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A cruise of Freedom! by
Denyce R. from Fairfield, Iowa Sailing date: Jan 2010Pros: Letting go of my normal responsibilities for an entire week. Service was top-notch! Cons: The process of boarding was a little time-consuming, but not terrible. Freedom of the Seas really gave us a sense of freedom, which allowed us to come home relaxed and ready to get back into our routines. The break from the Iowa winter was welcome, making getting through the rest of it tolerable. I am glad we chose to pre-pay gratuities, since that gave us one less decision to make, so we could just enjoy.
We were a little worried that we might get bored since we are not gamblers or drinkers, but no problem! The live shows were professional and superbly entertaining; I loved the fitness classes and enjoyed the knowledgable instructors; plus there were really more events and learning opportunities than we could do in the time allotted.
And then there is the food. We are very particular about ours and must say that the choices available always left us happy. There was not one course we tried at dinner that we did not have that "mmmm" experience. I have to compliment the chefs once more. Even the Windjammer buffet had great food that you could get quickly, with a wide selection of freshly made delicacies. The quality of food and service could be a reason in itself for going on the Freedom of the Seas.
The destinations were an adventure. We chose to not take advantage of the excursions on this first cruise, and wished we had more info about the destinations before we landed, but next time we will do more research. I think it may be hard to plan for a place until you experience it yourself the first time. Next time we will be more savvy about taxi drivers and island conditions. But we had fun, and enjoyed ourselves at all 3 destinations.
This cruise was so different from any other vacation we have taken, it has opened a new world to us, one I am sure we will enjoy again. Well done, Royal Caribbean! Ship QualityThe ship itself was beautiful, fun to explore and well-maintained. Dining/FoodWe are very particular about ours and must say that the choices available always left us happy. There was not one course we tried at dinner that we did not have that "mmmm" experience. I have to compliment the chefs once more. Stateroom QualityWe were surprised that the stateroom was as large as it was. Very comfortable. Plus we loved our attendant, Tessa, and all the towel "animals!" Ship Staff QualityThe service was fantastic in our staterooms, in the dining areas, and at the fitness center. We felt very respected and taken care of. Entertainment & ActivitiesGreat professional talent. One of my favorite parts of the trip. Children's Programs
 0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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  Deteriorating Quality by
A Traveler from Jacksonville, FL Sailing date: Dec 2009Pros: Service staff Cons: Quality of all material goods Royal Caribbean is a changed company. In their quest to make more money the company has decided to save on products and benefits by reducing quality and eliminating many benefits. All material goods from toilet paper (single ply extra thin) to foods, are cheaper and of poorer quality than they used to be. Many benefits and special touches that were the trademark of RC have either been reduced or totally eliminated (i.e. gone are the deserts buffett, pillow chocolates, shampoo and conditioners, etc.). This is especially true for the benefits that they give to their most valuable and loyal members in the Diamond and Diamond Plus category. Ship Quality
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14 out of 18 people found this review helpful.
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Excellent Time on Freedom of Seas by
A Traveler from Atlanta, GA Sailing date: Dec 2009Pros: Ship features, especially balcony Cons: Layout of dining room, could not see staff speaking This was our first time on the Freedom class ships. The Freedom was beautiful, staff very nice and the balcony seems larger than on Voyager class. The Promenade area is beautiful, the theater had good views from almost everywhere. Ship Quality
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7 out of 17 people found this review helpful.
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Fabulous cruise by
Estelle B. from Poinciana,Fl. Sailing date: Nov 2009Pros: Great entertainment Cons: No dancing on the decks, too many pools All aspects of the cruise were taken care of by a very caring and courteous staff, from checking in, our room service, food and beverage entertainment and all the offered amenities. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodThe printed desert menu states,"Sugar free ice cream". This is a dietary statement error,and should read "no sugar added ice cream". Stateroom Quality
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Entertainment & ActivitiesVery professional performers on stage and on ice. 4 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
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A Great & Fantastic experience by
George S. from Ocala, FL Sailing date: Oct 2009Pros: The Layout of the Ship Cons: Scratch DJ entertainer We have done a total of over 45 cruises on several different lines and different types of ships. To this point, our favorite was Royal Caribbeans Mariner of the Seas. When that ship left Pt. Canaveral, we were very dissapointed, but no more. The Freedom of the Seas is more than we expected. The most beautiful ship we have ever sailed on with such a wonderful crew you would never know that you were on the water. Sitting in the cafe on the Promenade was like sitting on a sidewalk cafe in New York and Chops Restaurant was a real five star restaurant with the food and most fantastic service we have ever had. The ice show and production shows all exceeded our expectations as did the entertainment in the Piano Bar. I could go on and on, but just say five star plus for the whole cruise - "The Best Ever". This was our 22nd cruise with Royal Caribbean and will be making many more with this ship. Ship Quality
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17 out of 36 people found this review helpful.
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It was super! by
Carl & Val B from Mason, OH Sailing date: Oct 2009Pros: The food and entertainment Cons: walking through the casino smoke What a grand ship. The food and service was excellent. The cruise director was a gas and the entertainment was enjoyable. Had no complaints. Playing Bingo got on the expensive side and they have electronic units that take the fun out of it. The staff on this ship was just splended. Ship QualityWe learned our way around quickly. We were forward deck 7 and it was easy to walk down 2 flights and across the promonade. Dining/FoodThey let us double down on appetizers, lobster and steak. Never said no. The Windjammer had a decent breakfast. Stateroom QualityVery timely. Could of swept the floor more often and I miss the mints. Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activitiestop notch entertainment 5 out of 21 people found this review helpful.
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best holiday for women by
Ruth M from clarksville TN Sailing date: Oct 2009Pros: state room Cons: brought kids ,,lololo i had a wonder ful experience due to the aid of our state room attendant Named Albert . I had just found out i was ill before i got on the boat . so timing was wrong but my children and i needed it so we proceeded as planed . Albert was also kind to us in land when we crossed pathes . I do not know how the week would have turned out had it not been for him , he was also very good with my kids on the boat , SO THIS TRIP I WOULD HAVE TO SING THE PRAISES OF Albert . he was out shot in the arm . I most likly will be looking for another cruise very soon . thank you . Dining/Food was sick before i left so had special food i brought my self for most part . Stateroom Quality just love it and the attendent Ship Staff Qualitywonderful Entertainment & Activities we loved the shows lolol what we did not miss. Children's Programs son had wonderful time 3 out of 28 people found this review helpful.
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An Excellent Cruise by
Robert P from Dothan, Al Sailing date: Oct 2009Pros: Food exceptional in the dining room, Windjammer, CHOPS GRILLE, AND PORTOFINO Cons: The lack of monitoring of children around the adult pool areas Just finishing our 22nd cruise, this one will long be remembered. On the Freedom, everyone seemed so upbeat and excited. The check-in was perfect,
the entire week showed nothing but smiles and friendly greetings from all the crew. The ship is fabulous. It's truly a cruise of a lifetime on the Freedom of the Seas. Dining/Food
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2 out of 22 people found this review helpful.
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Freedom of the seas sail date 10/4 by
helen O from Orlando, FL Sailing date: Oct 2009Pros: The dinning room service was the best We loved it! Our room was excellent! Dining/FoodThe dinning room service was one of the best we ever had! Both the waiter and his assistant went out of their way to please us. The waiter's name was John, but I do not recall his first name. Table 283 Room 3330
They were great and made our dinning experience a great one! Stateroom QualityExcellent! Very pleased. The room was quite large and had storage for everything we needed. Well designed! Ship Staff Quality
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0 out of 22 people found this review helpful.
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Bit of a Disappointment by
stephen l from Clearwater, FL Sailing date: Sep 2009Pros: The Getaway Cons: Destinations/Decor/Food Ship is a big bore. Royal Promenade is nothing more than your neighborhood shopping mall at sea. Arcadia theater was done on the cheap. Dining room was magnificient. Elevators/stairwells and cabins were identical to the Vision of the Seas which I sailed a decade ago. RCL come up with something new!! Ship Quality
Dining/FoodMy time dining gets you up on in the rafters with a wait staff who knows they are not getting a tip and reflected in their service. Only three memorable meals in one week. Stateroom QualityCabin bathroom smelled of urine around toilet from Day One. Steward could not remove odor. RCL - The 80's called they want their decorator back - it is so dull and dated. Ship Staff QualityWindjammer staff nice. Merchants were no so. Entertainment & ActivitiesIce show good. Cruise Director Richard Starckey excellent. Rest was the same scholck. 23 out of 30 people found this review helpful.
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