We too were on the August 28th sailing of Freedom of the Seas. We flew into Orlando, and rented a car through Avis for one day, nice to have a convertable to go to the beach. Checked into the Four Points Sheraton Cocoa Beach, a cool hotel with some weird quirks however, IE. Pool in the parking structure! Overall not a bad spot, and the price was right for around $100 for the night.
We went to the Avis rental car on Atlantic BLVD, and returned our vehicle to the depot, and the boarded what might be the most overheated trip I've ever had. The bus driver in the 95 degree heat +80% humidity had no AC on until we reached the port, which was a killer, we looked like we came out of a steam room!
Arriving at Port Canaveral, it seemed like the lines were moving smoothly, we were curb to ship entrance in about 30-40 mins.
9609 is a great interior cabin, midship but very close to the aft elevators. Only 2 floors to the ships main food and pool deck. Everything seemed nice and close by, no engine noise, no significant movement in the room either.