We loved this cruise very much. Any 'critique' or perceived 'criticism' in this review was meant for RC to improve in certain areas - nothing is perfect! But taken in context the Freedom crossing was fabulous! We met many wonderful people from all over the world and the ship personnel made our trip special!
We can't wait for next year to go on Symphony of the Seas! Hopefully we will see many of the same people that went this year!
Our biggest complaint is they don't tell us ahead of time about 'special' nights. We didn't have 'white' night on Harmony or Quantum. You never know if it's going to ne 70's, 80's, or 90,s so how do you pack?
Why can't the cruise line announce the week before the theme nights so we can pack accordingly?
Embarkation
5 out of 5
From arriving at the pier, dropping or luggage to getting our SeaPass, to boarding the ship - it was less than 10 minutes or so! (Because our cruise had so many Diamond clubbers there line was longer than ours - Platinum!)
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Main dinning needs to change the 'classic' menu to some 'other' classics! We did My Time and they try and rush too, but guess it's to be expected. Some wait staff was better than others as we sat in different areas.
Specialty restaurants try and jam the dinning through to fast but I wouldn't order each course until I was ready, which didn't make our waiter to happy. Chops needs to revamp their menu and Giovanni's was very good. Wait staff in both were efficient.
Chef's Table food was great but the location on the Freedom was in the Main Dinning Room and you could hardly hear anyone talk. The wine selections have been 'dumbed' down since previous cruises. Hope that stops. Also they always had an extra bottle open if anyone wanted a second glass in the past but not this time.
Windjammer was great, mainly did lunch with a couple breakfasts. The cleanliness of the tables was poor and they just threw the crumbs onto the floor, sideboards or seats. Tables were hardly cleaned so had to put a napkin down before eating. Staff was friendly and helpful. Vintages was a nice stop for an evening drink before or after dinner. Wish we could have enjoyed dinner there one night but ran out of time
Again - critique not criticism.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Loved mini golf, enjoyed the pool, ran in the fitness room on the treadmill all were fine. The outdoor track on the Harmony is on Deck 4, which is great for less wind. The top deck is OK for walking but not running. Maybe they should move the running on Freedom to Deck 4 as well.
My wife did water aerobics with the same passenger that sailed on the Harmony, Carol. She is a professional and was willing to do it every day but they didn't accommodate her. She will be on the Symphony next year so I hope they plan ahead and use her every morning as it is a great workout!
The dancercise each morning with the Activities Director, Angelle was also very good.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
All the shows were great. The pianist, flutist, Ice Skating, Comedy, Hypnotist, Broadway Review, etc. All were very nice and enjoyable. The schooner bar was always fun to stop by after a show!
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Waiters I already discussed in food section, other personnel - pool area, shops, bars, guest services etc are all pleasant and helpful. Some bar staff are friendly than others - Daniel and Benjamin in the Pool area are a cut above as they attempt to remember your name and converse with you. Other bar tenders simple give you your drink and move to the next person.
Out cabin steward was efficient and did a fair job of maintaining our room.
As a general note I find the carpeting could be vacuumed a little better, and nothing is uglier than showering and having the vent overhead full of green crud! This is not just on Freedom but on many ships we have sailed on.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Most areas are very well maintained! My previous observations have already been made and take them in context - all in all rooms, restaurants, public areas are generally well maintained.
Freedom is a well designed ship and we thoroughly enjoyed it!
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The cabin is large, with a well laid out bathroom. There is plenty of storage area for cloths, etc. We bring rubber suction cups with hooks for additional hanging areas in the room. A few extra hangers is always handy!
Ran along water then we took a cab into town - and didn't need to as it was longer to get to town by cab than just walking in! Had a great lunch walked around and saw some sights then went back to ship!
Great beach to run along in the morning! We had a lunch at a very 'local' restaurant that was incredible! Also bought some souvenirs at a 'local' artisans shop. Great place to talk a long walk!
Getting off a big ship is always difficult just based on the sheer numbers and dealing with customs. We have learned to relax until it is our time and even though the custom lines are long they go very quickly! We use the Mobile Pass US Custom Application on our phone that allows us to enter all off our custom form info on the application and send it electronically to US Customs. Once we got to the Mobile Pass waiting line there was hardly anyone in it!. If you cruise - Get it! It is worth it!!
Yes Mobile Passport. It works great and saves lots of time.
I do check other cruises for special nights but TA cruises are always different as they usually only occur once a year on selected ships that are repositioning.
Thanks for your comments!
Oh well, next fall on Symphony!
@bande: I'm not sure why they don't tell guests ahead of time, but the best way the that I've found is to check past Cruise Compasses. RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com has a cruise compass section that features many past sailings for many ships. Just try to find one that best matches your itenerary for your ship. Worse case, find one for your ship even if the itenerary doesn't match. It won't be a 100% guarantee, but Royal rarely changes up their programs... I believe that Harmony is always 90's and most other ships are 70's. I haven't had a ship do an 80's night yet, maybe Quantum class ships?
Thank you for your review. I've always wondered about the themed nights as well. In fact I've asked several times on this app bit no one ever seems to respond when I do.
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