Beagle’s Fun-Filled Freedom Cruise – A Review That Just Won’t End

[Beagleluv6107]

Eventually, it was time to get ready for dinner. One of the guys in our gang bought all the fellas matching shirts to wear on this first elegant night. How Sweet!!! We were back in the cabin getting ready for dinner and I said "Where are your dress pants?"  Hmmmm... Remember when he put them back in his closet? Yeah, this is the moment we realized that happened. All the guys rallied around DH and each wore the matching shirt with black shorts. At least if they were going to get thrown out of the dining room, they would be together. How thoughtful!!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For dinner, I had the Blackened Pork Tart, Roasted Wild Mushroom Bisque, Baby Spinach Salad, and the Vanilla Crème Brulee.

 

 

 

 

 

DH had the Blackened Pork Tart, Fried Oysters, and the Slow Cooked Prime Rib (end cut).

 

 

 

Nothing I had was that great except the soup was good and hot. Even DH didn’t really enjoy his prime rib.

 

After dinner, Lee took pictures of all the guys on the staircase in their matching outfits. Then we did about 10 group pictures on her phone as well.  I think this was the first and last attempt at a group picture and all pics were only on Lee’s phone. This is a very troubling fact for later.

 

We went to comedy at 8:30 and saw Mark Harkins. It was standing room only in there and it was only the “G” show. He did a nice set with people he brought up on stage. We hung out at the Alchemy bar to kill time because the Pub just wasn’t fun and busy like other ships in the past.

 

 

We went back to comedy at 10:15 to see Bud Anderson. I usually don’t type anything if I don’t like a comedian. Bud was by far, the worst I have ever seen on a stage. 😲 Many passengers got up and walked out in the middle of his set.

 

The Red Head that relayed our balcony conversation stopped over to say hello and introduce herself. She wondered when we would be back out there but we definitely toned it down from Day 1. We stayed in our seats for Mark Harkins when he came back out. He was funny and saved the night. Thanks Mark! We stopped into the Pub for one last drink and then headed for Midnight Pizza!! The line was extremely long. K got a Caesar salad but didn’t like it. I took it back to my cabin. No sense in being wasteful!!! Here’s a pic after DH took a very odd looking slice. 

 

 

Up Next – Oh How I Love Back-to-Back Sea Days!!

[Beagleluv6107]

Day 3 – Sea Day #2

 

I woke up at 7:20am to another fun filled sea day.

 

My pic shows sunshine but that wasn’t gonna be the case today. Maybe I should insert this one, it’s more fitting… not me inside a glass… the umbrella of course!!!

 

Someone captured these sunrise pictures but I'm not sure who sent them after we were home. Very Pretty!!

 

 

 

 

[Beagleluv6107]

I was quick to move today and headed straight for the Red Frog. That amazing Bloody Mary was calling my name.

 

 

It was cloudy, cool, and windy. K was getting a massage this morning, so we all waited for her to go to Sea Day Brunch. I indulged in an Absolute and OJ while I waited.

 

 

We had a table as soon as I hit confirm. The dining room was freezing.

 

I had the Frittata and chocolate cake.

 

 

 

DH had the Eggs Benedict with Salmon and a side of bacon. That bacon on my plate was for him.

 

 

I read a lot of reviews about the bacon police or lack of bacon when ordering. I didn’t notice any bacon issues, but I did notice they never want to give out any butter at breakfast or at dinner. At least, at dinner, my waiter just started bringing me 3 butters. Let’s face it, that tiny dollop is only enough for the first bite!

[Beagleluv6107]

We were back at the room at 10:30 and ROH already had it perfect for us.

 

 

It was raining so we went to Pixels and then the fun shops for an ornament and magnet ($21.90). We met a few of the gang at the Pool Bar because they had the roof closed over the pool area. It got very hot and steamy back there but eventually the rain ended, and they retracted the roof.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My friend couldn’t find Band-Aids onboard, so he improvised. I had to snap a pic.

 

 

Someone ordered a Mocha Getaway. I really wanted one, but I know that will ruin lunch, so I admired it from afar.

 

 

[Beagleluv6107]

The boys went for the Mongolian Wok again. Although the line was short, I know it still takes forever. I opted to walk up 1 flight of stairs to get the barbecue that is only offered on sea days. They had nothing sitting out and I didn’t know what to ask for, I just said put whatever on the plate. I forgot to snap a picture, but it was nothing impressive. The mac & cheese had no flavor, and they gave me all the fatty stuff in the pork so I couldn’t eat any of it. I went and grabbed a burger no bun and a slice of cake on my way back by the buffet. The burger did not look appetizing but I still ate it. 

 

 

They are very stingy with the slices of cake. I zoomed in to make this look bigger.

 

 

This was the Carmel Apple Cake. It sure did taste good. 

 

My friends ordered Sushi and got the Salmon Roll for $6 and the Bang Bang Roll for $8. Here’s a pic of the Bang Bang Roll.

 

 

MIL went for Pizza.

 

 

We were all done eating by the time the boys got back with their Mongolian Wok.

[mz-s]

Doesn't sound like the food has been too great on your Freedom cruise so far, that's a shame. I was on her over Thanksgiving and thought the food was all wonderful. Of course, that was my first cruise since Feb 2020 so that might have colored my opinion somewhat.

[Beagleluv6107]

20 hours ago, mz-s said:

Doesn't sound like the food has been too great on your Freedom cruise so far, that's a shame. I was on her over Thanksgiving and thought the food was all wonderful. Of course, that was my first cruise since Feb 2020 so that might have colored my opinion somewhat.

 

Hey mz-s,

Your right. So far nothing really "wowed" me. I'm a creature of habit and order the same thing on most cruises. I've had the same menu items better but, with that said, I never went hungry. And, the service was outstanding. I don't recall any issues from start to finish where ever we went on the whole ship. 

 

[Beagleluv6107]

We went back to the main pool around 3pm and did the water slides. By then, the sun had returned and it was warm enough. DH took pictures of us all coming down the slides with my waterproof camera but there isn’t 1 good picture.

 

This is my favorite 😂

 

 

These are me.... 

 

 

 

 

Don't ya love the little guy checking us out!!! 

 

 

 

[Beagleluv6107]

I took this pic while I was back in the cabin.

 

 

We showered and went back to the Red Frog at 5:15 for pre-dinner drinks. I ordered a Fresh Italian when we got to the table. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DH had the Veal Parm

 

 

I had the Lentil, Pumpkin, and Chorizo soup. It was piping hot and delicious. I also had the Stuffed Portobello Mushroom(s) and the cheesecake.

 

 

 

 

My MIL also had the Stuffed Mushrooms and complained that they didn’t give her any mushrooms. I think she was looking for multiple mushrooms and there was just 1 under the cheese. My friend J had ordered his chocolate melting cake with peanut butter this night. Yum!

 

[Beagleluv6107]

Lee had a calling plan on her phone, so she let my MIL use it to call my dear FIL. He told us it was snowing at home. Wow, what a great time to be on a ship floating around the Caribbean!

 

We were stuffed from dinner and didn’t have much going on. We must have stopped into the Pub because I have this picture.

 

 

I also must have been extremely annoyed with trying to use the chat feature because I took this pic.

 

 

We sat in the piano bar for a bit. That guy is very talented. I can see why he draws a crowd every night. It looks like people get there early and hold seats. I noticed several people eating their dinner right before he came on so they must have been there for a long time. We went to Comedy at 10:15 and saw Joel Lindley.

 

 

Eventually, we went for Pizza and got it back to the cabin by midnight.

 

 

While I was peacefully falling asleep with a belly full of Pizza there were shenanigans going on out and about with the Family…😳

 

Up Next – The “Story” and Our 1^st Port Stop - St. Maarten

[akeka]

15 hours ago, Beagleluv6107 said:

Lee had a calling plan on her phone, so she let my MIL use it to call my dear FIL. He told us it was snowing at home. Wow, what a great time to be on a ship floating around the Caribbean!

 

We were stuffed from dinner and didn’t have much going on. We must have stopped into the Pub because I have this picture.

 

 

I also must have been extremely annoyed with trying to use the chat feature because I took this pic.

 

 

We sat in the piano bar for a bit. That guy is very talented. I can see why he draws a crowd every night. It looks like people get there early and hold seats. I noticed several people eating their dinner right before he came on so they must have been there for a long time. We went to Comedy at 10:15 and saw Joel Lindley.

 

 

Eventually, we went for Pizza and got it back to the cabin by midnight.

 

 

 

While I was peacefully falling asleep with a belly full of Pizza there were shenanigans going on out and about with the Family…😳

 

Up Next – The “Story” and Our 1^st Port Stop - St. Maarten

You've left us hanging!  Looking forward to hearing the story.

[Beagleluv6107]

On 5/8/2022 at 10:25 AM, akeka said:

You've left us hanging!  Looking forward to hearing the story.

 

Hey Akeka,

I can't wait to tell it. You may need to sit down... or pour a DOD!!!😁

[Beagleluv6107]

Day 4 – St. Maarten

 

 

Hip Hip Hooray it’s St. Maarten Day. Let’s go see some planes land!!!

 

I’ve only been to this island once and I loved it. The plan for the day was to go to Maho Beach. We were just going to grab a cab. Here’s where things get interesting for the parents of our little 4-year-old. He cannot be vaccinated so therefore he can only leave the ship on a bubble tour on St. Maarten. The cheapest tour…. $30 per person to get dropped off at Maho beach. What a shame we all went for $16pp round trip and mother and son had to spend double. At least they got the little guy to the beach. The whole thing makes no sense but I was tickled we were all going to be together.

 

DH opened the blinds before 7am and that roused me from my slumber. The time is off on this camera but it was early.

 

 

 

 

I’m sure that was the most sleep I had at one time since days before the vacation started. I was at the Red Frog for an Absolute and OJ by 8am.

 

 

Then I was ready to take a few pictures. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We tried to text the girls, but it wouldn’t go thru so we went to their cabin to grab them for breakfast. Oh dear…..   It wasn’t looking like my poor MIL was going to breakfast. In Fact… I didn’t think she was getting off the ship today.

 

See here’s what had happened the night before…..   They cut lose and I mean cut lose. When I left them at 11pm to head for the pizza line, I thought they were going to bed. Nope, K who is quite the bad influence on 81 year old’s, had Momma in “Da Club” until 1am. Apparently, she wasn’t done either but needed a bathroom break. Somewhere along the way to the restroom… she fell. Thank all that is holy she did not break a bone!! However, she took a quick glance in the mirror and lo and behold... she had chipped both front teeth. What in the ???? Her hand was also a little sore but she didn't cut her lip or hurt herself in any other way. It's unbelievable.  

 

CC Family I am not lying to you. This 81-year-old was getting “it in” on the dance floor at 1am and the only reason she went back to the cabin was chipped teeth.

 

What a Legend!!! We all chanted and cheered her name the rest of the cruise. Maybe I should get T-shirts made up?? Hahahaha

 

Ok, the truth is we didn't really condone or encourage this behavior. We were just very grateful nothing terrible happened. It is a Legendary story, but if she had any idea I told ya'll, she’d kill me, bring me back to life, and then kill me again. Thankfully the Beagle is anonymous….. or at least, I think I am! I’ve left a trail of breadcrumbs for my friends to call me out but so far … crickets.

 

 

[Beagleluv6107]

So, we didn’t know what to do…   we just said we would check back after breakfast. We booked a table and went to the dining room to eat. As soon as our meal came, so did the girls. Both were looking a bit pale but they were there. That was a promising sign. They ordered a little food and declared they could rally for this trip to Maho – AKA Airport Beach. Way to Go Girls!!!!  I was very impressed!

 

Our breakfast view.

 

 

On the Mardi Gras, I discovered the Masala Dosa. It is on the breakfast menu in the dining room on port days. I’m not sure if it’s Indian or what but it is fantastic and my new favorite.

 

 

 

We went back to the room and gathered our things.

 

 

We got off the ship around 10am and it was quick and easy.

 

 

 

 

We were in a taxi and on our way by 10:20am. K was sick as a dog the entire ride and I thought good, it serves you right for having the girls out all hours of the night chipping teeth and what not!!! 

 

[Beagleluv6107]

When we arrived at Maho Beach, we were at the Sunset Bar and Grill side and half of our friends were over on the other side.

 

 

 

We found loungers for the MIL and Lee. My niece and K plopped their hungover selves right down in the sand. I snapped these pictures before we were even situated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think I had my first Coors Light a little after 11. The MIL is not familiar with the islanders trying to sell and barter. A lady offered her a free foot massage which she declined but the lady insisted.

 

 

 

I watched this go on for awhile and my MIL actually said to me “Hey, she wants to do this for free so be it.” Well, you all know how this ends?

 

Nothing is free. I heard squabbling and hurried over to check on the situation only to see the lady storm off in a huff. It turns out, she wanted $45 dollars for that foot massage and my MIL got very angry. Never tick off an 81-year-old that is hungover with chipped teeth.

You will lose that fight!

[Beagleluv6107]

Everyone was swimming so I took the opportunity to take some terrible photos. LOL

 

 

 

 

No plane in this picture but I wonder what it would be like to stay in those condos or hotel rooms? I bet it's awesome! These pictures also remind me that we didn't have a very pretty day. All that sunblock I spackled across my face was completely unnecessary! 😏

 

 

This was an epic fail at me getting the plane and my friend in the same shot. Pitiful!

 

 

Around 1pm we walked over to the restaurant to get some lunch.

 

 

 

I had the angry fish tacos and DH got the wings.

 

 

 

I thought the tacos were very good. 

[Beagleluv6107]

I really didn’t want to get in the water… you know… the old Sea Lice Review I read but what the heck…. I have no idea when I’ll get back here. Everyone else went swimming and didn’t complain. I dipped a big toe in and poof, I was up to my neck. That’s quite a drop off there. I ended up having a blast and stayed in the water for almost an hour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was just about to attempt an underwater selfie in this shot. At the last minute, I realized I had a hat and sunglasses on. Oops

 

 

 

[Joe817]

Loving your review! 👍 Thanks for taking the time for doing it!

[Beagleluv6107]

We changed out of our wet clothes for the ride back. I never mentioned Sea Lice to anyone, and no one got bit by anything. Hooray! Getting a taxi was a piece of cake and we were on our way about 3:15pm.

 

 

 

As we were driving, we saw an accident right to the side of us.

Geesh, I almost had on wet clothes again. 😳

 

 

We were back in the cabin by 4:20pm.

 

 

We showered up and met everyone on the Lido for pre-dinner drinks.

 

 

I forgot something in the room, so we said we would just meet everyone at the table at 6pm. We didn’t plan it but while we were on our balcony the ship was sailing off. We took some selfies and sat there enjoying the moment until we were a little late for dinner.

 

 

[Beagleluv6107]

 

 

 

 

Tonight, I had the Heart of Iceberg Salad, Roasted Broccoli & Three Cheese Soup and the CMC with Peanut Butter!

 

 

 

 

Hubby had the Braised Ox Tongue, Baked Meatball, Tuscan Minestrone Soup and Linguini with Italian Sausage.

 

 

 

I forgot the soup pic

 

 

Unfortunately for me, the CMC was extremely runny, and I didn’t each much of it. 

 

We went to the PUB, and it was completely empty. Surprise Surprise the Wi-Fi worked for 1 minute and we got a text that Lee and her husband were up on the Lido at the Red Frog Bar. It was a beautiful night, so we sat out there until it was time to go to the Love and Marriage show. We stopped and grabbed the MIL along the way.

 

 

I really talked up this show to everyone because the last show on the Mardi Gras was hilarious. You know going in that the oldest couple will be the best but now I understand that the CD makes the show. James Love… well … he was a dud. There was material to work with, but he’s just not a funny person. He’s a super nice guy and I had other opportunities to talk with him around the ship.  I think the crowd only laughed about 4 times and it was, of course, the older couple Sally and her husband that made it happen. I think the question was how many times a week would you like to have “ice cream” which meant sex and Sally wrote 50. I’m still not sure if she really wanted ice cream. 😂

 

We went to the Sports Bar for a night cap. It wasn’t the plan but it was the closest bar as we walked out of the theater.

 

 

 

It was time for pizza and this time the line was short! I was so happy for a minute... The chefs must have been on a break because it took forever. Well worth the wait tho... Look at this beauty!

 

 

Hubby ate and fell fast asleep.  At 11:56pm the phone in the cabin rang and I sprang out of bed almost having a heart attack. I just thought OMG what if it was the MIL. Thankfully, there was nobody on the other line so it must have been a misdial.

 

Luckily for me … I had a few sips of my drink left and a slice of pizza to take the edge off that anxiety attack.

 

Up Next – St. Kitts and Our Only “Real” Excursion of the Whole Trip!

[Beagleluv6107]

33 minutes ago, Joe817 said:

Loving your review! 👍 Thanks for taking the time for doing it!

Hey Joe817,

Thank you so much for reading along. I can't wait to tell you all about St. Kitts. It's interesting to say the least!!! 

[Beagleluv6107]

Day 5 – St. Kitts

 

 

Yippee!!! It’s St. Kitts Snorkel Trip Day!!!! 

 

We were up way before the alarm this day. The excitement over our Catamaran Ride to Nevis was on our minds.

 

 

 

St. Kitts is so beautiful!!

 

 

 

 

Hubby went to get us burritos for breakfast so we could enjoy them on the balcony.

 

 

I researched excursions to Nevis outside of a Carnival option and found a company called Blue Water Safaris. I contacted them but they said they had no availability for our date.

 

We decided to just do the Carnival Excursion. This is from the website:

 

[Beagleluv6107]

It rained right before we had to get off the ship.

 

 

 

It was a short walk to the docks, and I could see the first boat filling up but it was covered.

 

 

The second was a real catamaran and we were delighted that we were so far back in line that we got on the boat we wanted. What a happy surprise to find out the company taking us to Nevis was none other than Blue Water Safaris!

 

We had a lovely ride to our snorkel spot. Lee took tons of pictures for me to use in this review. I cannot insert them... There is a reason 😭

I'll get to it shortly. 

 

Once we got to our snorkel spot, I pulled out my camera. 

 

 

 

[Beagleluv6107]

I think we had about an hour to snorkel.  It seems short but it’s plenty of time.

 

 

 

 

Here's the MIL. Snorkeling like a champ.

 

 

She had a blast!!

 

 

 

We passed around the camera but no one captured pics of fish. They got me tho!!  haha

 

 

 

 

 

[Beagleluv6107]

When we got back on board, they broke out the Rum Punch and food.

 

 

They had chicken, beans and rice, mac and cheese, salad, and cornbread. It was quite a nice spread for being outside on a boat. I tried only a bite of the mac and cheese and it was fantastic. Everyone raved over the rest of the options.

 

 

 

Hubby's plate

 

 

I took 2 sips of that rum punch and realized that this potion was intended for professionals that know how to handle their liquor. It seemed like 15 minutes later and the entire group got very … energetic. The crew put on some music for us and we had a fabulous boat ride over to Nevis.