Freedom - May 19-26 - Southern Caribbean Maybe, Kinda Semi-Live?

[43mpd902]

OK - here were the shows: Day 1: Adult Comedian; Day 2: Marquee; Day 3: Headliner - husband and wife magic show (I heard it was good); Day 4: Ice Show; Day 5: Headline - Rockabilly Show; Day 6: Ice Show again; Day 7: Once Upon a Time.

 

Thanks. I appreciate the info.

[Lovetotraveltami]

Great trip report! I maybe found my next itinerary! Thank you!

[thetone]

Glad you enjoyed the report.

 

Couple of other Post-Cruise Musings:

 

Formal Nights - Actually not just formal nights, but it seemed that many people dressed up all nights in the MDR, and we saw very few shorts and t-shirts. A welcome surprise.

 

Craft Beer - NONE. Coming from San Diego, a craft beer heaven, I was sad but not surprised there were no craft beers on-board. Some smart liquor rep from Ballast Point, Stone, or Firestone is going to hook Royal and make a fortune. A craft beer bar would be a big hit. Do they have those on the newer ships?

 

Art Gallery - Why is this still a thing? I know people complain about the glory days of cruising, but this is one of the old-school cruising items I just don't understand. Seems like a tremendous waste of space.

 

Tipping - Not to start a big argument, but I felt like we tipped more on this cruise than any cruise in the past. Maybe it is because we pre-paid gratuity, and felt obligated to add to that? Maybe it is because we received great service? Is everyone else tipping more now? Also - we tipped extra in Giovanni's. I couldn't recall if the price we paid included 18% gratuity, which I am sure it did, but we tripped extra just in case.

 

Cheers.

[Herrbeir]

Thanks for taking the time to post your report. We will do this itinerary in a few weeks. Your comments are very helpful. Personally, I like the Latin vibe, it makes the cruise a little more fun.

[Zach1213]

Glad you enjoyed the report.

 

Couple of other Post-Cruise Musings:

 

Formal Nights - Actually not just formal nights, but it seemed that many people dressed up all nights in the MDR, and we saw very few shorts and t-shirts. A welcome surprise.

 

Craft Beer - NONE. Coming from San Diego, a craft beer heaven, I was sad but not surprised there were no craft beers on-board. Some smart liquor rep from Ballast Point, Stone, or Firestone is going to hook Royal and make a fortune. A craft beer bar would be a big hit. Do they have those on the newer ships?

 

Art Gallery - Why is this still a thing? I know people complain about the glory days of cruising, but this is one of the old-school cruising items I just don't understand. Seems like a tremendous waste of space.

 

Tipping - Not to start a big argument, but I felt like we tipped more on this cruise than any cruise in the past. Maybe it is because we pre-paid gratuity, and felt obligated to add to that? Maybe it is because we received great service? Is everyone else tipping more now? Also - we tipped extra in Giovanni's. I couldn't recall if the price we paid included 18% gratuity, which I am sure it did, but we tripped extra just in case.

 

Cheers.

 

We were on the early May cruise that re-positioned Freedom of the Seas from FLL to SJU. We didn't pre-pay tips, just let them accumulate each day. We also never did main dining room. We didn't tip much extra on top of the standard gratuity - a dollar here or there is a bartender was particularly good (we had the drink package), and an extra tip at Chops for really good service (but not at Sabor for mediocre service), but that's about it.

 

 

Also agree about SJU being a pain to disembark at...we weren't in a rush and I felt like pocketing my extra money, so didn't use a porter, but it took a solid 40 minutes from entering the immigration hall to getting in a taxi to Old San Juan. Really wish they had a Global Entry line...

 

Craft beer - agreed, it would be a hit. I like craft beer, but refused to blow my drink package on crappy lagers so I just drank wine and liquor. I would definitely have a craft beer each day if they had a good selection.

[RG306]

Do you by any chance have the cruise compasses?

[DISFANS3]

Good info..

[luv2go4]

Will be going to San Diego in March 2019. would love some information on what to do please.

All:

 

I have been voraciously absorbing every morsel of information possible from this board and others for the last 12 months in anticipation of an anniversary trip with my wife on Freedom. While I find some of the snarky comments and discussions on the board unnecessary (i.e. chair hogs, smoking, etc.), which are more suited for junior high social media, I have obtained some very useful information from those brave enough to post. I want to thank Bob and others for their insight, and I hope I can provide a semi-live review while I am on Freedom next week. This is a VACATION with no child, so I will not break my back to post every day, but I will try and provide some information, especially since this is one of the first Southern itineraries for FOS.

 

My wife and are are in our mid-late 30's, live in sunny San Diego (truly one of the most amazing towns on earth, in my opinion. If anyone needs suggestions on where to go/what to do in San Diego - let me know.), and have never been to the Southern Islands. We are not "cruisers" per se, but have been on 3-4 cruises with RCI. I have read all of the doom and gloom about the cruise industry trending down, and am interested to see how much truth there is to the rumors. We dabble in the bar/restaurant industry, will over-tip almost as a rule, consider ourselves semi-foodies, and enjoy a proper cocktail. We have a balcony cabin, the drink and internet packages, and will be dining in one specialty restaurant. We decided on the MDR, as we have met some fun couples on prior cruises. Per Bob's suggestion on another board, we emailed Royal a few weeks ago with our dining preference (i.e. couples our like age and no kids), and were promptly responded to and advised our request would be granted, so - we'll see...

 

My wife and I are professionals, but still like to dress up we we get the chance, so we will be the couple with cocktail dresses and coats in the MDR every night. We may visit a show or two, but will likely be found in the R Bar, casino, Pub and/or Olive and Twist most nights.

 

I am extremely excited for our get away, and will try and provide a fun and engaging review. Thanks again for the all wonderful info. Happy sailing.

 

Cheers.

[thetone]

luv2go4 - Wow - that is a loaded question. Are you coming on a cruise or for vacation? How long are you going to be in San Diego? Are you visiting with kids? March can be hit or miss for weather as far as the beach goes, and the water will be a bit cold. Having said that, beach areas are still great to hang out. Mission Beach has a roller coaster and a fun boardwalk with restaurants. You can rent paddle boards, etc. in Mission Bay. Hit up Miss B's Coconut Club for a great Caribbean-themed lunch and cocktails. I can't stress enough how wonderful the San Diego Zoo is (downtown) and the Safari Park (North County) if you only have an afternoon. If you give me more details I can offer more suggestions.

 

Cheers.