Mariner

RCCL - Freedom of the Seas Review

Itinerary - comments:

Day 1. After arriving at Port Canaveral we parked in the parking lot adjacent to the cruise terminal. It's easy to find parking so don't be concerned about that. We arrived to be greeted with a sizeable slow moving line. This was not Royal Caribbean's fault, but that of disorganized port security people. The port security lady was very impolite when she found out that I didn't have all of my set sail paperwork. Ooops! Make sure that you have your set sail pass paperwork and passport ready to go!

Day 2. Cocoa Cay. - There were plenty of chairs. I was warned to get off the ship early to get a chair. We'll I had about 1000 to choose from. If another ship is docked I can see how this would be a problem, but not if you are the only boat there. I liked all of the beaches especially Barefoot beach where you can walk far out into the water. Bring your license if you and your kids want to do a jet ski. The snorkeling was very good. I saw a barracuda, sting ray, gar fish, blow fish, and yellow fish (?). The slide was fun for the kids and you can book that there on the island, just like the water park offshore. I would also suggest taking bottled water or a snack as there isn't really a place to buy many things. I liked Cocoa Cay a lot. I very nice stop.

Day 3. Sea day

Day 4. St. Thomas - We took an excursion to St. John to Trunk Bay to snorkel. The snorkeling is excellent and so is the scenery. It seemed as though the trip goes too fast as only 1 ½ hours is spent at trunk bay. Apparently there are two tours booked at Trunk bay. We had an excursion in the afternoon and met the Carnival people heading back. IF you get the afternoon excursion beware that they close the snack shop early - like at 3 pm in the afternoon. I'm not sure why, it's not like it was getting dark.

I also have been to Megan's bay on a previous trip. Megan's bay has a beautiful beach also, but with not much in the way of snorkeling. Regardless if you go to Trunk bay or Megan's bay or a different venue, This is an excellent good port with lots to do and see.

Day 5. St. Martin - St. Maarten / St. Martin is one island divided into two countries - Dutch and French. You can take a water taxi just off of the boat at Phillipsburg for $6 all day. It will take you for a 5 minute ride to the shops and beach in town. There will be people trying to sell you things but they don't badger you if you say no thanks. We rented the jet skis. That were $55 for 35 minutes. We starting walking by and got them for $50 and two"free" chairs. Don't agree to the first price and see what you can bargain for.

I didn't go to Oriental Beach as many do. There is the possibility of seeing nudity from where RCCL goes to the beach, but I don't think it's common. I just didn't hear many people talking about it. I liked St. Martin a lot too. I didn't care for the people trying to see you stuff as soon as I got off of the water taxi, but it was definitely not as bad as what you would encounter in Jamaica.

Day 6. Sea day

Day 7. Sea day

Day 8 Disembarking.

Review Comments:

My overall experience was very good. I was surprised that the Freedom didn't seem too much bigger than the Mariner of the Seas. The staff was excellent. We were taken well care of by the dining staff and room staff. I also felt that the entertainers on the ship also were quite talented. The shows seemed slow and were not generally memorable though. I would like to see shows with more pep. I would also like to see shows changed more often. I have actually sailed on the Mariner of the Seas where the shows were the same a year apart. Cruise lines need to pay attention to the return customer!

The putt - putt golf course was pretty, but built with little imagination. There is almost no way to get a hole in one. The flow rider was a hit. Time was divided up between surfing and knee boarding. There were a few experts, but most had fun while learning. There was also time for private lessons; in my opinion too much time. Up to 5-6 hours a day was devoted to those who would pay extra for lessons.

Cruising is great fun. There are a lot of hidden costs though. Be careful, Royal Caribbean adds in tips automatically for everything..... even drinks. If you're not careful you can easily double tip. Even on the islands tip boxes are everywhere.. Take a handful of ones and some fives explicitly for this purpose. When you take a cruise it WILL cost more than you planned, especially if you drink alcohol!

I would also recommend not booking a flight too close to disembarking time. My cruise was diverted because someone was ill. It put the Freedom back in port about six hours late. Not only did it create a log jam on disembarking, it created a bunch on angry folks who missed flights. Word to the wise, get travel insurance.

Another suggestion to Royal Caribbean: the pictures are expensive. I would suggest somehow being able to put the pictures in a digital format so that people can touch up a few blemishes. There were several pictures that I would have purchased it one or two blemishes could have been touched up on my computer at home. I also belive that more pictures would be sold too.

I noticed that the same movies were played over which could have been easily varied. Also, the ice cream dispenser on pool deck created log jams every day. Couldn't there be a better place for it? Why was it shut down at I believe 8 pm? It should be one of the "open late" venues.

Overall, I enjoyed the experience very much. I believe that RCCL and other cruise lines need to work harder to please the repeat cruiser. I would also suggest shaking up the itineraries a little. How about changing one of the stops instead of the same stops?

Happy Sailing!

Equiano Olaudah and his master after a sail bitterly disappointed once again brought to Montserrat, and arrived safe and sound but a lot of anger. Once downloaded, boat, and Equiano had sold his property and now owned by about 47 pounds, he consulted with the captain as he was with his master, the money to go to secure their release. He advises him to have breakfast together.

Thus, in the morningEquiano arrived and found the captain, as agreed. He bowed before him with money in hand, and very full of fear in his heart, prayed for him to remain faithful and committed to his word when he promised to love freedom, when he could not buy. The first reaction of his master, upon his arrival that day surprised him. Started to decline. Equiano heart sank within him at that time.

"How", he said, gives him freedom, and why?Where did you get the money? Forty pounds? '

"Yes, sir," replied Equiano.

"How are you?" He pursues.

After a severe examination, and gave the captain said with a smile that Equiano was aware the money received with great sincerity and with much industry, particularly the parapet. As his teacher said that Equiano was given money much faster than him, and unfortunately the promise that if I had known, I had the money and thenSoon, I would not know that companies have.

"Come, come," said the captain, Captain Equiano palms on the back: "Come, Robert, I thought you should have your freedom, you sit on your money, you get a good interest in all that time and here Director in the past. I know that Gustav has won more than one hundred years and still be able to save money, and do not leave, take "Come, Robert, money."

At that moment I saidis not worse for him to keep his promise. With the money, has asked the Secretary 's Office of the Register of Equiano go, and you issued the certificate of release. These words were like a voice from heaven for him. In an instant, his anxiety runs an indescribable joy, and bowed respectfully with gratitude, unable to express their feelings, but her eyes filled with tears of joy as their true and worthy friend, congratulating the captain of bothwith an extraordinary degree of sincere joy. Where the first transport of his joy and thanked his friends thank you very much, she rose with a heart full of love and respect, and left the house to proceed with the Registrar's office as dependents.

When I left home, I shouted the words of the spirit of the Psalmist in Psalm 126, and how he "Praise God in my heart, I trust." Those words were in his mind has been affected byToday, I was forced to Deptford, and now seen as I thought, fulfilled and verified. My imagination was as enthusiastic as he flew to the registry, and in this context that the Apostle Peter (whose release was so sudden and extraordinary, believed in the vision) could not believe I was awake. Heaven! Who could do justice to my feelings at this moment! No conquering hero in the midst of a triumph of supply notMother, daughter lost the right to back down and pressed his heart, not the navy hungry tired of seeing his wife desired friendly port is not the lover, and once again embracing his lover after they were torn from the arms! Everything in my breast was tumult, wildness, and delirium! My feet barely touched the ground, because they had the wings of joy, like Elijah, as he climbed into the sky, are "I ran like lightning." All the people interviewed saidmy happiness and burned on the virtue of my captain.When Equiano gentleman was cordial and stationery and familiarity with the object of his visit, the Chancellor, congratulated him for his performance, and promised to establish roles for half the price was a guinea pig. Equiano then thanked for his kindness, and the document received by him paid. The basic document with confidence and pride in his hand ran to his loveto sign for what is published in its entirety. His teacher, as Equiano was signed, the documents were released from slavery, the same day, "so that the night before, I was a slave in the morning, trembling at the will of others, has been my personal experience main gain, and completely free. I thought it was the happiest day of my life was, it was the joy of my blessings and prayers of many people of color, particularly the elderly, where my heart always highercombined with respect "

unless something strange, inhuman and materialistic, you could see directly from this document, the expression of absolute power and domination of man over her child said, almost as if it were a horse, a house and land ownership. Enjoy the glory of their new freedom, which is reproduced below:

Montserrat.-to all people to come to the place where these donations is as follows: I. Robert King, the parish of San Antonio, said island, a merchant, send greeting: KnowI referred to Robert King, paid for and in consideration of the sum of seventy pounds current money of this island, next to me, and for the black slave named Gustavus Vassa, can and should be free, freedom, emancipation, relief, and released, and this press is not free and open to free the slaves blacks called Gustav Vasa, who is always right, and announced that it was granted, the GustavVassa, all rights, title, dominion, sovereignty and property, as lord and master over the said Gustavus Vassa, I had or have, or any other means, or maybe later I might have on the black forever. In witness whereof, I have said before, Robert King has these qualities my signature and stamp of July 10, 1766 of our Lord together.

King Robert.

Signed, sealed and deliveredPresence of Montserrat Terrylegay.

Here is the statement of length in the July 11, 1766, in Liber D.

Register TERRYLEGAY.

Equiano had the reputation of its new version immediately lost with a new name, which for him is "the most coveted in the world, was a free man, and dancing that was my Georgian superfine blue clothes made no indifferent appearance, I thought . Some of the sword was previouslybegan to relax and less fragile for him.

But then, the heart Equiano was already in London, where he hoped to resolve quickly. His worthy captain and his owner, his former teacher, believes that Equiano was founded in the Spirit for London, said: "We will not be, but if the ships." Here was overwhelmed by feelings of gratitude that his mind was stuggling between two extremes, the inclination and duty. ThoughDespite his desire, in London, bowed in obedience to the wishes of their benefactors who come by boat and not leave. Equiano then eligible were recruited as sailors on board, thirty shillings a month, which could, among other benefits.

His intention was to make a trip or two, just like his great protector, but with the commitment that next year, God willing, he would see old England again andSurprised by his former master, Captain Pascal, who was in his mind every hour, because she still loved him despite his use of me, and I can not wait to think, what he would say if he had seen what God I I was as low as it seems, under the cruel yoke of some settlers. '

These dreams are often funny Equiano. Well, because it was free as in its original state of freedom in Africa, having everything ready forTravel aboard the Nancy. In this state of calm, he sailed for Saint-Eustache, with the sea smooth and the time it took to get there. They came in Savannah, Georgia, August 1766, he traveled by boat on the river infested with crocodiles before leaving for Montserrat.

Olaudah Equiano and his master after a bitter disappointment, once again set sail for Montserrat, and arrived safe and sound, but a lot of anger. When you unload the ship, Equiano had sold their property, and was now in possession of about 47 kilos, has consulted with the captain, as he was with his master the money for their freedom. We recommend that you come to breakfast together one morning.

Therefore, in the morningEquiano arrived and found the captain, as was agreed. He leaned toward him and the money by hand, and full of great fear in her heart prayed for him to remain faithful and committed his word to him, if he is promised the love of his freedom when you could buy. The first reaction of his master when he arrived that day surprised him. Started to decline. Equiano heart sank within him at that time.

"How," he said, gives him the freedom and why?Where did you get the money? Forty pounds? "

"Yes," replied Equiano.

"How?" He continued.

After rigorous questioning, the captain, then gave up and said with a smile that he knew, Equiano was given money with great sincerity and with much industry, particularly the parapet. As Equiano said that his master was given money much faster than him, and unfortunately the promise that if I had known, I had the money thenSoon there will be that businesses have.

"Come, come," said the captain, Equiano striking teachers back: "Come, Robert, I think you have to have their freedom, and are sitting in your money, you have a great interest in all that time and now the past is more important. So that Gustav has won more than one hundred years, and still be able to save money, and do not leave, take "Come, Robert, of money. "

At that moment I saidIt would be worse for him to keep his promise. With the money, asked the clerk recording Equiano to pick up his discharge papers. These words were like a voice from heaven to him. In an instant, all his anguish turns to joy unspeakable bowed respectfully and warmly, unable to express his feelings, but her eyes brimming with tears of joy, as his true and worthy friend, to congratulate the teachers, the timewith an extraordinary degree of sincere joy. When the first transports of joy over her and thanked his friends thank you very much, she rose with a heart full of love and reverence, and left the apartment to go to the Office of Vital with instructions.

When I left home, I shouted the words of the spirit of the Psalmist in Psalm 126, and as "Praise God in my heart, I trust." These words were in his mind has been affected byNow I am forced to Deptford, and now have seen what I think, met and verified. My imagination was all excited when I went to the Registrar, and in this sense, like the Apostle Peter (whose release was so sudden and extraordinary, believed in the vision), could not believe that he was awake. Heaven! Who can bring justice to my feelings right now! No conquering hero in the midst of a triumph, not the raceThe mother lost her only son on numerous occasions, and squeezed the heart, not your tired, hungry sailors, and her lover with the desired port is not the lover, because once again embrace after his beloved have been torn from arms! Everything in my chest was confusion, wildness, and delirium! My feet barely touched the ground because the wings were joyful, and like Elijah, as he climbed into the sky, are "run like lightning when I leave." All people interviewed saidmy happiness, and burned on the virtue of my Lord captain.When Equiano was friendly and familiar with the Chancellery and the object of his visit, the Chancellor praised for his performance, and promised to establish their role for the middle price, it was a guinea pig. Equiano, then thanked him for his kindness, then the document received by him paid. The basic document safely and proudly in hand, ran to his masterto sign for what is published in its entirety. His master, Equiano, as was signed, the documents released him from slavery, the same day, "because the night before, I was a slave in the morning, trembling at the will of others, was my personal experience gain main and completely free. I thought this was the happiest day of my life I had, and my joy was blessings and prayers of many people of color, especially the elderly, where my heart is always morewere placed with respect "

unless something strange, inhuman and materialistic, you could see directly from this document, the expression of absolute power and domination by a man on your child said, almost as if it were a horse, a house and land ownership . Enjoy the glory of their newfound freedom, which is reproduced below:

Montserrat. "For all these people come to these donations is: Robert King, the parish of San Antonio, said island, merchant, send greeting: KnowI referred to Robert King, paid for and in consideration of the sum of seventy pounds current money of this island, next to me, and a black slave, named Gustavus Vassa is, and can be free, freedom, 'emancipation, the right to vote, was released and the release of the statement is not emancipated and free, the black slave named, said Gustavus Vassa, who is always right and release was granted, GustavoVassa, all right, title, rule, sovereignty, and property, as lord and master over the said Gustavus Vassa, I had or have, or any other means, or maybe I can do for Black later, "forever. In witness whereof I said before, Robert King has these qualities my hand and seal, July 10, in the year of our Lord in September 1766.

King Robert.

Signed, sealed and deliveredPresence of Terrylegay, Montserrat.

Here, the output of the track, the eleventh day of July 1766, in Liber D.

Register TERRYLEGAY.

Equiano knew the fame of its new version immediately lost with a new name for him "the most coveted in the world that was Freeman, and my style of dance that Georgia was superfine blue clothes made indifferent appearance, as I have thought. Some of female sword was previouslybegan to relax and less fragile for him.

But then, the heart Equiano was already in London, where he hoped to resolve quickly. His worthy Captain and his owner, his former professor, found that Equiano was founded Spirit in the direction of London said: "We will not leave, we hope that you are still with the ship." There have been dominated by feelings of gratitude that his spirit stuggling between two extremes, the slope and the responsibility. ThoughAlthough his desire, in London, bowed in obedience to their masters who come by boat, and do not let them. Equiano has been contracted by sailors on board and without disabilities, thirty-six shillings a month, which could, among other benefits.

His intention was to make a trip or two, absolutely excellent as her protector, but with the commitment that next year, God willing, I will see again the old England, andSurprise, his former master, Captain Pascal, who was in his mind every hour, "because she still loved him despite his use of me, and I'm happy at the thought of what he would say if he saw what the Lord I had taken place in so short a time, one might think, under the cruel yoke of some settlers. "

These dreams are often vivid Equiano. Well, because it was free as in its original condition for free Africa, which have everything toTrip on the east of Nancy. In this state of calm, sailed for St. Eustatius, with smooth sea and time, we have arrived. He came to Savannah, Georgia, in August 1766, when he was with the boat in the river infested with crocodiles before departure for Montserrat.