Cruises are back! Yes there are few temporary protocols but the experience is just as you remember. If you can get on a cruise in the next few months you will get a near normal experience with low crowd count.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Our cruise had reduced capacity so shorter lines to check in. They were strict about check in time for now to control crowding in terminal. My youngest had to be tested as he is too young for vaccine. Representatives guided us every step of the way and test results came in 40 minutes. Almost to the minutes they told us to expect them. Once negative test came back we walked right on.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Outside of the few protocols, mask wearing, the cruise was normal on board experience.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
With the reduced capacity there were no lines for anything on the ship. Pools were almost empty and the whirlpools were almost your own depending on time of day.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We went to two of the game show type of activities they held. Both were fun and exactly like you would expect. Lots of fun and laughs.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
My youngest is still in Adventure Ocean and had fun. Again with capacity restriction there were a lot less kids than normal but my son still had a good time. Teens enjoyed the teen club as well.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Staff were excellent. You can tell they are as happy as we are to be back on a ship. They could not do enough. And with the reduce passenger count someone was always standing by to assist.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Ship was spotless and always saw crew walking around cleaning. Freedom was recently refurbished and it looks terrific. So many new venues to enjoy like El Loco Fresh and Playmakers. .
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Cabins were not updated in recently refurbishment but still looked good. Lots of places to store things. Shower was best I think I have had on my dozen cruises. Not sure if pressure was better with less on board or what.
Ship tip
IF you can get a casita by the pool deck it is valuable real estate. Spent the whole day by pool and in the shade. They have places to charge your device also. Best part is they are free.
My second time here and it is still amazing. Spoiled with so few people from the reduced capacity. We got a cabana in Thrill Water Park and well worth it.
We normally walk off but had a later flight we sent bags out night before. We got to stay in cabin as they were trying to encourage social distancing. Went down at our time and walked off, had our bags and through customs in minutes.
Thanksfor the review! We will be on FOTS in October. Not sure if the ship will be full or not but it looks like it might. Looked our cruise up on RCCL website and not many cabins are available for our sailing.
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