40th Anniversary Cruise

Freedom of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

denisemedi

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 23

Overall rating:

3.2 out of 5

Verified Review

8 Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 20, 2018

Ship: Freedom of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8220

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

Overall, as this was our 40th anniversary celebration, we were disappointed with the cruise. I'm sure because of the many activities, including whole areas of the ship for kids, it seems to be better for families - not for adults looking for a romantic trip. The sheer number of kids everywhere (including the 8:30 dinner seating, which should be reserved for adults) was invasive. The kids were disrespectful, unruly, and totally undisciplined - even in the presence of their parents, and even in parts of the ship where it was not to be expected (library, solarium, etc.) While this is not the fault of the cruise company, I think we should have been warned that it is more of a "kids encouraged" cruise. We think we should have been informed by of the demographic focus of the cruise. PS: There is a new annoyance which permeated the public areas of the ship: bluetooth speakers (even sold on board the ship). Passengers would have their preferred playlists blaring at the pools, in the hallways/walkways, elevators, etc. Many times, there were several bluetooth speakers in use in a single area. Bluetooth speakers should be banned from use on the ship in all public areas.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Food was OK but variety lacking over the course of the cruise. Pretty boring. Waiter and assistant were wonderful.

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5

Yes, there were lots of activities around the ship. Unfortunately, there were too many people on the ship for the activity space available. I felt like I was at a sold out ball game with lines everywhere! Did not enjoy this at all.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

So much of the entertainment was oriented to children. Even in bar areas with entertainment - children were present and misbehaving. We were NOT amused!

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Ship Quality

2 out of 5

It is a beautiful ship but it is showing wear and tear. While on the surface it is a nice design, with the number of people traveling it felt cramped and suffocating. Always had to wait to do anything: get an elevator, find a table, get food, get a drink, get a chair at the pool, get help at a concession, etc. Not what I like on a vacation. Also, the children running & jumping in the hallways and floors above sounded like an elephant stampede. We had to call several times when we were awakened from naps and early morning sleep-ins.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Cabin steward was wonderful. Cabin had nice amount of space and ample storage.

Ship tip

Have patience. You will be contending with masses of fellow travelers and lots of ill-behaved children.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

San Juan, Puerto Rico

4 out of 5

Basseterre, St. Kitts

2 out of 5

Last minute addition instead of Bonaire. Not much to see or do.

Thumbs Up 0

Willemstad, Curacao

4 out of 5

Oranjestad, Aruba

4 out of 5

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

3 out of 5

Still lots of hurricane repair to do

Thumbs Up 2

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

3 out of 5

Still lots of hurricane repair to do

Thumbs Up 1

Disembarkation

2 out of 5

All OK till we got our luggage and proceeded to the queue for customs/immigration. What a zoo. Masses of people in an hot warehouse for too much time to get out. Never had this on any other cruise we've been on.

8 Comments

wgammon1 4 years ago

Sorry you had a bad experience.

Thumbs Up 0

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ghiagal 6 years ago

For those saying troll, or fake news. Well we were on the same cruise. If you enjoy having 10-15 different blue tooth speakers blaring at the pool, hot tub, balconies next to you, Promenade then the cruise would have been great. One guest would wait in the buffet line and then when they got up to the carving station or burger station would let their 5 family members in in front of them. Tongs were dropped and put back up. Walking down a Hall was impossible because apparently everyone needed to walk 6 people wide and could care less about anyone else on the ship needing to walk anywhere. Granted we had no problem getting off the ship, we were out our cabin and at our hotel in 25 minutes.

Thumbs Up 2

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Genericbog 6 years ago

Naggers gonna nag... surprised he stuck around for 40.

Thumbs Up 1

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Rayzor 6 years ago

Not sure if you are aware but theres this thing called " the internet " you can use it for everything nowadays including searching for reviews on FOTS before you actually book! If you had done this then you may have got information on the fact that vacations are not just for the over 60s but families as well, this includes children running about enjoying themselves while you have your afternoon nap

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TXatsea 6 years ago

Crap interview BUT I agree 100% on the Bluetooth speaker issue

Thumbs Up 2

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DreamCatchers 6 years ago

Locals get extremely good deals on cruises that are local to them-so it’s not crazy to think of many local families going. Royal has always been known as a family friend cruise line. But I personally find them very balanced as to please everyone. Try one of the more upper class lines for a more intimate experience.

Thumbs Up 1

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wkbryant65 6 years ago

Personal you owe your vacation we’re is it that it’s your responsibility to research your vacation you get what you pay for. So if the cost is to go to be true do a little research. Cruise my not be for you.

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Shh813 6 years ago

Fake news. Why is it whenever there is a bad review no cruises are listed for the person?

Thumbs Up 6

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