Bigger is better!!

[chrisaf]

Just back from the Freedom of the Seas 6/1-6/8 sailing and I must say - We really enjoyed the ship. We were hesitant about how it would be with that many passengers, but it was great. We have sailed on all of the Voyager class ships and some of the Vision class ships and were concerned about the flow of the ship with that many people on board. Never once did we have a problem - the dining rooms flowed great, the elevators were fine and never crowded coming and going to ports - we really never experienced any type of overcrowding problem. We were on board in less than 20 minutes from entering the building and were off the ship this morning in the first group without any problems whatsoever. We loved that there is a large childrens pool area which really left the adult pool area much less crowded that we have normally found it on the other ships. If anyone has any specific questions about the Freedom - I'd be happy to answer (if I can).

[Cruiser-T]

It does not look like you have sailed on a Radiance Class Ship yet. Bigger is not always better! They are different, we like Voyager and Radiance for different reasons. We are leaning more towards Radiance Class.

[abridalmaven]

It does not look like you have sailed on a Radiance Class Ship yet. Bigger is not always better! They are different, we like Voyager and Radiance for different reasons. We are leaning more towards Radiance Class.

I have done 3 Radiance class, one Voyager class, and one Freedom class. And while the Radiance class were very nice for my DH & I bigger is better. Like everthing else it, is personal choice.

[isujim]

I agree it is a personal choice. I do not agree with the OP......that bigger is always better........in fact we are heading in the other direction.....next August we are doing the Pacific Princess to Alaska.......only 674 passengers:) . Glad there is a ship size for everyone.

[cruiser2101]

Personally, after being on the voyager class size, I wouldn't want to downsize either. We just loved all the amenities and activities, and for us it would be a big let down to cruise on a smaller ship again. I agree that our week on the Mariner didn't seem crowded for the number of people onboard. I realize there is a need for smaller ships to navigate some areas where the big ships can't go, but since the genesis class is on it's way, apparently the larger ship is showing the most interest.

[lysolqn]

You mention you were in the first group to disembark. What time were off the ship?

[zotzer]

Frankly, if choosing between a Voyager or Freedom class and you don't have kids, I'd recommend Freedom class. That's right, I said if you *don't* have kids (and indeed, for those who have them as well).

 

The H2O zone makes the main pool area so much more enjoyable for those of us without little ones. Mind you, I LOVE kids....this is not a dig. But seriously, there is a big difference between the two for an adult travelling without them.

 

Even though there may be more children onboard a Freedom class ship, that H2O zone keeps them very entertained in their own area.

 

I know that we adults can always choose the Solarium, but I love the more active environment of the main pool, with the pool band and other activities. Freedom class all the way!!

 

That said, my favorite of all the RCI ships is the Radiance class. :)

 

Tracy

[chrisaf]

You mention you were in the first group to disembark. What time were off the ship?

We could have gone with our "colored tag" group at 6:30, but went to get some coffee first and then left right around 7:00 AM.

[FanofFlorida]

LOVED freedom; as a novice cruiser I only have Majesty to compare it to...

no comparison.

Although I loved both vacations, I would never go back to a small ship. I went without the kids and LOVED the Solarium area. I also noticed the main pool had mainly older children and adults.

Perhaps I should try the Radiance class after reading these reviews...

 

BTW- when we cruised, there was an option for early disembarkment for anyone who wished to get off the boat at 6am.

[golfer1966]

we are trying the Independence this January. I too am worried about all the xtra passengers in the Wj, pools, Casino....etc. We really like the Decor of the Radiance Class ships best and a close second is Voyager Class. I hope the flows work like the OP said otherwise this will be my first and last Freedom Class ship and just forget about Genesis....:rolleyes:

[barbarah33]

I'm happy to hear some of you say that without kids the Freedom Class is still great. We are a group of 6 - three couples, sailing on the Indy's TA this November. We are not bringing any kids and have never sailed on a ship this large so we are a bit nervous about the ship being 'too big' for our tastes. It's great to hear good things; usually it's just complaints. I love the Radiance but we figured we'll never know how the larger size works for us unless we try it for ourselves.

 

It's not like it's really going to be a bad cruise - any day on a cruise ship is better than a day at the office!! :D

[negc]

we are trying the Independence this January. I too am worried about all the xtra passengers in the Wj, pools, Casino....etc. We really like the Decor of the Radiance Class ships best and a close second is Voyager Class. I hope the flows work like the OP said otherwise this will be my first and last Freedom Class ship and just forget about Genesis....:rolleyes:

 

I too prefer Radiance class ships, but if you enjoyed Voyager class you should be equally happy with the Freedom class ships. We have sailed on all three classes and did not find significant differences in the Voyager and Freedom experiences. The additional passengers are more than compensated for by the increased public space and the added features on Freedom class ships and the traffic flow works well on both. You may actually find that some of the added features of Freedom class ships enhanced your cruise experience. If you go onboard prepared to be unhappy, chances are you will. If you go onboard expecting to have as good a time as you have had on other RCI ships, it is very likely that you will return home having had a wonderful cruise experience.:)

[It'sRC4ME]

Frankly, if choosing between a Voyager or Freedom class and you don't have kids, I'd recommend Freedom class. That's right, I said if you *don't* have kids (and indeed, for those who have them as well).

 

The H2O zone makes the main pool area so much more enjoyable for those of us without little ones. Mind you, I LOVE kids....this is not a dig. But seriously, there is a big difference between the two for an adult travelling without them.

 

Even though there may be more children onboard a Freedom class ship, that H2O zone keeps them very entertained in their own area.

 

I know that we adults can always choose the Solarium, but I love the more active environment of the main pool, with the pool band and other activities. Freedom class all the way!!

 

That said, my favorite of all the RCI ships is the Radiance class. :)

 

Tracy

 

You are 100% correct! I DON'T love kids, but I sure do love that H2O zone for keeping them occupied and away from me!