Freedom review June 4, 2006

[abridalmaven]

Keep in mind this is my own opinion and I am sure there are others

who disagree but this is how I felt about our cruise. I must say it

was one of the best I have ever been on and my husband and I had fun.

But I also say we do not recall ever having a bad time on any

vacation as long as we are with or make friends. We feel any trip is

what you make of it.

 

Wow what can I say about this ship except awesome! When we got into

port and got to the terminal we were met by members of the pink boa

society and had fun even before we got on the ship. Capt. Kangaroo

(a CC member on our roll call) gave us all trinkets to start our

party. As a group we were on an elevator and when it opened up with

all of the pink boas inside, I think we scared the heck out of an old

lady who was going to enter. We went up to the pool deck to check out

the hot tubs and then on to the buffet.

 

At the sailaway there was not boats to escort us out, but we did have

a spectacular rainbow as we were leaving. And there were so many cars

stopped on the road and even those slowing down to watch us leave we

thought there was going to be an accident.

 

I have been on a Voyager class before and this is similar but so much

more. There is so much space, so big and yet intimate. When we

checked our rooms after a very nice lunch in the expanded Windjammer,

we noticed the new bedding right away, if you sit on it you could

feel the difference. We had a Promenade cabin, which I love because

we have the extra window seat. More space to fill up! And where did

the day go, before we knew it, it was time for dinner, where we met

our long time pals Jim & Jan who we sail with on a regular basis,

and our newly discovered pals Fawn and Rick who we had met a few

years ago on the Legend of the seas in Hawaii. Our waiter was a

keeper and lots of fun. I have to say he was the best we have ever

had on any ship, and loads of fun to be with. For formal night I had

made boutonnières for all of our men at the table and he saw them and

remarked how nice. I had an extra and gave it to him, and as he

pinned it on he was beaming. He also wore it the next formal night,

what a delight he was.

 

I will not break each day down because they are a blur. But we did

have a great time. We tried the flow rider, I did it on the last day

because I needed to work up courage, and now I am mad at myself for

not going sooner, oh well an excuse for another cruise on this

magnificent ship

 

The Meet and Mingle was so wonderful, the captain greeted us and

signed the poem that the pinks made up for this cruise. It was

presented in a frame for the ship and we all had copies. This is a

moment I will cherish. I know much has been made of a lack of events

for our voyage, but this was quite memorable for me. I was thrilled

to meet the rest of the Pinks who are loads of fun and hope to run

into them on a cruise in the future.

 

Formal night was also very well done and for a change we had no

problem with lines when it came to have our pictures taken and this

is a first for us. I have to say at no time did I ever feel crowded

or overwhelmed by people, which is something I did fell on smaller

ships. And as for eating in the dining room, I have to say the level

we were on is magnificent, soothing colors, quite elegant. And more

people were in formalwear on formal night than any other cruise I

have been on, which was quite pleasant and on both nights.

 

And as for the food, I was amazed that every meal was outstanding,

the steaks were tender and juicy, the fish cooked and seasoned to

perfection. We did eat one night in Chops and the food and service

was wonderful, but they had problem with the grill and it was a bit

slow. This made us miss the Quest, which we were so looking forward

to, but what can you do. We were having such a great time; it did not

seem to matter. Besides we felt Quest was held a bit too early in the

week.

 

The shows are the best I have ever seen on s ship, there was only one

comedian we saw on the last night that I felt was not great, he was

alright, but not great. All the other shows were high quality

including the ice show. The costumes and sets in all the shows were

Broadway quality. And the performers were also high caliber. And as

usual the parades we spectacular.

 

On our first stop we did the Tulum Mayan ruins which was a long hot

day which started late because of red tape things, due to the fact

that this was the very first time in port for this ship, so we were

off to a late start. But I was expecting the lifeboat tenders;

instead they used local ferry type boats, which held a larger number

of people. We tendered to cozumel and then had to take a ferry across

the bay to the mainland when we go there we had a long walk to the

buses they said due to hurricane damage. Some of the older in the

tours had a hard time keeping up with the guide. The bus ride was

long and while informative we were in information overload, I wanted

a nap. When we got there we had a choice to walk to the ruins (they

no longer let the tour buses close, due to erosion) or take a tram

with a small fee. (see pics) It was a tractor pulling it, but hey it

was hot and we had enough walking to do in the ruins. The tour was

interesting bit it was so hot, thank goodness for that insulated bag

they gave us with the water and moistened towel. After the tour was

over we were gave a sugar-laden box lunch on the bus. Mini roll,

minute amount of tuna, cookie, peanuts, and sugarery drink box and

muffin and sugared fruit cocktail with no spoon. Thank goodness I had

the foresight to bring a protein bar. The ride back we slept, and

when we got to the ferry we had drinks to cool us off. The tendering

was a little slow getting back on to the ship. This I think in part

due to the fact that the locals were doing the tendering and they had

to get it down pat and also because this was the first time for

everything on this ship and they crew had to adjust the screening

process letting people back on the ship. But the next stop it had

improved tremendously.

 

Since we had a complete full day in the first port we did not get

off in the Cayman Islands early. We started to do some shops and saw

the beautiful parrots when the skies opened up. So we stayed in the

shops until we could walk around. While we were shopping I had on my

Inaugural t-shirt made for our group. So we ran into one couple that

was on the Princess and they told us they were going to do our trip

but was talked out of it by friends. They asked us all about the ship

and said they were sorry they had not done our cruise. They already

love RCI and found Princess to be lacking and nightlife dead. After

the shows they had no games like Quest and so on.

 

Our next port was Montego Bay and we were greeted so warmly it was

nice to be appreciated. We did the Dunne's River falls tour through

the ship and were glad we booked it with them because all of the tour

buses got back late. We had a blast at the falls and it was so

cooling in that water. The bus ride was quite long but our guide was

quite informative and friendly so she made the ride pleasant and on

the way back she was quiet so we could sleep. We had a stop at

Margaritaville for a buffet lunch, quite difference from the Mayan

tour. But I must say the ride was very long, I would hesitate doing

it again from that port. Jamaica was much more pleasant than I was

led to believe and the island beautiful.

 

Labadee was a pleasantly quiet day. We found a secluded spot with

plenty of lounge chairs. We had a nice lunch swam and took pictures

and just relaxed before we went to the shops on our way back to the

ship. They had musicians playing and on our way back were given water

and the lemony wash cloths again, quite refreshing. In this port they

have there own ferry system in place.

 

The sea days back were needed and we did more exploring and new

things to do on the ship. We had a wine tasting in Vintages that as

quite nice. And after mellowing out I had enough courage to try the

flow rider. But this time my husband was quite a pro at that and many

nights I had to drag him off to get ready for dinner. Needless to say

he had a ball. And add to it all the surfing songs from that era, and

he was in heaven: he is a diehard beach boys fan.

 

We had a great time on this ship and will one day do it or the other

Freedom class ships. Our friends booked a cruise while onboard for

the Mediterranean in Sept of 2007. When we got home we also booked

but I am not sure if I can wait that long for another cruise. I can

say considering it was the first run I could say I did not experience

any of the flaws I expected. The crew was ultra nice and pleasant and

helpful and made this a wonderful experience.Barbara

[emmy]

Keep in mind this is my own opinion and I am sure there are others

who disagree but this is how I felt about our cruise. I must say it

was one of the best I have ever been on and my husband and I had fun.

But I also say we do not recall ever having a bad time on any

vacation as long as we are with or make friends. We feel any trip is

what you make of it.

 

Wow what can I say about this ship except awesome! When we got into

port and got to the terminal we were met by members of the pink boa

society and had fun even before we got on the ship. Capt. Kangaroo

(a CC member on our roll call) gave us all trinkets to start our

party. As a group we were on an elevator and when it opened up with

all of the pink boas inside, I think we scared the heck out of an old

lady who was going to enter. We went up to the pool deck to check out

the hot tubs and then on to the buffet.

 

At the sailaway there was not boats to escort us out, but we did have

a spectacular rainbow as we were leaving. And there were so many cars

stopped on the road and even those slowing down to watch us leave we

thought there was going to be an accident.

 

I have been on a Voyager class before and this is similar but so much

more. There is so much space, so big and yet intimate. When we

checked our rooms after a very nice lunch in the expanded Windjammer,

we noticed the new bedding right away, if you sit on it you could

feel the difference. We had a Promenade cabin, which I love because

we have the extra window seat. More space to fill up! And where did

the day go, before we knew it, it was time for dinner, where we met

our long time pals Jim & Jan who we sail with on a regular basis,

and our newly discovered pals Fawn and Rick who we had met a few

years ago on the Legend of the seas in Hawaii. Our waiter was a

keeper and lots of fun. I have to say he was the best we have ever

had on any ship, and loads of fun to be with. For formal night I had

made boutonnières for all of our men at the table and he saw them and

remarked how nice. I had an extra and gave it to him, and as he

pinned it on he was beaming. He also wore it the next formal night,

what a delight he was.

 

I will not break each day down because they are a blur. But we did

have a great time. We tried the flow rider, I did it on the last day

because I needed to work up courage, and now I am mad at myself for

not going sooner, oh well an excuse for another cruise on this

magnificent ship

 

The Meet and Mingle was so wonderful, the captain greeted us and

signed the poem that the pinks made up for this cruise. It was

presented in a frame for the ship and we all had copies. This is a

moment I will cherish. I know much has been made of a lack of events

for our voyage, but this was quite memorable for me. I was thrilled

to meet the rest of the Pinks who are loads of fun and hope to run

into them on a cruise in the future.

 

Formal night was also very well done and for a change we had no

problem with lines when it came to have our pictures taken and this

is a first for us. I have to say at no time did I ever feel crowded

or overwhelmed by people, which is something I did fell on smaller

ships. And as for eating in the dining room, I have to say the level

we were on is magnificent, soothing colors, quite elegant. And more

people were in formalwear on formal night than any other cruise I

have been on, which was quite pleasant and on both nights.

 

And as for the food, I was amazed that every meal was outstanding,

the steaks were tender and juicy, the fish cooked and seasoned to

perfection. We did eat one night in Chops and the food and service

was wonderful, but they had problem with the grill and it was a bit

slow. This made us miss the Quest, which we were so looking forward

to, but what can you do. We were having such a great time; it did not

seem to matter. Besides we felt Quest was held a bit too early in the

week.

 

The shows are the best I have ever seen on s ship, there was only one

comedian we saw on the last night that I felt was not great, he was

alright, but not great. All the other shows were high quality

including the ice show. The costumes and sets in all the shows were

Broadway quality. And the performers were also high caliber. And as

usual the parades we spectacular.

 

On our first stop we did the Tulum Mayan ruins which was a long hot

day which started late because of red tape things, due to the fact

that this was the very first time in port for this ship, so we were

off to a late start. But I was expecting the lifeboat tenders;

instead they used local ferry type boats, which held a larger number

of people. We tendered to cozumel and then had to take a ferry across

the bay to the mainland when we go there we had a long walk to the

buses they said due to hurricane damage. Some of the older in the

tours had a hard time keeping up with the guide. The bus ride was

long and while informative we were in information overload, I wanted

a nap. When we got there we had a choice to walk to the ruins (they

no longer let the tour buses close, due to erosion) or take a tram

with a small fee. (see pics) It was a tractor pulling it, but hey it

was hot and we had enough walking to do in the ruins. The tour was

interesting bit it was so hot, thank goodness for that insulated bag

they gave us with the water and moistened towel. After the tour was

over we were gave a sugar-laden box lunch on the bus. Mini roll,

minute amount of tuna, cookie, peanuts, and sugarery drink box and

muffin and sugared fruit cocktail with no spoon. Thank goodness I had

the foresight to bring a protein bar. The ride back we slept, and

when we got to the ferry we had drinks to cool us off. The tendering

was a little slow getting back on to the ship. This I think in part

due to the fact that the locals were doing the tendering and they had

to get it down pat and also because this was the first time for

everything on this ship and they crew had to adjust the screening

process letting people back on the ship. But the next stop it had

improved tremendously.

 

Since we had a complete full day in the first port we did not get

off in the Cayman Islands early. We started to do some shops and saw

the beautiful parrots when the skies opened up. So we stayed in the

shops until we could walk around. While we were shopping I had on my

Inaugural t-shirt made for our group. So we ran into one couple that

was on the Princess and they told us they were going to do our trip

but was talked out of it by friends. They asked us all about the ship

and said they were sorry they had not done our cruise. They already

love RCI and found Princess to be lacking and nightlife dead. After

the shows they had no games like Quest and so on.

 

Our next port was Montego Bay and we were greeted so warmly it was

nice to be appreciated. We did the Dunne's River falls tour through

the ship and were glad we booked it with them because all of the tour

buses got back late. We had a blast at the falls and it was so

cooling in that water. The bus ride was quite long but our guide was

quite informative and friendly so she made the ride pleasant and on

the way back she was quiet so we could sleep. We had a stop at

Margaritaville for a buffet lunch, quite difference from the Mayan

tour. But I must say the ride was very long, I would hesitate doing

it again from that port. Jamaica was much more pleasant than I was

led to believe and the island beautiful.

 

Labadee was a pleasantly quiet day. We found a secluded spot with

plenty of lounge chairs. We had a nice lunch swam and took pictures

and just relaxed before we went to the shops on our way back to the

ship. They had musicians playing and on our way back were given water

and the lemony wash cloths again, quite refreshing. In this port they

have there own ferry system in place.

 

The sea days back were needed and we did more exploring and new

things to do on the ship. We had a wine tasting in Vintages that as

quite nice. And after mellowing out I had enough courage to try the

flow rider. But this time my husband was quite a pro at that and many

nights I had to drag him off to get ready for dinner. Needless to say

he had a ball. And add to it all the surfing songs from that era, and

he was in heaven: he is a diehard beach boys fan.

 

We had a great time on this ship and will one day do it or the other

Freedom class ships. Our friends booked a cruise while onboard for

the Mediterranean in Sept of 2007. When we got home we also booked

but I am not sure if I can wait that long for another cruise. I can

say considering it was the first run I could say I did not experience

any of the flaws I expected. The crew was ultra nice and pleasant and

helpful and made this a wonderful experience.Barbara

 

Barbara ~ I was there with you every step of the way reading your wonderful review.. so positive and truly Freedom was 'an experience' one that I will not forget anytime soon... one of the best... no make it the best cruise of 12 for me.... thank you to all the great people I met and to RCI for 'wowing' us with this great ship....sure like barbara said not a lot of fanfare for a 'maiden voyage' but it in no way took away from our great cruise.

 

Happy Cruising to you and Phil :)

 

Emmy

[frudutx]

Barbara ~ I was there with you every step of the way reading your wonderful review.. so positive and truly Freedom was 'an experience' one that I will not forget anytime soon... one of the best... no make it the best cruise of 12 for me.... thank you to all the great people I met and to RCI for 'wowing' us with this great ship....sure like barbara said not a lot of fanfare for a 'maiden voyage' but it in no way took away from our great cruise.

 

Happy Cruising to you and Phil :)

 

Emmy

 

I'll echo Em, Barbara great review!

 

d

[shipknotshore]

Enjoyed reading your review. It sounds like you had a wonderful time. This ship is a definite "have to cruise" for us. We really liked the Voyager class ships and the variety of things to do on them and it sounds like this ship is amazing. What kind of wait times did you have to get on the flow rider? (I think I'd be like you - have to work up the courage to do it after a couple glasses of wine!!!)

Thanks for writing about your experience.

[Ocean Boy]

It was good reading a review from you. It is always good getting a perspective from someone whose past post you are familiar with. I am becoming more and more intreged with this ship. The one thing that still makes me nervous about this ship is what it will be like when they start booking her to full capacity. But I may have to give her a try.

 

I am really glad that you liked Jamaica. I think it is a beautiful island and we loved Dunn's River. We still talk about that once in awhile. Just thinking about our time there makes me smile and sometimes laugh! I understand that Freedom will eventually be moving to Ocho Rios and I am really happy about that as it is so close to the Falls. So if I do book I think it will be for after the move.

 

Glad you had a great week.

[bhughey]

Really enjoyed your review! My husband is hesitant to try the Freedom, even though we prefer the Radiance and Voyager class size ships. I am hoping I can change his mind! We just got off the Sovereign this past Monday, we were on board to celebrate a retirement for my aunt and uncle and I mentioned on several occasions that the Sovereign felt way more crowded that ANY of the larger ships we've sailed on -- so I especially noted your comments regarding the size/crowds. Thanks again for your review!

[signman]

You wrote at length about the tendering in Mexico, yet no mention of how you got ashore in any other port. I know you had to tender in Grand Cayman as there is no pier anywhere for any ship. What about Jamaica and Labadee? Tender or dock?

 

As best I can determine by looking at Freedom, and I have seen it from Watson Island, there are no tenders carried by this ship.

[zotzer]

You wrote at length about the tendering in Mexico, yet no mention of how you got ashore in any other port. I know you had to tender in Grand Cayman as there is no pier anywhere for any ship. What about Jamaica and Labadee? Tender or dock?.

 

The only docked port was MoBay. In all honesty, this is the only port where I had to wait to get off the ship! We had a very early excursion (through the ship), and it took awhile for the port to clear the ship.

 

Tenders in both Coz and GC were the huge, locally contracted tenders. Frankly, the ship is big, and it takes big tender boats for the ramp to even REACH deck one. On one tender, the ramp was actually fairly steep...but other than that, the tender operations were uncrowded, quick, and smooth.

 

On Labadee, RCI keeps their own tenders there, and same thing...fast and easy. I know there has been a lot of speculation on the tendering of this big ship, but it was a total breeze!

 

Tracy

[abridalmaven]

It was good reading a review from you. It is always good getting a perspective from someone whose past post you are familiar with. I am becoming more and more intreged with this ship. The one thing that still makes me nervous about this ship is what it will be like when they start booking her to full capacity. But I may have to give her a try.

 

I am really glad that you liked Jamaica. I think it is a beautiful island and we loved Dunn's River. We still talk about that once in awhile. Just thinking about our time there makes me smile and sometimes laugh! I understand that Freedom will eventually be moving to Ocho Rios and I am really happy about that as it is so close to the Falls. So if I do book I think it will be for after the move.

 

Glad you had a great week.

 

 

Thanks OB, give it a try, I think you may like.:D