We chose this cruise because of the itinerary and it was part 1 of a back 2 back. Embarkation was very easy and fast from Terminal 29. After hearing not so good reports on the roll call but the terminal we were pleasantly surprized how easy and fast it was. From getting out of our car at the Park & Go lot to sitting on the Lido deck took 40 minutes!
We have an Aft JS and I would not recommend an Aft balcony on Freedom. There is ship structures that block the view and empty deck space on deck 6 that prevents us from looking straight down onto the water as with other ships. The cabin itself is very comfortable (this is our first JS), the bathroom has a tub in it and the coffee pot in the cabin is a very nice plus.
We have my-time dining and RCCL still does not have MTD down well. Preferring guests to have reservations is an oxymoron for MTD. If I knew when I wanted to eat, I would have selected main or late seating. This being said, I have made reservations every night, and we have been seated at the same table with the same wait staff every night. It is just the 2 of us on this cruise we we do like sitting with other guests, but RCCL does not do this. RCCL could learn from Princess and Carnival on how to do MTD.
Very nice and comfortable cabin. Bathroom larger than a balcony and has a tub. Balcony is larger (aft balcony) but ship structure blocks some of the view.
No excursion - we just walked around the town. Had fabulous guacamole and margaritas at Panzatas?