Freedom 8/20/06 - Just Back

[FRANKM]

PETEUKMCR:

 

Intercontinental is very nice. I stayed at HI last year. Was ok but

I was much happier at Intercontinental. More expensive but worth it.

Not a long walk to Bayside, past some nice fountains and along

the sea wall so you dont have to cross the Blvd.

 

Didnt get to Vintages. Went to Champagne Bar after we boarded

for a toast of bubbly.

 

Nights at Chops & Portofinos was a matter of convenience for us.

Some schedule to avoid different theme nights others just go.

Personal preference.

[tourist]

Great review!

Can you comment on the Mystery Theater? Where is it held? What kind of meal is served?

Thanks!

[FRANKM]

TOURIST:

 

Did not attend Mystery Theatre. According to the compass which

is posted on cruisedailies, there was one held on Day 1 in Oliver or Twist deck 14 at 9:15pm. Cost $49.50 tips included.

 

Same place we had meet & mingle. Great view from this

area and comfortable.

[cruizinmimi]

Many thanks for the review, most helpful. We're just 7 weeks away from leaving the UK en-route to Miami. We're also staying at the Intercontinental (fancied a change from the Holiday Inn we've used before opposite Bayside Marketplace).

 

Good to hear that Portofino's and Chops are as good as ever as I can't wait to make reservations for these. Just deciding which nights to go is the problem.

 

Has anyone used Vintages? We enjoy the occasional glass or two of wine!

 

Thanks again.

 

Hello Pete,

 

Linda here...we sailed on the Navigator with you on May 7th. How are you guys doing? We will be on the Freedom in 2 wks. We just missed you. I'm looking forward to the Freedom. We had a great time on the Navigator. Just had to stop in and say hello.

Linda & Arthur

[Nanatravel]

Many Thanks Frank for taking so much time to detail your review and answer all the questions. You have helps so many future FOS cruisers. Glad to hear they moved the Grand Buffet, about the Bayside restaurants and your transfer costs.

 

We too are staying at the Intercontinental. You mentioned the pricey breakfast buffet, did you find any other places within walking distance for a nice local breakfastin Miami? I understand Bayside places don't open until 10 a.m.

[FRANKM]

Nanatravel

 

I walked maybe up a block to where the metromover was...Brickell

Ave I think. Then a half block over. Didnt see anything but

office buildings and parking garages. Maybe farther up but it started to rain so I went back to the hotel.

 

We had planned to go back to Bayside for Breakfast. I believe the

Latin American Cafe is opened for Breakfast around 8am. Saw a sign

there the night before but cant confirm it by an actual visit. Weather

got a little rough for awhile so it was the breakfast buffet at the

hotel. $19 is a little steep, but then again I didnt pay...my son and

DIL treated us all. LOL. There is a deli type place in the lobby but

it was under renovation. Also, they are putting in a Starbucks, I think

in Sept sometimes. Saw it under construction. Might be good for

simple things other than full breakfast.

[FRANKM]

CruiseAwayWithMe

 

Yes, James Andrews was the Cruise Director. I liked him.

Very energetic. The Captain was Erik Tengelsen.

 

The plastic water cases they gave out were the thin ones.

I bought the thicker RCCL ones several years ago and use it

on every cruise. Very convenient. Enough space to hold

credit cards, cash, ship card etc. Waterproof. Hang it

around my neck or into side pockets. DW actually slips

it around her waist. Never have to carry a wallet.

 

Bingo is my favorite. Always get the $35 card. I think

in the last five cruises I won $112 once. LOL. But its' fun.

 

Meet & Mingle. Well sometimes they work out, sometimes not.

I have met some fantastic people at them. The meeting times are

tough though.

[Tammy1205]

FrankM thank you for the Very nice review and the hints on the Beachs.

[D300]

Great review.

Looking forward for my October 29th cruise.

[Nanatravel]

Thanks again Frank. Maybe the deli will be open in November or we can walk over to the Latin American Cafe at Bayside.

 

Bon Voyage

[peteukmcr]

Hi Linda

 

Glad to see you're still cruising! I hope you enjoy Freedom, you'll have to post your review as soon as you get back!

 

We can't believe we booked Freedom onboard Navigator in May 2005 and we're still over 5 weeks away from sailing. A lot has happened over the past 18 months, including moving home which was the most stressful experience and still travelling to Germany, Austria and now Spain for work.

 

Hope you guys are well.

[CruisinDawn]

Chops still have crab cakes as an appetizer? Thought I read the menu is a bit different on the Freedom. Also did you happen to go to the martini tasting? If so what was the cost for it?

 

Thanks

Dawna

[FRANKM]

CrusinDawn

 

Yes, Maryland Crab cakes were on the appetizer menu at Chops.

I think DW had them. I went for the Portobello Mushroom caps.

Did not go to the Martini tasting event.

[hardingk]

Thanks for the great review!!

[luv2cruisex2]

Frank,

 

Thanks for the awesome review...I think it is the best yet!!! :D We leave Jan. 14th on the Freedom and now I really cant wait. We tried to get the JS but they were booked, so we settled with a balcony on the 8th deck...sure it will be nice anyways. Thanks again for the great review. :)

[Adventure Girl]

I hope this question wasn't asked already and I missed the answer.....I'm wondering about the sofa bed in the Junior Suite. Did you use the sofa bed? Was it comfortable? Did you have 1 or 2 people sleeping on the sofa bed? We have a junior suite in November and we will have 4 adults in the room....I know the beds are great...but I'm wondering about the bedding and the comfort level of the sofa bed.

 

Thanks for your great review...I've copied it and shared with my friends. I appreciate you taking the time to write the review and respond to everyone's questions. Thanks!

[BillOh]

I've heard the comments about the elevators skipping floors a couple of times now. Have you sent that comment to RCI on their website? (I'm hoping you and others have, so it can be worked out by my cruise. ) :cool:

[FRANKM]

Adventure Girl:

We had 3 adults in the JS. Was fine. 4 might be just making

it. You will love the JS. The walk in closet in addition to

the balcony makes it very nice. Lots of storage.

DD slept on the sofa bed. Said it was ok. She slept late enough

in it...LOL. I tried it for a few

minutes and thought it was a little uncomfortable IMHO. Felt like

a bar or something was sticking in my back in the middle. Didnt

take the time to examine it though since it was expected.

You can always request one of the egg crate foam things to

make it more comfortable if needed. The regular bed was fabulous.

So much so, that we ran out last week and bought one of those

2 inch memory foams to put over our feather mattress top. Think

I came close to duplicating it.

 

BillOh:

Yep, I did email RCCL about the elevators in addition to the real

positive experiences we had with the staff and ship in general.

Also included it on the Guest Satisfaction Survey.

 

luv2cruisex2:

Iam sure you will be happy with a balcony on deck 8.

Enjoy!!

[Adventure Girl]

Thanks for the reply....I think I'm going to tell my travel companions today that I want one of the beds! LOL! I was on the Freedom in June for a 24 hour cruise and I know what you mean about the beds...wow...they are great! I didn't realize we can request the foam egg crate thing....good advice.

 

Have a great day.

[SAS21]

Can anyone who is sailing on the Freedom in the near future find out if the bartender in Boleros named Adrianne is moving to Liberty when she comes out? Thanks for any help.

[WeBCruisin]

Frank

 

Do you remember your muster location for JS 9326? We are sailing on Freedom next month and have your same cabin. We have two young children and are crossing our fingers that this is one of the lucky cabins that meets in the Dining Room or one of the lounges rather than out on deck!!