I chose this cruise so I could go with my two college kids. We originally booked two cabins but then my daughter had a scheduling conflict so I cancelled one and shared an interior stateroom with my 22 y/o son. We sailed on Liberty 12-24-12/29 in 2014 and we all had a great time so it made sense to go on a similar ship around the same time. While I didn't care at all about Costa Maya (we never left the ship) and have been to Cozumel several times, the beauty of this trip was our fellow travelers. I like this week better than the Christmas cruise; less kids but just enough. I figure with 1,300 kids under 18 aboard, that's 600-800 less folks in line at the bars and around the adult pool areas. Good week to cruise.

I love RCL and the staff is superb. Not white glove service to be sure, much more friendly and engaging.

The cigar bar is a rarity and the one on Freedom is very comfy. We watched the NY Giants lose a close game (sad for me as I was wearing my Giants Santa hat) and yet the room was full of camaraderie and refinement. I am amazed the same old 42"ish TV is plopped on a cocktail table instead of having a nice wall-mounted behemoth but just having this place to go for a cigar made it quaintly worth it. Cigar lovers beware - I always buy at Little Havana and only there. I've shown a little knowledge and appreciation for genuine cigars and have been very well taken care of there. Not a plug for them...actually a warning to do a little homework before buying expensive cigars. Cigar aficionado has a gallery of tips and photos. It saved my from several big blunders in the Caribbean. Jus sayin. We didn't do an excurion in Cozumel but did find a good lunch away fromt he cruise pier. Read more