Anyone have problems on Freedom?

[mae]

I've just finished reading the thread "No more RCCL" and am really wondering what kind of problems we will be dealing with on Freedom in a couple of months as far as congestion goes. We haven't sailed RCCL since 2000 on the maiden Voyager sailing and have used Princess since. We had a great sail on Voyager and absolutely love Princess but after reading a lot of the posts recently, we are wonder what's happened to Royal Caribbean in the last six years and if maybe we have made a huge mistake. Are the ships getting too big and can't handle the masses?

[WhitePearl]

How long does it normally take to get off the ship at the end of the cruise?

[ChristieNJ]

I was on Freedom last month. The ONLY problems we ever had with crowds were obviously when the shows let out, and at that time also, the elevators were taking forever and there was a bit of a wait to get on.

Other than that, there were NO problems around the pool, no problems at the Windjammer, or anywhere else with the crowds. The ship is big enough that everyone has a place to go. The service was awesome and the ship was absolutely beautiful. The cruise we did before this one was on the Explorer, and the experience was almost identical. You really don't know you are on a ship any bigger than Explorer to tell you the truth.

As far as getting off the ship, we chose to do the "Carry your own luggage off." This worked like a charm. We were able to get off the ship anytime we wanted between 6:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. BUT, we had to be out of our stateroom by 8 a.m., like everyone else. So we went to breakfast at 7:30, came back to our rooms for our luggage, and then walked off the ship in a line of no more than about 5 or 6 people on deck 4. Piece of cake.

 

UPDATE: I was just interviewed about my experience on the Freedom for Crowncast.org. It's a podcast that can be listened to right on their website. I believe my interview will be on Episode 8 which will come out on or about this Thursday, so keep an eye out for it. They asked me a lot of questions which may be of interest to you.

[scubapuss]

I was on Freedom June 4 There was no problems walked right on 15 min to get off. No congestion what so ever. No waiting for tables. Pool chairs always open. Lots of security, Kids behaved great. Tendering was not a problem. I guess it is also what you expect whether or not you are happy. I thought for the 4th sailing it was great. Some people expect alot more than I, I guess.

[Springs_cruiser]

We were on the Freedom 10/29 - 11/5. With nearly 4000 people aboard, I was expecting crowds everywhere. So I was very pleasantly surprised. We often found ourselves saying 'Where is everyone else?'

 

It took us about an hour to get on the ship (arrived ~10:45).

 

Tendering in Grand Cayman and Labadee was quick and smooth.

 

Getting off was mixed. We were on the Everglades excursion so we left around 7am and were on our bus by 7:30 or so. One of my brothers was leaving around the same time, but had one of his suitcases placed on the wrong carousel and it took them about 2 hrs to find it. Another one of my brothers was leaving later and got caught in line because the computers in Customs went down. It also took them over 2 hours to get off. So I guess I would say that with that many people, any problem, even a slight one, can cause massive delays.

 

The only place onboard that was affected by the crowds was the Windjammer where it was sometimes difficult to get a table. Otherwise, we never would have guessed that there were that many people on board.

[jdkey]

go and enjoy! We were on the C&A Member cruise 10-15 and there were crowds at the end of shows as has been mentioned but just have some patience & you'll be fine. Only ate in Windjammer once but it was ok. I agree w/prior post that it felt an awful lot like the Voyager class as far as crowds go. There was a delay getting on the ship but not due to crowds, customs issues. We use the stairs whenever possible and found some delays in elevators at peak times nothing that would ruin a cruise. So relax go and enjoy!

one note-when you get off & can't find your luggage on the carousel it's supposed to be on... walk around, we had 2 bags taken off by other people & set in the middle of the floor. others had the same problem. The handlers were throwing the luggage on the carousel & some was in danger of falling off so people took it off & set it in the floor.

Debbie

[AFT_LOVER]

for customs, making for 2000 in line to board the ship at about Noon 10/15. We were told to go to this opposite entrance which we did & in 10 minutes went up the escalator to the clerk at the top, wtching them post signs for DIAMOND/PLUS,SUITES to get in line there & the people were just coming in.

 

Then up another escalator to the photo guy & on the ship we went, up to 9228 to drop off carryons & to Promenade for a great Italian feast at Sorrento's. We are not Windjammer fans, so we do dining room, Chops or Promenade.

 

Then a slow sea day we decided to talk to the LA Jayne but she wasn't ever there. So we did a walk in appointment. 3 ladies are 4PM & we are after. Then I am told we are next so I got husband there. We are still sitting & the clerks are closing laptops & leaving. Then the Parade starts & that is 5:30PM & Jerry tells me dinner is in half an hour. We learn their computers are down. Other people with 5PM appointments were never taken & no certificates were being passed out. VERY BAD ATTITUDE THERE! But my TA got us $150-$200 depending on length, for our next cruise. She didn't care for being told this for over 400 folks she booked on the same cruise. So we all got the OBC.

 

Other than the long lines to get off, but we were last off so we just went up to play mini golf again & wait for lines to diappear so we could get off. Had a great time with the last hours on!

[peteukmcr]

Hi mae - we were on 10/22 Freedom sailing and there's a link to my review below.

 

Although my review mentions a few issues, I had none relating to crowds. We were always able to get a table in Windjammer for breakfast, sun loungers in either the Solarium or on the St Tropez deck as mentioned.

 

To be honest I thought there was more room and less crowding even with 4000 passengers, than when we sailed on Mariner and Navigator.

 

Despite the issues I mentioned, which are minor and did not spoil the cruise in any way, this ship is fantastic.

 

You will have a ball - enjoy!

[ryzmom]

I ditto what everyone else is saying regarding the elevators, the Windjammer in finding tables at certain times or finding a lounge chair RIGHT by the pool. Just go up top, it's less crowded and less noisier.

 

But I have to say this...my husband kept saying to me, "With all 4000 people onboard, I keep seeing the same people over and over again". It's true! You would have thought there was only 1000 people onboard. You see the same people throughout the week on the ship! Weird!

 

You will love it! The FREEDOM is soooooo awesome!

[csk]

We were also on the Freedom on 10/29, on the ship by 11;30, we did not see any crowds to talk about, always found a seat in the Windjammer, and always had a chair at the pool, we did the express off and where off and in our car in Miami at 6:30 am, the easiest ever, the Freedom is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! enjoy your cruise

[Nanatravel]

We sailed on the Freedon last week, 11/5/2006. Embarkation was easy. We took a taxi from the Intercontinetal Hotel about 11 a.m. We gave our luggage to the uniformed porters, and proceeded to stand outside in line under the roof. It took about 15 minutes before we heard the announcement that the ship had been cleared and they would start embarkation. Once inside, the lines moved quickly. I saw a sign for Platnimum, Diamond & Diamond Plus members, asked the RCI representative and she directed us to this line with only one guest waiting before us. Then another rep, escorted us very quickly to the next agent. There was a little confusion near the Sign & Sail Photo station and the other RCI passengers did have to wait in another line to board after the P, D & D+ folks. However, people we knew at the beginning of that line, were on board at almost the same time we were! We proceeded to the Windjammer by 11:45 a.m. and enjoyed an early lunch and relaxed until 1. We walked down to our cabin on deck 9, which was all set. I never did hear an announcement.

 

Although elevators were slow and passed right by many times, if you went to a farther bank after dining or a show, it wasn't so bad. We enjoyed the exercise walking to our aft cabin.

 

With more than 4000 people aboard including over 500 children, I was expecting crowds everywhere. So I was very pleasantly surprised.

 

Tendering in Grand Cayman was the slowest procedure. We arrived on deck 1 (no tender tickets were issued) at 9:45 about 15 minutes after the captain announced the ship was cleared. We arrived on shore at 10:25 a.m. at the new North terminal across from the historic church. They used Grand Cayman tenders which are very large and the seas were a little rough which may have accounted for the slow loading as it was a much quicker boarding from GC. Labadee was quick and smooth in both directions.

 

Getting off was mixed. We are Platinum and advised we could wait in the Main dining room. We headed down for breakfast about 6:45 a.m. Our color Lavendar 2 was called about 7:30 a.m. Lines from deck 4 were long and slow but we got to the luggage carousel within a half hour. Waiting for our luggage was probably the slowest part. All 4 bags came off together and a porter assisted us to the American Airlines Valet check-in. For $10 each, for 2 pieces of luggage, this was one of the best values. Our porter escorted us to the curb and tried to find a taxi but they were all full. We moved down to an open spot and flagged down the next car to arrive. We shared the cab with another couple and split the $24 fee to MIA. We were through security and at our gate by 8:45 a.m. Since Miami airport is so huge, I think that was pretty smooth.

 

The only place onboard that was affected by the crowds was the Windjammer. I decided to have room service or eat in the dining room for breakfast each day. Only one morning did we have a problem there, where half of the table of 10 got their breakfast (primarily Eggs Benedict) but the other half were told there was only 2 chefs making eggs! They never refilled coffee or water and were slow with service. The lady seated next to me had ordered Eggs Benedict and didn't get hers either until the others where done eating. However, the waiter was apologizing often for this problem. We never had a problem finding a table for lunch but usually ate very late in the afternoon' 1:30 to 3 PM in the Windjammer or at Sorrento's or Johnny Rockets. The Windjammer is open for lunch until 5 p.m. on some port days, which was nice for us Late dining guests.

 

Biggest new problem at the Port of Miami for this sailing was "Lost Luggage". Something really went wrong at the port as more than 40 passengers where missing luggage. One case, the passenger (whom we know) was in Miami for more than a week before the cruise, went on a previous cruise, stayed at a hotel and took a taxi to the port with their luggage. She received 3 of their 4 bags. Of course her bag with her grandson's tux and all of her clothes never was found. Another passenger who had a pre-cruise night stay which was arranged by RCI at the Intercontinental and had the RCI bus transfer gave their luggage as directed, boarded the bus, tipped the driver at the port but never had contact with the Stuvedors at the terminal. Her largest bag never arrived either. Pursor's staff weren't too sympathetic either offering minimal Laundry tags. Police reports had to be filed with Miami police and they were given little hope of ever recovering their luggage or its contents.

 

Also, it was really difficult at the Photo Shop. Many photo's just weren't there. I really wanted to see our Labadee picture and I even recall who took it but it was no where to be found the next day.

 

Bon Voyage

[mae]

Thanks everybody. I can feel more reassured about the crowding or congestion. You see, I have a real problem. I'm impatient! and I'm married to Mr. "I can stand and wait forever, on anyone, for anything" so you can imagine how we headbut when there is any kind of congestion. I plow full steam ahead and then wait in a clearing for him. Thanks for the great info and we're looking forward to a wonderful cruise and getting on Freedom in Feb.

[peteukmcr]

Thanks everybody. I can feel more reassured about the crowding or congestion. You see, I have a real problem. I'm impatient! and I'm married to Mr. "I can stand and wait forever, on anyone, for anything" so you can imagine how we headbut when there is any kind of congestion. I plow full steam ahead and then wait in a clearing for him. Thanks for the great info and we're looking forward to a wonderful cruise and getting on Freedom in Feb.

 

mae - you're welcome to our views, the main thing is, relax, chill and most of all ENJOY! You will have a blast! I am jealous.

[Oakman]

Mae,

I am the poster who said "no more RCCL for a while". The ships are just getting too busy and crowded. We have sailed over 45 times and are now looking to land based vacations or cruises on smaller ships for the first time ever. Bigger is not always better no matter what posters say on this board. Our best cruise ever was the Mediterranean on Orient Lines Marco Polo. Totally geared for tours and the "land experience" it was the trip of a lifetime. Do your homework. It will pay off.

[Aquahound]

Mae,

I am the poster who said "no more RCCL for a while". The ships are just getting too busy and crowded. We have sailed over 45 times and are now looking to land based vacations or cruises on smaller ships for the first time ever. Bigger is not always better no matter what posters say on this board. Our best cruise ever was the Mediterranean on Orient Lines Marco Polo. Totally geared for tours and the "land experience" it was the trip of a lifetime. Do your homework. It will pay off.

 

Remember, Mae, this is just the OP's opinion. I did plenty of homework prior to boarding this ship and was not disappointed at all. The ship is beautiful and the crowds were only bad in the areas you expected them, like the photo gallery, or when shows were letting out.

If you are looking for an intimate ship with no crowds, this isn't for you. But, if you're looking to have a good time, you'll be fine.

[cruiselovingmom]

Mae,

I am the poster who said "no more RCCL for a while". The ships are just getting too busy and crowded. We have sailed over 45 times and are now looking to land based vacations or cruises on smaller ships for the first time ever. Bigger is not always better no matter what posters say on this board. Our best cruise ever was the Mediterranean on Orient Lines Marco Polo. Totally geared for tours and the "land experience" it was the trip of a lifetime. Do your homework. It will pay off.

 

Wow, over 45 cruises!

Maybe the shine and excitement of it has just worn off so you've become more critical.

I respect your opinion, but I for one do feel that bigger is better!

[mae]

Oakman, thanks for replying. I appreciate your opinion and am also wondering how big is going to be too big. The VOS was a very large ship but not so crowded that I felt it over powering and we had a great time on that cruise. But I really have to wonder about Freedom. Most of these posters didn't find it so over crowded that I shouldn't be able to cope. We're traveling with a group of 16 and are looking forward to a fun time. I'll probably be able to post my own opinion in a couple of months. I hope I'm not letting age creep up on me. What is the average age on these new mega ships?

[Langley Cruisers]

I will admit (as will my family!) that I am an extremely nervous traveller, and I have a problem in a crowded place. Shopping malls give me trouble, and once I had a panic attack in the underground mall at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas - I couldn't even imagine going on a large cruise ship.

 

We went on Explorer earlier this year and I found the whole experience delightful and fun! As others have said, the times you see the most people or feel any congestion is when the shows let out, and at embarkation and disembarkation. Other than that, it was wonderful. We kept seeing "the same people" on the ship too! Isn't that weird?

 

It takes a step of faith for someone like me to go on a large ship. We loved Explorer and are booked on Liberty of the Seas next year. Looking forward to it!

 

~Karen