crusinpeg

Random thoughts:

 

1. This was a family cruise ship but we were never bothered by the kiddies. Just the opposite, really. The Autism of the Seas group was doing a great job. Special people taking care of special people!

 

2. The ship has wi-fi but it is 65 cents per minute if you don’t buy a package. The coupon in the C&A book (gold) is only good for packages. We thought we would get $5.00 credit each for internet use, but it is only towards a package if purchased.

 

3. You CAN use your cell phone on the ship with many carriers. I called T-Mobile and they have RCI rates by the ship. Freedom was $5.99 a minute (OUCH!) and outgoing texts were 50 cents each, incoming were 20 cents each. We turned off all of our connections until Sunday morning.

 

4. No Olympics. We were hoping to at least catch a couple of events on the cruise, but were told NBC would not sell RCI the rights.

 

5. We only bought one picture from the cruise line. It was the boarding photo for $19.99. They will take your picture anytime they can. Rather than fight it, I would recommend just smiling and letting them do their thing. There was even a photographer IN THE WATER at Nellie’s beach. He was in his regular uniform! He got a shot of our daughters but we didn’t buy it. Luckily (?) our daughters are very picky about their photos so usually it was a comment like, “I’m hideous! Don’t buy it!” and we were off the hook. The only time it kind of bothered me was at dinner when the photographer would TELL me to get up and stand behind my family for a photo. I would just say I would love to have a picture of the girls and remain sitting. TIP: Right next to the photo area are some computers where you just swipe your seapass card and all the photos show up that they have taken of you. Witchcraft, no doubt! We learned this at the end of the cruise. It’s pretty awesome – no walking around trying to find your face on the wall.

 

6. Drinks are a bit pricey – The cheapest mixed drink I had was $6.90 with the automatic tip. Most were in the $8.50 - $9.50 range. The “drink of the day” is cheaper if you tell them you don’t want the “free” glass. The tall, skinny glasses they are using these days don’t hold much! With ice, there can’t be more than 5 or 6 oz of fluid. Even with all that being said, the drinks were darn good! No regrets.

 

7. We were on deck 9 and quickly learned to take our hallway to the front or back, then go from there. It makes it easy to get to where you want to go.

 

8. We took the stairs a lot. Yes, even this “fat-boy American” took the stairs. To the point that my legs were pretty sore by day 5. It is soooooo much easier and quicker than the elevators. In what state, country or planet do people rush on an elevator before letting people off? Well, on Freedom there are many that do this! It’s comical, really.

 

9. People drink. And drink. And drink. We didn’t see any young people intoxicated, but we saw a few of us older folks totally wasted! Quite a show . . . usually walking down the Promenade.

 

10. I never saw ANYONE in the Connoisseur Club. I am not a smoker normally, but I like to buy a couple of cuban cigars, puff away and pretend I am enjoying it. On past cruises I would always have someone to gab with and drink with. Maybe I went at the wrong times? It was strange because they would have expensive scotch and smokes just out for the taking (I didn't of course), but it made me wonder about teenagers (I was one once... and BOY would it have been tempting!).

What do you mean by scotch and smokes "out for the taking"? Complementary?

Just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying your review..we will be on the Freedom in less than 5 weeks and it's really getting me pumped up!!!

Where did you eat your breakfasts?

double post

Awsome pics...can't wait for more!!

I have not sailed with RCCL in a while and was waiting to try the famous Vidilia Onion Tart...don'y see it offered on any night anymore?

Princess has been doing this for years.... I've never had a problem.

Wouldn't that "someone else" also have, as you say, a binding contract:confused:

True..but let them refuse it...if this happened enough perhaps RCCL would be a little more careful with their offers.

Wondering why you are shocked. RCCL management has a hard time keeping their basic policies together. I can only imagine whwhat it's like now that multiple people are calling multiple guests offering upgrades.

Personally I would not have accepted this situation. You paid for the upgrade..once they charged you and you paid... in my opinion this is a binding contract and should have been upheld...let them take the deal back from someone else!!

Awesome review and info..thanks so much for taking the time....going on the Freedom in a few months and your review was extremely helpful.

Can't wait for more!! First time on Freedom in a few months.

Milky Way Martini!!!

We did the balcony dinner a few years ago and it was awesome...well worth the money...our only complaint was that the photographers lens fogged up and our picture came out terrible...besides that the service was fantastic and we did it early in the cruise so we got to enjoy a beautiful flower arrangement all week long.

Just returned from the Emerald room E627. there was a small lifeboat about even with the bottom of the window..had a great view.

First time on Emerald deck and the aft location was very convenient. Hardly ever used the elevator unless we were going to the pool or buffet.

Thanks for sharing!

 

Does anyone happen to know what the current drink prices are? Does Princess ever offer martini flights/samplers?

I could be wrong but I thought martinis were around 7.00? Never saw any flight or samplers( wish I did) but their martinis are great! Especially like the Milky Way.

This is by far one of the best reviews I have ever come accross!! I love the food pictures, it brings back memories of things I 've had ..and after seeing the pictures things that I will definately have to have on our next cruise.!! We cruised Hawaii on RCCL back in 2003 and are thinking of doing in again on Princess and after reading your review I think we will definately look into the Golden. Again great review...keep it coming!

Crusinpeg

My vote goes to Bert Stratton!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have read that you can request the cheese platter that is on the dinner menu.."to go" and take it back to the cabin.

That's what I plan to do next week on the CB.

Anything in a martini glass!!

Hi crusinpeg:

 

I had the Creme Brulee martini on the," Infinity" (Celebrity) on a trip to Hawaii last fall at their martini bar. It's wonderful! I gave the recipe on a thread a few threads below this one called, " Martini recipes, anyone!! Enjoy!!!

Thanks for the info can't wait to try it out!!!

White Russians(made with equal parts)

Creme Brulee Martinis

Pina Coladas

What is in a Creme Brulee Martini and where did you have one....sounds fantastic!!