LIve from Freedom of the Seas

[cot427]

Sorry about the rudeness, they must have stayed from my sailing to yours. Maybe they did an Eastern and then a Western. They didn't talk about the Genesis that much during the welcome back party nor did they escort you to your seats on my sailing. Your captain is Manollis Kasselas.

 

Make sure you go to Sorrentos, and check out magic by Apit and Martin. They are the best.

[dagadget]

obviously meant meet. Should have proofread. Too funny.

 

 

Lets see we have a wolfcathorse and a darkwolf. What kind of meat does a wolfcat crossed with a horse eat? Let's see Soy Burgers :p Lol it's October and Halloween is close upon us so watch out for meat or meet eaters ;) Rotfl I have not laughed this hard in months :D

[SherriZ366]

Lets see we have a wolfcathorse and a darkwolf. What kind of meat does a wolfcat crossed with a horse eat? Let's see Soy Burgers :p Lol it's October and Halloween is close upon use so watch out for meat or meet eaters ;) Rotfl I have not laughed this hard in months :D

David -- you're right it's the perfect season!!!!

[dagadget]

Jerseygirl -- thanks for the updates. Sounds like a fabulous ship. Hope your weather gets better.

 

According to Woflcathorse's captains thread, your captain is Mannolis Kasselas. If you have a Mingle Party, you may get to meat "Wolf" who does a fantabulous job of keeping track of the captains' rotations.

 

Thanks also for the update on open seating and for trying to get feedback from those taking this option. Great that you got such a wonderful waiter.

 

We are on FOS (but eastern) on Feb. 24 so please keep the reports coming.

 

 

So far I have not seen any perks for open seating. You get different wait staff every day for one. How do the tips get distributed? $3.50 for one set and then a different set gets the same tip the next day? No I want the same time and the same crew each day. Then I can decide if they really deserve it. Open seating may be nice for in port days but I see it as a confused mess on sea days. So I am in favor of Traditional dining and will stick to that unless I do not have any choice.... my 2 Cents has been placed on the table.

[Jeka]

So far I have not seen any perks for open seating. You get different wait staff every day for one. How do the tips get distributed? $3.50 for one set and then a different set gets the same tip the next day? No I want the same time and the same crew each day. Then I can decide if they really deserve it. Open seating may be nice for in port days but I see it as a confused mess on sea days. So I am in favor of Traditional dining and will stick to that unless I do not have any choice.... my 2 Cents has been placed on the table.

 

I'm a bit confused, are you currently on the Freedom?

[dagadget]

I'm a bit confused, are you currently on the Freedom?

 

 

Not at present but recently. I was surprised most by no Becky Thompson, She got a promotion at Celebrity just before I was there......

[SherriZ366]

Jersey Girl -- any more reports? What was your waiter's name -- maybe we will be lucky enough to get him on Feb. 24.

[rpclmc]

Whew...I thought it was just me thinking the passengers were overly rude last week. But...I bet I can play a mean game of dodge ball now since I felt like I spent the entire week dodging out of people's way!! :D

 

Hey, you want me to sign you up for our dodge ball tourney next week:D ?

 

Linda

[jerseygirl3]

Checking in....cruise is going along very well. To answer someone's question, our waiter's name is Bennett, but he prefers to be called Strawberry (don't ask why, I have no idea). He's from Jamaica and he's been fabulous. Food is much better than the last time we cruised RCI. Staff is extremely personable and friendly. It amazes me that they remember your name after meeting you once or twice. The ship, surprisingly, doesn't feel as massive as I thought it would be and the only time it felt crowded was on Day 1 when everyone seemed to be eating lunch at the same time.

 

Today was Grand Cayman...haven't gotten off the ship yet! The gym is wonderful! We've gone each morning and haven't had a problem getting on machines. The weather has actually been pretty good...a sprinkle here and there and sometimes cloudy, but overall very pleasant and mostly sunny. The adults only pool area (solarium) is heaven. The ship is actually quite easy to navigate given it's size.

 

Tomorrow is Cozumel and we plan to head over to Paradise Beach. The only info I've been able to garner re: open seating dining is that the waiters don't care for it.

 

Any other questions?

[tcronier]

This is so exciting reading about the ship! We are doing the eastern in 57 days! while the ports aren't the same, anything I can hear about the ship is great!

 

We opted for traditional dining - we want the same people, same waitstaff.

 

One question I do have - I was on Elation this past october - I had motion sickness within 2 hours of being on the ship. I am bringing my stress point wrist bands, which worked great, but wondering how the ship is for that?

 

We want to try Chops, but are not going to do Portifinos. We want to try the steak and see what it is like.

 

Also, what night is the prime rib and lobster? we know we have to book chops right away once we get onboard, but we want the prime rib and lobster.

 

Thanks for your updates - it is so nice to hear!

 

Tree

[Merion_Mom]

Any other questions?

Have you been using the giant cantilevered hot tubs? ;)

[ready2sail40]

can you provide list of what has been for dinners each night and chops menu?

 

hope you are having a great time.

[SherriZ366]

Checking in....cruise is going along very well. To answer someone's question, our waiter's name is Bennett, but he prefers to be called Strawberry (don't ask why, I have no idea). He's from Jamaica and he's been fabulous. Food is much better than the last time we cruised RCI. Staff is extremely personable and friendly. It amazes me that they remember your name after meeting you once or twice. The ship, surprisingly, doesn't feel as massive as I thought it would be and the only time it felt crowded was on Day 1 when everyone seemed to be eating lunch at the same time.

 

Today was Grand Cayman...haven't gotten off the ship yet! The gym is wonderful! We've gone each morning and haven't had a problem getting on machines. The weather has actually been pretty good...a sprinkle here and there and sometimes cloudy, but overall very pleasant and mostly sunny. The adults only pool area (solarium) is heaven. The ship is actually quite easy to navigate given it's size.

 

Tomorrow is Cozumel and we plan to head over to Paradise Beach. The only info I've been able to garner re: open seating dining is that the waiters don't care for it.

 

Any other questions?

Thanks for the updates -- "Strawberry" sounds great.

[LG123]

Thanks for the updates. We will be boarding as you are departing. Have a great last couple of days!

[BillOh]

Hey Jo-Ann, glad that you're enjoying the Freedom. About the rude passengers. I think it's just a sign of the times. Seems to get worse each year.

 

I'll look forward to hearing her elaborate when she gets back.

[BillOh]

We had that general feeling on the freedom last year too, I am wondering if it is just that there are so many more passengers on these freedom class ships. I was especially appalled when this poor lady in a wheelchair who was waiting at the elevator was the only one not to get on when it opened.

 

 

Normally I just shrug my shoulders, but on that one I would have to have intimated a few people off so she could get on.

[BillOh]

anxious to hear more...crusiing the freedom in may 08!!

 

 

I'll throw them off the ship for you and leave only the nice ones as you board.

[cruisinskier]

We just booked yesterday for March 2008. Looking forward to cruising this city at sea. I will be looking for your trip report for more details but it is a big ship and just tell all the rude ones to go the the other end of the boat.....:D

[EggDropErin]

Thanks for posting! She is a beautiful ship. Hope you're having a fabulous time.

[jerseygirl3]

OKay, checking in again. Had a fabulous day in Cozumel today. Weather was perfect. Went to Paradise Beach and it was wonderful, as usual.

 

To answer some questions. We had prime rib the first night out, and again last night. Lobster was also last night. Our formal nights (Western itin) were Monday and Thursday. We did Chops on Tuesday. It was terrific. The menu looked better than Portofinos, so that's why we opted for Chops. Service and food couldn't have been better. Instead of ordering individual sides, they serve about 8 sides family style (corn, asparagus, mushrooms, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, etc.). Overall, the food has been excellent. The beef dishes are the best we've ever had on any cruiseline and it's been consistently good.

 

As far as seasickness, this ship has been riding like a charm. In fact, many of us have been "complaining" that it doesn't feel like we've been on a ship. Tonight has been a little rocky, but definitely not bad at all.

 

I geneally don't do hot tubs, but the cantilevered ones are to die for. YOu will love them.

 

An interesting side note. The Carnival Valor was along side us in Cozumel today and departed at 7 p.m. We stood out on our balcony (as many others did) and waved "bye bye." Just as she began to head out to sea, I looked down and saw a woman running toward the ship. She missed the ship! She started talking to two guys who worked on the dock, and next thing you knew, they were on walkie talkies and the Valor suddenly stopped. We figured they would put her in the pilot boat and have her meet the ship. No!!! Instead the Valor actually came back into port and put down the gangway for her to board. All on board (both our ship as well as Valor) were watching this and we were all amazed. I've never seen a ship return to port to pick up a passenger. Wonder if they'll add the fuel they wasted to her Sail and Sign card!!!LOL

 

Oh, forgot to mention, our TA has the Royal Suite and she invited everyone up for a cocktail party in her cabin last night. We all drooled over that cabin!!!

 

The week has flown by. If I don't get back on tomorrow, I'll be writing a full report when I return.

[jerseygirl3]

Sorry, tried to post and it was lost in cyberspace.

 

To answer some questions...prime rib was Sunday night and Thursday night. Lobster was Thursday night. Formal nights were Monday and Thursday. WE did Chops Tuesday. It was great. All the food in all the restaurants has been wonderful, especially the beef.

 

The cantilevered hot tubs are to die for...we spend lots of time in them and ordinarily I don't care for hot tubs.

 

The Carnival Valor was alongside us in Cozumel today (weather was pefect, btw). She pulled out at 5 p.m. and actually returned about 15 minutes later to pick up a lady who missed the ship. We watched the entire episode out on our balcony. I've never seen a ship come back to port and put down the gangplank. I wonder if they'll add the extra fuel charges to her Sail and Sign.

 

The ship has been riding very smooth. Everyone's "complaining" it doesn't feel like we're on a ship.

 

Well, don't know if I'll get back on. WE return Sunday and hopefully I'll have a full report by Monday.

[Merion_Mom]

Maybe *she* is the Captain's wife! ;) :D

[SherriZ366]

OKay, checking in again. Had a fabulous day in Cozumel today. Weather was perfect. Went to Paradise Beach and it was wonderful, as usual.

 

To answer some questions. We had prime rib the first night out, and again last night. Lobster was also last night. Our formal nights (Western itin) were Monday and Thursday. We did Chops on Tuesday. It was terrific. The menu looked better than Portofinos, so that's why we opted for Chops. Service and food couldn't have been better. Instead of ordering individual sides, they serve about 8 sides family style (corn, asparagus, mushrooms, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, etc.). Overall, the food has been excellent. The beef dishes are the best we've ever had on any cruiseline and it's been consistently good.

 

As far as seasickness, this ship has been riding like a charm. In fact, many of us have been "complaining" that it doesn't feel like we've been on a ship. Tonight has been a little rocky, but definitely not bad at all.

 

I geneally don't do hot tubs, but the cantilevered ones are to die for. YOu will love them.

 

An interesting side note. The Carnival Valor was along side us in Cozumel today and departed at 7 p.m. We stood out on our balcony (as many others did) and waved "bye bye." Just as she began to head out to sea, I looked down and saw a woman running toward the ship. She missed the ship! She started talking to two guys who worked on the dock, and next thing you knew, they were on walkie talkies and the Valor suddenly stopped. We figured they would put her in the pilot boat and have her meet the ship. No!!! Instead the Valor actually came back into port and put down the gangway for her to board. All on board (both our ship as well as Valor) were watching this and we were all amazed. I've never seen a ship return to port to pick up a passenger. Wonder if they'll add the fuel they wasted to her Sail and Sign card!!!LOL

 

Oh, forgot to mention, our TA has the Royal Suite and she invited everyone up for a cocktail party in her cabin last night. We all drooled over that cabin!!!

 

The week has flown by. If I don't get back on tomorrow, I'll be writing a full report when I return.

Thanks for the wonderful update. Glad to hear the food is good -- good omen for our Feb. Cruise on her. Must have been cool to watch the Valor return for the the late passenger. I love to watch the ships maneuver in and out of port!!!!

[dagadget]

Thanks for the wonderful update. Glad to hear the food is good -- good omen for our Feb. Cruise on her. Must have been cool to watch the Valor return for the the late passenger. I love to watch the ships maneuver in and out of port!!!!

 

 

I wonder if that passenger was a VIP? It is unusual for a ship to pull back into a port after they have set sail. Maybe she was a CC member and we will hear from her when she gets home.....:D