Freedom of the Seas Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,406 reviews

Freedom and P'Can can't be beat!

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Freedom of the Seas
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wraithe
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

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Sail Date: May 2009
Cabin: Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

Background information - I am a retired Navy submarine nuclear power plant operator.  My wife and I both work for an atomic power laboratory now.  My son and daughter are grown and live in the Charleston, SC area.  They did not accompany us on this cruise.  We love to ballroom dance, both smooth and Latin.  I am a gear head/tech head and love learning about how things work and my electronics/computers.

Flights - We used Southwest Air to fly direct from PIT (Pittsburgh International, PA, USA) to MCO (Orlando International, FL, USA).  I am still amazed at the number of people who still think that Southwest just uses the cattle call to board flights.  Things have changed folks.  To begin with, Southwest has one of the best on time records in the industry.  There is no charge for the first two bags under 50 pounds, no charge for snacks/non-alcoholic drinks, or specific seats.  Your boarding spot is determined by when you check in for your flight.  Starting at the 24 hour before flight point, you can check in online or via your smart phone.  You will be assigned an alpha-numeric "number".  A1 though A15 are always reserved for Business Select, whether there are 15 people flying Business Select or not.  A16 through A60 are the next numbers called, and when you get on the plane, you pick whatever seats you want, where ever you want.  Then they board families with children under 4, then B1 through B60, again, you take whatever seat you want that is available when you get on the plane.  Then C1 through C60.  If you want a good choice, you check in as early as possible.  If you check in on your smart phone, then you print your boarding pass when you get to the airport.  You will not lose your "spot".  I have enjoyed every flight that I've taken on Southwest, the flight attendants have sung songs to us, they make jokes, and they are generally great people.  Southwest flies Boeing, which makes me happy, I don't care for Airbus aircraft, just a personal thing, I don't think they're less safe, just don't like the passenger layouts.  In addition, our local grocery store owns a convenience chain, for every $50 in groceries you buy, you "earn" 10 cents/gallon discount on gas (up to 30 gallons).  It also happens that the grocery store sells Southwest gift cards, and Marriott gift cards.  Hmmmm, win win situation here, I use the gift cards for airline and hotel stays and get discounted fuel to boot (not to mention the gift cards are a one size fits all gift).  Overall, I enjoy Southwest's product, and I'm a happy Southwest flier.

Rental Car - I use Budget, simple as that.  They offer reasonable prices, convenience, and decent cars.  For instance, when I got to the Budget counter, they were lined up 5 rows deep (based on past experience, 30 to 45 minutes).  As a Budget Fastbreak customer, I skipped the line, went to the Fastbreak counter, and was (cue trumpets here) #1 in line.  I like #1.  I had the car before my wife had our luggage together.  Due to my exile in Pennsylvaniastan, I am slowly getting used to driving on roads that resemble driving across the surface of the Moon.  It's only fractionally better than dirt roads.  Florida's (my home of record for my entire career in the Navy, no state income tax) smooth, straight, 70 mph highways are such a blessing to that state.  I spent a little time visiting an electronics surplus store that I used to go to often while in Nuclear Power School, then we drove to P'Can (Port Canaveral).  I'll cut to the chase now, we love the Budget office in P'Can (CC5 on Astronaut Blvd.), they offer shuttle to the pier, pick you up from the pier and make life generally easy.  On our return we caught the shuttle, picked up our car and drove to the airport.  We even used the $10.50 option, if you drive less than 75 miles (if memory serves); just drop the car off, no need to buy more gas.  If you choose to fill it, show them the receipt, and they'll take the $10.50 off.

Cabin Review

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

Cabin E2

Cabin 3617 was located right around the corner from the elevator, and RC On Air.  One flight of stairs in the vicinity of the elevator put us in the photo gallery and just aft of the casino, another flight of stairs put us in the aft end of the Royal Promenade.  Just a few steps aft of the elevators, we were in the MDR.  Great location.  The cabin had reasonable space, desk, LCD TV, standard 120 Vac (2) American and 220 Vac (1) European plugs.  Hardwired, push button hair dryer in the top drawer.  Good closet space and plenty of hangers.  I was annoyed that the life preservers didn't fit well above the closet like they have in every other RCL ship that I've been on.  The bathroom is pretty standard, enough room to do what you need to do in the bathroom, shower door vice curtain.  One overhead plug that is a combo American two prong or British two pin plug that turns on and off with the lights.  I enjoyed the cabin, and wouldn't hesitate to book it again.

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