Freedom of the Seas Review
Great public areas, great food, small cabins.
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose this cruise as we had never cruised before and the Western Med seemed like a great destination. We booked our flights through Royal Caribbean and they booked one flight with a Iberian number, one with a BA number and both ended with us flying with Veuling. This caused some problems booking seats etc. and I can see no advantage to booking with RC than booking direct.
The ship itself looks amazing and the public areas are stunning but are spoiled by stalls in the main thoroughfare selling "discounted" watches and jewelry. The cabin was disappointing, small and no better three star. On the other hand, the food throughout the ship was delicious and plentiful and in the main restaurant was served to a professional standard by friendly and helpful staff.
On the whole, the shows were terrific except for the "Once Upon a Time" performance which was weak t say the least.
Cabin Review
Oceanview Stateroom
The cabin was small with a small en-suite. Although clean and comfortable there were a couple of places that showed its age. The contrast between the drab cabins and the exuberance of the public area decor is pronounced.
Port Reviews
Marseille
The main visitor attraction in Marseilles is the Notre-Dame de la Garde which is a hard climb or you can catch the tourist train or take a taxi.You get to see a few sites from the train and the views over the harbour are great. Maybe consider going to Aix as an alternative.
Villefranche
Unfortunately there was a public transport strike on the day we arrived and we were too late to book an excursion,otherwise we would have gone to Nice. Villefranche is nice enough with its old harbour but I would definitely take a tour elsewhere say to Nice, Eze or Monte Carlo.
La Spezia (Cinque Terre)
Took a private tour to Florence and Pisa which amounted to no more than transport. Florence is wonderful but needs a couple of days to do it justice. Pisa has less to offer but one needs to see the tower at least once in your life.
Naples
The main City of Naples is a traffic nightmare as we found when we took the tourist bus. Another bus takes you along the coast and gives magnificent views over the city. I would definitely think about going to Pompeii rather than staying in Naples.