Freedom of the Seas Review
Great, but Rough around Some Edges--tips for first time cruisers
Rating by category
Additional details
First, the tips:
You really can have the time of your life--just remember that this is a money-making business and you are a money-spending passenger. So, spend wisely, have fun and don't presume the service is for any reason other than to get you to spend more money--either right away or on your next cruise.
1. At least one person in your party should get a Drinks package. Yes, it's price is too high. BUT, it is really a buy-down for buying other items. Ships don't let you bring on bottles of booze--but with the all-you-can-drink package, you also get discounts on bottles of wine. They have deals if you buy a second (that don't always work out--see below) have even further discounts. They keep the bottles for you, and serve them at your next meal. BUT, be aware, the staff is readily pouring the bottle to empty it so you might have to buy more. They are not helpful in trying to use that bottle for more than one meal.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony
Big enough for three, not four. Excellent condition. The shower glass was cracked in two places upon check creating a loose three sections (broken through to both sides like cutting the glass into three parts). The small middle piece became progressively loose over day one and day two. I reported it to guest services and they fixed it the same day--replacing the glass. Pretty awesome and quick.
Plenty of storage space (don't forget to put your suitcases under the bed!).
Port Reviews
Villefranche
Walk around this amazing place. Eat a pizza. Go see the beach. No excusion needed here.
La Spezia (Cinque Terre)
Wine tasting in Tuscany. Billed like your tasting multiple wines at multiple wineries--but actually only three wines at one winery.
Naples
We went to Pompeii. TIP! Those people walking around asking if you want a guide are OK! But listen to them. Our guide was offering a tour for up to ten people for 140 Es. She had two, we were 3 more, and I turned around to someone speaking English behind me and asked if they wanted to go-in with us (there were 4 of them, making 9). We all said yes. We divided the fee, paid for our tickets (we paid with Credit card, the others had to pay cash to avoid too many credit cards). She took us right past the regular queue to a the group window and we were in. She was an excellent guide as I'm sure the others are too.
HINT! You can tell if the guide is a good one right away when they take you to the group window, the ticket taker sees them coming and makes a "pained" face--because they are used to seeing your guide and they know "all the tricks' and the ticket taker is annoyed by them, but also loves them.