This was our second cruise on the Freedom of the Seas. Our first time was a Western Caribbean and was wonderful on all accounts. With that, we were excited to return to the Freedom for this Eastern Caribbean sailing. Overall the cruise was pleasant, but there were noticeable differences from our previous sailing and not for the better. Almost like the cruise line is pinching pennies and it shows.
First off, the main dining room. We had the 5:30pm seating. The service was lacking. I do not know if our waiter and assistant waiter had too many tables or what. The food was just ok. It also seems to be the same menu offered that we had 3 years ago. The cruise line strongly promotes the crown and anchor membership and encourage repeat cruisers, so why not offer a little variety in the menus? Our second night at dinner, our waiter informed us that he will be service a VIP table with the hotel director. Needless to say, our service went down even more that night. Therefore, the remaining 5 nights, we either ordered room service, or went to either the windjammer, cafe promenade or sorrento's. The Windjammer service was good for what it is. The food was good. The sushi was also offered every night as well.
Our stateroom was nice and the balcony was very roomy. This was our first time in a Jr. suite. The stateroom attendant was lacking though. There were days that he did not return the pull out bed back to the couch. Also, one morning some coffee was spilled onto the bed. He did pull off the bead spread but remade the bed with the dirty sheets with the damp coffee spot still on them. We had mold in the tub that took him till day 3 to finally get cleaned after continued request. I also did not like the fact that I returned to the room one day to find our door propped open and our attendant in the service room on the phone. I went to the pool deck but forgot my towel, so I again returned to the stateroom and he was still on the phone with our door wide open.
9584. nice size cabin. roomie balcony. This stateroom is about half way between the forward and aft elevators. Also the room steward service room is right accross the hall.