ginger123snaps Posted June 28, 2016 #1 Share Posted June 28, 2016 We are a family of 5. My husband and I are 40 and our kids are 8, 8, and 7. We have cruised multiple times on different cruise lines. Room 1804: Family Panoramic Oceanview. This room was absolutely amazing! Let me just say that our last room was on NCL Escape in a Haven suite and we were really worried that we would be disappointed but we were not. Yeah it wasn't as nice but it was pretty good! The view was amazing and I didn't miss our balcony at all. I loved it! We had a full 180 degree span of the ocean right at the front of the boat on Deck 12. Plus it helped that this room was new in that it was added during refurbishment....everything was neat and clean. The room had plenty of storage. It had two bunk beds for the kids in a separate room and the fifth got a bed made out of the sofa. We had done a family room on the celebrity solstice at the front of the boat and anchors were really loud. We did not hear any anchors when docking in port. There was a vibration in the room but it didn't really bother us. The fitness center was below us and sometimes we could hear the music from there. The golf course was above us and if the balls went off course then we could hear it bouncing....but not very often. We have 3 very active boys so it was somewhat of a relief to not have to worry about their noise carrying above and below us. We only had to worry about our neighbors. There is a hair dryer but not very powerful...I brought my own from home. There is no tub but a standing shower with sink and toilet. the other bathroom just has a toilet and sink. Kid Splash Pad: This was the best splash pad at sea that we had seen. We thought it was better then Carnival Magic and NCL Escape. We loved how large it was with a pool right next to it. We also loved that it was tucked down so that it wasn't very windy. The magic splash pad is higher up so on sea days it was cold to use it....the wind made my little guys shiver...not a problem on this ship. The Escape...was small and congested with no seating around it. We loved how spacious this area was and the seating that was available around it was nice as well. There were water slides, 2 hot tubs, 1 pool, and several splash pad toys all in one area. Really have to give Royal Carribean 5 stars on this splash pad area! They had a bar next to this area which was nice also. We did feel like the wait service around the pool could have been better. Very few times did we see anyone coming around taking drink orders. If they did come around it was because they were selling drinks not included on the drink package. We felt like they could have had better drink service here. It was fine as long as you got up and got your own drink. Windjammer: We are not foodies and its really so subjective. We like spicy flavors and so we enjoyed the mongolian grill and indian food onboard. We didn't really eat much in the main dining rooms....just wanted to get in/out quickly with the kids. We liked the service in the windjammer...waiters came around offering drinks, garlic bread, cookies...it was a nice touch. Casino: We like to play black jack. It was the first time we had seen $15 dollar minimum tables at sea. They usually have $5 or $6 tables...but this cruise did not have that. We enjoy the casino and don't ever expect to win...its entertainment for us and we like talking to the dealers. I have to say that the dealers were not very engaging. Most of them acted like they did not want to be there. They could improve in this department for sure. Also usually we find nonsmoking black jack tables but they did not have that here. Shows: I can't comment on the shows because we only saw the first 10 to 15 minutes of a couple of shows. Bars: We really enjoyed the drinks at Bolero's. They have a coconut mojito that is excellent! Bar tenders were friendly and we enjoyed them! Tidal slide: You have to be 100 lbs each to ride this slide. My son was disappointed that he couldn't participate in this. Port Days: I was surprised to see the big slides, surfing simulator, rock wall to be closed on port days. On all of our other cruises we have enjoyed staying onboard for a port day so that we could enjoy these things with limited lines. They would open these things like at 2:45 when people are starting to come back onboard. Roatan: We did Daniel Johnsons monkey and sloth tour and it was amazing! Holding those sloths was so fun..specially after having watched "Zootopia". Afterwards we visited parrot tree beach and it was nice but the sand fleas got my husband here. Costa Maya: We had very windy weather and rain here. The water was very choppy and i wanted to scrap our beach day all together but my husband felt like we should go. The port itself had a great pool with a swim up bar with a be achy area with lounge chairs. It was really nice and I would have been content hanging out there (only because of the weather we had). We felt like we were getting blown off the pier while walking on it. We took the cab into town and our plan was Blue Kay beach but the driver told me it was $10/person there and that there were other places that were free and basically talked me out of it. I should not have listened. He dropped us along the boardwalk and they yes it was free to use the beach but their prices were for everything was pretty high.....so i walked along the beach and moved two restaurants down where things were more reasonable. By the time we settled in, we could see the storm coming...so we decided to scrap the whole thing and head back to port. we let the boys swim for a few minutes and then made our way back to the boat in the rain. Cozumel: Souvenirs are cheaper here then in Costa Maya. More variety as well. It was a hot/humid day. After costa maya, my kids just wanted to stay on the boat. My husband and i got off for a little while but then got right back on. There's not much incentive to stay off the boat and drink when you have the drink package. Plus we cruise a lot and so have seen all these ports and done so many excursions...we cruise for the boat...our perspective it a little different then most. Yes I would highly recommend you see the port if you have not been. Overall: We felt like Royal Carribean's service was sub par compared to other cruise lines. We did not think they were better then Carnival or Norwegian or Princess. Having said that...its all relative and we still had a great time! I enjoy all my cruises but I have to say that I'm not wowed by their service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted June 28, 2016 #2 Share Posted June 28, 2016 Thanks for the report. Disappointing that the Flowrider and other attractions were closed on port days. It was not like that on Oasis or Allure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fdthird Posted June 28, 2016 #3 Share Posted June 28, 2016 Is there a reason you left the shows after 10 or 15 minutes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginger123snaps Posted June 28, 2016 Author #4 Share Posted June 28, 2016 No the shows were really good actually. I wish we appreciated the live shows more but its just not our thing. Others really enjoyed the shows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbeckman1525 Posted June 28, 2016 #5 Share Posted June 28, 2016 We were next door to you in 1802 and didn't hear a thing ;). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wolfganghowell Posted June 28, 2016 #6 Share Posted June 28, 2016 Thanks for your review. We found the dealers to be perhaps a bit quiet at first but we usually engage them and end up joking around most of the week. Sorry you had a different experience. Just goes to show each of us have unique times! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ladysilver Posted June 28, 2016 #7 Share Posted June 28, 2016 Enjoyed reading your review! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vettecruiser1 Posted June 28, 2016 #8 Share Posted June 28, 2016 Thanks for your review. We found the dealers to be perhaps a bit quiet at first but we usually engage them and end up joking around most of the week. Sorry you had a different experience. Just goes to show each of us have unique times! Did you play Craps and if you did what was the Min on the Pass Bet. $15 min on blackjack will keep most casual gamblers away, so I can see them being stiff with the guest since $15 and up gamblers sometime don't want to talk, at least not until the cocktails open them up a little. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panthers53 Posted June 29, 2016 #9 Share Posted June 29, 2016 Did you feel much of the up and down movement of the ship in 1804? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbeckman1525 Posted June 29, 2016 #10 Share Posted June 29, 2016 I didn't feel any up and down in 1802, just some vibrations at various times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atnolan94 Posted June 29, 2016 #11 Share Posted June 29, 2016 Pics and Vids of 1804 are just gorgeous. Would love to stay in one of those suites sometime. Don't need a balcony, you're literally steps from the solarium, and deck 12 is a great lounger area on Freedom-class ships. Thanks for the review!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riclop Posted June 29, 2016 #12 Share Posted June 29, 2016 Thanks for the review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nativetexan Posted June 29, 2016 #13 Share Posted June 29, 2016 Enjoyed your review! Glad your boys enjoyed the splash pads! Fun! Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barb272 Posted June 30, 2016 #14 Share Posted June 30, 2016 Did you go to Daniel's on your own or part of a private tour? If a tour, wondering which company? (We'd like to go in August, as well as a few other places, but not sure which companies go there). Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginger123snaps Posted June 30, 2016 Author #15 Share Posted June 30, 2016 If you search daniel johnson's monkey and sloth sanctuary on Facebook then you can message him directly. he will set up the tour for you and give you pricing. we ended up with our own driver assigned to us in a minivan just for us. it was really nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaniceB Posted June 30, 2016 #16 Share Posted June 30, 2016 Thank you for your review. I was looking forward to the playing blackjack in the casino but may have to pass with a $15 minimum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cel_cruise Posted June 30, 2016 #17 Share Posted June 30, 2016 Did your boys use Adventure Ocean at all? My son currently 9.5yo and 85lbs/60inches tall is so bummed about the tidal wave slide restrictions. I wish they could come up with a way for them to ride and still be safe and achieve the effect at the lighter weight - maybe with a special raft that had weight in it to hold them in or a vest that they could wear that could add weight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DALSAL Posted June 30, 2016 #18 Share Posted June 30, 2016 Did your boys not go to the kids club? I'm taking my 6 yo dgd on July 10. I was wondering what's activities the 6-8 year olds might do. Dot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginger123snaps Posted July 1, 2016 Author #19 Share Posted July 1, 2016 (edited) I can say for the 6 to 8 age group that the kids club was phenomenal. My boys begged to stay there. They LOVED it. All three of my boys are very different. I have a gamer, athletic one, and artistic one and they all loved it! They were very active with all kinds of games like gaga ball, doctor dodge ball, crazy tag, tournaments, coconut island, steal the bacon, steel the coconut, hockey, free time, dancing contest, survival night, etc. They colored pillow cases, bandanas, face painted. They played video games and had a movie night. I had a hard time getting my kids to leave the club. The instructors are so much fun...they have names like "muffin" and "sushi"....my kids got such a kick at of that. You kiddos will not be disappointed! Be prepared to spend $ at the arcade because you have to go through it to get to the kids club entrance....funny how that worked out ;) Edited July 1, 2016 by ginger123snaps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginger123snaps Posted July 1, 2016 Author #20 Share Posted July 1, 2016 They are very strict about the weight. My husband said that had a scale there to weigh in the kiddos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginger123snaps Posted July 1, 2016 Author #21 Share Posted July 1, 2016 just wanted to add about the kids club They charge $7/child after 10pm with no sibling discount...other cruise lines give a sibling discount....still reasonable. They do not charge for lunches on port days...other cruise lines charge...in fact on port days they are open from 9 to 5. On sea days they close from 12 to 2 and again from 5 to 7. You can check your kids in at the front of the main dining room before 7 and they will take your kids up to deck 12....this allows you to finish your meal in peace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cel_cruise Posted July 1, 2016 #22 Share Posted July 1, 2016 I'm so excited to hear that they loved the kids club! My kiddos will be 6 and 10 on our liberty cruise and have such fond memories of their trip on Navigator in 2015 and time in the club with Monkey, Freckles, Jellyfish and Rocket!! They actually used almost all of their spending money to stay after hours on that trip because they never wanted to leave! They also had us standing in line at 8:58 in the morning everyday and when our stop at Grand Cayman was cancelled, while they were bummed about missing our dolphin swim they did a jig in our room about being able to go to the kids club for the day! We scheduled 5:45 or 6:00PM MTD on our last cruise and our waiters were amazing - they had the kids dinners expedited such that desert was on the table at 6:30 and they were ready to walk to sign in at 6:40. My husband and I always enjoyed our main course and desert/cocktails in peace! Glad to hear this is possible on Liberty as well!! Looking forward to April!! Thanks for the review and feedback! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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