Bit of a (surprise) Blog – Freedom of the Seas – Western Caribbean – 17th March 2013

[enidcruiser]

It may take a few days to get your land legs but just think of what caused you to be so unsteady, a cruise.

Thanks for sharing your time with us.

Your GF issues are always interesting to those of us who seem to be able to eat any and everything offered. Glad you got some of those issues resolved.

The Freedom is our favorite ship and I thank you for the pictures to bring back the memories.

 

If the biggest issue you ever run into is lack of a corkscrew, life is not so bad. They laid it out so nicely but oops. Sorry, but we did have a chuckle at that.

Glad you are safe back home. Take care.

[NorbertsNiece]

It may take a few days to get your land legs but just think of what caused you to be so unsteady, a cruise.

Thanks for sharing your time with us.

Your GF issues are always interesting to those of us who seem to be able to eat any and everything offered. Glad you got some of those issues resolved.

The Freedom is our favorite ship and I thank you for the pictures to bring back the memories.

 

If the biggest issue you ever run into is lack of a corkscrew, life is not so bad. They laid it out so nicely but oops. Sorry, but we did have a chuckle at that.

Glad you are safe back home. Take care.

 

:D

 

Uploading Saturday pics right now.... that All Access Tour was something else!!

[Luv06012012]

Linda...you aren't home yet are you? Where are you doing all this from? I figured you would be in the air at this time.

[NorbertsNiece]

Linda...you aren't home yet are you? Where are you doing all this from? I figured you would be in the air at this time.

 

Flew home overnight last night.... laundry done and am catching up with my favourite TV cookery programme.... rofl

[NorbertsNiece]

Rather a lot of pics today.... will reduce the quantity.

 

 

Starting off with Character breakfast

 

 

 

Dancing critters and waiters

 

 

 

Small buffet selection

 

[NorbertsNiece]

She looks how I feel

 

 

Now on the ALL ACCESS TOUR

 

We order lunch prior to the tour. Ths is a different menu to the first sea day.

 

 

We are screened prior to heading off and we are accompanied by security throughout

 

 

We have to wear I.D at all times

 

 

We can take as many pictures as we want at most places. No video or sound recording.

 

I am thrilled beyond description to be on the bridge

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

François is one of 3 officers on the Bridge, and he is our guide.

 

 

Jemma is on the CD staff and is our guide. She is seated in front of many plaques commemorating FoS' maiden voyage.

 

 

The ship can be controlled from both Starboard and Port sides

 

 

 

 

We are joined by the 'Master' our Captain.

 

[NorbertsNiece]

Radar technology is way above my head

 

 

The view down the starboard side

 

 

I never did find out why

 

 

 

A picture of FoS alongside Oasis

 

 

We accessed the Bridge forward on Deck 10. We head down.

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

This sign was by a door to the public decks..... the I-95 is a corridor that runs the length of the ship but way below the rest of us.....

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

The forward mooring room

 

 

 

 

 

The anchor is seldom lowered. When tendering at Grand Cayman for example, the ship uses specific technology designed to keep it in the same spot with little diversion. Lowering the anchor not only damages the ship but causes untold damage to the seabed. Should it require lowering here is a link or two in the chain....

 

[NorbertsNiece]

A life raft

 

 

Backstage in Studio B, the ice rink.

 

 

The rink itself can only be seen via camera

 

 

Just a peak of edge of the rink can be viewed from the control room

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

We are joined by an ice dancer

 

 

Costume changes are quick and confined to a very small area.... costumes are designed to specfically pull on / off over skates

 

 

 

Jake the Peg's leg

 

 

The machine used to keep the ice smooth and lump free

 

[NorbertsNiece]

We head for the theatre. The aerial act are rehearsing and we are treated to a delightful show.

 

 

 

The theatre takes on a totally different feel when you are standing in the spotlight.....

 

 

Backstage there is a graffiti-ed wall

 

 

Costume design and maintenance is described in detail by one of the artistes.

 

 

When a costume is altered it is never cut..... it will need to fit subsequent performers so any excess fabric is discretely hidden. Zips and fasteners are extra strong.

 

[NorbertsNiece]

All the staff we encounter talk with passion about their life on board and share animatedly their experiences. Their time is precious and their participation in our tour is much appreciated.

 

 

Time for lunch. Chicken sliders normally come in little buns....

 

 

We now head for the kitchens.

 

All dishes are illustrated just before exit from kitchen to dining toom

 

 

Take a large platter of dough

 

 

It goes into a machine....much rattling can be heard.... when it comes out....

 

 

You have rolls of equal size

 

[beautiful.thing]

LOVING the tour pics! Can't wait to see more!!

[NorbertsNiece]

So many from the kitchen and the engine control room to come.....

[NorbertsNiece]

A review of the same week has just started here.

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

Maintaining a chiller room

 

 

 

racks of prepared dishes keeping cool

 

[PattyG12]

guess I will follow that one too!

[ticktoneer]

I just LOVE this review Linda :-)

[NorbertsNiece]

guess I will follow that one too!

 

:D I love seeing the stuff I miss.....

 

I just LOVE this review Linda :-)

 

 

Thanks. So many more pics to sort and post.

 

Dave.

Edited March 26, 2013 by NorbertsNiece

[rrodriquez2]

Thanks for posting all of these!

[NorbertsNiece]

There is a table with the recipes for all the items on the menu. A dish of each will be placed there and then tasted by a chef from a different team.

 

 

Preparing tapas

 

 

 

Not all fruit is fresh

 

 

This is almost bigger than my kitchen!

 

 

And as for the dishwashers.....

 

[maxs mom]

Linda.....I have enjoyed reading your blog! What fun! I didn't realize until today that the "Patty" you surprised is the "Patty" that will be on my Indy cruise in December! That's great!

[NorbertsNiece]

Linda.....I have enjoyed reading your blog! What fun! I didn't realize until today that the "Patty" you surprised is the "Patty" that will be on my Indy cruise in December! That's great!

 

Oh wow!!

 

I've told her that I won't be surprising her on THAT one!! Lol.

 

Take care of her for me.... and don't offer her fish!!