Freedom of the Seas Review
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First let me begin by saying I have never cruised before and I researched extensively and read Cruise Critic a few times. I was told about cruises, either you love them or you hate them and I am most definitely in the hate them category. But let me say, I cruised with my two children; 11 and 6 who LOVED it. So if you have children and want THEM to have a good time then a cruise of for you.
Let me start with embarkment. We drove to Florida and parked with Cruise Parking of Port Canaveral which was wonderful. Great people and affordable prices. Embarkment was fine, long lines, but that was expected. Once aboard we met family and friends at The Windjammer which was PACKED. As soon as we walked in we were greeted with Pina Coladas and then quickly asked for our SeaPass card. That is when I realized this is what my whole cruise was going to be about.....the CONSTANT UPCHARGES for everything. They shoved the Pina Coladas in our faces and even gave *virgin* ones to my kids and before I was even on the ship for a few seconds I was charged with four Pina Coladas. Then I was told to sign my kids up with the Soda Package; more money, and give them an allowance for the arcade that they can charge on their SeaPass card; more money............ I started my trip paying $4,000 for four of us and ended up with $3,000 in upcharges and excursions costs and tips (which is a whole other disgrace) so my entire trip costs $7,000. For $7,000 I would have rather gone to Hawaii!
First day we were at sea and the boat was so crowded it was uncomfortable. The lounge chairs on the pool deck are literally butted up next to each other so if you are trying to relax and get some sun you are likely to be arm in arm with the hairy, sun-lotion ed guy on the seat next to you. Ewww! My kids did not want to do the Kids Club because it looked boring, glorified babysitters really. The flowrider was nice but the lines were ridiculous. The kids waited on line, sometimes for close to 30-45 minutes to get a 2 minute ride on Flowrider. Not worth it. Same with the rock wall. So my 11 year old spent most of his time at the arcade charging up his Seapass card.