The main reason for selecting Freedom of the Seas was our very good friends who live near the port of embarkation had booked this cruise. We decided to join them, normally this is a ship and cruise we would normally would not have considered due to its size (4500 passengers) and itinerary. We have been on many smaller RCC ups and the embarkation and debarkation was painfull but I must say all went so much smoother than I was expecting. The intinerary was one that we have been on many times and now the destinations all run into each other with the same vendors and activities, it is now difficult to discern one port from another.
The ship was was clean and well maintained and the staff was friendly and helpful. We had anytime dining and the staff in all the food areas were fantastic. We ate at "Chops" specialty restaurant and the food though excellent did not have the same level of professionalism and promptness of the main dining room. The food in the main dining room although good and a nice menu was not as I had remembered my previous RCC cruises. Perhaps previous Celebrity and Viking Ocean cruises jaded my expectations.
Our veranda cabin was nicley appointed and had enough room for all our luggage and belongings. The bed I felt was adequate, however others thought the mattress too hard. The rooms were cleaned thoroughly and my only complaint was that no invitations were delivered such as the Meet and Greet and other Crown and Anchor events. We missed both.
Extremely well maintained with twice daily visits.