enthusiastically and seems really happy and is more active than she has been in months. So I think most of the dental pain is gone.  Definitely the infection has cleared up. 

 

Have you talked to the personnel in the Billing department at the hospital?  Hospital billing departments have all kinds of ways to help patients afford medical care regardless of it they have insurance or if they don't have insurance -I saw this first hand with a friend who didn't have insurance because he was unemployed. He wound up paying nothing for the surgery and also for the care he has to have for the rest of his life.  The Hospital billing department was awesome and sorted things out for him immediately - a good thing, too because a few months later his wife needed an emergency appendectomy and they helped her, too.  If your heart procedure costs more than 15% of your family's yearly income (and I would expect that any heart surgery would cost more than 15% of your income), usually, you can get financial assistance where you pay little to nothing. There are also grants and foundations that can help.  Don't give up! https://pocketsense.com/financial-help-for-people-with-heart-problems-12253804.html

 

[mitsugirly]

15 hours ago, Ontario cruise duo said:

Hi Kim,

Another thank you for writing this review.  Thoroughly enjoyed reading it as well as other reviews you have posted in the past.  That family of yours cracks me up!  Always an adventure.  We have a cruise booked leaving San Juan on December 1st doing the ABC islands on the Freedom of the Seas.  Have never been to Bonaire, but have been to the other two islands.  It was great seeing your pictures and now we know what to expect.  We also are planning on leaving here (well Detroit, MI) on your US Thanksgiving, however, airfares are currently crazy for that day.  So as of right now no flights booked.   We have an Air BNB booked for 3 nights pre-cruise, staying near the Marriott Stellars Casino (actually our studio apt. overlooks the ocean with a glimpse of that Marriott) in view.  We have cruised previously out of San Juan and stayed at the Marriott, but prices for Thanksgiving are just crazy.  

Wishing you all the best with your health issues and saying some words to the "man upstairs" on your behalf.   Stay positive, get second opinions and never give up!  That family of yours I'm sure is doing their part to keep you smiling, laughing and going strong.

We did an Alaskan cruise five years ago to celebrate my DH's retirement.  It was absolutely stunning.  If you get a chance, do it.

We did a return cruise via Seattle (with a few days before in Seattle and a day after) and absolutely loved it.  As a matter of fact, we were on the ship 5 years ago today!!  Great memories.

 

 

You are welcome and glad you enjoy the reviews. My family is a hoot for sure and there's always something that comes up. LOL

 

Bonaire is definitely a place I want to visit but there seems to be limited ships going there. :(

 

Thanks for the positive thoughts.

 

I have definitely thought about the Alaskan cruise but we just hate the cold and if my daughter (and even myself) didn't get to snorkel...it just might be tragic for us. LOL

 

 

2 hours ago, SuiteTraveler said:

 

Kim,

My dog is doing so much better. She is patting her feet enthusiastically and seems really happy and is more active than she has been in months. So I think most of the dental pain is gone.  Definitely the infection has cleared up. 

 

Have you talked to the personnel in the Billing department at the hospital?  Hospital billing departments have all kinds of ways to help patients afford medical care regardless of it they have insurance or if they don't have insurance -I saw this first hand with a friend who didn't have insurance because he was unemployed. He wound up paying nothing for the surgery and also for the care he has to have for the rest of his life.  The Hospital billing department was awesome and sorted things out for him immediately - a good thing, too because a few months later his wife needed an emergency appendectomy and they helped her, too.  If your heart procedure costs more than 15% of your family's yearly income (and I would expect that any heart surgery would cost more than 15% of your income), usually, you can get financial assistance where you pay little to nothing. There are also grants and foundations that can help.  Don't give up! https://pocketsense.com/financial-help-for-people-with-heart-problems-12253804.html

 

 

I have not talked to billing yet. I used to work in billing for the hospital years ago, so know how they work. They do go by income and I'm over qualified for everything anywhere...and that's the problem. :(  Short of quitting my job, getting rid of our company and losing everything...that's my only alternative at this point. I will check into the grants and foundations. It just sucks that I dedicate my life to the hospital and helping others get well and when I need it, there's no help to be found. :(  Not to mention the hospital I worked at for over 30 years...has been in the news a lot lately and now...who knows what will happen with them (it's national news at this point).

[BNL1213]

Thank you so much for the review!!  It was really helpful for when we board the Freedom in two weeks.  Good luck to you with your health situation ❤️

[Lisalk12]

Been reading your NCL reviews for years. Loved seeing your new RC review as we will be hopping over to RC (Enchantment of the Seas) in a few days. Thank you for the time and effort that you give to sharing your adventures with us. Wishing you the very best!! 

[mitsugirly]

1 hour ago, BNL1213 said:

Thank you so much for the review!!  It was really helpful for when we board the Freedom in two weeks.  Good luck to you with your health situation ❤️

 

You are very welcome and thanks so much. 

 

53 minutes ago, Lisalk12 said:

Been reading your NCL reviews for years. Loved seeing your new RC review as we will be hopping over to RC (Enchantment of the Seas) in a few days. Thank you for the time and effort that you give to sharing your adventures with us. Wishing you the very best!! 

 

We did RC last year as well on Jewel OTS and fell in love. (Also do Carnival over the last few years as well). 

 

Hopefully your Enchantment isn't one of those that was re-routed from Cuba. Our neighbors were supposed to be on it in August to Cuba and now they aren't going there anymore. 😞  

 

Thanks for the comments and wishing me the best. Have a wonderful cruise. 

[jojoshumate]

Thank you Mitsugirly for another great cruise review!  Your pictures speak volumes of the fun you and your family have and the beauty of the Caribbean Sea!  We live on St. Croix and often enjoy the cruises out of San Juan!  Let Sakari know that mermaids live on St Croix—this one wished my husband a happy birthday!!!   Look forward to your next posting—and sending good vibes and prayers your way for you and your family!

[mitsugirly]

16 hours ago, jojoshumate said:

Thank you Mitsugirly for another great cruise review!  Your pictures speak volumes of the fun you and your family have and the beauty of the Caribbean Sea!  We live on St. Croix and often enjoy the cruises out of San Juan!  Let Sakari know that mermaids live on St Croix—this one wished my husband a happy birthday!!!   Look forward to your next posting—and sending good vibes and prayers your way for you and your family!

 

 

I immediately called her over to show her and she was so excited and loved the tail! She said "That's a fin-fun tail" lol. Very beautiful.

 

Thanks for the comments, sharing the picture, and enjoying the review. I appreciate it.

[pghsteelerfan]

I just saw this pop up on my social media newsfeed and thought that you, and Sakari, would get a kick out of this.  You may have already seen it.  Enjoy! 

Holly

http://www.fox35orlando.com/news/local-news/marine-does-mermaid-photo-shoot-to-make-his-buddies-overseas-laugh?fbclid=IwAR0ZeBiKXHrVBihDqho-O2DyPotSlWdsUonvSj_WkJoRheFhKHEjF5i4N2o

 

Short video

https://www.wdrb.com/news/wdrb-video/mermaid-photo-shoot-lets-us-marine-show-his-fun-side/video_4f78bf65-30e1-5ab7-81bf-ff86132bd037.html

EDITED:  May have to copy/paste links into browser to view. 

Edited June 8, 2019 by pghsteelerfan

[mitsugirly]

1 hour ago, pghsteelerfan said:

I just saw this pop up on my social media newsfeed and thought that you, and Sakari, would get a kick out of this.  You may have already seen it.  Enjoy! 

Holly

http://www.fox35orlando.com/news/local-news/marine-does-mermaid-photo-shoot-to-make-his-buddies-overseas-laugh?fbclid=IwAR0ZeBiKXHrVBihDqho-O2DyPotSlWdsUonvSj_WkJoRheFhKHEjF5i4N2o

 

Short video

https://www.wdrb.com/news/wdrb-video/mermaid-photo-shoot-lets-us-marine-show-his-fun-side/video_4f78bf65-30e1-5ab7-81bf-ff86132bd037.html

EDITED:  May have to copy/paste links into browser to view. 

 

 

Lol...go dad! I hadn't seen that. There are actually a lot of "boy" mermaids in these mermaid clubs they have all over the world. The place where Sakari gets her tails from also have mermen tails as well. I can't believe how many young boys come up to Sakari, while cruising, asking where they can get one. 😄

 

[SuiteTraveler]

1 hour ago, pghsteelerfan said:

I just saw this pop up on my social media newsfeed and thought that you, and Sakari, would get a kick out of this.  You may have already seen it.  Enjoy! 

Holly

http://www.fox35orlando.com/news/local-news/marine-does-mermaid-photo-shoot-to-make-his-buddies-overseas-laugh?fbclid=IwAR0ZeBiKXHrVBihDqho-O2DyPotSlWdsUonvSj_WkJoRheFhKHEjF5i4N2o

 

Short video

https://www.wdrb.com/news/wdrb-video/mermaid-photo-shoot-lets-us-marine-show-his-fun-side/video_4f78bf65-30e1-5ab7-81bf-ff86132bd037.html

EDITED:  May have to copy/paste links into browser to view. 

 

Thank you for posting that!  

[pghsteelerfan]

14 minutes ago, mitsugirly said:

 

 

Lol...go dad! I hadn't seen that. There are actually a lot of "boy" mermaids in these mermaid clubs they have all over the world. The place where Sakari gets her tails from also have mermen tails as well. I can't believe how many young boys come up to Sakari, while cruising, asking where they can get one. 😄

 

I'm so glad I shared with you then!  When that popped up in my news feed this morning from a friend's post, I immediately thought of you and Sakari.  "Mermen" tails, love it!!!  😂

[jenseib]

Gosh I got so far behind and finally had a chance to catch up tonight.

 

First, I wish you the best of luck with your health issues.  I am undergoing tests too right now and am borderline and need more testing and it makes me so anxious. I can only imagine all you are feeling. Just live life to the fullest!

 

Loved the review as always. Those boats looked so fun and I might have to keep that in the back of my mind for the future!

 

Yay for booking a cruise for Aug. What date are you going?  I would love to cruise this summer, but I don't think it is in the cards for us.  But I am hoping for a winter cruise again.

 

And I am one for Alaska!  Go!!! It's so amazing.  I have the Joy booked for June 6th next year....so you know...that's a good date to choose!

 

I'll be down in your next of the woods in about a month.  We are going to visit my sister the weekend of July 12.  We usually go down once or twice a year to just hang out and do different things....and the Cheesecake Factory!

I typically fly out of Columbus too, and spend the night before our flight at her place too. She wants to move back to Toledo area but I told her she can't as I need that free place to stay the night before a flight. hahaha.

 

Thanks again for an amazing report!

[MzShae]

Watching Chopped on Food Network and there is a male chef named Sakari! 

[noche_caliente]

On 5/10/2019 at 9:22 AM, mitsugirly said:

 

 

I absolutely loved the colors of this concession stand. If I had a house in the Caribbean, I'd want to do it like this. 😄

 

 

Now every place we have stopped at has had pop for $1 a can. This place was outrageous and charged $3 I think it was.

 

 

 

 

 

We were there in January 2010 and it is still one of our all-time favorite beaches.  If you ever return, there is a local bus that goes there.  It was a great adventure, and our first time using local transportation in a port.  It was less than $1 pp each way.  The bus actually let off in front of Valley Church 🙂

[crystalspin]

What an adorable church! Remind me which beach/island this was? I took extensive notes from Mitsu's original postings but have not put them in any sort of order! (Our cruise is 1.5 years out.)