Anything you didnt like about Freedom?

[lv2cruisgrl]

So now that the first group of Freedom cruisers are home I would like to know is there anything you "didn't" like about Freedom? We love the RCCL Voyager and Radiance class of ships and will be doing Freedom in October. We hope we will like it just as much but worried about the amount of people it holds vs the solarium size, pool crowds, etc.:)

[heathyrg]

LEAVING!!!! That was the worst part. Coming back to reality is always so hard.

[MermaidDenise]

Did the 3 night pre inug cruise from Miami and the June 4th inug cruise:

 

The pre inug. cruise was the best ever:

Free everything!!

Lobster on the beach in CoCo Cay

Live theme bands

Fireworks

Gifts - crystal platter

The best ever!!!

 

June 4th inug. cruise:

No welcome letter

No theme bands

If I had paid all that $'s for a "so to be" special inug. cruise I would

be

xxQQ##!

 

Great points:

Great - GREAT!! new beds

Chops and Portafinios was 5 stars

Pool area for kids works! few kids in any other pools and they had a

blast at their play area

Flat screen tv in room was very clear and cool yet you loose some

closet space

 

Areas that need improvement:

REVOLVING DOORS TO DECK 11 FROM WINDJAMER

Enginer design error I think:

Doors broke a lot

Handicap people had a tough time with them

Located at elevator area off Windjamer - Now it is a jamed up

area!

Just a bad idea all around

 

All in All One ALSOME SHIP

 

 

Daddy Bang

[goaliegurl89]

From my cruise on the inaugural for sure i could do without those darn revolving doors used to get from the deck 11 elevatrors out to the pool deck on the h20 zone side.....they kept getting stuck and eiether went super fast or went super slow...Those doors were for the advanced jus to get them to work properly u have to be right in the middle if ur to close to the front glass it moves to fast if ur to close to the back glass it gets stuck mid swing; its most definetly not for the claustrophobic!....At one point i wuz stuck in there for about 4 minutes..NOT FUN!.....I kind of miss those glass automatic doors that u ahve to press about 4 timez jus yo get them to work....Revolving doors = neat idea but jus not functional at all!

[zotzer]

A review is in the works, but I can think of a couple....

 

- Ditto on those revolving doors. I just don't *get* them at all. The crazy part is the middle converts to doors that swing open. When the revolver was broken once, they used the middle swinging part, and it worked famously.

 

- The design of the E2 hump cabins. Rather than give the extra space to the balcony, as they have in past iterations, they gave it to the room. Sounds good, right?

 

Well, it is an odd left-over shaped space, and the curtains for the balcony doors are where they would be if that space didn't exist. It leaves a completely useless chunk of extra space between the curtains and the door.

 

The cabin was VERY hard to navigate with the beds separated into twins. There was almost ZERO room between the foot of the bed and the end of the wall console where the TV is. My roomate and I considered turning the beds totally around, so as to create a walkway directly to the balcony, but realized all of the pillows would just fall off the beds if we tried it that way.

 

We had to push the first bed in towards the second a bit to make room to squeeze through sideways. Since I was in the bed next to the balcony and had to perform this maneuver most, I literally came home with bruises on my legs from the console (although I do bruise easily). On the other side (the balcony side near my bed), we were always getting tangled up between the balcony curtain and the foot of the bed. They need to put a tie-back on it or something. It was a total nuisance.

 

- Dining room staff just didn't feel *right*. I talked to several people about this, and they felt similarly. Here's the thing....there was absolutely NOTHING concrete to complain about. The service was friendly, speedy, and plentiful. BUT...you know how you leave a cruise wanting to take your waitstaff home, feeling like you couldn't possibly live one more day without them? Well, I didn't feel that way at all. It was just "service". Seriously, I do not know how to quantify this...it just *was*.

 

Those were ship-specific things, and on a list of *everything* that happens on a cruise, I'd say that's a pretty damned small list. I do think there are more comments to be made about disappointment in the actual PAYING inaugural voyage of the largest cruise ship in the world, but I don't think that is what the OP was asking, and it won't really have much impact on future Freedom voyages.

 

Tracy

[frudutx]

Tracy, I seem to follow you alot. Had to put my two cents in.

 

We had a wonderful time. We also had a hump cabin, did not have the problems Tracy did because DH and I kept the beds shoved together but, there could have been more room between the botttom of the bed and the wall...there was just enough room to move the suitcase through. And the new beds and linens are heaven.

 

Dining staff was great, the food was wonderful but there was nothing that jumped out and said I'm a special cruise. The shows were top notch and the ice show shouldn't be missed.

 

BUT.......

 

To wait for 15 months and then have this let down feeling to say the least I'm very disappointed in RCCL, I think they could have done better, I know they did with all of the freebie cruises. I did not expect to take home a lot of free stuff but I did expect this cruise to be different and really it wasn't.

 

Then again.....

 

The best part was meeting all of the people that I messaged over the months on the M&M board, they are the ones that really made this cruise special.

 

d

[GMoney]

 

- Dining room staff just didn't feel *right*. I talked to several people about this, and they felt similarly. Here's the thing....there was absolutely NOTHING concrete to complain about. The service was friendly, speedy, and plentiful. BUT...you know how you leave a cruise wanting to take your waitstaff home, feeling like you couldn't possibly live one more day without them? Well, I didn't feel that way at all. It was just "service". Seriously, I do not know how to quantify this...it just *was*.

 

Tracy

 

I totally agree with this. I think that super service comes with a staff that works well as a team and that only comes with time. The FOS staff are obviously all new to the ship and are not in any kind of a routine with all of the pre-inaugurals. I'm sure that will improve with time. I'm very grateful that they worked hard to avoid a negative experience.

[zotzer]

The best part was meeting all of the people that I messaged over the months on the M&M board, they are the ones that really made this cruise special.

 

Diane,

 

I couldn't agree more! It was definitely the enthusiasm of the guests....in particular, those I had "met" online before hand....which made the cruise special. We did it ourselves, pretty much.

 

I must add that most of the crew brought another level of enthusiasm, and appreciation to have us there, which added to the ambiance as well.

 

Tracy

[GMoney]

 

To wait for 15 months and then have this let down feeling to say the least I'm very disappointed in RCCL, I think they could have done better, I know they did with all of the freebie cruises. I did not expect to take home a lot of free stuff but I did expect this cruise to be different and really it wasn't.

 

d

 

So Diane, I'm curious - what would you suggest that RCI do on its next inaugural to distinguish the experience?

[MszKitty]

famously.

 

- The design of the E2 hump cabins. Rather than give the extra space to the balcony, as they have in past iterations, they gave it to the room. Sounds good, right?

 

Well, it is an odd left-over shaped space, and the curtains for the balcony doors are where they would be if that space didn't exist. It leaves a completely useless chunk of extra space between the curtains and the door.

 

The cabin was VERY hard to navigate with the beds separated into twins. There was almost ZERO room between the foot of the bed and the end of the wall console where the TV is. My roomate and I considered turning the beds totally around, so as to create a walkway directly to the balcony, but realized all of the pillows would just fall off the beds if we tried it that way.

 

We had to push the first bed in towards the second a bit to make room to squeeze through sideways. Since I was in the bed next to the balcony and had to perform this maneuver most, I literally came home with bruises on my legs from the console (although I do bruise easily). On the other side (the balcony side near my bed), we were always getting tangled up between the balcony curtain and the foot of the bed. They need to put a tie-back on it or something. It was a total nuisance.

 

 

Thanks for the info on the E2 hump cabin. We are on the next sailing...June 18. Knowing in advance what to expect will lessen any disappointments I may feel. Were you in a center hump, or off to one side or the other? We are in the dead center hump cabin so I wonder if its shaped the same as you are describing.

[Micknmin]

From my cruise on the inaugural for sure i could do without those darn revolving doors used to get from the deck 11 elevatrors out to the pool deck on the h20 zone side.....they kept getting stuck and eiether went super fast or went super slow... its most definetly not for the claustrophobic!....At one point i wuz stuck in there for about 4 minutes..NOT FUN

Oh great! I am sooo claustrophobic. Please tell me that there is another way to get out to the pool deck without having to go through those doors!

[Giorgi-one]

We are booked on Freedom in August. I am not really excited about 4000+ people, but have never been on a megaship so I figured I would try one. From what I have read here, it sounds like ship is already crowded with 3600 passengers, nothing special about food or entertainment - just another cruise on another big ship. Very disappointing.

[zotzer]

Were you in a center hump, or off to one side or the other? We are in the dead center hump cabin so I wonder if its shaped the same as you are describing.

 

Forward starboard hump #6332. Next time, I would book 6330 (or similar). It is actually the first on the hump (although it doesn't look that way on the deck plans). I peeked around after I had seen them leave, and it looked bigger. Need to consult the deck plans, but this may be a D1.

 

Tracy

[zotzer]

From what I have read here, it sounds like ship is already crowded with 3600 passengers, nothing special about food or entertainment - just another cruise on another big ship. Very disappointing.

 

The ship was NOT crowded. I was surprised at how UNcrowded it was. The food was very good, and the show I saw "Once Upon a Time", I would probably pay to see if not on a ship. It was fabulous.

 

People solicited questions about what we didn't like, so some of us answered. I tell you, this was a fantastic, incredibly enjoyable cruise, which went off virtually without a hitch.

 

Tracy

[lv2cruisgrl]

Thanks for all the info and I wish it been more memorable for some of you. We were once told by a waiter not to do the first cruise for just the reasons some of you described. The staff has to work together for a few months to get their act together and that there is usually nothing special about the first cruise. However I agree with you that RCCL should have done something special since it was such a big ship sailing for the first time. I am sure by Oct we should have a great time, maybe they will even get the door issue fixed! I am glad to hear most of you didn't feel like it was crowded, that was one of our fears. It also sounds like they are being good about keeping an eye on the the adult pool areas. Keep the info coming.....this way we won't be going with high expectations and maybe we will be pleasently surprised!:)

[beachnative]

There are photos of Freedom hump cabin 7334 on the CruiseClues site:

 

http://community.webshots.com/album/549906967tfBwtW

 

The balcony looks like it has a nice depth. We have never booked a hump cabin but, based on the praises they receive on the board, booked one on the Freedom of the Seas. In doing so we wondered why it had such a low designation (E2) when those nearby were higher. We have been spoiled by the Caribe deck balconies on the Princess grand class ships and were looking forward to a balcony deeper than those we have had on previous RCCL cruises. Maybe others will post pictures.

 

Thanks for the information you posted.

[frudutx]

So Diane, I'm curious - what would you suggest that RCI do on its next inaugural to distinguish the experience?

 

Well, I really expected more of an electric send off. We first started out in the Diamond lounge but there was absolutely nothing going on there so we moved down to one of the lower decks. I think the PBSers had a better plan and gave a good sail away. I also half expected a name entertainer one night, didn't you? Also, didn't you find it curious that the CEO waited until Thursday to give his speech, I felt that should have happened on one of the earlier nights like maybe Sunday or Monday.

 

Just an observation. I still had a great time, it's just not what I expected.

 

d

[GMoney]

Well, I really expected more of an electric send off. We first started out in the Diamond lounge but there was absolutely nothing going on there so we moved down to one of the lower decks. I think the PBSers had a better plan and gave a good sail away. I also half expected a name entertainer one night, didn't you? Also, didn't you find it curious that the CEO waited until Thursday to give his speech, I felt that should have happened on one of the earlier nights like maybe Sunday or Monday.

 

Just an observation. I still had a great time, it's just not what I expected.

 

d

 

Hi - I think those are all fair expectations. Personally, I also expected some kind of name entertainment (like Charo, who was great on a previous RCI cruise). I didn't expect anything at sailaway given the time of day (too early for fireworks), and I'm just not sure how much you can get away with in a busy harbor like Miami. Plus, in my experience, RCI is just cheap with that kind of stuff (proof being that stupid lunch bag :) ).

 

I missed the CEO speech. What was that?

[frudutx]

Hi - I think those are all fair expectations. Personally, I also expected some kind of name entertainment (like Charo, who was great on a previous RCI cruise). I didn't expect anything at sailaway given the time of day (too early for fireworks), and I'm just not sure how much you can get away with in a busy harbor like Miami. Plus, in my experience, RCI is just cheap with that kind of stuff (proof being that stupid lunch bag :) ).

 

I missed the CEO speech. What was that?

 

We did Empress this past December and they had Marty Allen and his wife and they were fabulous. I think Charo would have been a hoot, I've also seen John Davidson on a RCL cruise. The entertainment was great don't get me wrong, I'm with Tracy, I would have paid to see Once Upon a Time, and the Broadway Show was first class.

 

The CEO was on Thursday night before the impressionist. Glad you're here YADA YADA YADA you mean a lot to us YADA YADA YADA isn't this a great ship etc isn't Ken Rush the best ditto.....

 

Well, someone already has the lunch bag on sale out on ebay.

 

We've always wanted to do a first cruise and now I can check that off my list. After we do Rhapsody for my daughters 21st birthday and Alaska for our 30th Wedding anniversary I think I'd like to do a C&A cruise. Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

 

d

[GMoney]

I forgot about John Davidson; I've seen him too! lol :D

 

Charo was great. I didn't realize she was so truly talented.

 

I skipped the impressionist guy (Don Record or something?) b/c I've seen him before. One of the perils of frequent cruising. And I wanted to watch the NBA Finals.

 

Adam Goldstein's comments would have made me barf anyway. :D He talks but says nothing. I much prefer Richard Fain. And I know people love Ken Rush, and I acknowledge he's good at what he does, but he is just not my cup of tea.

 

Alaska is next on my list to do as well.

 

Thanks for your elaboration. I appreciate your point of view.

[zotzer]

I skipped the impressionist guy (Don Record or something?) b/c I've seen him before. One of the perils of frequent cruising.

 

Funny story about this.....

 

I was at the casino bar, waiting for a friend, and a nice man introduced himself. We chatted a bit, and he put down his cigarette. Said he'd be right back, as he wanted to go tell two men he seemed familiar with some jokes. I quipped "what are you, a comedian or something?", to which he responded, "apparently, you didn't see tonight's show!" ROFL

 

Tracy

[abridalmaven]

Hi - I think those are all fair expectations. Personally, I also expected some kind of name entertainment (like Charo, who was great on a previous RCI cruise). I didn't expect anything at sailaway given the time of day (too early for fireworks), and I'm just not sure how much you can get away with in a busy harbor like Miami. Plus, in my experience, RCI is just cheap with that kind of stuff (proof being that stupid lunch bag :) ).

 

I missed the CEO speech. What was that?

 

 

I am in agreement , during the day I do not think they would do fireworks, plus, I think the port is really more in charge of that, not the ship and they already did it when the ship first arrived earlier that week. Just look at what they did in Jamaica. And as for Charo, you could not pay ME to see her, she is awful.

 

As for the dining room, on level 5 it was spectacular ( I loved the colors on that level) and our staff was the best we have had on any cruise anywhere.

 

The only enterainment I did not like was the last comedian, the rest were great

 

Crown and Anchor gave us picture frames and collectors pins. I liked the lunch bags:rolleyes: Sure came in handy in Tulum where it was as hot as H**L:eek:

[pxgrant]

:( I can't fathom why individuals dwell on the negative on such a beautiful ship. Every brand new ship or vehicle of any kind has to get the "kinks" out and it takes a while to do that. I am sure that the Staff are all very nervous wanting to please, and you know that if we as individuals are anxious or nervous it shows in our body language etc.

 

Give this a chance - I'm sure by the fall they will be much improved and by the time my hubby and I go in 10/07 we'll be wined and dined wonderfully.

 

Happy Cruising.:)

 

Peggy, Norwood MA

[GMoney]

:( I can't fathom why individuals dwell on the negative on such a beautiful ship. Every brand new ship or vehicle of any kind has to get the "kinks" out and it takes a while to do that. I am sure that the Staff are all very nervous wanting to please, and you know that if we as individuals are anxious or nervous it shows in our body language etc.

 

Give this a chance - I'm sure by the fall they will be much improved and by the time my hubby and I go in 10/07 we'll be wined and dined wonderfully.

 

Happy Cruising.:)

 

Peggy, Norwood MA

 

I don't think anyone is dwelling on the negative. We are offering constructive criticism, which is what fuels this site. We were all paying guests and feedback is legitimate. "Kinks" in the process are understandable; they happen, expecially on a new ship. I haven't see too many posts critical of these types of things, nor did we experience many of them. I do think it's reasonable to comment on what RCI could have done as a company to make the maiden voyage more memorable.

[zotzer]

I'm not harping at all. Someone asked, so I answered. Frankly, if one reads the posts of those of us who have just returned, you have to search for negatives. It seems like some readers are hyper-focusing on those points. Believe me, we had a fantastic week, on a wonderful ship, with a fantastic crew! I'm thinking of going back before the year is out. :)

 

Tracy