Freedom of the Seas Cruise Reviews - Reviews

we had a great time on the freedom of the seas,

The cruise director was very attentive, anxious to provide a great time for all ages.  The food in the dinning room was good. The food in the windjammer was regular cruise fare. I would have liked better selection on different days but it seemed to be the same everyday in the windjammer. The stir fry station was not be operated at the most convienent times. we like to have fresh pasta with fresh vegatable stir fry which not not at service to us. The service was good in both the windjammer and the dinning room. the promanade was filled with late night goodies pizza in sorrentos and some pastries along with sandwiches that were on good rolls and shrimp salad sandwiches available almost always in the cafe included in your cruise fare.

The ship was beautiful

I have to try not to compare my current cruise experience with the way it was back in the 1990's and the early 2000's when they would have beautiful buffets  in the late night and the ice carvings that do not exist anymore. They would be worthy of picture taking,and ooohs and aughs.

In summary i would definately take this cruise vacation again. hope i helped you decide. the staterooms were nice and the service was great. compareitively speaking i would choose rccl as one of my favorite cruise lines. Donna Paraskevaidis

We cruised on Freedom of the Seas for our 35th Anniversary.  We had such a great time!  We had cruised on the same ship previously and absolutely loved the ship.  The ship is a large ship - even though there over 4,000 people on board it never seems too crowded.  The staff are awesome and so helpful.  Our wait staff for dinner this time around were simply the best (Raj and Kamel!)  Labadee, Haiti is so beautiful, fun, and relaxing - Royal Caribbean really takes care of you there (Picture below is on Labadee).  All ports and excursions were tons of fun!  We will always choose to cruise with Royal Caribbean!  We can't wait to go again!

My DH and I sailed out of Port Canaveral on Oct 12 for a 7 day cruise on the Freedom of the Seas. We were a little apprehensive, because of knee surgery that was not healing as fast as we wanted I would be using a walker for the first time on a cruise. I guess I should tell you that it was #13. We arrived at Embarkation about 11:30 and every employee was gracious and efficient.  Embarkation was a breeze, as soon as they saw my walker, I was given a wheelchair.  We went through the lines very quickly and were on the boat and up in the Windjammer, before I could hardly breathe.  DH had to go the line for me and even though we have been married 43 years, it was a funny mixture of food. The cookies were fantastic, especially the macaroons. That was the only time I saw them, but I might have just missed getting at other times. I'm used to waiting for our room, but by the time we finished lunch all rooms were ready. We had cabin 9609, which was an interior cabin, It was quite roomy for an interior. We met Lloyd our cabin steward almost as soon as we opened our door. We had 2 immediate requests, we wanted twin beds this time for my knee, and I needed a sharpie container, since I am diabetic.  It was all done after we had done a little exploring, our bags seem to come faster this time too.  So far the only #13 stuff was me.

 Freedom of the Seas is enormous, there was so much to see and enjoy.  I never saw everything, DH saw the Flow Rider and the Crypt which I skipped this time.  I say this time, because we will take another cruise on Freedom of the Seas someday soon.  I guess I am rambling and this is getting longer and we haven't left port yet.

We went down to a 10 seat table in the Leonardo MDR, 8 were there the first night. We had Albert and Chris as our waiters, they were great.  They were always helpful on picking the best item from the menu for each person. The other couple showed up the second night..  We changed seats every night as to get better acquainted.  The food every night was very, very good.  My favorite entree was the prime rib, wish I had ordered more. It was so tender and delicious.  I loved the desserts and about half the time I got the sugar free, they tasted just as good as the sugary ones.  The apple strudel the last night was exceptional and most people at the table got it.

The first day at sea the ship was crowded up on the pool deck, but we found two chairs up by the

adult pool and ended up with a lovely, breezy siesta. I loved watching the kids in the H2O zone, it was so colorful and looked like so much fun, if I could have gotten in the water, I would have tried borrowing a kid, since I have no grandchildren of my own. Why don't they make one of these things for adults?

We enjoyed almost all the evening shows, except for the last one "Once Upon a Time" I was disappointed in it. Why didn't they use the Dreamworks characters, and the music was songs from everywhere and anywhere. DH fell asleep.  Really liked the "Unexpected Boys", their plot line made it even more fun.

First stop Labadee, Haiti, had two nice wheelchair rides down that long pier. The tram took us over to Columbus Cove where we had two lounge chairs close to the water.  I could not get in water over my knees due to another physical problem I was having then. Managed to get into 3 or 4 inches, but my balance was not the best, so no more water.  Lunch had some wonderful watermelon, very sweet and juicy. Only glitch was a tram that pulled up to the craft building, engine dropped tram, and went off somewhere else, leaving around 50-60 people sweltering the heat for about 30 minutes. About half of them gave up and starting walking back to the ship.  I couldn't do that had my walker and found it doesn't do well on sand, dirt and little pebbles, only the concrete.

We started hanging out every evening in the Schooner Bar, they had a piano player there, Jim Broadbent, who do did mostly Oldies or Country. We really enjoyed his mellow style.

Ever since Royal Caribbean came out with the Promenade  I have wanted to walk down it.  I wasn't disappointed, plenty or shops and we enjoyed the Cafe Promenade. Only thing I was disappointed in, the Logo shop did not have the ship pins. I have been trying to collect one for each cruise.

Because of the hurricane in the eastern Caribbean, we got bumped from Falmouth, Jamaica for the Allure to Montego Bay. I had arranged a private with Patrice Bailey in Falmouth, so we weren't sure what was going to happen. She showed up with another one of her staff and we had Patrice and Mark giving us what turned out to be a private tour.  We were well taken care of on this tour.  I wanted to see some crafts so we went to this series of huts? on the mountainside and were taken to a booth by a woman waiting outside.  The women there took good care of me, I got a chair, and at least two women were fanning me.  It was hot!  Spent too much according to my DH, but I felt bad only spending at 3 booths and then I had had it. Back to the van for me, with that lovely AC.

Richmond House, owned by the DeWars?, whiskey distillery, has a beautiful house with fantastic views of the city and bay. Only $2.00 to get in and $5.00 to swim in the pool, only saw one little girl swimming. They also have a bar with soda and water, which I was glad to have.

Third stop was Grand Cayman, but because I was really hurting, and DH didn't think tendering with my walker was a good idea, we stayed on the ship.  We had been there 3 times before so I didn't mind this time.  I had been going to make this a beach day cruise, but knee put that out of my mind.

It was nice, having plenty of chairs to stretch out on.

4th stop was Cozamel (can't spell tonight). We just went into town, not sure where we were downtown.  We were told it was the Central Plaza, but Diamonds International was there so unsure.

Nice shops with lots of stuff, bought a beautiful pendant, and a little wooden painted cat. Then that was enough, I was suffering from the heat again.

Last day at sea didn't seem as crowded, everyone finding their own space on the ship.

Debarkation took a little longer, I was going to use my walker, but the long line off the ship, persuaded me I needed a wheelchair.  I am overweight and had a tiny Chinese girl pushing my chair, she had a delightful personality and was very gracious to me. Luggage found quickly and off to a hotel for one night in Florida, before returning back to cold, rainy Maryland.

Even with my problems, we had a wonderful cruise and can't wait to go again, again, and again.

We want to go on Freedom of the Seas again, when I can get around and see more things. The crew was especially nice, not only our steward and waiters, but also the staff of the Windjammer who made sure people had drinks and other things they needed.  One funny thing one day in Windjammer, there was a door near our table and staff kept going in, and in. We could just see a bare room when, they would open the door. I counted when they came out 34 people went in and came out.  We also were in Cozemel when the Carnival Magic tried to dock and some of our table mates had seen it turned away. It was a little weird, because DH was wondering what would happen if there was a major illness, like Ebola on a ship.  It all ended well though, just like our much enjoyed cruise on Freedom of the Seas.  

This cruise gave me a chance to reconnect with my family. This is only my second cruise but I am looking for more down the road. I truly enjoyed this cruise and is looking forward to the next cruise in the near future.  

I was overwhelmed with all that was to do.  Meeting people from everywhere.  Service and room were great.  Only thing I wished was if there were more times of doing events [like dancing] for the older crowd at earlier times.  Get us started early we party the night away.  My husband got into the grove when we begin to start the shore excursions.  The beaches [especially St. Thomas] were great.  If I get the opportunity I will do again.

I am an experienced "cruiser", and this was my 4th of the year.  My son and I decided to take advantage of a "last minute" offer on Freedom of the Seas, visiting St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Coco Cay.  We have been on the Freedom before, as well as its sister ship the Independence.  It is a large ship, but is easy to navigate, and we never felt crowded.  I greatly appreciated the "no smoking" section of the Casino.  Our dining experience at Chops Grill was outstanding.  Our stateroom attendant was "Susie", and she was terrific.  The only "hiccup" was that the specialty coffee machine in the Diamond Lounge was out of service for most of the week...something I really missed. 

We took this 7 night cruise as a family vacation.  The staff and service was wonderful.  Our stateroom attendant took very good care of us!  Thanks Jimson!

Like the ship.

Food no better than Carnival. Steak was inedible.

Serving lines in Windjammer need help. Not enough lines causing bottlenecks and traffic jams.

Dinner service conflicted with shows causing us to rush. Our waiter helped us in this regard by serving 

us early.

Shows were very good. Service people good. All-in-all, enjoyed it.

The cruise itself was good.  wish we could have stopped more places instead of three on a 7 day. 

The ship itself was boring not enough to interest.  No Motown review, No deep blues or jazz.  it was good for the older 65plus or younger children.  there is only so much hotdog hamburger you want.  however dinner was great the greatest server WOWed us nightly table 4630at 5:300 Perry what a great server, enjoyed him

The TV service during this cruise was totally unsatisfactory.  The choice of news channels has been reduced to CNN and the two sports channels primarily showed Euro sports.... As I remember past cruises I do remember better TV choices than offered during this cruise.. 

We were so looking forward to this cruise and had such high expectation!  They were all met.  We did not walk away disappointed.  Only thing was the 2 sick people who had to be taken to hospitals, this made unexpected stops and we had to miss one of our destinations, but that is something that just can't be helped.  (We hope they are doing well now) We will just have to do the cruise again to go to that island another time.  Food was excellent, the ports we went to were great and we enjoyed our excursions. Dunns River Falls in Falmouth, Jamaica was great but I would not recommend the tubing experience part.  I would choose one of the other Dunns River Falls excursions. Staff on board the ship were great. Very nice, helpful and professional.  Shows on the ship were great.  They had plenty to keep you busy through out the day if you wanted to or if you just wanted to do nothing that was nice too.  We dined at Chops the first night and it was delicious.  The service was fantastic.  We so much enjoyed our trip and look forward to booking again.  

The food in the Windjammer wasn't good.  It was cold or over cooked from being warmed so long.  No handicap seating areas for wheel chairs or walkers.  The shows each night weren't very good. The comedian wasn't funny.. The performers didn't look professional. They were out of step most of the time or making obvious mistakes.

This was one of our best cruises ever, even though we were distressed that our traveling companions were not able to come and there were some cruise schedule adjustments because of medical emergencies.  We were very impressed with the pristine condition of the Freedom, especially since we knew it was headed for dry dock.  It was as beautiful and clean as ever, and the staff was top rate in every area of the ship.

Our Junior Suite was the nicest rooms we ever had, and the special amenities we had ordered were provided perfectly.  We ordered room service breakfast most days and it was great, and our cabin steward was one of the best we have ever had in 15 years of cruising.  Our balcony view was awesome, and we were able to take in the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets the perfect weather provided us.  I think this was the first cruise when we scarcely felt any ship movement for the entire 7 day trip!

As always, the shows were spectacular, and the talent very impressive in every venue.  Best ice show ever, by far!  The entertainment before midnight was very tasteful and classy, except for Quest, which was touted as "adult".... We wished we hadn't gone, 

The dining experience was awesome both in the main dining room, cafés, and specialty restaurants.  The food was some of the most consistently excellent we have had cruising, the service was wonderful, and the people at tables around us were lots of fun.  Our only disappointment was that evidently some whiners had complained about the parade of dining staff where they sang and performed near the final night, and management canceled it.  Definitely a poor decision, as everyone we talked to looked forward to that fun part of the evening, as did the wait staff.

Our excursions were also perfect for us in Cozumel, the Caymans, and Jamaica.  Our only negative experience was that our bank slammed down our credit card on a fraud alert because we used it twice in Mexico.  We should've notified the bank in advance or taken more cash on the excursion.  Mexico is not the place to use credit cards.

I suppose the biggest negatives were the radical increase in parking expense at the pier, the exorbitant cost for slow wireless internet on board the ship, and the automatic charge on our account of the tips.   Our only real gripes were missing Labadee and the waiter non-parade.

Overall, we couldn't have been more satisfied, and would definitely recommend RC, the Freedom of the Seas, and for doing a great job at providing an amazing vacation for the money!

Words cannot express how we feel, we are very grateful and happy with the quality of treatment we received everyone of your staff & attendant. The staff in the windjam was great they were just supper, we had a wonderful experience. We are planning to do it again with the family in a year time, the only thing I was a bit disappointed in was, that I was Looking Forward for the midnight buffet and the shows that showcase the talent that the Chefs buy the Carving then show of the fruits and the chocolate Fondant. I was told that the company no longer does or cater to those events anymore that :-(......Our experience was a great one, looking forward of seeing you all again with our entire family in a years time. Sincerely Yours Christopher & Debbieon Smith

I was very disappointed this year with all of the setbacks not going to the port that we paid for the activities were not as exciting and fun as last year Sep 2013 a lot has changed need more improvement in activities,staff,etc. It was my boyfriend first cruise raved about it and I was ashamed and disappointed we were going to do another cruise but won't even bother it sad

ENTERTAINMENT WAS EXCELLENT, ICE SKATING SHOW, MAGIC SHOW, LAS VEGAS TENORS, AIRAL SHOW, COMEDIANS . LOVED MEETING THE CAST, BELLY DANCING, WATCHING SURF BOARDING, SHOPPING AT THE MALL. CREW MEMBER WERE HELPFUL AND WENT OUT OF THEIR WAY TO MAKE YOU CRUISE WONDERFUL

THE ONLY THING I DON'T UNDERSTAND IS WHY THERE IS NO SMOKING ON YOUR BALCONY, BUT GO DOWN 4 FLOORS AND PEOPLE ARE SMOKING ON THE DECK, HANGING OVER THE RAIL WITH ASHES BLOWING IN THE BREEZE. ON MY BALCONY I USE TO  HAVE AN ASH TRAY AND SIT BACK AND ENJOY

This ship is big enough to provide plenty to do for all ages.  Food is very good, seating is plentiful and the staff is super friendly.  The wave runner is great for the young of body and the many trivia games are great for the not so young of body.  Shows are excellent.  Great value for the money.  Try it, you'll like it!!

My only reason for not giving 5 stars is the food.  You cannot get fish that is not over cooked and dry.

I tried 3 times.  Everything else was fine.  I am not a very big beef eater so it limited what I could enjoy.

It was a great week, outstanding food and friendly staff. The ice skating show was professional quality!

We were supposed to go to St Thomas but a medical emergency led us to a stop in Nassau for the crew member. We didn't visit, just met the ambulance. The makeup island was San Juan Puerto Rico but it was 4:30pm when we docked but had to wait for a slip to become available. Saw the island in the pouring rain and darkness and back on board by 8:15, somewhat disappointing. The St.Maarten island was great and our excursion through was outstanding. Rick from Twin Island Excursions was the best tour guide ever! We got shopping time, beach time and info about both the French and Dutch sides!

All in all, a good week and a great experience for our first cruise! I would recommend Royal Caribbean !

Our Sept. Freedom of the Seas cruise was great.  This was our 13th cruise and the food and entertainment were very good.  The only disappointment was the send off from Port Canaveral, we like a party atmosphere with Caribbean music as we are pulling out of port.  Instead there was Dreamworks.  Very disappointing.