Thinking of switching from Carnival to Royal Caribbean

Freedom of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

rcablecar71

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 75

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Eastern Caribbean

Sail date: May 01, 2016

Ship: Freedom of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 7382

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

Just got back from an 8 day cruise, our first with Royal Caribbean. We had cruised 4 other times with Carnival, and the cruises were fine, but we're seriously thinking about switching loyalties to RCI. There were less children and more activities. The promenade was very nice with all the shops. We never saw vendors standing outside hawking their wares as I had read in other reviews.

Dining was fine, on a par with Carnival, and we loved our waiters, Randy and Casroy. We visited the service desk for a couple of minor things and our questions were answered quickly. There WERE some chair hogs around the adults only pool but it didn't happen very often and since the crowd was definitely a more senior one, there were plenty of chairs around the main pool.

Entertainment was fine....we saw a great duo comedy act, an ice show, a singing/dancing show, a fairly bad illusionist, and another okay comedian. We watched star wars on deck (but no popcorn....Carnival has popcorn...). The flowrider was fun to watch.

Ports were the same, we'd seen them before so no surprise there.

Embarkation and getting off went smoothly.

The overall feeling of the ship had just a more relaxed, laid-back feel to it and no one was running around constantly trying to push drinks on you so we will definitely cruise Royal Caribbean again.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

LOADS of space, very pleasantly surprised!

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

5 out of 5

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

5 out of 5

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

5 out of 5

11 Comments

takemeoutforsomefunshine 8 years ago

Wow waiting for the Vista to come to the U.S. its on my bucket list, although my favorite is RC cruises going this Aug. Just been waiting to try the Vista when it ports in FLA.

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monkie67 8 years ago

this will b my fourth cruise, but first with RCL. I leave May 22. totally pumped.

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mimilovesmason 8 years ago

Thanks so much for the review and you are right it is what you make it! 🙂

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Beverlystpierre 8 years ago

Enjoy! Your trip is really what you make it! Beautiful breath taking sites to capture. Malta is number one on my list see the old first by taxi then the new!

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Beverlystpierre 8 years ago

Just surprised after cruising with royal caribbean, it was a shocker especially for a brand new boat. Caribbean is extravigant in decor & service. This ship was extremely plain mostly beige throughout bathrooms were in your face blue or over the top neon green. Lobster one night out of 2 week cruise. If you want steak and lobster, i believe it is 20.00 dollars for steak & 20. For lobster. All table wine is no longer served with dinner - there is a cost for everything. And even though they charge you full tips on everything there is a place on your bill to pay extra gratuities. The hamburger place is incredible. Oinions & mushrooms to rave over. Lots of kinks to iron out, which is expected for a new boat. Spa manager is amazing as eell as the spa staff. Very educated and results are a plus. Serenity lounge is heaven. Excursions, i would highly reccomend hiring a local taxi. Your tours are so worthwhile with a local taxi. Rooms really need some added pizzaz! Kris the maitre'd is an amazing helpful asset to this ship. We had early dinner, but for some reason every night we had to go to level 3 get in line for a ticket then go to the dining room and wait in another line. Ridiculous set up. Not enough garbage cans around. Plenty of food but restaunts should stay open much later with a late night buffet instead of just pizza. I must say the pizza was quite good. Buritos were amazing! All in all it was the lack of decor. The casino was amazing, worthwhile visiting. The vantriliquist show was excellent. Very hard working staff please treat them with the utmost respect!

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mimilovesmason 8 years ago

@Beverlystpierre, SHOCKED in a bad way? We are taking our first Carnival cruise on the Vista next April. So many people have warned us against cruising with Carnival but we thought we would give it a try!!! 😳

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bigcruisers2 8 years ago

That's the only line we cruise on. Make sure you join the crown and anchor society. The more you cruise with royal Caribbean the better the perks as a member

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keesharobert 8 years ago

I love Royal Caribbean been on 4 going in Aug it will be my 5th all with Royal Caribbean

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Beverlystpierre 8 years ago

Same i just got bak from carnival vista all i can say is SHOCKED!

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sherisanders 8 years ago

been on both cruise lines and love royal Caribbean!

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Beverlystpierre 8 years ago

Royal carribean #1 for me

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Other reviews of this sailing

May 1, 2016

best one so far

1st cruse ever, gonna be hard to top