Smooth and Sunny in Peak Hurricane Season

Freedom of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 41

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5
Freedom of the Seas

7 Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 01, 2018

Ship: Freedom of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 7218

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

We loved the generously sized balcony. The ship was not too large and the entertainment was top notch. The itinerary was very nice all of the islands had safe and reasonably priced cabs. On the other hand we have come to expect constant hand sanitizing stations with a live person dispensing sanitizer gel to each person entering food arias but it was very spotty on this cruise. Our stateroom did not have a fresh smell upon entering like all other RCL ships have had in the past and we hope this is an isolated case.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
We boarded the ship nearly 8 hours before departure and our cabin was available almost immediately. There was a very short boarding line which made it a pleasure.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
We had breakfast and dinner in the main dining room every day only snacking in the Windjammer. The food and surface was excellent but hand sanitizing was not enforced.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
There was always plenty of fun to be had.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
The entertainment was amazing.

Children's Programs

We had no children on-board but we imagined our grandchildren would love it because there was so many fun things to do.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
The entire staff was upbeat, courteous and helpful as always on RCL ships.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
We noticed a hotel smell in our cabin but other than that the ship was well kept.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
We loved our balcony because it was mush larger than normal. The cabin layout and size was normal but the hotel smell was something we've never experienced on a cruise ship.

Ports of call

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5
We didn't tour San Juan but noticed airport food and drink prices exceeded any airport we've gone through by a long shot.

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

4 out of 5
St. Thomas is always nice. We just took a cab to sapphire beach. Fine sand and beautiful clear water but a bit rocky in spots so water shoes are nice to have along.

Willemstad, Curacao

3 out of 5
Took a cab to mambo beach that is protected by a rock pile that runs parallel to the beach. Mambo is crowded and pebbly.

Oranjestad, Aruba

5 out of 5
Took a cab to eagle beach that was beautiful with fine sand water sports, thatched cabanas and lounge chairs. Then we found our paradise on palm beach. All beaches in Aruba are free with reasonable chair prices but the drinks are a bit expensive.

Basseterre, St. Kitts

5 out of 5
We took or time getting off the ship and went shopping. Found the best tee shirts and plentiful $2 beers.

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
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3 Comments

karlanddeb    6 years ago

Great review, ty

missnotanlines    6 years ago

Very good review we will be on freedom in March

DottieDiehl    6 years ago

Please define “hotel smell”. Was it like fresh paint/furniture or musty?

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