Summer of 2017

Freedom of the Seas Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean

Cruiser43871520

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 39

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Mediterranean (Barcelona Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 04, 2017

Ship: Freedom of the Seas

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 9244

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

Our most pleasant experience was dinner with our waiters & our excursions off the ship.

We were disappointed with the entire experience. The quality of the food was not what I have experienced in prior RC cruises. Deserts were not that great and the cheese plate was not what we experienced on past RC cruises.

We ordered room service for breakfast 3 times and only received it once. Which was a disappointment because we had early excursions and had no time to eat in the dining area. The one time we did get breakfast only half was delivered and we had to wait while they brought the other half. They apologized and brought us treats to make up for it. I have never been disappointed by RC before.

Then in our room we ran out of toilet paper and had to ask for more. This was after our room had been serviced and cleaned clearly an overiste.

We met some really nice bartenders from Jamaica all 4 we met were really nice, friendly and happy. We met others that were not so friendly.

We were too exhausted from our excursions and the time change to see any shows. So i cannot comment on that.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

Did not attend any shows.

Children's Programs

Did not experience any no children

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

towels and wash cloths had holes in them from overuse.

Ports of call

Barcelona, Spain

5 out of 5

We arrived a few days before the cruise and stayed at the Hotel 1898. Fabulous food and service and the hotel is located right near great shopping!

Thumbs Up 7

Marseille (Provence), France

5 out of 5

Villefranche-Sur-Mer, France

5 out of 5

La Spezia, Italy

5 out of 5

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

5 out of 5

Naples, Italy

5 out of 5

5 Comments

JohnsonL 7 years ago

How did this cruise compare to other Mediterranean Cruises on RCL or any other Cruise Line? Our last Mediterranean cruise on Jewel of the Seas was very good in all areas but our previous Mediterranean cruise lacked a lot; great excursions but poor service in many shipboard areas. We associated that with the crew population. For those of you that have cruised RCL, outside of Alaska or Caribbean cruises, how did this cruise compare?

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

cobhie 7 years ago

We were shocked did not expect what we experienced. We have been loyal RC cruisers as you can see. As I said hopefully it was a once off and our trip to Norway on Independance will be great.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Patrick4 7 years ago

that stinks. We were on Freedom in March w a large group and food was amazing in mdr and windjammer. Thankfully, other than the excursion lady on the ship, all workers were wonderful.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

cobhie 7 years ago

This was our 14th cruise with RC and this one left a lot to be desired. The ship was great but some of the crew were not very pleasant. Everything seemed a chore to them. We had requested a table for two, as we always have, discovered we were seated at a bigger table. The dining staff had to be persuaded to give us a 2 seater even though there were plenty available. Not nice to have to beg. The food has certainly gone down a notch in both the dining room and Windjammer. Our stateroom attendant was a lovely man and took good care of us. As stated by others, the constant selling pitch at every meal, along with photographers annoying us at dinner each night was overkill. Overall we enjoyed the cruise but RC needs to start respecting people again and improve the quality of the food. We have booked our next cruise with RC and hope it was only on this ship these issues have arisen.

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

Patrick4 7 years ago

How many cruises w rc had you done? We have 7 over 16 years. The only issue I have is not enough bar tenders...pool, shows or anywhere. Also, giving the hard sell on things, especially during a meal. Other than that, it all seems to be great!

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Other reviews of this sailing

My first Mediterranean Cruise

Great service

Freedom of the seas