Three stars too good, 2 stars too bad
Freedom of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western
7 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)
Sail date: June 08, 2014
Ship: Freedom of the Seas
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: 9279
Traveled as: Family (older children)
Reviewed: 10 years ago
Review summary
Overall the service aboard ship is excellent. The food in the dining room is just average and certainly NOT up to previous cruise standards or my expectations. Seating in the dining room is EXTREMELY crowded so as to impede the egress without squeezing between chairs and diners and bumping into many. I had different table guests every night of the cruise which makes friend-making a bit more difficult. The Windjammer (buffet dining) is excellent and the menu is varied to the point that if you cannot find something you like, then you cannot be satisfied at all. Cold fod is served cold and hot food is served hot - it is tasty and presented nicely.
The cruise directors staff was good but some of them had such strong accents, it was was difficult to understand them for this old country boy who speaks only English. Many people participating in Trivia and other contests were forced to have the host/hostess SPELL the words they were saying so they could be understood.
The shows were excellent and the entertainers were top-notch in EVERY venue. While the poolside musicians were excellent, their repertoire was very repetitive.
Personally I missed the midnight dessert buffet and ice sculptures of all cruises past. It was always a photo op of the first order and since I am diabetic, it wasn't for the desserts I missed it. Just too much cost cutting, I fear.
The room steward was EXCELLENT and the state of the room was beyond excellent at all times.
I booked another cruise for next May aboard Oasis of the Seas and have determined that the service and conditions of the cruise better be improved or I will use another cruise line instead.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Go to the Windjammer for all meals. Greater selection, excellent quality, better views of the ocean.
Ports of call
Labadee (Cruise Line Private Island)