Xmas Miami & RCI Freedom of the Seas - Pt 1

[carolynn38]

Dec 20th-Dec 30th 2007

We originally booked this holiday Summer 2006 (18 months prior) after seeing Freedom on TV on its first sailing. It was our first cruise and to say it was long anticipated would be an understatement.

Originally it was just going to be me and my boyfriend (mid 30’s), but then my mum, sister (15) and nan (mid 80’s) decided to join us.

As we booked so far in advance, we managed to secure what we hoped would be a great cabin – 8638 (mid hump, port side).

We also decided to book our flights ourselves with British Airways and have a few days in Miami before the cruise, for a bit of sightseeing and to get used to the time difference.

Well the day had finally arrived, and after packing way too much (as usual) we were off to Manchester airport at 3am on Dec 20th. Flight wasn’t till 7am, and I had already checked in on-line, but as there were no extra legroom seats available on-line, we decided to get to the airport early and try and secure some then. This was not to be, as it was a full flight, but it was worth trying anyway……..

Flight from Manchester to London Heathrow was uneventful, and we landed on time, with over an hour and half to make our connection – and this is where it all went wrong!

When we landed, there was no-where to ‘park’ the plane, so we ended up sitting on the tarmac for (you’ve guessed it), an hour and half! We were not the only ones connecting so it was very fraught on the plane as we were not being told anything.

Eventually, they let us off and we raced to the connections desk. Luckily we had already been rebooked onto the next flight, which was leaving 4 hours later. The only problem was that as it was a full flight, they couldn’t give us 2 seats together. This was not an ideal start to our holiday so a note was made on our booking to see if anything could be done at the gate. We also received a £10 food and beverage voucher each, so we settled in for the long wait……..

Finally it was time to board, and luckily, when we got to the gate we found we had been upgraded to World Traveler Plus. Excellent.

Again, to good to be true, for once we boarded we then sat and waited another 2 hours before we took off – not good!

The flight itself was quite good, and the video on demand system excellent.

After god knows how long, we finally arrived in Miami – waited about 20 mins for immigration, picked up our luggage and got a taxi to our hotel for the next 3 nights – the Marriott at Biscayne Bay.

We had booked this because of its location to the port, and also because we managed to get it for $116 a night, thanks to Marriotts better rate guarantee.

The room itself was great, quite roomy and very clean. The best bit though was the view




After waking ridiculously early, seeing the ships come into dock at around 5am, we decided to use the Concierge lounge for breakfast – very good it was too.





We then decided to grab a taxi and head down to South beach, where we got on the duck tour. I thought this was great fun and a great way of seeing snippets of what Miami had to offer.



After that, we had a rather delicious lunch on Lincoln Road, and did a bit of shopping – I love the rate of exchange!

Next morning we decided to try out Bayside marketplace, so grabbed a taxi over there. What a beautiful place. We even saw Liberty waiting in dock so that really excited us!
Loved Bubba Gumps planned to come back later for a bite to eat.



After a bit of shopping and a drink (or 2) at hooters, we headed over to the Holiday Inn to see if the rest of my family had arrived.



My mum and sister had gone to drop the hire car off, but my nan was there. They were sharing a room and I have to say I was rather unimpressed with the room. I know a lot of people stay here pre/post cruise but I thought it was very shabby, and the room was tiny. It may just have been a ‘bad’ room but I am so glad we were not there…….

We headed back to our hotel, and as we were still very tired (jet lag) decided to give Bubba Gumps a miss and eat at the hotel instead. I wasn’t expecting much, but both me and Tony both said it was one of the best steaks we have EVER eaten.

Early night tonight, but we were just sooooo excited we ended up waking at about 5am again, just intime to see Freedom turn round and pull into dock – what an amazing sight!



We did manage to get a little more sleep, and then we were off! Grabbed some room service breakfast and left the hotel around 10.30am.

[carolynn38]

Pt 2

As we pulled up next to the ship you just can’t describe how big she really is. I have been researching this holiday for 18 months, researching and watching everything about Freedom, but nothing prepares you for the sheer size.

We dropped off our (many) bags with the porter (after a hefty tip – well I did want to see my bags again!), and headed inside. I was rather worried that I may not see my bags again, or at least a certain one that just may have contained a rum runner full of gin.RCI do not allow you to take alcohol onboard, so in effect I was smuggling. LOL

As we were quite early and we had already checked in online, everything went quite smoothly. We got our sea passes (how exciting!), and began to wait in the hall for boarding. We were no. 2.

After about half an hour a message came over the tannoy apologising for the delay in boarding (even though it was now only about 11.30am, and there were signs saying boarding would not commence before 2pm). Apparently 4 pax were still onboard and couldn’t be found. I had a quick look to see if I could see any of my family, but they were no where to be seen.

At about 12.30pm, boarding commenced with pre-boarding being called first. Then number 1, (which there were none), then us!

Up we went and before we knew it we were getting our pic taken as we boarded.

We already knew we wanted to pre-book Chops and Portofino’s, (the 2 speciality restaurants) so decided to head there first, taking a few pics on the way as it was nice and quiet.

[carolynn38]

Pt 3

We went to Chops first, and although I had a rough idea of when we wanted to eat there, I checked the main dining room meal schedule to see if it matched up to what I thought it would be. Sure enough, apart from Christmas Day (which would be a ‘special’ menu), it was nearly spot on to what I had already researched on another forum - cruise critic..



Got a table for 7.30 on the day we wanted, and then headed over to Portofino’s, where again we got the day and time we wanted.





We had originally thought the Windjammer (the main buffet) would be really busy, so was going to head over to Sorrento’s for a bit of lunch, but when we saw how quiet and lovely it was, we decided to eat there instead.







We thought the variety in the Windjammer was excellent, and especially enjoyed the honey stung chicken. Funnily enough, who should we bump into but my family. They had got priority boarding (not in the main hall) as my nan needs a wheelchair at times, and so had already been to see their cabin as they had already been opened up. After a lovely lunch (and a bud light, which we cannot get in the UK and I love), we decided to check out the cabins for ourselves. Even now after we had finished lunch, I can honestly say the Windjammer did not feel that crowded.

[carolynn38]

Pt 4

So off we went to find the cabin. We had gone for Deck 8, port, mid hump – Cabin no.8638, and I have to say being so close to the stairs and elevators meant it was a perfect location.



Once inside, we were surprised to see how large it felt – I was expecting something that felt a lot smaller. The bathroom was more than adequate, and it was nice to see our champagne and strawberries had already arrived.









The balcony was so great. It was so nice being glass, and again, a lot larger than expected. The added bonus of course was that because we were ‘mid-hump’, we could see all the way to the front and the back.

Our room steward, Cathy, came in and introduced herself. We asked if we could have continuous ice in the room, and she said no problem. She would come to our room twice a day and make sure it was refilled on both occasions. We also asked if there were any extra robes available, as Tony had forgotten his. These are usually only available for suites and above. She said she would see what she could do, and within 10mins she was back with the robe.

We then decided another wander was in order, as I especially wanted to check out our dining table assignment. As we opened the door I was thrilled to see one of the cases had arrived – and even better, it was the one filled with contraband!

[carolynn38]

Pt 5

The ship still seemed quite quiet and it was really weird seeing in the flesh all these sights I had been pouring over as pictures previously. The decorations were a lot more plush than I was expecting, and I know this may seem odd knowing the size of Freedom, but I didn’t think she seemed that bad onboard, and it was very easy to navigate.



We went and had a look at my family’s cabin, a large ocean view, also on deck 8 but forward (8514). This did seem bigger than ours, which was good because there was 3 of them, but it didn’t have a balcony. It did have a sofa bed though, and quite a large window

It was then off to explore…

[carolynn38]

Part 6

We headed over to the main dining room to check out our table. The dining room was very beautiful, and there was even a flying santa………





We had been placed with another family, and whilst this would have been perfect for me and Tony, we decided that because my family were with us (and it was Christmas) we would see if we could be seated alone.

Even though it was extremely busy and 2nd dining was full, they did manage to find us a spot on our own. The table was not in a great position (near a couple of serving stations, and in the middle of a main thoroughfare), but we were grateful for the change. We were told to come back the next day to see if anything better had turned up.

Off again, and it was nice to see the ship so tastefully decorated for Christmas





We found the casino and couldn’t believe how big it was. There didn’t seem to be any lingering smoke smells either.

[carolynn38]

Pt 7

I think we most of covered every inch of the ship in the next few hours, and we took hundreds of pics.

We got our first cocktails, then ventured outside. I was interested to see how warm the cantilevered hot tubs really were. I had read on previous posts that they were quite cool, so it was a relief to find them quite warm, even a little hot.



Before too long, it was time to get out life jackets and get ready for muster drill. This didn’t take too long, but it was quite warm out on deck.

There were huge queues for the elevators afterwards, and I never did understand why more people didn’t take the stairs. I can understand it if you are not able bodied, but there were many people taking lifts for only a few floors, including children. I am not the most fittest person myself, but managed the stairs most of the time, and felt a lot better for it too!

Anyway, it was now nearly time for sailaway, and because it was going to be a full moon, we knew it was going to be special. We went and opened the champagne, then got in position on deck, listening to the live music playing. Magical.

[carolynn38]

Part 8

Anyway, after a quick shower and change, it was off to dinner. It was lovely to see the gingerbread houses set up outside the dining room.



As previously thought, our table was not in the greatest position, but Ted and Ralp (I kidd you not – who remember watching the Fast Show), our waiters, were lovely.



Our dinner that evening was Bon Voyage, and very good it was too. The Vidalia Onion Tart that everyone has raved about was delicious, and the Herb-Crusted Fillet of Atlantic Cod With a light cream saffron-Champagne sauce was cooked to perfection.

Deserts were lovely too.







But I especially enjoyed the after dinner drinks in the loving cups, which were small shots.



After all the excitement of our first day, we were exhausted, so decided to retire early to bed……

[carolynn38]

Part 9

First morning at sea and we couldn’t wait. The sun was shining and it was very warm, so we ordered some tea and juice from room service, while we got ready to head to the main dining room for breakfast.

The main DR wasn’t busy at all, and we got seated with a lovely family from Sweden.

We both had the eggs benedict, which although delicious, could have done to be a bit warmer.

Then it was off to do what we do best, explore and take pictures.

We managed to find the screening room which we hadn’t heard much about, and Tony was thrilled to see one of his favorite films would be playing, although we never did get chance to watch it.





We also managed to pop back to the dining room to see if any more tables had opened up. Sure enough, there was a perfect one available, although we were sad not to be seeing Ted and Ralp again, so we made sure we sought them out to explain the reason we were moving tables was not because of them.

We then managed to get onto the helipad, which was fantastic



and I just had to have my Titanic moment at the front, arms outstretched.

Then we managed to catch a pasta making demonstration in Sorrento’s, where we also sampled some lovely pasta and Italian wine.

As tonight was formal night (and Christmas Eve), we took it easy for the rest of the day, before getting ready.

I have to say it was great fun being all dressed up, and we headed to what was going to become my regular hangout throughout the trip – the Champagne Bar, where many a cocktail was sampled.




We were even served some delicious canapés.



That evening it was the Venetian Feast, and afterwards we carried on back in the Champagne Bar

[carolynn38]

Part 10

Christmas day – yay, and what a beautiful morning it was. In traditional fashion, we got up really early and managed to watch the sun rise which was truly magical.



As we pulled into Labadee (part of Haiti which is leased by RCI as a private Island), it was like a real tropical island, and even though neither myself or Tony are real beach lovers, it did look lovely. We even passed close to where the zip line was (which Tony was booked to do, but had to cancel as he didn’t feel too well – luckily they refunded us no problem)



Even Santa joined us which was quite fun to watch, and apparently he got hoisted onboard, boat and all, but we missed that. Shame.



We met my family in the dining room for breakfast where we exchanged presents. Again, the breakfast was excellent, but on the cool side again.

We then went down to the tender to check out Labdee. Luckily, it was another hot day and I have to say, it was an amazing place to spend Christmas day. As previously mentioned, neither of us are beach lovers, but we ended up staying most of the day. Loved the live music, and especially the Labadoozies!

We headed out to Hideaway Cove and settled for the day. I have to say I can’t think of a nicer place to spend Christmas day, and I was totally blown away with the place. For me, this was going to be a port I wasn’t that bothered about, but it turned out to be the best by far.







Back on board, we decided to hang out in the Solarium for a while, and in the hot tub, which was very hot! Fantastic. In fact, we were the only ones in it at one point, which was quite amazing considering that Freedom was sailing at the fullest it had ever been – 115% capacity.