Just off Freedom of the Seas

[Threedrones]

We were on FOS 2/21-2/25. Enjoyed getting back to cruising. Rather than a review, I’ll just give a brief synopsis. Covid pre-test was a breeze. We made an appointment at CVS and the process took less than 10 minutes for both my wife and me. Results were received in about an hour. We had a 12:30 boarding time. We arrived at 12:10 and were in the Windjammer before our assigned boarding time. Entire process took 15 minutes. We were concerned about the mask issue, but it really was not a bother. With few exceptions, it seemed like a normal cruise. I know that RCL has loosened their protocols already since our cruise, but  even if they hadn’t we would be very comfortable cruising again during Covid.

[erber]

We're reservations required for all meals? Was Windjammer open for dinner?

[Threedrones]

Our sailing was at 60% capacity. Dinner in Main Dining was by reservation, though we saw people come down and get a reservation for an hour later. Don’t know about breakfast in main dining room because we mostly had room service. Currently, Continental and American breakfast is free through room service. It arrives on time and hot. Windjammer was available for all meals, including dinner, without reservations. It was only closed for lunch when we were at Coco Cay.

[sgregel]

I see where they are no longer requiring masks onboard for vaccinated guests.  I wonder if they are going to allow smoking in the casino.  I hope not.  We are doing a B2B on 3/7.  Cruised out of Galveston in January when omicron variant was raging.  No issues for us.  We were very careful, wearing our masks and following all guidelines, particularly the max number of people in elevators.  I hope they aren't rushing things by loosening a lot of guidelines.

[Threedrones]

They have already brought back the smoking in casinos. I don’t recall it ever being as bad as last week on Freedom. Saved us a lot of money, though. We never went back after day 1. They didn’t even have a non-smoking section.

[sgregel]

Oh, no!  Very disappointing.

 

[BirdTravels]

On 2/27/2022 at 7:43 PM, Threedrones said:

They have already brought back the smoking in casinos.

Great News!

[davekathy]

On 2/27/2022 at 5:43 PM, Threedrones said:

They have already brought back the smoking in casinos. I don’t recall it ever being as bad as last week on Freedom. Saved us a lot of money, though. We never went back after day 1. They didn’t even have a non-smoking section.

Bummer the stench is back. I blame RC for this.

 

Did you receive the daily Cruise Compass in your cabin each evening? 

[Torfamm]

On 2/27/2022 at 8:43 PM, Threedrones said:

They have already brought back the smoking in casinos. I don’t recall it ever being as bad as last week on Freedom. Saved us a lot of money, though. We never went back after day 1. They didn’t even have a non-smoking section.

That is really disappointing. The smoking in the casino has always been negative for cruising with Royal Caribbean. Was hoping it would stay smoke free like Celebrity 

[Shona_winelover]

So do you still have to make an MDR reservation even if you have My Time Dining? 

[allisonb22]

Do you know what the earliest debarkation time was if you did self-assist departure? We want to do so and get an uber to FLL airport. I would like to pre-schedule it now so we don't have to worry. We are sailing this weekend on Freedom.

 

Also if anyone has any other better recommendations on getting from ship to airport after self assist departure, LMK!

[Threedrones]

13 hours ago, davekathy said:

Bummer the stench is back. I blame RC for this.

 

Did you receive the daily Cruise Compass in your cabin each evening? 

The Compass is on the app. But if you want a paper copy, just tell your cabin attendant for daily delivery or pick one up at the desk. We used the app, but like the hard copy much better

[Threedrones]

1 hour ago, Shona_winelover said:

So do you still have to make an MDR reservation even if you have My Time Dining? 

Yes, MDR was by reservation, but they were easy to get. We booked our times for the entire cruise on the app weeks before the cruise. Same table and wait staff each day. Shout out to Antony and Majob for their great service.

[Threedrones]

26 minutes ago, allisonb22 said:

Do you know what the earliest debarkation time was if you did self-assist departure? We want to do so and get an uber to FLL airport. I would like to pre-schedule it now so we don't have to worry. We are sailing this weekend on Freedom.

 

Also if anyone has any other better recommendations on getting from ship to airport after self assist departure, LMK!

Self assist started at 7:00am. By 7:30, they were already calling by number. Very smooth and efficient.

[allisonb22]

1 hour ago, Threedrones said:

Self assist started at 7:00am. By 7:30, they were already calling by number. Very smooth and efficient.

Wow that's awesome, great to know. Planning on scheduling the uber for 7:45. Thanks for the info!