🌞Summer Vibes: Raise a Glass to Freedom; Symphony of Serenity; A Wonderful Life – FR 06.30.2025; SY 07.27.2025; WN 08.17.2025

[Lovetocruise2002]

Summer Vibes: Raise a Glass to Freedom; Symphony of Serenity; A Wonderful Life – FR 06.30.2025; SY 07.27.2025; WN 08.15.2025

Back with a triple sailing this summer!

I had thought of taking a break from blogging as I wasn’t sure I wanted to keep starting up new ones in such a short time span (over two months). But then @asquared17's blog that never ends gave me an idea. I am going to combine all our summer sailings into one blog that I can pop in and out of and not have to start up a new one each time.

Here we go, let’s start by “Raising a Glass to Freedom”, appropriately named I think, because finally, I am free from the burden of this school year and summer finally is here!

[Lovetocruise2002]

Freedom of the Seas 06.30.2025

This sailing was booked just a month ago. For those who know me, that is really short notice. We booked this sailing on whim, or perhaps a moment of weakness.

Four weeks ago, I was super exhausted from work, wishing I was on a balcony overlooking the water. While taking a break from weekend marking and report cards, I was browsing cruise prices. I came across what I considered a great deal on this FR sailing. There was a suite GTY option for two of us.

Knowing the answer was likely going to be a “no”, I had to at least make the attempt to run it by Hubby. The last few months have been draining for us as a family. On top of the regular hustle and bustle of life, we were dealing with family health issues, a difficult school year that felt never ending at points and Hubby surprisingly said “yes” rather quickly! I think he knew I needed it. He truly is awesome! And I may have told him he could hang out at the wave all day long lol.

Who’s Going?

Just Hubby and I!

Flight

Very reasonable airfare from DTW-FLL made this sailing possible for us. If airfare had been the usual price that we pay at peak times, we would not have gone. At 1 month out from sailing, airfare was $239pp RT. I don’t remember paying a price that low in almost a decade!

Pre-Cruise Stay

We are using points this time for a stay in Fort Lauderdale. We thought about staying at the Intercontinental because we had enough points for that too, but I think you all know by now why we decided on FLL. And I really love staying along Fort Lauderdale beach.

Itinerary

Standard 4 nighter, likely not leaving the ship.

30 JUN  MIAMI, FL

01 JUL PDCC, BAHAMAS

02 JUL NASSAU, BAHAMAS

03 JUL CRUISING

04 JUL   MIAMI, FL

Cabin

Our suite GTY was assigned at 16 days out and it’s an accessible JS. I have very mixed feelings about this one. I expected the JS, not the accessible part. There’s pros and cons. I will hold out on commenting until the end of the sailing.

Pre-Cruise thoughts

-        This was our very first time booking a GTY. I agree with @RCIfan1912, it’s sort of fun, and not, at the same time. My TA laughed because for a Type A person like me, not knowing was eating away at me each day lol.

-        I had booked the UDP (great deal, 55% off C&A offer, $103.99pp), VOOM, and Evian water package and have since cancelled it. I have also cancelled all my Royal Up bids. More on that to come

-        Once again, in the spirit of a live blog, please do not hesitate to ask any questions.  I will do my best to find out whatever I can for you.

-        When responding to a post with a series of pictures, please do not include the pictures in your reply.  It just makes for easier scrolling.

-        Lastly, I will try to post videos and stories on Instagram.  You can follow me @lovetocruise2002

[JustMeJoe]

15 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

  This was our very first time booking a GTY

Don't tell Hubby when you change and then Royal Up  .  Have a GREAT time (just the 2 of you) !!!

[Jax]

23 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

More on that to come

I’ll wait for the “more to come” before I say anything

[OCSC Mike]

17 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

The last few months have been draining for us as a family. On top of the regular hustle and bustle of life, we were dealing with family health issues, a difficult school year that felt never ending at points and Hubby surprisingly said “yes” rather quickly! I think he knew I needed it. He truly is awesome! And I may have told him he could hang out at the wave all day long lol.

Sorry to hear about the rough few months; hopefully your summer of cruising will help with the recovery. I'm sure he is awesome and all but isn't that how he spends every cruise?   Joking aside, you know I can relate to "exhausted teacher syndrome." We were a little busy with different things shortly after the June cruise but have been couch potatoes this week... so my wife already started doing stuff for next school year just to get ahead of the curve while we were binge watching crappy tv shows.

24 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I had booked the UDP (great deal, 55% off C&A offer, $103.99pp), VOOM, and Evian water package and have since cancelled it. I have also cancelled all my Royal Up bids. More on that to come

Can't wait to hear about this. I'm wracking my brain and can't come up with a reason or scenario if you're truly still in a JS.

[OCSC Mike]

1 minute ago, Jax said:

I’ll wait for the “more to come” before I say anything

Clearly you have the inside scoop, lol. I'll just sit here waiting in suspense. 

[OCSC Mike]

2 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

I'm wracking my brain and can't come up with a reason or scenario if you're truly still in a JS.

NEVERMIND... 99% sure I figured it out! Maybe I'll message you just to feel smart. 

[Lovetocruise2002]

23 minutes ago, JustMeJoe said:

Don't tell Hubby when you change and then Royal Up  .  Have a GREAT time (just the 2 of you) !!!

I keep checking the app each seeing if they will re-assign us again but no luck. The GTY was such a good price. There was also a GS and OS when we booked it but those were not worth it to book direct, not for a 4 night.

13 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

Can't wait to hear about this. I'm wracking my brain and can't come up with a reason or scenario if you're truly still in a JS.

We are still currently in a JS.

10 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

NEVERMIND... 99% sure I figured it out! Maybe I'll message you just to feel smart. 

Winner! Winner! @Jax did already know but I just recently broke the news to Hubby. My sister on the other hand, saw through me right away

[OCSC Mike]

2 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I just recently broke the news to Hubby

He said no packages... so you went with THAT instead without telling him? 

[asquared17]

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

then @asquared17's blog that never ends gave me an idea.

the way i continue to get dragged for this is hysterical  

[asquared17]

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I am going to combine all our summer sailings into one blog that I can pop in and out of and not have to start up a new one each time.

tbh it really is more convenient 

58 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I was super exhausted from work, wishing I was on a balcony overlooking the water.

i mean if this isn’t the cure for what ails you, i don’t know what is. 

59 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

but I think you all know by now why we decided on FLL

i’m ashamed to admit that it took me long that it should have to put this together… what in the la bamba was i thinking???? 

(i blame my post-work week margarita… yours truly has a heavy pour as a bartender )

 

let the live-blogging begin!!! IM EXCITED FOR THIS!!!

[Jax]

I won’t give away the news but our text thread may have started out like this:

Sabrina: I just caught a good deal on freedom. 2 people in suite guarantee; leave in a month. 
Me: Yay, end of school gift to you!! 
Sabrina: Hubby made me promise not to add anything to booking. Then she clarified: No dining or anything. 
Me: I hope you had things crossed

(as a fellow suite snob I knew there would be more to this story) Stay tuned 

[Lovetocruise2002]

8 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

He said no packages... so you went with THAT instead without telling him? 

There is a logical (girl math) explanation for this.....

I did initially put in minimum bids for a VP, GS, and OS so that I could have access to the suite lounge. There was one GS and one OS available when I booked 4 weeks ago so I was mildly hopeful. But I was also reading conflicting reports on Reddit and the RU FB page regarding GTYs and RU.  I went ahead and booked VOOM, UDP, and the Evian water package (@asquared17 will get me on this one).

I also noticed in the app that this sailing qualified for the "Spend to Save Challenge" which means I would get 10% cruise planner purchases back in FCCs. In the meantime, the sailing completely disappeared off Royal's site. About two weeks ago, the Genie Package went on sale. I never would have entertained this at regular price.

I began to think of the "value" of this package in terms of things that matter to us during a sailing (VOOM, UDP, access to SL, priority embark/disembark, access to a wave session, unlimited Evian). By the time I factored in the "value" of those things, the sale, getting 10% back, and the fact that I would pull my RU, it made the different not too bad.

That's how we ended up with a Genie, I promise you it was not always the plan lol

[Lovetocruise2002]

12 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

the way i continue to get dragged for this is hysterical  

The blog that never ends lol

[Lovetocruise2002]

10 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

i blame my post-work week margarita…

I am going to need one of those on Sunday...at La Bamba!

6 minutes ago, Jax said:

I won’t give away the news but our text thread may have started out like this:

Sabrina: I just caught a good deal on freedom. 2 people in suite guarantee; leave in a month. 
Me: Yay, end of school gift to you!! 
Sabrina: Hubby made me promise not to add anything to booking. Then she clarified: No dining or anything. 
Me: I hope you had things crossed

(as a fellow suite snob I knew there would be more to this story) Stay tuned 

But he gets more wave time! lol

 

[Jax]

12 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I promise you it was not always the plan lol

I always had a feeling it would work out for you. Maybe it was my thoughts become things mindset. After a tough year it was meant to be. You know how happy I am for you.
Plus I needed a distraction this weekend as Reyd is off in the middle of nowhere hours from home with our 5th wheel. Thank god for Starlink. 

[OCSC Mike]

6 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

There is a logical (girl math) explanation for this

I'm not going pull out my abacus and crunch the numbers but I like the logic. It may have cost more than the total of what you had purchased but there's clearly more value to offset it.

[Jax]

5 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

But he gets more wave time! lol

Totally worth it!! This reminds me when I had gemstone lighting installed on our home exterior without telling Lindsay. When he drove home on a Saturday night, we said surprise!! He thought it was great and it still ranks as one of his favorite gifts. I love it when you can give yourself a gift when gifting it to someone else.  

[JustMeJoe]

Does Hubby get lots of Flow Rida time and is A and L_Ont on this one with you guys ?

[AshleyDillo]

14 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

That's how we ended up with a Genie, I promise you it was not always the plan lol

You're welcome!

[asquared17]

21 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Evian water package (@asquared17 will get me on this one).

i will always endorse this and i will say it with all the power in my being!!!!

20 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

The blog that never ends lol

omg

[Lovetocruise2002]

13 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

but there's clearly more value to offset it.

This was really what it came down to.

That and I cannot be a hypocrite. I cannot tell @AshleyDillo to go try it in the name of research and then not do it myself when presented with an opportunity that somewhat made sense lol

12 minutes ago, Jax said:

He thought it was great and it still ranks as one of his favorite gifts. I love it when you can give yourself a gift when gifting it to someone else.  

Omg...I will let you know what Hubby thinks after the sailing 

11 minutes ago, JustMeJoe said:

Does Hubby get lots of Flow Rida time and is A and L_Ont on this one with you guys ?

I wish they were! But sadly no. And with the Genie package, you get the standard Star Class session. This one is at a decent time. 9am on the sea day.

11 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said:

You're welcome!

Thank you! lol

5 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

i will always endorse this

I knew you would!

[Lovetocruise2002]

So Lissandra reached out via email about 10 days out from sailing. A bit earlier than the regular 6-7 day reach out in normal Star Class. Her email is very similar to the one @CruisingAndy posted on his blog in May.

I noticed one main difference from regular star class, there was no mention of what complimentary beverages could be stocked in the cabin.

I replied with our usual Word doc that we send with all our room and dining requests. I did not hear from her for a few days but she eventually came back with an itinerary and confirmation of our room requests.

Dear ,

Thank you for choosing Royal Caribbean and our amazing Royal Genie package.

I hope you’re getting excited for your upcoming adventure !

My name is Lissandra, and I am thrilled to serve as your Royal Genie.

I can’t wait to welcome you to your Suite onboard the Freedom of the Seas on Monday, June 30th. To ensure a seamless experience, I kindly advise you to share with me any requests for dining, shows, tours, activities and if you are celebrating any special occasion. 

I also recommend you begin reserving your Shore Excursions and Spa services now on Cruise Planner: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruiseplanner

My Royal Cruise: Pre-Cruise Deals | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Plan your cruise and book in advance to get exclusive deals on drink packages, onboard activities, and shore excursions. Design your cruise vacation today!

www.royalcaribbean.com
Please help me begin to get to know you by answering the following questions:

What's the best advice you've ever received, and from whom?

What would constitute a 'perfect' day for you?

What can I do to make your onboard experience more magical?

I will be taking the liberty to start crafting an itinerary to ensure you can experience the different specialty restaurants we have to offer onboard, ensuring you can attend and enjoy the evening entertainment.

Do you have a preferred dining time? Once I hear back from you, I'll confirm all the exciting details. Please feel free to reach out any time with questions or requests.

I'm looking forward to welcoming you onboard the Freedom of the Seas and making your trip truly unforgettable.

Best Wishes,

Lissandra, your Royal Genie.

[Lovetocruise2002]

Another difference I have noticed so far is that it is not referred to as “Star Class”. It is referred to as the “Royal Genie Package”, on the itinerary and the wave session. I am curious what the reserved seat banners will say. 

[AshleyDillo]

6 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I noticed one main difference from regular star class, there was no mention of what complimentary beverages could be stocked in the cabin.

For me that came in a later email. They also email you a Genie luggage tag to print but it's just a PDF of the ones they usually have at the port.

[Lovetocruise2002]

Just now, AshleyDillo said:

For me that came in a later email. They also email you a Genie luggage tag to print but it's just a PDF of the ones they usually have at the port.

That has yet to arrive for me. I also asked her about embarkation day procedures out of Terminal A, if it’s the same as normal SC, and she said she would send more info on that later. No email yet on that either. 

[GatorCruiser]

Awesome stuff, can’t wait to follow along and hear about the genie experience. 

[MLH]

3 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Freedom of the Seas 06.30.2025

This sailing was booked just a month ago. For those who know me, that is really short notice. We booked this sailing on whim, or perhaps a moment of weakness.

Four weeks ago, I was super exhausted from work, wishing I was on a balcony overlooking the water. While taking a break from weekend marking and report cards, I was browsing cruise prices. I came across what I considered a great deal on this FR sailing. There was a suite GTY option for two of us.

Knowing the answer was likely going to be a “no”, I had to at least make the attempt to run it by Hubby. The last few months have been draining for us as a family. On top of the regular hustle and bustle of life, we were dealing with family health issues, a difficult school year that felt never ending at points and Hubby surprisingly said “yes” rather quickly! I think he knew I needed it. He truly is awesome! And I may have told him he could hang out at the wave all day long lol.

Who’s Going?

Just Hubby and I!

Flight

Very reasonable airfare from DTW-FLL made this sailing possible for us. If airfare had been the usual price that we pay at peak times, we would not have gone. At 1 month out from sailing, airfare was $239pp RT. I don’t remember paying a price that low in almost a decade!

Pre-Cruise Stay

We are using points this time for a stay in Fort Lauderdale. We thought about staying at the Intercontinental because we had enough points for that too, but I think you all know by now why we decided on FLL. And I really love staying along Fort Lauderdale beach.

Itinerary

Standard 4 nighter, likely not leaving the ship.

30 JUN  MIAMI, FL

01 JUL PDCC, BAHAMAS

02 JUL NASSAU, BAHAMAS

03 JUL CRUISING

04 JUL   MIAMI, FL

Cabin

Our suite GTY was assigned at 16 days out and it’s an accessible JS. I have very mixed feelings about this one. I expected the JS, not the accessible part. There’s pros and cons. I will hold out on commenting until the end of the sailing.

Pre-Cruise thoughts

-        This was our very first time booking a GTY. I agree with @RCIfan1912, it’s sort of fun, and not, at the same time. My TA laughed because for a Type A person like me, not knowing was eating away at me each day lol.

-        I had booked the UDP (great deal, 55% off C&A offer, $103.99pp), VOOM, and Evian water package and have since cancelled it. I have also cancelled all my Royal Up bids. More on that to come

-        Once again, in the spirit of a live blog, please do not hesitate to ask any questions.  I will do my best to find out whatever I can for you.

-        When responding to a post with a series of pictures, please do not include the pictures in your reply.  It just makes for easier scrolling.

-        Lastly, I will try to post videos and stories on Instagram.  You can follow me @lovetocruise2002

You picked the Genie option didn't you?

 

just read through the blog.  That's great.  You will enjoy!

[LandstromCruise]

3 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

And I may have told him he could hang out at the wave all day long lol

See now you know his weakness when you go to the nextcruise desk 

[LandstromCruise]

3 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

have since cancelled it. I have also cancelled all my Royal Up bids. More on that to come

I haven’t even read further and I am betting it’s because there is a genie involved

[Lovetocruise2002]

42 minutes ago, GatorCruiser said:

Awesome stuff, can’t wait to follow along and hear about the genie experience. 

No Trellis Bar pics until Symphony lol

37 minutes ago, MLH said:

You picked the Genie option didn't you?

just read through the blog.  That's great.  You will enjoy!

 

11 minutes ago, LandstromCruise said:

I haven’t even read further and I am betting it’s because there is a genie involved

You guys all know me well

[JohnK6404]

4 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I am going to combine all our summer sailings into one blog that I can pop in and out of and not have to start up a new one each time.

Another EPIC @Lovetocruise2002 adventure begins! 

Sign us up!

[Lovetocruise2002]

5 minutes ago, JohnK6404 said:

Another EPIC @Lovetocruise2002 adventure begins! 

Sign us up!

Not sure how EPIC it will be. I feel like we are pretty routine, but glad to have you along. 

[OCSC Mike]

22 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Not sure how EPIC it will be. I feel like we are pretty routine, but glad to have you along. 

Funny… someone told me my blogs were epic and I kinda had the same response. I guess we either short change ourselves or can’t see what others see since we’re the ones blogging.

I feel like our Caribbean blogs have a pretty similar structure & I certainly love reading yours.

The tangents in mine might be epic, lol, but still not sold on the repetitive routine parts.

 

[JohnK6404]

Don't shortchange yourselves! We all get to live vicariously through you for the moment.

They are all cures for the drydock blues (and the occasional tangents and reported shenanigans spice it up)! 

[Lovetocruise2002]

1 hour ago, OCSC Mike said:

The tangents in mine might be epic, lol, but still not sold on the repetitive routine parts.

You are the king of tangents! Will not try to take your crown lol

[Ampurp85]

Good for you being a genie program guinea pig 

I feel like you have a good batch of ships in succession. If it was me I would be sailing them all on one flight . I love all these ships so I will be following along. 

[Lovetocruise2002]

9 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

If it was me I would be sailing them all on one flight .

That would be most ideal. We cannot do that for a number of reasons. I would not feel good about being away from the kids that long. I also would not want to leave my Dad for a super long period of time. And children are only invited to one of those sailings, so if I did it all in one flight, I would have to ship them home on their own, or have them attempt to catch the cruise on their own. That could be more trouble than it’s worth lol

Symphony was always going to be our anniversary sailing this year and Wonder was always going to be the summer sailing with the kids. The girls have never been on Wonder before and that is why we picked that sailing. Freedom was the surprise add on. 

[OCSC Mike]

3 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

The girls have never been on Wonder before and that is why we picked that sailing.

At least they get the best ship!  #biased  #masonjar  

[LandstromCruise]

36 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

At least they get the best ship!  #biased  #masonjar  

I would say Symphony is the best for the 2 flowriders. I’m sure @Lovetocruise2002’s hubby will agree