Freedom vs. Allure

MowDaLawn · #1 (**permalink**) December 17th, 2013, 01:09 PM

I'm thinking about going on another cruise aboard Royal Caribbean. I was wondering if I should go on the Freedom or the Allure.

Dave Beers · #2 (**permalink**) December 17th, 2013, 01:49 PM

Two totally different experiences and pricing levels, although that gap is narrowing finally as the 'new' wears off the Allure and RCI looks to the Quantum Of The Seas as the next new thing on the water. It depends on if you want to experience the largest cruise ship in the world and be amazed, or if you want to spend less money and go on Freedom Of The Seas which is still a lovely ship but simply not as dramatic in it's features and shows as the Allure.

I like the Freedom class ships, but also think everyone should at least try the Oasis or Allure at least once.

thecruisequeen · #3 (**permalink**) December 17th, 2013, 02:03 PM

Allure most likely will price out higher. Allure is out of Fort Lauderdale and Freedom out of Port Canaveral if you need airfare or if you are drivable to both. Allure has the zipline, aqua show, different neighborhoods, many different food options both at a fee and free. Allure and Oasis are wonderful ships that should be experienced at least once....Many cruisers cruise them again and again even though the ports are limited. They are in league of their own.

Freedom is also a great ship large but nice size. I'll be on Freedom in a couple of weeks and will post a review upon my return.

You can't go wrong with either ship.....

Enjoy whichever you choose!!

MowDaLawn · #4 (**permalink**) December 17th, 2013, 02:35 PM

Have you done the Universal package before? I went once before and thought it was great. I went on the Monarch. How long is the cruise you are going on?

thecruisequeen · #5 (**permalink**) December 17th, 2013, 03:15 PM

Hi Mow....I did Universal many times however never with a cruise so this will be a first. Will do 4 nights in Universal then 7 nights on Freedom.

The price was awesome. If I priced it out myself and did Universal and Freedom on my own it comes out to over $500 more. I guess Royal has a good partnership with Universal.

I'm glad to hear you liked this package. Everything is included from hotel, cruise, unlimited park tickets and all transfers...airport to hotel, hotel to ship then ship to airport.

If it works out well will do it again in the future.

MowDaLawn · #6 (**permalink**) December 17th, 2013, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecruisequeen

Hi Mow....I did Universal many times however never with a cruise so this will be a first. Will do 4 nights in Universal then 7 nights on Freedom.

The price was awesome. If I priced it out myself and did Universal and Freedom on my own it comes out to over $500 more. I guess Royal has a good partnership with Universal.

I'm glad to hear you liked this package. Everything is included from hotel, cruise, unlimited park tickets and all transfers...airport to hotel, hotel to ship then ship to airport.

If it works out well will do it again in the future.

The reason why I asked this question in the first place is because I'm thinking about doing the package again. I was thinking about riding the bus and getting on the Allure after Universal or maybe the Freedom.

thecruisequeen · #7 (**permalink**) December 17th, 2013, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MowDaLawn

The reason why I asked this question in the first place is because I'm thinking about doing the package again. I was thinking about riding the bus and getting on the Allure after Universal or maybe the Freedom.

I was thinking about doing Independence after Universal since the ship had some really good rates but was unsure about the bus and distance from Orlando to Fort lauderdale. It just seemed easier to cruise out of Port Canaveral. I was looking at Brilliance too out of Tampa which is not very far from Orlando.

I wonder if the new Transformers Ride accepts the hotel fast pass.... Harry Potter is still not included in the fast pass but the early admission for onsite guests helps.....

Donna · #8 (**permalink**) December 17th, 2013, 08:01 PM

If you haven't sailed on Allure or Oasis, I would opt for one of those ships if it is in the budget. They are amazing ships and if possible, cruise on that, you won't be disappointed...

storybookcruises.com · #9 (**permalink**) December 18th, 2013, 01:08 AM

We've been on the Allure and the Liberty, which is the sister ship to the Freedom, and quite frankly, the Freedom-class ships are basically the same as the Voyager-class ships but slightly larger (137,000 gross tons versus 160,000 gross tons) with a couple of more amenities, such as the wave runner. However, the Oasis-class ships at 220,000 gross tons, have amenities like no other ship and is something to try at least once.

If you're going for the amenities, it's tough to beat the Oasis-class ships. If you want to go just for a nice cruise, we personally love the Radiance-class ships.

Lots of options to consider.

Pete

CRUISEFAN0001 · #10 (**permalink**) December 18th, 2013, 10:36 AM

Having been on Oasis of the Seas (twin of Allure), and now booked on Independence in about 3 months (Freedom's twin)...I can't yet "compare" the two.

What I can share is that the Oasis class ships are indeed amazing, both in terms of sheer size and features, as well as onboard things to experience.

To me, the choice appears to be a no-lose proposition.

Look online at what both ships have to offer onboard, as well as the ports they visit. That should help you pick one. Both are great ships (and both big compared to most other cruise-ships).