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

[d4nigirl]

The tricky part of my iPad configuration is that I wanted to be able to upload photos. In order to do that to my web gallery, I needed to "jailbreak" my iPad and install an add-on that allows me to use Safari to select photos to upload, just like if I were on a computer, except that instead of selecting a file from my hard drive, I'm selecting a picture from my photo library.

 

I get photos onto the iPad using the Apple Camera Connection Kit to copy the pictures from my camera's SD card.

 

Other than that, for regular web surfing and posting and such, that worked just fine without jailbreaking it. I've used (and probably will use again this time) Tapatalk to access the forum in a bandwidth-friendly fashion over the ship's wifi.

 

Jailbreaking all the way! What you're doing is exactly how I do mine as well.

Looking forward to your 'live' review, we'll be sailing on her in August!

Have a great trip!

[wolfganghowell]

Daghis, would love to know what the entertainers in the Schooner Bar and Pub are like - type of music, vibe, energy. If you've ever sailed Voyager or Rhapsody and seen Derek Lewis you will know what a high energy participation show is like. Hoping for some fun, not some mellow put me to sleep stuff.

 

And thank you again for your generosity of time. I am always amazed by the kindness of those who post Live reports from their cruises. It means so much to those of us landlocked at home! ;)

[Radio]

>SNIP< Pictures may have to wait until we return home since it takes about five minutes to upload each picture. If I get really good ones worth sharing, I will, of course.

 

Here's a good "LIVE" posting tip. . .Resize all your pics to 640 x 480 "before" you upload them. . .then you can upload 2 pics per minute.

 

Then it is real easy to post. . .;) Try it. .. it may work. If not. . .No worries. I am enjoying every post.

 

Thanks for posting your report. . . I am loving it !

 

 

Radio

;);)

[Palmtreeluva]

Wow, how generous of u to share your time this way with all of us. Hope you have a great cruise. I will be sailing on 4/8. Looking forwards to reading all your tips.

[SherriZ366]

Ah, the joys of having a balcony. I'm taking a break from stuff on the ship and hanging out on my balcony while writing these notes. The water is a beautiful shade of blue and it would be quite relaxing out here except for the rattling of the balcony partitions. Nonetheless, it's still quite nice out here.

 

The mystery of our cabin continues. We discovered today that despite this being a 2-person cabin, the system seems to list four occupants here. Bryan and I are being accompanied by a mysterious couple. That has caused a bit of confusion for us and employees who look us up by cabin number and wonder where Mary and Vincent are. :) At least we are led to believe that the billing system isn't impacted by this confusion.

 

Anyway, I've got some good news. After an unfortunate situation regarding attempting to book a cabana at Nellie's Beach at Labadee (the Explorations desk incorrectly referred us to the Concierge who, later in the day, referred us back to the Explorations desk at which time the Nellie's Beach cabanas were sold out), we received a call from the Concierge who had put us on the waiting list for the cabanas normally available to suite guests telling us that we were able to get one! So, we get a cabana after all! I'm really looking forward to Labadee now. Plus, Bryan's booked himself a massage at Labadee upon a recommendation I passed along that I had read here at Cruise Critic.

 

Today was the Meet & Mingle. It was great meeting others from our roll call thread1 It's always nice to meet new people and then run into them later on during the cruise. I look forward to seeing them again over the next week.

 

After that, we played some bingo. It was a subdued crowd this morning, and none of us at our table won. Oh, well... maybe next time.

 

Leaving the Pharoah's Palace theater, we headed to Sorrento's for a very quick lunch, and then down to the casino for the slot tournament. Neither Bryan nor I did very well, so I don't expect to qualify for the final round on Saturday.

 

And here we are now, just relaxing before the ice show this afternoon. Bryan and I have Portofino's booked for tonight, so I'm looking forward to that.

 

Speaking of Portofino's, I saw that the main dining room, in addition to the Chops' filet they offer, now have a lobster (whole, I believe) available from Portofino's for $25. You can also go "Surf & Turf" (the filet plus the lobster) for $35. I may try that one night.

 

We're having a great time here. As always, more to come later. Pictures may have to wait until we return home since it takes about five minutes to upload each picture. If I get really good ones worth sharing, I will, of course. :D

Interesting about the Lobster. We may try one of the entres instead of going to Chops as we are sailing with friends wo do not want to go to a specialty restaurant.

[Pichu21]

I've got a small correction to my statement about coffee in Café Promenade earlier. The fancy coffees (espresso, latte, etc.) are Starbucks, but the regular coffee is Seattle's Best Coffee.

 

Are all of these coffees for fee or are at least some for free?

[ridgecrest]

Are all of these coffees for fee or are at least some for free?

 

 

Seattle's Best is free while Starbucks' has an up charge.

[kuddles14]

Katy,

 

I have a few pictures of SOME of the cabanas. They are building more looks like they will have plenty to go around.

 

Thank you very much!!!:D

[Daghis]

Welcome to Labadee!

 

Bryan and I just returned from one of the most relaxing beach experiences I've ever had.

 

As I mentioned, we were very lucky to get a cabana in the suite area (Barefoot Beach Club, although I wouldn't recommend actually getting into the water barefoot as it is a bit rocky). It was really nice over there. One big advantage to a cabana in this area as opposed to Nellie's Beach is that it's much less crowded here. Bryan didn't think he would have minded, but I appreciated that it was generally calmer and quieter.

 

I enjoyed much time just sitting on the lounge chair in the cabana, drinking my Labadoozie, and relaxing. I also spent some time on a floating beach mat, just enjoying the waves under me. Lunch was also good... I really liked the shrimp skewers.

 

Now we're getting ready for the evening. There's a Crown & Anchor reception tonight that we're going to check out. After that... well, we're not sure!

 

Last night we spent some time in the Schooner Bar to listen to the musician there. He was okay, but not as energetic as others I've seen (like Matt Yee). I forget this guy's name.

 

After that, we went to Olive or Twist in the Viking Crown Lounge and really, really enjoyed the soft guitar music from Roman. I'm looking forward to going back there and hearing more from him.

 

Oh... and how could I forget! Portofino's was fantastic! We absolutely loved it! I've got pictures of the menus (they appear to have been rewritten a bit, although the items seemed about the same), and they now feature twin lobster tails as an item that can be chosen as well (no extra charge over the cover charge). I even took some pictures of the food. The dessert was to die for. I'd go back just for that! It was a chocolate/white chocolate mousse/cake. YUM!

 

In a strange twist, perhaps related to the confusion about the occupants of our cabin, a woman at Guest Relations is comping us dinner at Chops. She wouldn't say why, instead saying it was "just because". That's very nice of her, so we have that to look forward to on Thursday.

 

Things continue to go well here and we're having a great time. Tomorrow is Falmouth, Jamaica, where Bryan and I are going to have high tea at the Good Hope Great House. I'm looking forward to a relaxing land excursion this time, especially given tomorrow's snorkeling adventure in Grand Cayman.

 

Thank you all for following along! See you soon!

[Daghis]

Here's a good "LIVE" posting tip. . .Resize all your pics to 640 x 480 "before" you upload them. . .then you can upload 2 pics per minute.

 

Then it is real easy to post. . .;) Try it. .. it may work. If not. . .No worries. I am enjoying every post.

 

Thanks for posting your report. . . I am loving it !

 

 

Radio

;);)

Thank you very much for the suggestion! Unfortunately, I'm working from an iPad, so I can't resize the photos before uploading, otherwise I'd definitely follow that tip!

[Daghis]

A few pictures from today...

 

The Freedom of the Seas docked here in Labadee:

 

 

Entrance to the Barefoot Beach cabana area:

 

 

Our cabana (S-4):

 

 

The view from our cabana:

 

[SherriZ366]

Great Trip report. Really enjoying -- we are on FOS on May 6, 2012.

 

Is the extra charge lobster dinner in the main dining room (you said it was a Portofino selection) 2 lobster tails like you can order in Portofino's? thx

[Daghis]

Is the extra charge lobster dinner in the main dining room (you said it was a Portofino selection) 2 lobster tails like you can order in Portofino's? thx

I don't know. I tried to ask the waiter in Portofino's last night, but wasn't able to get a clean answer.

 

The menu in the Main Dining Room lists it as a lobster (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds), so I think it's a whole lobster. I may order it later this week.

[Daghis]

Portofino's food...

 

The appetizer: Prosciutto in Insalata

 

 

Main course: Twin Lobster Tails

 

 

Dessert: Tartufo al Cioccolato (super yummy!)

 

[gelo7]

Outstanding job...

[jensue1]

I'm so enjoying your trip report. Love, love, love the photos! Dinner at Portofinos looks delicious! What gorgeous photos of Labadee. The last time we were there we had to tender. I assume it's better being able to just walk off the ship? Does the ship dock at the same place that the tenders used to end up at? Just wondering about where to go when we get to Labadee later in the year.

 

Thanks for taking the time to write this report.

[rosebud1g]

Loved the Labadee photos! Gorgeous! Looks like you guys are having a fabulous time. Bob is jealous, he said look where they are, and where we are. Stuck at home!

[luv2cruiserccl]

Your photos look great on my fos cruise (March 4th 2012 sailing) we did chops and it was ok, but after doing both now i would prefer Portofino BUT the chocolate mud pie desert we had in chops was to die for.... I have a question about the cabana that are in Labadee are they something everyone can rent reserve etc or is it only suit guest have access to?

 

When we where in Jamaica was when prince harry was in town there was security everywhere. We asked a few locals where they would suggest to have a good local lunch. I always try to have lunch while on the islands and have the local food for the day we went to club nazz at 23 market street in Falmouth I was with 5 family that day and we all enjoyed the meal there.

 

Glad you are having a great time i really miss the fos and hope to hear more soon. Justin

[famofsix]

It looks like you have a full day planned in Grand Cayman on Thursday. What time do you need to be ashore?

 

When we're on FOS next month we'll be meeting our tour in Grand Cayman at 9:00 a.m. (ship time). It looks like the first tender is at 8:30. I'm a little nervous about it since we've never tendered before (only our 2nd cruise).

 

I'm wondering what time we will need to line-up to tender to make it ashore on time. I've heard bits and pieces on these boards about getting tickets for tendering and those on ship-sponsored excursions having priority. Our excursion isn't ship sponsored.

 

Would you mind paying attention to the wait-time for tendering Thursday morning? I'd appreciate any advice you may have. TIA!

[RaiderFaninNM]

We have three excursions planned:

• High Tea at Good Hope Great House (Jamaica)
  
• Stingray City and Barrier Reef Snorkel (Grand Cayman)
  
• Dolphin Push, Pull and Swim, Manatee Interaction at Chankanaab (Cozumel)
  

 

Thanks for your thread, we did this itinerary on the Allure last year and LOVED it......

 

While in Cozumel, we did the Royal Dolphin Swim at Chankanaab and this was the single best thing we have ever done! The park was wonderful, plenty to do, and the Dolphins were amazing, can not wait to try it again next time we are in Cozumel, just hope you do not get screwed on the pictures like we did, refused to buy them at over $300 for the package and was not allowed to buy singles..............:mad: Have fun and looking forward to the rest of your cruise!

[cruisenlove]

I just came off the Explorer on 3/19, I lost my sunglasses in that ocean in Labadee, If anyone finds sunglasses on the bottom of the ocean they are mine LOL thanks in advace :)

[adammovies]

I was looking at a cruise that stopped at Cozumel, Mexico,George Town, Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Jamaica.I am not into beaches.I like sightseeing.Is this a good cruise to pick.

[sunnysavannah]

Great pics! Can't wait for more info!

[Daghis]

What gorgeous photos of Labadee. The last time we were there we had to tender. I assume it's better being able to just walk off the ship? Does the ship dock at the same place that the tenders used to end up at? Just wondering about where to go when we get to Labadee later in the year.

 

It's definitely much, much better that the ship docks at Labadee now. It was several years ago that we went there and had to be tendered in, so I don't recall where we arrived to know if it's the same place. I'm guessing it probably is, though.

 

Your photos look great on my fos cruise (March 4th 2012 sailing) we did chops and it was ok, but after doing both now i would prefer Portofino BUT the chocolate mud pie desert we had in chops was to die for.... I have a question about the cabana that are in Labadee are they something everyone can rent reserve etc or is it only suit guest have access to?

I'll definitely give the Chocolate Mud Pie a try. I've seen many positive recommendations for it.

 

There are two sets of cabanas at Labadee. The ones at Barefoot Beach Club are primarily available for suite guests. In fact, the whole beach area they're in requires a gold-colored SeaPass card that suite guests have. One can, however, get on a waiting list for one of those cabanas. Theoretically, they are given out in priority order of Crown & Anchor status, so I'm not sure why I was lucky enough to snag one, but it worked out that way. Normally, a Diamond Plus member should be able to get one more easily.

 

The other set of cabanas are at Nellie's Beach. Those are reservable through the normal shore excursion process, either online or at the Explorations desk. That's the normal process. For me, the guy at the Explorations desk seemed confused and gave me some bad advice, but it all worked out in the end.

 

It looks like you have a full day planned in Grand Cayman on Thursday. What time do you need to be ashore?

We arrive at 8am, and that's when our excursion starts. We meet at 7:45 in the Arcadia Theater to group up. It's going to be a madhouse getting to the tender, I bet!

 

When we're on FOS next month we'll be meeting our tour in Grand Cayman at 9:00 a.m. (ship time). It looks like the first tender is at 8:30. I'm a little nervous about it since we've never tendered before (only our 2nd cruise).

I'll definitely report back on the tendering experience. I haven't tendered to a port in many years, so it'll be somewhat of a new experience for me again.

 

I'm wondering what time we will need to line-up to tender to make it ashore on time. I've heard bits and pieces on these boards about getting tickets for tendering and those on ship-sponsored excursions having priority. Our excursion isn't ship sponsored.

Ah, your experience may be a bit different. Since we're on a ship excursion, we may get priority access to the tenders. We'll find out tomorrow and I'll share what I can.

 

Thanks for your thread, we did this itinerary on the Allure last year and LOVED it......

 

While in Cozumel, we did the Royal Dolphin Swim at Chankanaab and this was the single best thing we have ever done! The park was wonderful, plenty to do, and the Dolphins were amazing, can not wait to try it again next time we are in Cozumel, just hope you do not get screwed on the pictures like we did, refused to buy them at over $300 for the package and was not allowed to buy singles..............:mad: Have fun and looking forward to the rest of your cruise!

We were on the Allure last year, too, although we did Eastern Caribbean. We did the Western Caribbean on the Oasis in 2010, and my son and I did the dolphins, too. I did pony up the money for the pictures and video since it seemed like a very unique opportunity, but it wasn't that much, probably because it was just two of us.

 

I won't be buying the pictures/videos this time, but Bryan may as it's his first time doing it.

[Daghis]

I was looking at a cruise that stopped at Cozumel, Mexico,George Town, Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Jamaica.I am not into beaches.I like sightseeing.Is this a good cruise to pick.

With the exception of Labadee, which is pretty much just a beach, the other ports do have non-beach sightseeing opportunities available. When I get back, I'll try to post a link to a shore excursion booklet for this cruise so you can see what kinds of things are offered.