Just returned from the Freedom of the seas. 6 nights to the western caribbean. We took a Junior suite. The room was huge, but there are few amenities that go along with the high price. Benefits - can board and disembark first. Room is spacious with a very large balcony. Cons - no amenities. No access to the concierge club. No gold card - meaning no access to special sections on the ship.

Entertainment was great. Ice skating show and comedy show is a must. Food was fair at best. Very very crowded. Not enough staff or bartenders to handle a full ship. Most seem very disinterested. Bathrooms are limited and hard to find. Few areas to walk outside unless you go to the pool area. Limited specialty dining. Customer service lacking. For example...We noted that our ship board credit was missing. Front staff made my wife personally call our travel agency from the ship at 10pm at night. of course, there was no one there...then, Head of guest services came over to the lady helping my wife and interrupted her to ask for change for another guest....literally in mid sentence like my wife didn't even exist. When my wife told him that she was in the middle of being helped and he rudely interrupted, he just made a face at my wife an walked away. Not sure of his name, but the name tag gave his title. Finally got someone else to help and they found the credit. Obviously customers don't always come first on RCCL.

Ports were OK except for Costa Maya Mexico....a hidden gem. Get off the ship and pass all the annoying pushy store owners and get on the tram. For two dollars a person, they will take you to another area with an amazing beach. DON'T GET OFF at the first two stops. Get off at the third or forth and pick your beach area, Its all FREE...including chairs, kayaks, tables, etc...just be nice enough to buy some beers ($2 each) and some food. They do try to sell you things on the beach, but its actually lots of fun to bargain with the folks. Its only $2 in a cab to get back. Read more