Freedom of the Seas Review
Great vacation! Would definitely repeat!
Rating by category
Additional details
I didn't choose the cruise as I wasn't paying for it but most certainly would have. This is my 2nd RC cruise and the longest as my first was only a 4 day. Embarkation lines were long as is typical I suppose, but overall everything went smoothly and I can't say we stood in line for an inordinate amount of time.
The ship was wonderful, though I kind of expected a couple things that didn't happen -- mostly I seem to remember a couple poolside parties on my first/short cruise that included snacks/fruit/desserts... this one didn't. Not that it was a huge deal but the windjammer closed at 9pm so if you were hungry after a show, for example, not sure where you'd go. Also, the 2 pool area bars were closed well before 10pm on the last night of the cruise (when I managed to get to the pool). Also not a huge deal but kind of a question mark since they were still showing a 10pm movie poolside.
The shows were amazing, though I did not see the juggler or the shows on the final night. The early in the week adult comedian was great -- adult but not crass! The singers were amazing. Attended 2 performances of the ice show and loved it! The Quest gameshow was hysterical. Best of all was the All Access Tour. Nicole was a wonderful host and not only was it a treat to see those areas of the ship, but the people who spoke to us were friendly, funny and gracious and you could definitely see the pride in their work shine through when they talked about their jobs.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony
My previous experience was with an interior stateroom but this upgrade (not sure which one it is in the category list) was WELL worth the money. LOVED having the balcony!!
Port Reviews
St. Thomas
LOVED St. Thomas! Disembarking was not fun. Went to the forward initially as it was closest to where we were at the time. We knew we were early but taking a non-RC excursion that requested we be off asap. Crew told us that because there would be several hundred excursion folks disembarking forward, that it woudl be better for us to go aft. Not sure what more people had to do with it unless they would be let off before us (which would hardly be fair). Made me a little grumpy but we managed to be off within 15 minutes of docking. LOVED our non-RC excursion -- a day sail on High Pockets (a small 6 passenger sailboat) that I would highly recommend. I love RC excursions but wanted a small group sailing experience -- not a catamaran or a huge group. High Pockets delivered as we sailed from Red Hook marina to St. John's Honeymoon beach for snorkeling followed by an amazing lunch. Due to docking a little late in the day, we didn't have time for a 2nd snorkeling trip and lazily sailed back. Weather couldn't have been more perfect!
St. Maarten
We were scheduled for an afternoon excursion, but a rainstorm in the late morning prompted RC to cancel it for safety concerns. Oh well. Wandered around the downtown area and shopped. Had a good time and a lovely lunch. Other than the hour of rain, the weather was really nice.