This was our first cruise with RCI and Freedom of the Seas. We arrived at the port about 10:15. The embarkation process started at 11:00 for the newbies. We were not allowed to go to our cabin until 1:30. Lunch was being served in the Windjammer buffet. After we ate, we we were allowed in our cabin and then went on deck for the sail-away. We had signed up for the Murder Mystery Dinner. The food was okay with as much wine as you wanted. There was no audience participation as we expected. We would not do this again. Over the next week we explored the ship and all the amenities. It was fun to watch participants try the flow-rider($). There was rock climbing($), mini-golf, basketball, children's arcade($), children's water park, adult pool, and other nice amenities.
The promenade was very crowded in the evening and on sea days. Some of the eating areas were free, for others were was a charge. There was a promenade party one evening and a children's parade with the Dreamworks characters another afternoon. Although these were fun events, it was very crowded. The promenade idea was not a favorite of ours. All in all, The food was not as good as we have had on other cruise lines. The entertainment was excellent. The cruise director, Casey Pelter, was one of the best we have had on any cruise. We had a good time.This is a beautiful ship!
We had an ocean view cabin. It was small! Our soft-sided suitcases could not fit under the bed. So, they were just standing in the cabin taking up even more valuable space. The window was over the bed, not to the side. We could not look down through the window. Our cabin stewart was excellent!