This was a return engagement for us. We last sailed the Freedom back in 2006, the fourth or fifth week after her maiden voyage. She she is a bit more worn, but the r crew was spectacular! Our room steward, Jimison was just like we like 'em, there all the time but almost invisible! Raphael in Vintages was fantastic, not only serving us great wine but explaining the wine and helping us pick what we liked. I saved the best for last... Sergio... The host in the Connoisseur Lounge was amazing! Always helpful, knowledgable as to where to get great cigar in port and just a real friend to all of us who were regulars in the lounge.

For the second time I had the premium drink package. My wife did not. Did I get my money's worth? The answer is a resounding YES! We always figured that it took between five and six drinks per day to break even. I surpassed that each day, with alcohol, soft drinks, juice and water. I will do it again.

This was also our first cruise in October. We normally cruise in April, May and sometimes June. The weatherin the Caribbean can be iffy with late season hurricanes, but the dayly temps were only in the high seventies/low eighties, not the sweltering high nineties we faced earlier each year. We were able to enjoy being outdoors without burning up.