Review - Freedom of the Seas - 8/10 - 8/17 , some live, some not

[SherriZ366]

Day 6 – At Sea

 

Today was a very lazy day, with no particular event on the “must do” list. A little afternoon trip to the casino, with a short nap in the afternoon.

 

The dinner menu tonight was Jasmine, and was the second formal night. Fewer “formal” folks tonight and some shorts were spotted.  The grandson is still enjoying the Royal Tots club, but is tiring of sitting for 1.5 hours for dinner. To be expected. Overall he has been very, very good.

 

We went to the Top Tier Event tonight, where they debuted the video showing the float-out of the Quantum. Also the captain talked about the upcoming dry dock. Many of the changes have been discussed before, but one that I had not officially heard was that they are going to convert the three-level main dining room to three separate dining rooms – and go Dynamic Dining. The hotel director mentioned that one will be Silk, another Grand, and did not mention the name of the third. A couple of executives from Miami will be on board on Sunday to talk to the captain and the hotel director and discuss the changes.

 

I will give my personal reaction to the changes, and I am not in favor. I did not like the idea of Dynamic Dining when it was announced for Quantum. My guess is this will go fleetwide – and quickly. The hotel director mentioned that he thought the Oasis would get it during its drydock, and I bet all will convert as soon as they can do it. I think it’s a big money saver for them, having fewer menus that do not change daily. Time will tell --- and even though I don’t like it, we will be unable to avoid it. Time will tell. OK – off the soapbox.

 

Skipped the show again tonight and made a small donation, then watched a bit of Casablanca on the poolside screen. There were probably about 30 or so folks watching.

 

For those who are interested:

Captain – Tor Olsen

Hotel Director – Michael Rasmussen

Cruise Director – Casey Pelter

Diamond Concierge – Berty

 

One last sea day left  . . . . . more tomorrow.

Thanks for the updates including names of the crew. I agree with you on Dynamic Dining. We have 4 FR cruises booked in 2015-2016 and even though nothing has been officially trained, I am trying to figure out how this would work with the other couple we sail with. DD an other husband order many things from the "Always Available" menu that Adam Goldstein promised they would still have in the various venues. The other wife just likes vegetables but maybe this could accomplished by notifying the Special Diets desk.

 

Traditional is easy with no stress -- just choose the seating and link reservations. We have had to put a lot of work into My Time dining to get the same table and waiters the two times we have used this option.

[SherriZ366]

We went on Freedom last week and have another one booked next summer to do the eastern side. Should I anticipate that these dining room changes will have been made by then?? We love FOS and adored our waiter and assistant waiter-I would be so disappointed if we had to change every night...

 

 

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We have 4 FR cruises booked in 2015 - 2016 and agree we would be disappointed if we had to change wait staff and tables every night. We have duplicated Traditional in My Time twice (same table/same wait staff) but it was a lot of work. I just like picking Traditional and linking reservations with traveling buddies.

[SherriZ366]

A quick scan of the new deck plans for the Navigator looks like there is room for about another 100 passengers on deck 12, didn't take a look at the Deck 3 changes.

 

During sea days, it was usually possible to get a chair, although some times only on the smoking side (port, left). I found it curious that the tot wading area is on that side. That is the only place that non-toilet trained youngsters can go.

 

We saved our pool time for later in the day, usually after dinner -- either to watch the movie or avoid the crowds.

Thanks for the updates on the new cabins, the new speciality restaurants and the dining.

 

We won't be bothered by more folks looking for deck chairs (or chair hogging) as I use my balcony and DH doesn't like the sun. As you know, the JS has a great balcony!!!!

 

Really enjoyed your perspective with traveling with a 2 year old Grandson. We have triplet grandsons 2 1/2 but it may be awhile before we can all cruise together although some of the family suites look fabulous.

[SherriZ366]

Here is a link to the cabin pictures, uploaded to my Flikr account.

 

Loved the pictures and looked at the ones with your grandson in his jacket and tie. He looks very spiffy. Very cute little boy. I may look for shirts with ties for our boys for the Jewish Holidays. Edited August 17, 2014 by SherriZ366

[mac_tlc]

Did you use it on the islands? Or did you use the cans without it?

 

Thanks again!!!

 

We did not bring the car seat with us to the islands. In St. Thomas, we just went downtown. The open air "bus" was fine, Mom held the grandson in the middle of a row with an adult on each side near the open ends.

 

In St. Maarten, the cab to Maho Beach was enclosed, so Mom had him sit on the seat next to her. A little nerve-racking for her - I think this was the first time he had not been in a car seat. I'm not sure how we would have done it with the car seat. We did bring the stroller on both islands.

[Mary521]

Thank you again!! I was thinking of doing the same... Wasn't sure how else to do it, so thought I'd ask. Our last cruise we didn't really get off the ship, it was end of May and super hot for him. Thinking dec won't be as hot and he'll be bigger and wanting to actually play outside some.

[mac_tlc]

I have uploaded all of the Daily Cruice Compasses to my FLIKR account, along with the C&A Diamond letter and the drink lilst for the daily drink vouchers loaded on your SeaPass card.

 

Need to do a little editing, but will post the link as soon as everything is ready for public consumption.

 

mac_tlc

[bc_redhead]

That's wonderful. Thank you for taking the time to do this. This is our first cruise and we choose Freedom of the Seas.

[mac_tlc]

Here is the link to the Daily Cruise Compass sheets, daily offer sheets, C&A info sheet, luggage valet information sheet, and Diamond Lounge Drink List.

 

 

 

 

mac_tlc

[GonnaSailtoo]

Your grandson is absolutely ADORABLE!

[mac_tlc]

Your grandson is absolutely ADORABLE!

 

Thank you so much for your kind words. It was such great time being able to cruise with our two children and our grandson. I recommend it for everyone.

[SherriZ366]

Here is the link to the Daily Cruise Compass sheets, daily offer sheets, C&A info sheet, luggage valet information sheet, and Diamond Lounge Drink List.

 

 

 

 

mac_tlc

Thanks -- did the offer House Champagne or do you have to go to the DL or CL to get it? Thx

[mac_tlc]

Thanks -- did the offer House Champagne or do you have to go to the DL or CL to get it? Thx

 

The only times my wife ordered champagne, we were in the DL, do I'm not sure whether you can get it at any other bar using the vouchers.

 

mac_tlc

[SherriZ366]

The only times my wife ordered champagne, we were in the DL, do I'm not sure whether you can get it at any other bar using the vouchers.

 

mac_tlc

Guess we will stick with the DL and CL as DH and friends we cruise with like champagne although I like the choice of Pinot Grigio as a voucher-available wine.