Hi everyone! I'm going to be going on my first cruise March 25th 2012 on the Freedom of the Seas. I have done some research on the ship and by some I mean TONS but I was wondering if anyone could tell me more about there experience on the ship.
What a great cruise for a "first" cruise or anyone for that matter. Be sure to look through all the shore excursions and always a good idea to pre-book any that you really want, some do sell out quickly.
Which itinary are you going to be on. Also be sure to get tickets for the ice show, something you don't want to miss.
Each evening, read through the cruise compass to see things for the following day, times, places, etc....
We did the same itinerary on Freedom and loved it. Don't miss the parade that starts late on the first evening, down the Promenade. If you stand close to the pub you will have the best view. Don't miss the Ice shows, even if you don't care for Ice skating, they are spectacular. We loved the main Promenade, lots of wow factor but also lots of walking....it is a HUGE ship.
I could sit and watch the Flowrider all day, that was great fun. Try the cantilevered hot tubs, you are really hanging out over the ocean..
I always think the private island days are the best of the cruise, no rushing for excursions, no shopping or taxis to get, just relaxation and fun. You picked a wonderful ship for your first cruise....
Be sure and study your 'Cruise Compass' daily, this is a bulletin of all activities and it is delivered to your room nightly. Highlight the things that interest you or you will find there is so much listed you lose track of items you wanted to attend.
I think every ship is awesome, it's own way...things that make "them" unique, but, your first ship, will blow you away! I remember walking onto the Freedom, and feeling like a kid. I think the Promenade has a lot to do with that feeling. So much to see, to eat and to buy...like a Main Street at sea, with a parade, no less!
We had a corner aft balcony, that was big enough to sleep four~The dining room ambience adds to the special feeling of meeting new people to chat with at dinner. The flow rider, for us, was fun to just watch,and the Ice show was outstanding...something I thought I would pass on, and glad we didn't.
There is a flea market by the taxi stand, in St T...lots of handbags and baubles....if you are a perfume shopper, don't excpect to see the brand new scents. It takes a while for them to get ther...snip out the scent strips you get in magazines,with your favorites..the prices are on them if you want to compare.
Want to snorkel? Take the Red Hook Ferry over to St Johns..St M, is a dual national port. We took an islabd tour to see both sides...loved it...more bargains on the Dutch side..designers on the French ...
Swim, banana boat, or, just veg at Coco...you deserve it...enjoy!
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Thanks for the responses everyone!
After hearing so many good things about the ice show I making sure I get tickets for that. There is so many things that I am learning are on this ship that I want to do, I cant wait for my cruise!
We were on the Freedom end of November. Ice show was awesome. We got our "tickets" for the ice show morning of the first show and the lady said she could reserve all the other shows for us as well so we did that. There were always empty seats at every show we went to though. So don't worry about trying to get a "ticket" to every show..just show up and you can probably always get a seat. They don't give you a ticket, they scan your seapass card when you enter the theater. The sets and show for the "Once upon a Time" show were great, too. Have fun!!!
I/we are going on Freedom for the first time 02/26 with the same itinerary so I can let you know then. I'm really excited about this ship after all of the great things I've heard about it.
Oh yes, the Once Upon a Time show was FABULOUS! I thougth it was disney quality, one of the best shows I've seen on a ship.
The parades were excellent too.
If you like characters (or have kids) be sure to sign up for the Character breakfasts.
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Disney Fantasy - 2013 [pending]
Disney Dream - 2012
Royal Freedom of the Seas - 2011
HAL Eurodam - 2011
Royal Grandeur of the Seas - 2010
Carnival Dream - 2010
Grand Princess - 2002
Royal Voyageur of the Seas - 2000
Royal Sovereign of the Seas - 1999
Carnival Ecstacy - 1991
I'll be sailing on Freedom in April 15th - April 22nd . Can't wait to try to surf!!
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***** CRUISING SOON***** CCL Breeze : April 2013
RCCL Oasis : September 2012
RCCL Freedom : April 2012
CCL Destiny : April 2011
CCL Valor : September 2010
CCL Victory : March 2010
RCCL Adventure : September 2009
RCCL Monarch : March 2009
RCCL Mariner : September 2008
CCL Liberty : March 2008
CCL Valor : July 2007
CCL Celebration : March 2007
CCL Elation : March 2006
CCL Fantasy : October 2005
i'VE BEEN ON THE FREEDOM 6 TIMES, FINALLY TRYING OUT THE OASIS ON FEB 4TH. YOU WILL ALL LOVE THE FREEDOM, GREAT SHIP, GREAT CREW, ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD, NEVER HAD A BAD THING TO SAY ABOUT THE FREEDOM. IF YO UHAVE ANY QUESTIONS AT ALL, LET ME KNOW.
going on fos march 4th this will be my 2nd time on the freedom and looking forward to it.
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Home State: Michigan
Completed Cruises
Feb 2001 Majesty of the seas
March 2002 Majesty of the seas
Nov 2002 Majesty of the seas
March 2005 Explorer of the seas
March 2006 Adventure of the seas
March 2008 Freedom of the seas (Married onboard the Freedom of the Sea's)