This was our first cruise on a Freedom Class ship. We have done smaller ships the past few years. First impressions are that these ships are a nice upgrade from the Voyager class, with some nice features.

Getting checked in at Port of Miami was a bigger hassle than I had expected. We are diamond members so actual check in was quite easy. However, the line to get on to the ship itself was quite long, and we weren't sure why. From luggage drop off to on the ship was the better part of an hour, which to me is too long.

We proceeded to the Windjammer which was packed beyond belief. The food was good and it was the usual first day buffet. Our stateroom was then ready so we headed downstairs. We had a JS on the 9th deck, almost right between the two banks of elevators. That worked out quite well. The stateroom was great - love the walk-in closet and the flat panel TV. Read more