Life After Freedom of the Seas

Leebird · #1 (**permalink**) June 18th, 2010, 08:25 PM

So stumped. Booked for next year on 3 cruises at this moment. Have GOT to make a decision and cancel two of them! Was on the Freedom of the Seas a few weeks ago. Absolutely loved it! Booked again on it for next year - different itinerary. Also booked on Serenade of the Seas. Have pretty much ruled that one out and need to cancel. As of today am also booked on the NCL Epic. Not sure I'm ready for that style of cruise yet. Considering Adventure of the Seas. Has anyone out there been on Freedom of the Seas and then on Adventure? I need help! Even considered the Carnival Dream. Didn't book anything on that one - YET! I am on cruise ship overload and need input from all you die-hards!

Robbie H · #2 (**permalink**) June 19th, 2010, 01:06 PM

There should be reports coming in soon on the Epic if you want to keep it on the back burner. I never imagined booking another NCL cruise BUT am booked next year and excited about it!

As for Freedom to Adventure, we did Indy (Freedom's sister ship) to Adventure and it does take away a bit. They feel like they are the same size which is such a tribute to the design of the Freedom class.

Leebird · #3 (**permalink**) June 19th, 2010, 01:50 PM

Well as of this morning we are now considering Liberty of the Seas. I can't believe we are struggling this much with this decision!

Trip · #4 (**permalink**) June 19th, 2010, 08:59 PM

Cruisemates has a group going on the Allure,, next Oct..with Donna hosting, check it out...you could end up havng a free cruise,and you get a nice inboard credit....http://www.cruisemates.com/articles/...Allure2011.cfm

Paul, our editor will be on the NCL Epic,next week, and will review this cutting edge ship..you might decide to take a leap of faith

AF1 · #5 (**permalink**) June 19th, 2010, 11:21 PM

Leebird; what did you enjoy the most on Freedom; was there anything you did not like or were confused with on Freedom?

Leebird · #6 (**permalink**) June 20th, 2010, 05:14 PM

Freedom - what we liked: Loved the promenade. Beautiful decor. Thrilled that our side-by-side balconies were able to be opened. Helipad at night in the wind was awesome! Loved the shower door rather than a curtain in the cabin. Enjoyed all the options in the Windjammer and loved Sorrentos! Easy on and off the ship too.

Freedom - confused about: Had no idea that the coffee shop offered free coffee and pastries until the last day. Thought it was a specialty shop only that cost extra.

Freedom - didn't like: Number of people on elevators all the time. Was forced to use the stairs to get anywhere in a reasonable amount of time. The dining room staff really, really angered me on multiple occasions. I do not like to be made to feel obligated to eat in the dining room. The crew hounded me and questioned me and pressured me as to why I wasn't there on a given night and whether or not I'd be there the next night. It was ridiculous. Also, was kicked off treadmill in the gym for wearing crocs. They weren't considered acceptable foot attire.

AF1 · #7 (**permalink**) June 21st, 2010, 09:33 PM

Thank you very much for the honest feedback.

Donna · #8 (**permalink**) June 22nd, 2010, 07:26 AM

I would imagine its a little hard to top a Freedom of the Seas cruise. Like Trip suggested, wait and see the reviews on Epic, that one sounds good too and there is always our CM group cruise on Allure of the seas, since you did enjoy Freedom....

Let us know what you decide, OMG, what decisions :-)

Leebird · #9 (**permalink**) June 22nd, 2010, 09:38 AM

We've made a decision and we are booked! As of yesterday we are officially on the Adventure of the Seas for 2011. We are excited about the ports and the ship! We're taking our mothers this year so this was an important decision for us. One of them has never cruised and we want it to be somewhat of a traditional cruising experience for her. The Epic seemed a little far out so we decided against it.

AF1 · #10 (**permalink**) June 23rd, 2010, 01:14 PM

Have fun on Adventure; I sailed explorer and Voyager (sister ship), and the itinerary should be great.

traveltime · #11 (**permalink**) June 26th, 2010, 07:55 AM

Hope you LOVE Adventure of the Seas as much as my husband & I do. Sailed on her 3 times simply because she is our favorite ship. We are booked to sail on Freedom of the Seas in August and are looking forward to that!! A gentleman we met on our last AOS cruise who also LOVES AOS, said that FOS was a step up & was one of his favorite ships. Have a lovely time!!