Had my TA two nighter on Freedom

[lauraapp]

BBuchanan

 

Great Review and enjoyed the slide show...8 more days for my 2 niter...:o

[faithwins]

This ship is quite spectacular and certainly moving the industry more toward ships that "ARE" the destination!

 

Our Embarkation/Disembarkation will not mirror the Miami process. As with most short, two/three night inaugurals, luggage service is not offered and is self assist on and off.

 

I enjoyed an Atrium cabin, Category PR on deck seven. I was surprised to find it not as noise resistant as the same category I had on the Navigator of the Seas Inaugural. During announcements for the winners of the Great Race, I could clearly hear names and winning times for each of the winners. The bass could be felt and heard during the parade. Given the parade is held around midnight of the first and last nights on a typical cruise, I hope those in Promenade cabins are made aware of this.

 

Atrium cabins are among the smallest in square footage on the ship at 149 sf. With the bed made up into twins, pretty tight to get around. Extremely limited storage with only four small drawers. It did remind me why I personally prefer balconies or mini suites. The flat panel TV's are a nice addition.

 

A couple of subtle observations. Greatly improved dressing table lighting. For the first time on a Royal Caribbean ship, I could easily see what I was doing...that's scary!! :rolleyes: Also, "TWO" 110 power outlets at the dressing table. At last!! The beds are heavenly. Better mattresses plus a three inch pillowtop with lovely duvets all in white with kelly green accent pillows and a throw at the end of the bed.

 

The biggest Atrium Cabin draw is number 6305 which has been dubbed, the Ben and Jerry's Sweet. The cabin is directly above Ben & Jerry's on the Royal Promenade and the two cow's "rear ends" happen to be standing right in front of the window to that cabin. In exchange for bonding with the Ben & Jerry's cows for a week, the occupant will receive unlimited free Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream for the week.

 

I enjoyed both the Windjammer and main dining room. I believe with full occupancy at over 4000, the Windjammer will be crowded. In fact, spring break may take your breath away. The food in both locations was the same caliber and typical to Royal Caribbean. The Portofino and Chops specialty restaurants are a little larger and will still have the best food on board. Johnny Rockets is identical to voyager class.

 

The Adventure Ocean and teen areas are larger and very nice. The spa/gym now has a boxing ring for sparring in addition to every piece of equipment imaginable. More square footage dedicated to this area.

 

The H20 zone is really lots of "cute stuff" for kids at the outdoor pool. The Flowrider is way up on the same deck as the rock climbing wall. It is smaller than I imagined it would be. Interesting that it can be filled in under 6 minutes. Rock climbing wall is larger. Still full court basketball and miniature golf but the in line skating track has been eliminated.

 

The Family Presidential Suite very, very nice at over 1200 sf that includes four bedrooms, four baths, a living/dining room and huge 800+ sf deck with full table and chairs, lounges, a bar and large hot tub. I preferred the Royal Suite, personally.

 

The Promenade shops are joined by a "Get Out There" logo shop! Ben and Jerry's ice cream at additional charge, Seattle's Best coffee and specialty drinks at additional cost. An old fashioned barber shop with the pole where you guys can have your hair cut for only $32. More square footage in shops!

 

Entertainment spectacular. Saw both stage production shows that I would say are some of the best I've ever enjoyed on board. Not able to do those and the ice show. Richard Fain, CEO of Royal Caribbean during a Q&A, gave an interesting factoid.........The first Royal ship was the Song of Norway at a cost of $13 million. The sound and lighting equipment on board the Freedom exceeded that cost!

 

Overall, the easiest description of this ship is a "supersized" voyager class. Many public areas you will have difficulty identifying where or if they are larger or not. The casino is definitely larger but not more forgiving!! :mad: I saw suspicious evidence of things that will cost more on board.

 

The next "freedom" class is scheduled to debut in May of next year. At that time, both ships will alternate between Eastern and Western Itineraries. With the beginning of full revenue sailings, Royal Caribbean booked the first sailings with the standard "voyager" class compliment of passengers. Each week, Fain states, they will increase by approximately 80 passengers. This will allow the staff and port crews the ability to "ramp" up the effect of 1000 more bodies and the luggage that goes with them.

 

Deployments were announced for next year. The Voyager of the Seas will come to Galveston, the Legend will begin Exotic itineraries including Australia that it used to do many years ago, a "voyager" class doing four/five nights and sailing from Bayonne year round!

 

Here are my contribution of photos taken of suites and public areas.

 

Wow, this is new to me. So the first few revenue sailings will have the same amount of passengers a Voyager class?

[snoopy_leogirl]

The bathroom is small but appealing with tile accents around the sink and a sliding shower door that is curved to form a round stall. It's very nice with the drain at the side of the stall so your aren't stepping on it. The towels are so luxurious, soft and thick you'll want some of your own.

 

The cabin is really not suitable for three (just so small)though I thought the couch probably did open since there were curtains to divide the cabin at this point. The bedding and pillows really dress the place up with pretty green accent pillows and a white on white satin stripe duvet. I slept very well but never long as I was too busy.

 

The water level did not seem strange or close but I don't spend much time in my cabin on any cruise and I was really only on this ship for 44 hours. Sad isn't it?

 

Regarding the hairdryer, it is housed in a top drawer in the vanity of the main cabin. It has a switch which has to be depressed or it will not stay on. It was fine for me but I didn't have to dry my whole head. If you have lots of hair bring your own.

 

On other ships the ice rink is used for passenger fun but I am sorry I cannot answer for certain on Freedom. I doubt people were using it on our trip though there was a show one night. Assume you will have the opportunity because I am sure they will want revenue from this expensive amenity.

 

The Royal Promenade was nice and there are many shops both there and on another deck (where was I?) where you can purchase all the Freedom and RC gear you can stand. Many were sporting t-shirts etc. There was also a sports shop for gear in the Flowboard area. Lots of retail all around going on.

 

As I said before there is nothing like brand new so I doubt you will have any trouble having the time of your life on this ship. I envy you a whole week onboard. When you are on this I will be sailing the Crown Inaugural and that one I do sail for a full nine days!! Yippee...

 

Did I forget anything?

 

Nope you didn't miss a thing. You know a funny thing? I was narrowing down my cruise to either Freedom or Crown Pr. I guess the thing was that the overall first choice of everyone in my family (7 of us) was Freedom and I preferred Crown Pr. but majority rules. But I know I will have a great time, just as you described. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and have a great sailing aboard an Inaugural. And please do post a review because I would love to read it.