Freedom of the Seas Review
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Having cruised a number of times, this was my first on Royal Carribean. The Freedom of the Seas is a beautiful ship and has many amenities. The open atrium area with restaurants and stores was a great feature and made you feel like you were in a huge shopping mall or grand hotel. The ship had all of the things you would expect to find and overall the cruise was very good. Although there weren't a lot of WOW moments, I would sail this ship again.
Main Dining Room - Decent variety. Food was fine, but didn't leave blown away at any meal. Our servers were attentive and offered good recommendations. The ambience and furnishings were nice. Had dinner in the main dining room 5 of 7 nights. The rolls with pistachios on in the crust were good. Had a steak one night that was very good. Otherwise, can't recall any particular meal as exceptional.
Speciality Restaurants: Went to Chops, Giovannis, and Johnny Rockets. Chops was good, but not sure if I'd visit again. There is the upcharge to go there, then another up charge if you want the steak that they recommend as the best cuts. Personally didn't think it was worth it. Enjoyed Giovannis. Scallops were good. There was a cherry dessert in a small glass that was very good. Had two. Would go back there again. Johnny Rockets, burger was fine, certainly better than you would find on the buffet. Had most breakfasts at Windjammers and other than difficulty finding a seat on sea days, found it to be more than acceptable for a buffet. Lots of choices and had some good food there. Other than having to search and wait at times for a table, no complaints. The coconut cookies were amazingly good.
Cabin Review
Owner's Suite
Beautiful, spacious cabin with lots of storage space. Triple size balcony with table chairs and lounge chairs. Bathroom is spacious with whirlpool tub, decent sized shower, double sink, toilet and bidet. Bed was comfortable. Had several plumbing issues. First day the toilet overflowed. Next day, toilet would not flush. Later that evening, toilet wouldn't stop running. On the 3rd day, the hot water line that feeds the sink broke and hot water went everywhere, soaking the carpet in much of the cabin and the hallway outside. It took awhile for maintenance to turn off the water. For the next couple of days had to deal with big drying fans in the cabin and in the hallway outside of the cabin. Staff did offer another cabin temporarily to shower, change etc, but it was a small cabin, no where near the size and amenities as the owners suite. There was also a constant, although mild, sewage odor in the bathroom area. The hot water line breakage probably couldn't have been avoided, but I have to wonder if the toilet problems might be a preventative maintenance issue. I wouldn't expect to have to deal with issues like that several times on one cruise. Also had problems with sign and sail card and had to have them remade 5 or 6 times in order to have keys that opened door, worked for charges and opened concierge lounge. Keys would do one or sometimes two of those things, but never all three. I highly recommend a suite if you can swing it - features such as concierge club access is a real plus. Had to rate the cabin as average because of issues - without the issues - would say 5 stars !
Port Reviews
Port Canaveral (Orlando)
Came in the night before and stayed at holiday inn Cocoa Beach. Parked car at Park and Cruise and would recommend their service highly!
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
Stayed on the ship in Cayman. Was a good day to visit the spa and hang by the pools.