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terrific ship by
Jeff J from Racine, WI Sailing date: Feb 2012Pros: Relaxing atmosphere Cons: This was my first cruise and I was very turned off by the, "In Your Face" way the cruise lines mandate tips. On top of the 15% gratuity added to each and EVERY purchase, for the final three days of the cruise they throw in your face how much, "they suggest" you tip. it could have totaled $400.00 just the tipping strategies really turned me off. I tip on quality of service not because they do not pay the help a living wage. This alone may keep me from returning to another cruise although we did enjoy ourselves. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodTypical "cattle call" food but good and I certainly didn't starve although I didn't gourge myself like so many experienced cruisers said I would. the opportunity was there but I can get better food and not in a cattle call environment at an all inclusive resort just about anywhere. Stateroom QualityStateroom was nice size but the colors were a bit depressing. the colors they chose seemed like they were chosen to cover up any residule dirt. Ship Staff Qualityas always there were good and not-so-good. Our Waiter and stateroom attendant were both fantastic. Entertainment & ActivitiesThe Broadway style shows were excellent, comedian was good, and the ice show was excellent. Could have done without the magician.  10 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
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  1st Timers Thrilled by
Tracey J from California Sailing date: Jun 2010Pros: So much to do on ship for all ages and interests Cons: Food was average, some activities/food not included in price but we could pay We were not sure cruising would be for us and I would comfortably say we are pretty hard to please when it comes to vacations but this was by far the best decision we made. The ship was WONDERFUL, clean and everyone was so friendly. I loved the Cruise director. Shows were good and so much going on that we had tons of options.. My kids loved the teen clubs and were entertained the entire trip. The total trip was a bit more pricy than we wanted to spend but we LOVED it. Ship QualityBig enough I didnt get sea sick at all and I usually get motion sickness all the time. Ship was beautiful Dining/FoodMy husband is a fantastic chef so in comparison the food was not great. But, I was comparing to what we are use to. There were lots of choices and free room service up until midnight. Our waiter in the main dining room was not friendly but he was the ONLY one that we found grumpy. Everyone else serving us was GREAT. Stateroom QualityOK so its small for family of 4 but it had a good use of space and the layout worked well. Beds were SO comfortable....I was surprised. So glad we had a balcony. We sat out there often. Ship Staff Quality99% of staff are great. Lots of good service, all friendly. Our room attendant was so friendly, calling us all by our first names on the first day. He really took the time to talk with us. The cute towel animals each night was a treat for my kids. OUTSTANDING Service. We only ran into ONE staff member on the ship we felt needed to go! Entertainment & ActivitiesNot all the shows were up my ally but it didnt matter as there was SO much to choose from each day I could taylor the activities to what interested my family. Cruise director Allan Brooks is OUTSTANDING. You need to go on this ship just to meet him! If you do, catch his morning show on TV which outlines the days activities and really does become a comedy hour as his personality is so FUN. You just wake up and start smiling. Children's ProgramsHave a 15 and 12 year old. Both are outgoing so meeting people is not a problem. But, I do have to say that they really enjoyed the teen programs. Maybe not ALL the programs but they enjoyed having something organized so they could just hang with the new people they met. 
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Cococay (Cruiseline Private Island)Small island, shopping is a bust there- just a few huts from the locals-. However, the cruise did a good job of providing lots of water activities. My kids did the huge water slide and we all did the jet skis. Fun to relax a bit in the ocean there. Took a little bit of time to get off the ship as we had to take a water taxi to the island. Not bad tho
Don't Miss: jet ski Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.Once on land we went to shipwreck cafe on the island. Food was pretty good. Bad service from Shipwreck Cafe and paid $57 for lunch for two (i got a salad). They brought me a bill with 18% tip already added in....that was the bummer. Streets are narrow and cars didnt seem to want to yield to us. Shopping was pretty good. LOTS of jewelry shops. I wanted something unique that you cant buy back home. Most was all the same things you see here but slightly better prices. We also went Parasailing here. about 10 of the 12 people got seasick on the trip. Only up in the air for 6 min. Cost was around $95. Could do without Parasailing next time!
Don't Miss: BOSS underwater scooters!!!! Philipsburg, St. MaartenI felt heavy pressure from locals to Tip and Buy. They were standing at the edge of their shops calling people in, once in the store they kept showing me items that I didnt ask for!! THey didnt stop when I said I was just looking. Out of 30 shops I only found about 4 shops that this didnt happen. It was disappointing. I did not like the quality of the shops. If I went back I would go to the beaches and stay out of the shopping zone. Oh, My favorite store where they treated you with respect and had GREAT things Parana Joes. Go there first.
Don't Miss: Loitery Farms Rope climbing and Zip lines. 9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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Had a great time! by
A Traveler from seattle, wa Sailing date: Sep 2009Pros: Liked the whole cruise itself, great ship, the stateroom attendant, waiter, and assistant waiter Cons: The stop to St. Thomas, wasnt that great. There were a bunch of teenage 15 years old girls for there quicenera, very annoying and rude. The ship was awesome, very nice looking and huge. There are plenty of stuff to do on the ship. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodI would say the food was ok, cant really compare with any others because this is my first cruise but the inlaws thought the food on their holland america cruise was better. Stateroom QualityStaterooms were a good decent size and air conditioning was great. Ship Staff QualitySome were very very nice and some are just irritating. Entertainment & Activities
10 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
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Freedom OTS Amazed Everyday by
David Draper II from NC Sailing date: Jul 2010Pros: Beautiful Ship, Promenade, Staff was friendly to the point you remembered everyone, Alan the Cruise Director was the funniest and most experienced director i have ever seen. Cons: As soon as a show let out, good luck getting back to your cabin. But LITTLE cons I have been on 5 Carnival Cruises (The Paradise, the Triumph 3 times, and the Celebration) so it was nice to try a new cruise line. This ship is beyond amazing. If you want to be blown away the moment you step on board, go on this ship. We had the grand suite and got VIP check it it took 15 minutes for a family of SEVEN! Alan the cruise director was amazing and never let you down. The Promenade was BEAUTIFUL i ate at Cafe Promenade every day and the bar tender remembered my name and my favorite coca cola and always had it ready. This ship does not disappoint, PERIOD Ship QualityCleaning staff was there 24/7, seen but not heard. Colors, layout, locations all were exactly what you need to navigate easily. Dining/FoodWellllllll, if you've been on Carnival like me then own RCL at food. I am sorry to say so. Stateroom QualityGrand Suite: AMAZING Interior on floor 10 also amazing Ship Staff QualitySo friendly, always remembered you on a ship that huge! Entertainment & Activitiesgood activities, the parades are iffy Children's ProgramsMy sister never wanted to leave 8 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Freedom of the Seas by
Ian Feldman from The Mountains of North Georgia Sailing date: Sep 2010Pros: Everything + Incredible Dining and Food Selection + Top personal service Cons: Getting on and off at various ports - but that's just the way it is with ships & ports Captian Tor Olsen was an outstanding host and his Cruise Director Graham Seymour was the best and most entertaining director we've every had!!! Crew service was "Five Stars" and the Food was absolutely the best of "any cruise line" ever! Ship QualityA true beauty of the Seven Seas -most shipworthy and smooth of any cruise we've ever been on. Dining/FoodBest ever - the Galileo Staff was outstanding!!! Stateroom QualityPatrick our stateroom attendant was the best we've ever had!!! Ship Staff QualityOutstanding crew manners, attitude, response and support throughout the entire cruise! Entertainment & ActivitiesTerrific shows and top quality entertainers!
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Cococay (Cruiseline Private Island)Great side trip!
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.Beautiful Island, but a little crowded.
Don't Miss: St. John Tour Philipsburg, St. MaartenBeautiful Island!
Don't Miss: Oriental Beach 7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Awesome Cruise!!! by
A Traveler from Mission Viejo, Ca Sailing date: Aug 2010Pros: The ship. Freedom of the Seas is a beautiful ship... endless amount of activities to do, great food. Cons: Wish it was a longer trip This is my third cruise with Royal Carribean. The Freedom of the Seas was a beautiful ship. Hard to see all of the ship in one trip. Many activities to do. Ship QualityThe ship was huge and very very clean. They had THE cleanest restrooms I have ever seen in a public place outside of being in your own house.!!!! Lots of artwork displayed throughout the ship. The ship has many deck , so you will get your exercise walking about, or if you prefer they do have many elevators. Dining/FoodFOOD, FOOD, FOOD, and more FOOD. The food was great. You wont go hungry. The ship has many venues in which to eat at. Most available 24 hrs, or close to it. (and included with the price of your cruise, BIG plus) Stateroom QualityWe had a promenade view stateroom. Room was small, but very comforlable. Cozy beds. I slept like a baby! Room well appointed with safe , blow dryer, desk, tv, storage, complementary soap, phone, etc etc... Ship Staff QualityThey treat you like royalty. The staff is outstanding! Everyone has a warm smile. All eager to help. I think most hotels, resorts, could learn a thing or two from Royal Carribean's cruise staff. Entertainment & ActivitiesThey keep you busy all day long, something for everyone.
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Cozumel, MexicoThe cheapest shopping of all the ports.
Labadee (Cruiseline Private Island)Beautiful. Clear warm water, Lush mountains. What else more could you want. Plus the Cruise line feeds you on the island , so you dont have to return to ship or spend money!
Don't Miss: Just hit the beach!!!!! George Town, Grand CaymanGorgeous!
Ocho Rios, JamaicaJamaica has beautiful clear waters. Probely would have enjoyed it more if were not hassled by the locals for buisiness. We were followed 3 blocks before one person have up. They followed another 2 blocks by another. We ended up going back to the ship early. TIP: Book an excursion with the cruise line, maybe you wont be hassled as much.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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The Best Cruise Ever. by
Barbara C. from Jacksonville FL. Sailing date: May 2011Pros: The Ship was awesome. Cons: The excursion tour rides, This ship is awesome, You wont be disappointed. Ship QualityBeautiful, almost breathtaking. Dining/FoodVery tasty. Waiters are great. Albert is the best. Stateroom QualityVery nice. balcony is the best. David was awesome. Ship Staff QualityBest crew I have ever met. You will feel at home. Entertainment & ActivitiesIce skating show is a must see, the other activities are awesome. Children's ProgramsMy child was 10 and she really was not eager to go, maybe it was too young for her. Staff could of been a little bit friendlier with the kids.
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Cozumel, MexicoJust did the pier Shopping. they will try to rip you off on their Jewelry so buyer beware. If it sounds to good to be true it is.
Don't Miss: The beautiful blue water. Labadee (Cruiseline Private Island)Could of been better, did not like the market. very pushy.
Don't Miss: The water. Falmouth, JamaicaThe 21/2 hour ride for this trip was awful, the 21/2 hour ride back was awful. The Dunns River falls was really scarey, the guide was not good at all, he spent the time with people that was not in our group helping them. I feel this excursion was very un organized. we had to run for the boat, and we did not get to do all we were suppose to do.
George Town, Grand CaymanStingray Island was awesome. Was also un organized, did not get to do what we were suppose to do. Island is beautiful.
Don't Miss: Stingray island, and the Dolphin encounter. 5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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AWESOME Cruise by
Diane D from Eagan, Minnesota Sailing date: May 2011Pros: The staff, the food, accommondations, activities, the band by the poolside and friendliness Cons: waiting for elevators- especially when the ship docked and everyone was trying to catch elevators at the same time. This was my families first cruise and we enjoyed it so much that we are already planning to travel again. While on board we were treated like royalty. The staff knew us by name and really made us feel welcomed. It was very sad to leave after being on boar for 7 nights. I could really get use to this type of travel and treatment. I have probably convinced everyone I know to take a cruise with RC. Ship QualityThe ship was very clean . I never seen anything out of order. It is a big ship and I admit that I was not able to see everything on board. THe things that I did see were great. Dining/FoodThe resturants offered a large variety of foods and beverages. I enjoyed having the specific seating times for the formal dining hall. It gave me something to look forward to every night. We also went to Chops to celebrate a birthday and the service was also great. Stateroom QualityI would say that we had a nice size state room. Our room attendent was amazing and was always willing to assist with any of our needs. Ship Staff QualityTHe staff was great and alwys went above and beyond to accommadate our family. I really miss them . Entertainment & ActivitiesThere is lots to do on the ship. Every night we received a schedule of activities for the next day. The only thing that was disappointing was the water areboics instructor and even with that , we were able to laugh. Children's ProgramsMy 7 year old nephew had a ball and didn't want to go home after the cruise was over. 5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Good Cruise, but not great. by
A Traveler from Orlando, Florida Sailing date: Sep 2012Pros: Flowrider Cons: Lackluster staff This is our tenth cruise (fifth with RC). The ship was nice and the crew was fine, but not what we are used to. The crew seemed to be going through the motions. The children's program consisted of a few staff members that entertained our three kids in the same room the entire cruise. I found it inadequate, but our kids seemed to like it (10, 10, & 8). All and all, the cruise was fine for the price, but our next cruise will not be on the Freedom. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodMenu was hit or miss. Lunch was actually better than dinner many days. Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activities
Children's Programs
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Our First Cruise by
Sheila Z. from Normal, IL Sailing date: Apr 2010Pros: The customer service by the staff of Royal Caribbean was excelllent!! Cons: Be prepared for the extra costs. They will try to get you to buy drinks, jewerly, etc... This was our first cruise. Overall we were very impressed with the customer service and the variety of activities on the ship. We chose to pre-pay for excursions but found out that it isn't absolutley necessary to do ahead of time. There was a nice variety of families and couples on the ship. The ship had designated areas and shows for adults, teens, and children. We would definately sail on this ship again. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodWe chose to do "My time dinning" and that worked well for us. Stateroom QualityOur room had a balcony and it was well worth the extra money. Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activities
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Cozumel, MexicoWe tried the Jungle buggy ride. It was more a ride on the coast but very enjoyable. This port had many activites to chose from.
Don't Miss: Mayan Ruins Labadee (Cruiseline Private Island)This was a nice place to sit and relax on the beach.
George Town, Grand CaymanWe took a bus tour that stopped at a "pirate cave" It reminded me of a tourist attraction from the 70"s.
Ocho Rios, JamaicaYou have many options here. Be aware of the agressive shop owners though
Don't Miss: Dundee Falls 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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