I traveled on Freedom of the Seas, Sept. 22, 2018. I now read similar reviews/complaints and wonder if their corporate executives have lost their minds. This was my 26th cruise/and 2nd time on Freedom (2013 & 2018). We chose this sailing, to help bolster the economy in SJU, and thought less children might be on board (w/school in session) and its Southern Caribbean itinerary. Instead, it was the daycare cruise from Hell. Now, I read (online) if ships sailing out of SJU-aren't going out full-they give extremely low rates to the local families, to fill it. These passengers ran havoc-pushing and shoving- at elevators-food & drink areas-and children ran unsupervised and out of control. The entertainment was so upset by uncontrolled screaming children, they were making comments, while on mike. It could be said, "there's nothing they can do to control this" but, there are no boundaries or rules in place, except: Children under 17 should be back in there cabins by 1 a.m. Really? That's it? I saw little ones in ship bars until the wee hours; while parents partied, too drunk from the never-ending liquor packages.

The ships TV was a great example of RC's 'focus' with their over 6 solicitation channels. It was all about getting passengers to buy jewelry, excursions, or future cruises. Subtlety, is no longer an RC virtue. And I've never been so "nickled and dimed" to death. With very little TV (and I refuse to include cartoon channels) we could pay $11.99 'per movie'. Room service meant spending an additional $7.95 (per room service) PLUS 18% gratuity. And I always looked forward to sleeping/lulled by the movement of a ship. That was impossible. These beds felt like I was on top of a table. And if by chance we did fall asleep-the drunks were screaming and laughing down the hallways.

The staff did what they could, but they also watched in despair, as people ran wild. Fights broke out on the promenade (70's party night). Drunk tempers flared, while children watched. No standards, guidelines, or rules in place. The food in the dining room's also become uneatable. The first night I ordered prime rib (requested med/rare). It came out gray, cold, dry, w/gravy and a full sprig of raw rosemary 'shoved in it'. We ate in the dining room just a few times (hoping they'd redeem themselves). It blew our minds when the crab cakes were made with fake crab meat. I understand they think people have no palates, or might be too dumb/drunk to know the difference..but they'd be wrong. Many of us talked, complained, or discussed the food and our disappointments. When your buffet is better than your dining room-that's pretty sad. And is this happening because they hoped we'd pay more to upgrade to their food packages? And when we're already billed almost $15 a day (for tipping-regardless of service) why are we receiving additional envelops? If I'd received exceptional service, I'd make sure those individuals were compensated. Instead; we were made to feel we were not doing 'our part' for their contracted staff. Read more