Freedom of the Seas- a Spectacular Ship

Freedom of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 54

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Verified Review
Freedom of the Seas

7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 23, 2006

Ship: Freedom of the Seas

Cabin type: Oceanview

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 18 years ago

Review summary

The ship is beautiful, big and had a great many activities. The FlowRider was an exceptional experience. The lines to the FlowRider were long (took us 2 1/2 hours to ride it twice). The ride was a lot of fun. We initially signed up to "do" the FlowRider on Monday - but got sidetracked - didn't get back up there until Saturday.... and now wished we had done it earlier - it was that much fun - and I know we would have been there every day - if at all possible. Would like to see a signup for adults only possibly at night or early morning....I would be there - cause the kids really liked this - and I don't blame them...but the lines were a bit long. The Shows were very good, the scenery and costumes beautiful, the talent was really good. The food was average - a couple of the meals were very good (lobster, shrimp); but for the most part, just average. A few really good desserts too (molten chocolate cake, souffle, and a couple of others were excellent). Breakfast was better in the Jade/Windjammer than in the dining room; and we always ate lunch there as well. Room service was good, when you could get it - the first time, we ordered from the TV menu - about 45 minutes later I called to see when it would be delivered and was told they never received the order. We decided to forego that one. The next time we called and were informed it would be an hour before they could deliver - we went to be (just wanted hot cocoa and cookies). The next time we ordered we received our order in about 30 minutes - and it was good. I was so impressed with the ship and service (overall) that I probably will book another cruise on this ship - just to ride the FlowRider again!!! Downfall - too many kids running wild. Wish they would restrict them to the childrens areas - could not get a pool with NO CHILDREN - most of the time this is alright, but sometimes, you would like some peaceful relaxation by the pool without the yelling, running, playing, splashing, etc.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
We heard the speciality restaurants were excellent - but I didn't want to spend $20. per person to eat there for each meal - since we had already paid $3200 for a cabin with a window. With that being said - The food was average - a couple of the meals were very good (lobster, shrimp); but for the most part, just average. A few really good desserts too (molten chocolate cake, souffle, and a couple of others were excellent). Breakfast was better in the Jade/Windjammer than in the dining room; and we always ate lunch there as well. Room service was good, when you could get it - the first time, we ordered from the TV menu - about 45 minutes later I called to see when it would be delivered and was told they never received the order. We decided to forego that one. The next time we called and were informed it would be an hour before they could deliver - we went to bed (just wanted hot cocoa and cookies). The next time we ordered we received our order in about 30 minutes -it was good.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
The shows were very good. Sometimes the schedule was a bit hectic - the ice show for us was at 5:00 pm, with early dinner at 6:00 on formal night - we choose to skip the ice show....but you can't do everything on the ship - just not enough time.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
The staff were really very very good - just about excellent. Dining Room Staff was really trying hard to make everyone happy - changed meals several times when we did not like the quality - and did this with a smile. The room steward was a jewel - excellent.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
New ship - it was beautiful and clean. However, a few areas had a distinct odor - of sewage problems getting ready to get bad.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
Small, but the beds were really comfortable, and the linens were really high quality.

Ports of call

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5
Had been here many times - so we just shopped and then got on the boat. FYI - the shops charge higher rates for shoppers from the ship. I had been warned about this, and it is true. Once I negotiated a price for a ring - I told them I was NOT on the ship and they gave me a bigger discount - when they believed I was staying on the Island...so much for telling them you are on the ship.
Don't Miss: Playa del Carmen and Xcaret are beautiful - but didn't make it this time.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

3 out of 5
Dont do the Negril Spendor - it was anything but. Bus ride about 1 1/2 hours - then went to Royal Palms Reserve - tour guide was late - when she arrived - walked around looking at trees, etc - and then went to Margaritaville in Negril. Unfortunately - Margaritaville did not know we were coming - so nothing was ready for us (20 people) - the beach was beautiful here - and we layed out. At 12:35 pm - lunch was finally ready (we arrived at about 10:45 am) and we had to be on the bus at 1pm....so much for that one.
Don't Miss: Beaches are beautiful.

George Town, Grand Cayman

3 out of 5
Got rained out - did not get to do the stingray snorkle - but had done it before and enjoyed it that time. Since we were stormed on, didn't get to see much this time either.
Don't Miss: StingRay Snorkle.

Labadee (Cruise Line Private Island)

5 out of 5
Just beautiful - great beaches (several) and childrens area [wish children were restricted to these areas]. Bring some cash for the vendors to buy the merchandise - and bargain - cause they start really high.
Don't Miss: Parasailed - it was unbelievable - will do it in every port next time.

Pros: The FlowRider is unbelievable!

Cons: The lines to the FlowRider.

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