Fantastic family cruise!

We recently did a b2b on Freedom of the Seas May 12-15, then May 15-19. We stayed in an oceanview category 3m #1900 for the first leg and then a 1 bedroom Grand Suite #1598. Traveling was me, my partner, and our 2 girls age 8 & 6. I want to post this for any first-timers and those considering a cruise on Freedom of the Seas. We flew in the day before which in theory should give you some semblance of protection from chaos and potentially missing the ship, we did not fare so lucky and have made mental notations and adjustments accordingly. Our plane was delayed getting out of Denver by 4 hours so when we finally took off SHOULD have been when we landed in ATL. When we finally got to ATL they held the FLL plane and the Tampa plane but not the Miami-bound one. So we got waitlisted for the FLL flight only to quickly realize they expected us to split up, not happening. We then ended up taking a flight into Tampa then renting a car at 1 am and driving the 5 hours to Miami. To say we looked a little deranged getting on the ships would be a fair understatement. But with perseverance and the amazingness of my other half, we made it. We had the key reservation as well as special needs attached to our reservation as both our girls are special needs just different levels. The process from curb to lounge was seamless and extremely quick. They escorted us to a separate elevator and then to the suite/pinnacle lounge so there was less sensory overload for our middle child. They were very helpful and attentive in the whole process and we could not have been more thankful given the night we had just had. Once onboard they helped us to our muster station and then took us to where the check-in was for the key lunch. Once checked in we went to the R bar for some much-needed refreshments. Lunch was served shortly after and as someone who worked as a chef for many years the service and food were solid. The steaks were tender, hot, cooked to the correct temp, and well-seasoned everyone enjoyed them. Anyone overthinking the stated attire stop, I saw all types, literally from a bikini/cover-up to a full-out formal dress for lunch. I was lucky I could put one foot in front of the other at that point. After lunch, we went to explore a bit and see exactly where our room would be. 1900 is on the 12th floor on the right side of adventure ocean. This is the newer section of the ship that was recently added in her last renovations in 2020. The section is a true hidden gem as there are only about 6 rooms in a very secluded hallway that is quiet and well-kept. My only complaint the hallway despite being clean always smelled WEIRD I have no other way to describe it but weird. The room was huge, and so much storage space you would not need to bring organizers of any type. I only wish we had taken more pictures of the room, next time for sure though! We did MDR for all meals on the first leg, save breakfast which we order room service. We are not those super-organized moms with functional children at 8 am, but kudos to those that are we know our limits. Second leg we did the UDP and it was so worth it all the way around, we do not buy the package for our kids as they are still too young to get full value out of it but when you as an adult go your littles can go for $10. So many don't know that it is the best value and ours love a good steak was worth it. On the first trip through Coco Kay, we kept it low-key and decided to try Chill Beach without the daybed or cabana. For me personally, that is a never again I am handicapped and severely asthmatic with COPD, and between the loungers being hard to get on and off of for me the smoking all interspersed on the beach is a hard no-thank you for me. On the second leg, we had the daybed on Chill Island and we have unanimously come to the conclusion that this was the winning beach for us. South Beach is stunning but with littles who need bathrooms and food OFTEN it is just too far and getting an ADA tram out there is not an easy feat. Breezy Bay is beautiful as well but due to the fact, it is so close to the jet skis and the pool it tends to get a little crowded fast and the water isn't as calm as a chill island. They have an ADA tram that can get you from anywhere you are on the island to anywhere you want to go so that is a big plus. Oasis Pool was pretty but wasn't a huge fan of the human soup that it felt like, again just my thoughts. Nassau is a favorite port of mine which I know so many do not like and I understand it is not everyone's cup of tea. But for me, I have been traveling there for over 30 years so I have a certain place in my heart at this point for it. A firm no thank you and keep moving always has worked just fine for me coming off the boat is the area where it is the worst and most crowded. We did the John Watling Distillery on the first leg, and we walked there. It is walkable even for someone in my shape/condition but if you have kids not used to or tolerant of the heat I do not recommend it at all as it takes about 25-30 mins uphill to get there. It is a beautiful place with lots of history and best of all the tour is free, it is just past the Queen's Staircase and Greycliffe Manor. The rum they produce is out of this world and if you get there before noon it is only $15 bucks for the rum-tasting flight and trust me it is not for the faint of heart. They also have a wonderful food vendor out front. Second half we did the Dolphin Encounter at Blue Lagoon. The best thing about the blue lagoon is once you are off the transport there if you walk towards the gift shop on the right is a small stand that you can rent the clamshells and cabanas from. For $60 bucks you get your pick of what is available AND it comes with 2 beach towels AND 2 drinks per adult. You literally can not go wrong with it I promise you cause 1 of those Bahama Mama will knock you down a peg or two lol. The encounter was decent, crowded, and a little rushed but I get that. The line for photos is horrible just be prepared for that. Your best bang for the buck is the buy-all digital package for $119 that way you can take your time and pic and choose without being nickel and dimed per picture. I don't want to make this horribly over long and I have tons more info so please ask me anything you can think of and one of us will answer to the best of our ability. Remember above all else this is your vacation as well as your kids and it is ok to set boundaries and realistic expectations this is best for everyone involved. We hope this helps some, and please AMA!