Freedom of the Seas Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was our first time on Freedom of the Seas but we love this class of ship hence the reason for booking the cruise. Have been on the Indy at least twice and the Explorer. We were on the Jewel last year but much smaller and didn't really like the layout.
My husband was recovering from treatment for a serious health issue so our intention was to relax, enjoy the food in the restaurants, the sun shine and sleep. We flew from Glasgow to Barcelona, 2 and half hour excellent flight and quickly bussed to the port. We have done this so often, probably our 12th cruise and 6th with RC so new what to expect at the port. However there did seem to be some issues at the port as they did not appear to have our Sea Pass card though our paper work was OK. They were running about like headless chicken and we had to sit and wait along with several other cruisers. Had to remind the young girl she hadn't taken our photo for the ID card. Discovered on day 2 or 3 that the Drinks Package sticker hadn't been applied to the card and thankfully this was discovered before we got to the end of the cruise. Got chatting with other folk so time passed quickly. Got on board and went straight to look at our State room. Deck 9. Exactly what we expected and we were happy with the balcony etc.
Then up to the Windjammer and some lunch and a glass of wine. Absolutely chaotic but then we new it would be and found a seat quickly. We new the procedure for the Drill and checked to see where and when this would take place. We headed down to deck 4 before the rush. This seems to take for ever but then there are lots of folk on board and is necessary. Once this was finished we headed back to our room to get ready for dinner. We had booked 'My Time' dining at 6.30pm and our table No was noted on our Sea Pass card so we missed the Sail Away party. No problem we are older so have done t before.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony
Happy with Cabin. Booked what we had in previous years.
Port Reviews
Barcelona
Been in Barcelona several times for several days before. Wonderful city and possibly if we had time after our cruise would have done one of the excursions on offer.
Villefranche
Just took the Tourist bus. 25 euros each for 30 mins. round the city. Did have earphone commentary which didn't work for one. We did enjoy
seeing the surrounding area and lovely and sunny day.
La Spezia (Cinque Terre)
Had previously done Florence and Pisa excursion from another cruise ship so didn't bother. We enjoyed Florence but we were very rushed in Pisa and only got some pics of the Tower.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Rome, a fabulous city. Did previously take an excursion from a cruise chip. Very rushed. 2 hour drive into and back from the city and saw St Peters Square and part of the Vatican. Saw the Colisseum only from the bus.
Wanted to do it at our own pace and had 3 days in Rome before joining the Jewel of the Seas. Faboulous and so much to see.
Naples
Had previously been in Sorrento for 2 weeks so saw all we would wish to see. Wonderful recalling the Pompeii site and Capri and the bus ride up the Amalfi coast. Loved it all. Been in Naples several times and got of at the port to look round the shops but nothing had changed so go back on board in time for lunch.