Ports were amazing, other things not so much
Freedom of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western
6 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)
Sail date: January 15, 2017
Ship: Freedom of the Seas
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: 2369
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 7 years ago
Review summary
This was my first and probably my last cruise. This was a learning experience for me. The ports were amazing, the cabin boy, server and assistant server were fantastic. The ship beautiful, the main dining room food was great and the entire week was full of fantastic weather.
The down side for me was too many people, I know it is a large ship, but the population of the town I live in was on that ship. I go on vacation to get away from everything. I definitely did not have enough time in the ports to explore. There is so much to do and see, but with only 8 hours, you are extremely limited. The formal night, I didn't take a dress, as I am on vacation. I was told that I would no be allowed in the dining room in shorts and a cocktail dress was recommended, really, I paid just as those who chose to dress up but now am being told what to wear not only 1 night but 2. I was allowed to where capris, and suffered through the first night.
The costs that were not explained prior to the cruise could turn into an astronomical expense - additional tips, fees for towels if not checked back in, the additional seating charge for the Chops House and Sabor.
The boat, staff and ports made this trip nice and earned the 4 stars. I am thankful for the experience and to have visited the beautiful places I visited, but will not do another cruise and will go directly to the destination. For the money, I could have had a very nice land Caribbean vacation. I learned that although some love going on a cruise, this type of vacation was not for me.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ports of call
Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
17 Comments
corvettefred 7 years ago
First of all it isn't a boat, IT IS A SHIP. You should do a little research before booking. We have been on nearly 100 cruises and keep going back. Have cruised Freedom of the Seas several times and loved every one.
gpruch600 7 years ago
Freedom of the Seas is probably one of the best ships in RCLs fleet. Just took a cruise on Oasis for the first time and a lot of people but plenty of space. When booking a cruise ask a lot of questions about gratuities, fees, trip insurance, etc. Prices have gone up on the ships especially drinks. Read the small print in the free perks that are offered. You will find that nothing is free. This is the advice from a Diamond member.
kernst 7 years ago
TERRI1962 7 years ago
Not allowed in MDR in shorts on formal night , did not bring a dress , Good for the crew for enforcing that rule , wish they all did , Oh yeah land vacations are not cheap either nor perfect,
blakewaltz34 7 years ago
DanCrissy23 7 years ago
gizzi 7 years ago
maria1980 7 years ago
maria1980 7 years ago
salserita55 7 years ago
Kool 7 years ago
Windjam064 7 years ago
Redwingfan 7 years ago
readytosail2 7 years ago
usafvet88 7 years ago
ChrisPBacon 7 years ago
jimmylamb 7 years ago