Live from the Freedom of the Seas - March 18, 2012

[Daghis]

Loving the photos and commentary addition to your review!

Thank you very much! I'm trying to get as close as I can to wonderful reviews I've read such as yours. :)

[Daghis]

We disembarked with about forty-five minutes to spend walking around the port before we needed to meet up for our excursion (High Tea at Good Hope Great House). I wasn't really inclined to do much shopping at these shops here at the port because they were pretty much the same shops you see at all the ports, just located right here for our convenience (and Royal Caribbean's income).

 

 

 

I really didn't need to visit yet another Diamonds International or other jewelry store, so we wandered over to a craft area to look around. I saw some carved items sitting on a piece of a cardboard box that still had the shipping label on it.

 

 

One of the duty-free shops is Dufry. They're available at many locations around the world, and here in Falmouth, they had lots of alcohol, tobacco, and other gifts and sundries. Well, I found it a bit enlightening that some of the stuff they're selling here in Jamaica was actually imported all the way from Buffalo, NY. :rolleyes:

 

Anyway, it was time to board our ride to the Good Hope Great House. Let me note here that the excursions at Good Hope Great House are actually run by Chukka Caribbean Adventures. They have a number of activities available here.

 

After a wrong direction that required a few minutes to backtrack and get on the right road, we arrived at the estate, where we then took an additional bus ride up the top of the hill to the Great House.

 

 

The view from up here was quite pretty, with lots of lush greenery to see.

 

[luv2travel29]

thanks daghis... loving your review!!! really appreciate it !

 

i read you have an iphone... we have verizon and my DS and DH both have iphones... did you keep yours in airplane mode or did you get an international plan before leaving ?? i dont want to incur crazy charges... we do freedom in 10 days but on the eastern route....

[Daghis]

Our tour began with Daniel and Chrysta (not sure on their spellings) telling us the history of the plantation here and the few owners who have held the property over the past couple hundred years.

 

 

I don't recall the details of the rooms, so I'll just share their pictures with you here without much commentary.

 

 

 

 

The bathroom here was famous for having an early supply of hot water. The tub itself was lead-lined and that did lead to the owner who had built it having an early death (if I'm remembering the story correctly).

 

[Daghis]

thanks daghis... loving your review!!! really appreciate it !

Thanks!

i read you have an iphone... we have verizon and my DS and DH both have iphones... did you keep yours in airplane mode or did you get an international plan before leaving ?? i dont want to incur crazy charges... we do freedom in 10 days but on the eastern route....

I left my iPhone in "airplane mode" during most of the trip, although I did turn it on a couple times to see what would happen.

 

Bryan's phone (an Android model on Verizon) was left on as he wanted to remain a bit more connected than I. When traveling to a new area, he'd receive free text messages from Verizon letting him know what the international roaming rates for voice calls and text messages would be. I thought that was a really cool feature for Verizon to do. He didn't have any paid international plan active, although he did activate international service so he could roam internationally (that's not usually on by default).

 

My AT&T iPhone didn't send out any of those free text messages, so I wouldn't even know exactly what my rates were. Point for Verizon, I guess! :)

 

I will note that AT&T is free to use in St. Thomas, but Verizon customers have to roam internationally there.

 

I would suggest that DH get his iPhone enabled for international use, just in case. It's better to have it in an emergency rather than not. When I've traveled with my family, the parents had their phones enabled for international use, but not the kids. It was safer that way.

 

I'll also note that the onboard Cellular@Sea service typically does not require international service to be enabled. It's probably safer just to have the phones off while on the ship to avoid inadvertent charges.

[Daghis]

Here's a sign that talks a bit about the history of the Good Hope Great House.

 

 

The high tea itself was simply a quiet, well adorned, outdoor area with a variety of hot teas (from tea bags as a note for those who may prefer more authentic tea service) and iced lemongrass tea, fruit, homemade chocolate chip cookies, scones, cucumber pesto sandwiches, and a few other little bites. We sat with a couple and their young son from Toronto and had pleasant conversation until it was time to explore the grounds a bit and then return.

 

Getting back to the port was a very straightforward process and we returned without incident.

 

Back at the port, we popped into a couple shops and Bryan did some shopping, picking up a shirt from Piraña Joe and a bottle of something from Dufry.

 

I got through security without any problem, but Bryan kept setting off the metal detector as he continued to forget what he was carrying on him. He finally made it through, surrendered his alcohol, and we proceeded to the ship. We passed by this warning sign:

 

 

As a note, when we did return to Port Canaveral, one of the customs/immigration agents did mention that some people were disembarked in Jamaica, but he didn't offer any particular reason. One wonders how much they actually do need this sign and how effective it ends up being.

 

After boarding, I felt like grabbing a quick snack, so we stopped at Sorrento's and I tried one of their creamy desserts. I think it was a sugar-free mint chocolate mousse. Unfortunately, it was so bland, it seemed neither minty nor chocolatey.

 

 

We passed by the Bull & Bear Pub...

 

 

and peeked in briefly.

 

[Daghis]

From there, I decided to take a few pictures of the casino while no one was around. I headed down the stairs from the Royal Promenade...

 

 

and looked around at all the dark machines. The casino is a pretty foreboding place when it's not all lit up and filled with the noises of the people and machines.

 

 

 

 

These are the stairs I came down. You can see the casino bar behind them.

 

 

Heading from the casino to the photo gallery, one passes by this artwork on the walls.

 

[Daghis]

The photo gallery has been upgraded to match what's available on the Oasis and Allure with facial recognition systems so that you can find your photos on these computers.

 

 

In addition, the traditional way of finding photos by looking through racks and racks is available. These racks all open up to show thousands of photos that one can search through. Viewing them on the computer is much easier!

 

 

Here in the photo gallery is another set of stairs leading up to the Royal Promenade.

 

 

For scrapbookers, they were having a "Clearance" sale on scrapbook albums.

 

[Daghis]

Back up top, we watched the Voyager of the Seas set sail before us. I wish I had gotten up there sooner to see her while she was closer to the dock.

 

 

 

A bit later, we, too, were departing from Falmouth. Through the wind, I could hear some noise coming from below. The local workers of the port were all standing together, cheering and waving at us, and even singing goodbye to us. It was really quite nice! You may not be able to hear the singing in the Youtube video linked here through all the noise from the wind, but I thought it was quite special.

 

 

Tonight's dinner was going to be casual. I was hoping that we'd be able to eat outside at Johnny Rockets as we sailed away, but the outside seating area was closed and inside was full. So, we headed over to Windjammer as our alternative. I figured we'd just get a small bite to eat to hold us over until we could have Johnny Rockets later, but we ended up having a full dinner there.

 

Then we went to Bolero's to listen a bit more to Roman. I really enjoyed his music, although I was a bit confused why they kept moving him around to different venues. During the week he was up at Olive or Twist, down at Bolero's, in the Main Dining Room, at the Schooner Bar, and I'm probably forgetting somewhere else. I'm used to the setup on the Oasis and Allure where musical groups tend to stay in one place so that each place has its theme. I didn't like bouncing around so much.

 

Tonight's show was Tony Tillman. I didn't care for him back on the Oasis, so I skipped him. Bryan went and had a good time.

 

Later on tonight, I spent some time in the casino and was selected for their midnight "Lucky Winners Slot Tournament". The prize was dinner for two at Chops and a bottle of wine or champagne, I forget which. I didn't win... my score was among the bottom few. Oh, well. We already had Chops scheduled for the next evening anyway.

 

And with that, it was time to say good night to day 4.

[rookieblue]

Back up top, we watched the Voyager of the Seas set sail before us. I wish I had gotten up there sooner to see her while she was closer to the dock.

 

 

 

A bit later, we, too, were departing from Falmouth. Through the wind, I could hear some noise coming from below. The local workers of the port were all standing together, cheering and waving at us, and even singing goodbye to us. It was really quite nice! You may not be able to hear the singing in the Youtube video linked here through all the noise from the wind, but I thought it was quite special.

 

 

Tonight's dinner was going to be casual. I was hoping that we'd be able to eat outside at Johnny Rockets as we sailed away, but the outside seating area was closed and inside was full. So, we headed over to Windjammer as our alternative. I figured we'd just get a small bite to eat to hold us over until we could have Johnny Rockets later, but we ended up having a full dinner there.

 

Then we went to Bolero's to listen a bit more to Roman. I really enjoyed his music, although I was a bit confused why they kept moving him around to different venues. During the week he was up at Olive or Twist, down at Bolero's, in the Main Dining Room, at the Schooner Bar, and I'm probably forgetting somewhere else. I'm used to the setup on the Oasis and Allure where musical groups tend to stay in one place so that each place has its theme. I didn't like bouncing around so much.

 

Tonight's show was Tony Tillman. I didn't care for him back on the Oasis, so I skipped him. Bryan went and had a good time.

 

Later on tonight, I spent some time in the casino and was selected for their midnight "Lucky Winners Slot Tournament". The prize was dinner for two at Chops and a bottle of wine or champagne, I forget which. I didn't win... my score was among the bottom few. Oh, well. We already had Chops scheduled for the next evening anyway.

 

And with that, it was time to say good night to day 4.

I went on Freedom 2 years ago and I loved it so much! I want to go on it again beings it was my first cruse and I didn't know then what I know now. I appreciate your pictures and comments it's bringing back memories!!

[QTMichele]

Thank you very much! I'm trying to get as close as I can to wonderful reviews I've read such as yours. :)

 

Thank YOU! Flattery will get you everywhere! LOL

[Cheryl H]

I have a question about the balcony dividers that were rattling. Years ago I used to hear about balcony partitions that would open up. Is that the case on Freedom?

 

We are thinking of booking Freedom and having my sister and her family get a connecting balcony room. I hope they'll open the balcony partition for us if that's the case.

[rookieblue]

Thank YOU! Flattery will get you everywhere! LOL

 

Hi Michele I just got back from going on the Allure you will be amazed! It was a wonderful time! Any questions I'll be glad to help

 

Sheri

[Daghis]

I have a question about the balcony dividers that were rattling. Years ago I used to hear about balcony partitions that would open up. Is that the case on Freedom?

 

We are thinking of booking Freedom and having my sister and her family get a connecting balcony room. I hope they'll open the balcony partition for us if that's the case.

Technically, the balcony partitions can be opened. In fact, we believe that they did open up the partitions to go from one balcony to the next when they were re-varnishing the railing during our cruise. (They had left us a note warning us that there'd be people on our balcony at some point the next day.)

 

We noticed that our paper wedges had been knocked loose. Bryan put them back in and we were fine for the rest of our cruise.

 

Now, as to whether they'll open them up upon request, I don't know. I've been reading many times here where it's supposedly RCCL policy not to do that any longer, but some have claimed that it's been done for them.

 

I'm sorry I can't give you a definitive answer one way or the other.

[bikergal78]

Good Review ;)

 

I enjoyed the pictures. I didn't take a single picture with my camera. So it was nice to re-live the cruise through your pictures.

 

As for the cabin partitions being open. The cabin next to me had their divider slid open for the whole cruise with the cabin next to them. So I am going to say that yes it is allowed.

 

No Grand Cayman pictures?

 

I swam with the stingrays on a private excursion. I had a several stingrays swimming all around me. To the point it creeped me out until I got used to it. My excursion captain had small fish we were feeding them. Maybe we stole all of the stingrays away from everyone else since we had food. LOL. I was able to pick one up and hold it. It was my favorite thing about the whole cruise :D

 

On a side note. How many towel animals did you get? Our room attendant was not the best. And on top of it we got 1 towel animal the whole time. *two thumbs down*

[Waitin to cruise]

Good Review ;)

 

I enjoyed the pictures. I didn't take a single picture with my camera. So it was nice to re-live the cruise through your pictures.

 

As for the cabin partitions being open. The cabin next to me had their divider slid open for the whole cruise with the cabin next to them. So I am going to say that yes it is allowed.

 

No Grand Cayman pictures?

 

I swam with the stingrays on a private excursion. I had a several stingrays swimming all around me. To the point it creeped me out until I got used to it. My excursion captain had small fish we were feeding them. Maybe we stole all of the stingrays away from everyone else since we had food. LOL. I was able to pick one up and hold it. It was my favorite thing about the whole cruise :D

 

We did the stingray city also and there were many people there but still there were sting rays swimming all over, we also had food to feed them with. I held several and got a back massage from one. That was a really neat experience.

[josumello]

Great review. We are doing a B2B in a few months. First FOS cruise for us. Is it necessary to make reservations for the shows? That seems to make things regimented.............

Thanks so much for all your input. It is greatly appreciated.

 

Sue

[Daghis]

Good Review ;)

Thanks!

 

No Grand Cayman pictures?

They're coming up next. I'm only up to Day 4 so far. :)

 

On a side note. How many towel animals did you get? Our room attendant was not the best. And on top of it we got 1 towel animal the whole time. *two thumbs down*

When we finally met our stateroom attendant, Wensula, on day 2, she said that she was sorry that she was only going to be able to make one towel animal during the week. This seemed to be a change coming from above her. We did end up getting three. I have pictures of the ones that we did get.

 

Later in the week, I asked about the $25 laundry bag special, and she told me that those were discontinued as well, although she did get special permission from her supervisor to get a $25 bag for me so that I could use my $5-off coupon.

[Daghis]

Great review. We are doing a B2B in a few months. First FOS cruise for us. Is it necessary to make reservations for the shows? That seems to make things regimented.............

Thanks so much for all your input. It is greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much!

 

No, it's not necessary to make reservations. In fact, Graham Seymour, the Cruise Director, announced repeatedly that even if you had reservations for the 9pm show, if you wanted to attend the 7pm show, go ahead and go then. Those who had reservations were to enter on deck 3 and those without were supposed to go in deck 4.

 

I didn't see that the shows were so full that anyone would have been turned away, so feel free to enjoy the shows when you want to go see them!

[bikergal78]

I ran into my attendant everyday like 8 times a day no joke. He was always out in the hall. Had his cart set up right outside my cabin door the whole cruise. I have never seen an attendant as much as I did him. Most times they are like magic appearing and disappearing before you get to see him or her.

 

There were nights I didn't get back to the cabin until 10pm or later and he didn't have our bed turned down etc. The cabin was just how I left it from earlier in the day.

 

I got a "bat" as my towel animal. That was on like day 6! He said they were not allowed to do them. I asked him why and he said I didn't want to know and they had a "little problem" with them. Not sure what he was implying? I was a little lost on that one. :o Maybe people were stealing the towel animals?

[bikergal78]

We did the stingray city also and there were many people there but still there were sting rays swimming all over, we also had food to feed them with. I held several and got a back massage from one. That was a really neat experience.

 

I know the food made all of the difference. This boat next to us didn't have fish to feed them and he was having trouble getting one to hold. He then snuck over to us and took one we were feeding. He was quite rough with it. The stingray kept flapping around and running away from the guy. LOL. You could tell he was one of the people outside the port gates trying to sell you on his crappy excursion. I was surprised his boat even made it out to the sandbar :rolleyes:

 

PS. Sorry to hijack your thread...

[33tekfan]

Also from the Pittsburgh area and have just booked Freedom for September. Will be awaiting your reports as this will be our first time on the Freedom class ship.

 

I have the pricing bookmarked with a special website that checks daily to let me know if the price has dropped. I'm in an OV now but would love to change over to the balcony room.

 

Enjoy each and every minute of your trip!

 

Would you mind sharing that website that tracks for you? I know it sounds lame, but I'm tired of doing fake bookings every day to see if mine has dropped :D

[BobbyD]

i ended up eating twice at fish lips and everyone in my party loved it. I may have to try Rusty's next time but i was happy with fish lips as well.

 

What about Florida Seafood Bar and Grill? Has anybody tried it? We'll be on the Freedom in August (for the second time). Staying at the Country Inn and Suites.

[QTMichele]

Hi Michele I just got back from going on the Allure you will be amazed! It was a wonderful time! Any questions I'll be glad to help

 

Sheri

 

Thanks, Sheri! I appreciate the offer, but I've been on Allure twice now and can't think of any questions at the moment. ;) You are right though - she is an AMAZING ship! Glad you had a great time.

[Mjfan4ever888]

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