My View: A Rainy Spring Break on Freedom of the Seas

[APDMOM]

...and then the rain...

 

This video gives you a bit of an idea of the "obstructed" view. Note that I am sitting on a lounger taking this video.

 

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[APDMOM]

My View: The last sunset at sea:

 

 

 

 

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[APDMOM]

My View: Back in Fort Lauderdale - we were headed to the shuttle pick up area:

 

 

TIP: The shuttle pick up area marked in this photo is for Park 'n' go, car rental shuttles, and hotel shuttles:

 

 

TIP: On the last morning, we always eat in the main dining room. It is much more relaxing than the crazy crowds in the Windjammer.

 

This was the first time we decided to walk off with our luggage. It was pretty easy, except that we were in a long line to get off the ship. We needed to get on the road, though! At least we get to sail out of Port Canaveral next time - nice and close to home :)

 

One last look at Freedom…until next time (who knows when, since she will be far, far away):

 

 

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[APDMOM]

TIP: If you travel through Port Everglades, there is a new way to avoid the lines to go through customs. Before you leave home, download the Mobile Passport app on your phone. You can scan your passport at home, and complete all your basic information to set up the app. Once in Port Everglades, you can enter “New trip” information to go through the shorter line at customs.

 

Be aware though: you have to go through customs within 4 hours after you submit your trip information and answer your questions. You still need to present your passport to the agent.

 

NOTE: I say ’shorter’ line, not ‘faster’ line. We timed it with people who had been right in front of us getting off the ship. They went through the regular line, which snaked a few times. We went through the Mobile Passport line, which was a straight, shorter line. We got to our customs agent about the same time they were in the front of their line. So, it took us about the same time. Hopefully, they will increase the Mobile Passport lines now that the word of the APP is out. (Other reviews have stated that this line is much faster.)

 

Here are the directions they gave on the stateroom TV to use the app.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[APDMOM]

This information was specific to this cruise, and may differ for you if you are on a different ship or at a different terminal. You can watch the debarkation channel on the stateroom TV to get your specific information:

 

 

 

 

 

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[APDMOM]

Well, that is the end of my official views of our cruise. I will post a few papers from our cruise, and quote the cabin hacks a little later, as promised.

 

For now, Happy future cruising from our Family of the Seas to yours:

 

 

 

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[Ocean Boy]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Something” of the Seas… it stayed a bit too far off in the haze for the superzoom to reach the name:

 

 

 

 

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OK, I' not trying to be a smart a$$. Look above the bridge, see the area that looks like a white slanted roof? That is the covering of the peek-a-boo bridge. That means this has to be a Voyager class ship. Now look at the structure of the side cabin balconies. The only Voyager class ships with that structure are Navigator and Mariner. Mariner is presently cruising is Asia. This has to be Navigator of the Seas.

[APDMOM]

Ocean Boy, that was my guess based upon where we were, but definitely not as educated as yours... :)

 

 

 

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[APDMOM]

Hopefully these are legible...

 

Staff:

 

 

Crown and Anchor Emerald benefits:

 

 

Spa prices:

 

 

 

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[APDMOM]

The Compass can be found on a thread started by skohrs, located here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2472794

[APDMOM]

A few cabin hacks from previous cruises:

 

Packing Tips:

I read a great tip to pack magnetic hooks, which really helped save space on the counters. I hung our hats there, and also the wet swimwear.

 

 

I only pack the Over the door organizer for Oasis-class ships, but it is very handy if you have 3-4 people sharing a small cabin.

 

This is the first time I packed the "Over the door organizer". I never thought I would need it, but it came in very handy on Oasis. Shelf space in the small bathroom is very limited - much more limited than on Freedom of the Seas. Besides that, I will not travel without one again. It is great for storing sun lotion, hair products, brushes, combs, etc.

 

[APDMOM]

More tips from a previous cruise review:

 

This post is full of tips! Don't skip it :D

 

1. Put a rag in the tray for your shampoo, soap, and razor - that way they do not fall through the slats onto the shower floor...

 

 

2. Pack empty ziploc bags for those late night snacks - grab extra cookies from the Promenade Cafe or from the Windjammer...

 

 

3. Pack a flashlight with a magnet. Notice how the light switch for the bathroom is to the right of the door, outside the door, and how the door swings open to the right? Poor planning! Everyone wakes up to that bright light when you turn it on at night. So, bring a magnetic flashlight to put just inside the bathroom for easy access at night. It is also helpful to use inside the safe to find your iPod among all the other electronic devices, camera lenses, passports, and $1 bills...:eek:

 

 

[APDMOM]

Still more tips:

 

More tips!

 

4. Bring one of those plugs that allows for multiple items to be charged at once:

 

 

Here is what you get in the cabin (including the European outlet for my friends on the other side of the Atlantic)

 

 

In the bathroom:

 

Here is what you get in the "cooler". It was definitely NOT a fridge. The water was even just a little cooler than room temperature in there.

 

PS: The 'fridge'/cooler was empty on our most recent cruise. I really prefer it that way. We were once charged for something we did not use (we never do). Although we were refunded, it was a hassle.

[APDMOM]

A few final tips:

 

Tips about your cabin

 

Did you know?

 

Behind those mirrors are cabinets :)

 

Here are the cabinets closed:

 

Here they are open:

 

 

In the bathroom:

 

Note the hinges on the right side mirror:

 

Voila! Space for our girlie makeup!

 

[kdoc98]

This has been such a great review with beautiful pictures and very helpful tips!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share!

[Clarea]

OK, I' not trying to be a smart a$$. Look above the bridge, see the area that looks like a white slanted roof? That is the covering of the peek-a-boo bridge. That means this has to be a Voyager class ship. Now look at the structure of the side cabin balconies. The only Voyager class ships with that structure are Navigator and Mariner. Mariner is presently cruising is Asia. This has to be Navigator of the Seas.

Another clue are the extra staterooms on deck 12 forward, which Mariner does not have.

[APDMOM]

This has been such a great review with beautiful pictures and very helpful tips!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share!

 

 

Thank you for following along! I had a lot of fun reliving our cruise this week [emoji846]

 

 

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[DISFANS3]

Awesome trip report..

[Namelocg]

Thanks for the review. I will be accompaning her or her trip to Barcelona 2 weeks from today.

[Buccaneergirl]

Great review!

 

8 more weeks until Oasis!:)

[pbxtech]

Thanks for taking the time for the review. I really enjoyed it

[Mort from MI]

Thanks for the report. Reading it takes my mind away to great memories. [emoji3]

 

 

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[APDMOM]

Awesome trip report..

 

Thank you!

 

Thanks for the review. I will be accompaning her or her trip to Barcelona 2 weeks from today.

 

Nice!! Enjoy! We would love to do a TA sometime - decided to wait until our son graduates... 7 grades down, 6 more to go... ;p

[moopetguy]

Thank you for the review and all the amazing pictures! Calling out the tips separately was also a nice touch.

 

Despite the weather, I'm glad your family had a great trip. It's nice to have the Freedom to go on a cruise!! ;)

[APDMOM]

Great review!

 

8 more weeks until Oasis!:)

 

Thanks for stopping by here, Buccaneergirl! I look forward to meeting you.

 

I can't wait until Oasis!!!