Ernie

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Originally posted by Maasdam:
There's nothing that realy excited me. There is no WOW effect fore me.
Ernie how do you experians the Freedom?

Greetings Ben.

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Hi Ben,
FREEDOM may not be for everyone, but one thing she does offer is 'WOW Factor' .... probably more than any other ship I have sailed. I was "wowed" at every turn with the amenities, attractions, and details that went into this vessel.

If FREEDOM doesn't "WOW" you, then I'm not sure what ship would?

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:
Nice images Ernie. Some nice women on your arms, too!

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Yes, the girls were too fine and I have some new life long friends!! We really had a blast the entire 7-days and these girls really know how to party!!

I don't seem to see an outside café where one can have a cuppa over looking the sea?

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Originally posted by PamM:
Great photos all around Ernie... thanks. She looks interesting... but does the promenade ever feel 'claustrophobic'? can one see the sea from within?

I don't seem to see an outside café where one can have a cuppa over looking the sea?

Pam

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Hi Pam,
No, the Royal Promenade never felt claustrophobic to me. On the contrary it always felt very open and large. The downside is that it is windowless and therefore there is no connection to the sea. Of course this area would be windowless regardless of what was placed there as the lifeboats are directly outside. For this reason I think it clever that RCI utilized the space so well. Thankfully there are windows on the aft atrium end of the Royal Promenade where the Champagne Bar and Bolero's are located, and also windows in the Schooner Bar forward. I believe Sorrento's has windows as well, but the view is obstructed.

The rest of the ship is actually loaded with windows and the full wrap-around outdoor Promenade Deck is very large and unobstructed. Probably the best at sea except for QM2.

I think for those that have not sailed a Voyager/Freedom Class ship they might get the impression that the Royal Promenade is the only area with lounges, or the only place to go on the ship. In fact I never even visit the Royal Promenade during the day. I am on the upper decks which are very spacious and loaded with windows and spectacular views. At night I'm back down on the Royal Promenade bar hopping and during that time windows don't matter much as you can't see anything.

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Originally posted by eroller:

Hi Ben,
FREEDOM may not be for everyone, but one thing she does offer is 'WOW Factor' .... probably more than any other ship I have sailed. I was "wowed" at every turn with the amenities, attractions, and details that went into this vessel.

If FREEDOM doesn't "WOW" you, then I'm not sure what ship would?

Ernie

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Manny ships have a certain something about theme. Also the Freedom quit impresif external. The interior not. It doesn't do annything to me. My personal tast. As i wrote

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I realy don't no if i like the ship ore not. There's nothing that realy excited me.

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Originally posted by nycruiser:
I am going on my first Voyager class ship in August. The Explorer to Bermuda. I am excited.

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Explorer had a major refit towards the end of 2006 after I cruised on her, so she she should be in very good condition.

Excellent pictures! Really nicely shot. And not being familiar with fotiki.com before, I enjoyed viewing them on that site.

As for "wow factor", of course that's subjective and different for everyone.

I found myself audibly saying "Wow!" when the "Royal Promenade Looking Aft" picture appeared during the slideshow. Quite impressive. Can only imagine I'd react the same being there in person.

I really liked the design overall from what you presented. Clean lines, interesting, classy, nice color choices and lighting. Even though it has many places to go and explore, how nice it would be to just relax in one of those deck chairs that appeared in an open promenade shot.

Speaking of the promenade, while waiting for you to sail that day, we watched the boat drill. What my eye had not caught before was that the promenade wrapped around the curved walls of the dining room(s). It looks like it hangs over the sea as well? This may be a Voyager staple, but I hadn't been aware of this before. Very cool.

Obviously, I have an affinity towards this ship. Well at least the exterior of it - until seeing your pictures! Now it's an all-encompasing. Yeah, I'm taking a visiting friend down to South Beach to watch it depart on Sunday. Just very impressive and... it's here!

Thanks again for sharing your expert and informative photodocumentation!

Images never really capture that real look or scale of big ship interiors. For example an image of a classy 'understated' room can make it look bland and a colourful exciting rooms can look over the top and garish.