Shore excursion was too rush

Freedom of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean

konaniaheddy

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 52

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

Western Caribbean Holiday

Sail date: December 24, 2016

Ship: Freedom of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 6566

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

We love the activities on board (although it was not as many as our previous Monarch of the Seas cruise), the cruise director was funny and very entertaining. The crews were friendly and helpful as well. Our room was well cleaned, our state room attendant was very attentive to us, we can easily requested anything and will be provided in short time (we did not requested weird things, just extra pillows).

The port of calls were not all very interesting, like Costa Maya where we were docked at a tourist ports where souvenirs were sold 5 times more expensive than the one sold at Mahahual (which also a tourists area for locals and cruises' passengers anyway). Grand Cayman was the best port of calls according to us. While in Cozumel, we did not get any chances to enjoy the city (which lead this comment to other review regarding shore excursion), we decided to book a shore excursion to Cichen Itza (took a 45 minutes ferry rides times 2 because we need to get back with the same ferry to the port, then a very long road trips to get there almost 2 hrs to get there plus 2 hrs to get back, plus the traffic), we paid about $260 for two persons and we only had 35 minutes to enjoy the huge place, yes we were in a "sprint" tour. It was the worst money spent here. Then we rushed back to the port to get the ferry back to the ship. We learned one thing that it is better to get a shore excursion at the ports that from the ship (more cheaper and more options).

Overall, we still had so much fun on-board and off-shore, so we think it's still fair enough to give 4 out of 5 for overalls experience with our recent Freedom of the Seas cruise.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Foods were good, some foods were too salty though. Dining options were not many.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

It was not as many as our previous Monarch of the Seas cruise, but the productions were still awesome.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Children's Programs

Does not apply

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Our state room attendant --> Muhammad, very diligent and attentive. Our main dining attendants--> Tania and Ajay, very helpful and caring (especially when I was seasick)

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

It was a nice cabin. The railing on the balcony was a sticky, I got some wet wipes from the gym and wiped the railing, table, and chairs. One night our neighbor was loud but we could slept away after a while. Overall it was a pleasant experience.

Ship tip

Be sure to have enough time when booked shore excursions, don't book any excursions with a lengthy time that (almost) impossible to make it, you will end up rushing the tours and not enjoying your time.

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