Freedom of the Seas Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,405 reviews

Don't believe the RCI hype.

Review for the Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Freedom of the Seas
User Avatar
raglenn11
2-5 Cruises • Age 50s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Jan 2016
Cabin: Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

My wife and I sailed the same itinerary as we did in 2013 because we had a great time then and figured it would be just as good this time around. However, overall it was a disappointment.

The ship itself is very nice, well-maintained, and clean. However, we received very inconsistent service ranging from very good to very poor. If you use the RCI Rewards card thinking you are going to get a free cruise, be forewarned that it comes with many stipulations and restrictions. Additionally, it has a maximum value so it was very complex to understand the real value we received compared to what we 'paid' in using the card to obtain the necessary 125,000 points. In hindsight, I feel like we used that card for a couple of years to save about $800 which is a terrible deal in terms of rewards.

Additionally, we had booked a cruise (ship TBD) ahead of time, but had to spend a ton of time and effort to obtain the shipboard credits we were promised. This included being told by a Guest Relations attendant that 'we didn't get shipboard credit, because our cruise was so deeply discounted. When I insisted on speaking to RCI via phone, the rep confirmed my credits, sent an e-mail to the ship, and asked why the staff there wasn't making the call on my behalf. They said I should be enjoying my cruise, not calling RCI to confirm what I was entitled to. I asked the desk agent to speak to the phone rep and he refused, saying he wasn't allowed to talk to anyone on the phone. Another case of terrible customer service and a dishonest approach to guest relations. I guess in hindsight make sure you have everything in writing, because RCI seems to have a hard time keeping track of it in their system, and I'm not so sure they don't do it on purpose to try and make more profit.

Cabin Review

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

Cabin E2

Nice cabin with plenty of room, but a tiny bathroom. Would have been nice to have a lounger on the balcony or an ottoman to rest your feet on.

10 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find a Freedom of the Seas Cruise from $241

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.