Matt

I've heard rules are different in UK and I know you're from Australia, but in US you can re-price your cruise up to final payment date. So if you book this current deal and price drops $1 (or $1000) tomorrow, you can re-book. Keep in mind that one danger of rebooking is let's say price drops $50, re-booking after this BOGO 50% off deal is over could result in losing out on your onboard credit offer you get.

Some of these were true and some werent: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2015/01/06/full-list-of-royal-caribbeans-freedom-of-the-seas-changes

I can see both sides of the argument. Only DCL has lifeguards but that's only after they had a drowning. Most hotels do not have lifeguards and they have far larger pools. On the other hand, a lifeguard does make people feel better. But with a lifeguard comes more liability for the cruise line because drownings still can happen even with a lifeguard present. As a parent, I have a 4 year old and she can't swim alone anyway but I'm not even sure what age I'd feel comfortable allowing her to go swimming without me. Parents cant be everywhere and watching all the time but there's no way me or my wife is not in the pool with my daughter.

In the MDR the assistant waiter only ever brought drinks and bread. I posted this in another thread but I also think part of your experience depends on what time your reservation is at. It seems earlier dining times get the "dinner rush" more than dinner times after 8pm.

I had HEARD Ripple was blocked but cant confirm from any first hand knowledge

Any colored suit is fine. To be honest, you can get away without a jacket or even a tie. I bring my suit with me for formal nights but you will see plenty of men without suits on also. Nice pants, a collared shirt and that will be fine.

Oasis, my 2nd cruise

Freedom was last in drydock in 2011 but anything is possible.

I have a theory about the reports about the long lines. I believe in first hour, restaurants get overwhelmed with demand. But if you make your reservations or try to show up after 7:30/8pm, far lesser lines. I experienced this on my 2-nighter. I went on first night by the restaurant around 6 or 6:30 and it was a zoo so I went to the bar (a sensible decision LOL). I came back around 8 and walked in. Others that have had later ressies havent reported the craziness. Just a theory and one I can put to the test in March but just thought I'd toss it out.

Yes, Chops' dress code is smart casual. That generally means for men a collared shirt and pants (tie or jacket optional). For ladies, it's a cocktail dress or blouse and "nice jeans". Essentially, no shorts, hats or t-shirts.

Which ship? Which port? There's no exact date but Royal Caribbean adds entertainment and excursions as you get closer to your sailing to book online.

We always go to Windjammer to get my daughter dinner before we'd go to dinner and I'll tell you there were a few nights I wish we just ate at the Windjammer because their food selection looked better than MDR. If you gave RC brass truth serum, I have no doubt one of the big selling points of DD to RC was the fact on 7+ night cruises it will encourage people to try specialty dining if you want a sit down meal for dinner each night. I don't think Windjammer is a bad choice by any means and on days when you are in port and get back late, eating at the Windjammer may be a simpler option.

I think they did that to make the price seem lower, even though essentially the price didn't change much. But you are correct that gratuity is included with the drink packages so when you order a drink, you just have to sign the receipt and you're done.

The RC phones will eventually be phased out to be replaced by the Royal IQ app.

I made my reservation. How long are you in the air for?

Thanks for the review. So essentially you disliked DD because of the lack of food variety? There's no question DD is a push to get people to dine in the specialty restaurants. Was Windjammer not a dinner option you wanted? I know some people want a sit down experience.

I haven't heard either show has actually been performed yet on any cruise

I agree, I think they saw they need further refinement of the process and delayed a self-imposed deadline on the Oasis class. Makes sense.

January 2015 3 - KeithnRita (Serenade of the Seas) 3 - DocLC (Jewel of the Seas) 8 - RCKRZR (Brilliance of the Seas) 13 - AussieCoasterKing (Radiance of the Seas) 22 - monctonguy (Brilliance of the Seas) February 2015 2 - Geoff (Quantum of the Seas) 12 - poider (Radiance of the Seas) 12 - NCguys (Explorer of the Seas) March 2015 13 - AGSLC5 (Quantum of the Seas) 14 - Marc (Independence of the Seas) 14 - Don (Serenade of the Seas) 21 - Matt (Quantum of the Seas Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise!) 21 - RCKRZR (Quantum of the Seas Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise!) 21 - pnyxprss (Quantum of the Seas Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise!) 21 - Jamie (Quantum of the Seas Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise!) 21 - ncbn0902 (Quantum of the Seas Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise!) 29 - ian91 (Quantum of the Seas) April 2015 4 - bcarney (Jewel of the Seas) 5 - FloatMe (Adventure of the Seas) 10 - CaribbeanPirate (Grandeur of the Seas) 11 - markinct (Oasis of the Seas) 19 - capitalkyle (Adventure of the Seas) May 2015 10 - RCL lover (Independence of the Seas) 11 - ian91 (Allure of the Seas) June 2015 13 - Shocked (Anthem of the Seas) 19 - turtleclanscott (Jewel of the Seas) 21 - TheMays July 2015 26 - Matt (Freedom of the Seas) 29 - DocLC (Brilliance of the Seas) August 2015 1 - Marc (Adventure of the Seas) September 2015 13 - Shocked (Allure of the Seas) 18 - ian91 (Brilliance of the Seas) 26 - RCKRZR (Jewel of the Seas) 27 - Steve (Brilliance of the Seas) October 2015 24 - greenline627 (Grandeur of the Seas) November 2015 3 - rekkie (Explorer of the Seas) 13 - rekkie (Explorer of the Seas) January 2016 3 - DocLC (Liberty of the Seas) 10 - Michel (Allure of the Seas) March 2016 13 - Marc (Freedom of the Seas)

Thank you for the kind words and welcome to the boards! Hope you will become a regular member of our community!

I still think Dynamic Dining is coming to both ships.

Marc is correct, it's 2 bottles per stateroom. In my experience, they've never checked during the embarkation process. I always keep the bottles in my carry on (so they dont break) and never even a word when I go through the x-ray machine.

Generally they don't put those machines on ships sailing outside of USA but not sure if that will change once she comes to USA after her time in UK.

RC will let you bring 2 bottles of wine onboard

I think I agree with Marc, if price is as close (or better) as Marc describes, I'd go for the balcony