The weather for the week was poor. Cool and windy at some times altered some of our plans but it still was a cruise and we enjoyed ourselves anyway. The food and shows were above average which helped a lot given the weather was a downer.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Embarkation was smooth.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The new MDR menus (2018) started some months earlier, I guess, were much appreciated. The entre choices and taste were improved in our opinion. We did go to Chops and Giovannis using the pre-cruise purchase of the BOGO offer. Both were the same as previous experiences and we enjoyed our meals. We ate lunch in the MDR one day and that was done very well too. The only disappointment was Sabor. One of our previous favorite restaurants on Freedom of the Seas has been reduced to poorest value for the money and therefore the last time we will go since they reduced the menu entre choices to just tacos and quesadillas.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The weather this trip limited the outdoor activities. There's a good selection of things to do but when the weather doesn't cooperate, you have to be happy with a lower key day. We're fine with that.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The headliner this trip was fantastic. Lou Gazzara did a standout performance. We went to the late show but had we been to the early show we would have gone again. The production show singers on this cruise were better than average too.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All of the service staff on the ship performed at a high level. We've read stories of poor service in the Windjammer. I paid particular attention when in the Windjammer and this crew were on top of it. Cleaning tables and providing drinks quickly and consistently each day.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Cleanliness was very good. Unfortunately there are two flaws with this ship. One is common to the Freedom class and that is the stairway from the promenade down to the casino always allows airflow to bring smoke from the casino up to the promenade. The second is specific to this ship. We've been on this ship four times over several years and each time I've been irritated by the vibrations that resonate in the ship structure when the engines run.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Typical balcony cabin that slept three so the sofa was full length rather than low seat size. The room felt larger than some we've been in because of this added footage. It had a connecting door set and on the balcony, the side separators could slide back to open adjoining balconies. However, We had some high winds over night which caused these sliders to "flap" as the flexed in the wind. They banged together all night long. The next day I had to wedge material into the gap to keep them from banging together. There was peace from then on.
This trip we happened upon a new shopping area called Camana Bay which is located across from the Royal Palms Resort. https://camanabay.com/home-visitor/
It was worth a bit of time to see it if you are so inclined. We we walking to the Royal Palms when we saw it and checked it out. The walk probably took 45 minutes one way. The weather allowed for a pleasant walk.
The port area continues to improve with things to see and enjoy at little to no cost. However we wanted a new experience so went to Maya Chan by taxi. The weather in Jan was not sunny and was breezy. The day was pleasant but not our typical weather for a beach day. The water temperature was cold for these Floridians so we were limited to enjoying the food and drinks. Our seating site was predetermined by the resort staff. The provided a nice setup for us near the end of their property. The downside of this was their wifi did not reach us. The service was good and the food was excellent.
All in all we probably would not go to Maya Chan again.
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