Freedom/Liberty vs. Mariner - Is it Worth the Extra $?

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hockeywidow

Guest
I'm a cruising newbie and my parents have talked me (& hubby & three sons under 8 years old) into taking a cruise with them next year. They've been on RCCL (as well as virtually ever other cruise line) and we agree RCCL best suits our needs, especially as ALL the boys (hubby included) are fascinated by the concept of skating on the high seas.

I know my parents would prefer being on Freedom or Liberty (as they are seasoned cruisers and want to try the new ships). But it comes at a higher cost (it looks like it'll be cost my family of 5 at least an extra $1200). Has anyone been on the Freedom and can tell me if it's worth the extra money over Mariner (or the Voyager family ships)?

Thanks a lot!
 
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Lady Jag

Guest
Either ship is going to give you a great cruise. To me, yes, it's worth the extra money. Your kids will see the ads on TV and say, "We've been on that ship with the surfing!" If they don't go on it, they'll feel like they've missed out on something.

JMHO, as I have two teens that hand-picked this cruise on the Liberty (sister to the Freedom). This will be their 15th cruise. We offered them a cruise in Europe, the Liberty OTS or a longer cruise on the Explorer OTS (sister to the Mariner).

They've been on the Voyager Class ships, so they know what to expect with them. They wanted to try the newest class of ships that has so much more to experience. I'm sure your kids would love the water park, the FlowRider, and even the boxing ring the Freedom & Liberty OTS have to offer.
 
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PH8

Guest
[quote Lady Jag]Either ship is going to give you a great cruise. To me, yes, it's worth the extra money. Your kids will see the ads on TV and say, "We've been on that ship with the surfing!" If they don't go on it, they'll feel like they've missed out on something.

.[/quote]I disagree.............I dont think an extra $1200 is worth paying just for the FlowRider........and I doubt her kids will think they "missed out" after spending a week on a ship..

That much money can buy some nice excursions in the ports which in turn will really bring happy memories.........

Been on the Mariner 3 times and several other Voayger class ships.......IMHO,you'd be very happy with these just as much.......
 
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Gayle V

Guest
We've sailed the Mariner, but not those bigger ships, so can't offer much info but,

JMHO, it would definitely not be worth it to me. You need to consider whether your family will take advantage of the differences, enough so that it would be worth 1200 dollars to you. Near as I can tell, the only positive difference is the flow rider. Will your family use that feature 1200 dollars worth ?

And just how does 1200 dollars fit into your budget? Will you be cutting out other activities, in order to afford that extra cost. You can do an awful lot of really fun excursions with that much money.

(BTW, With three boys under eight, you might want to find out if there is an age criteria to be allowed to use the flow rider. It's possible the younger boy/s may not be allowed.)
 
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Breeze

Guest
Having been on the Freedom and Mariner a few times, I'm inclined to agree with what most posters are saying. I'd save that $1200 for other activities. Having 3 boys under 8, I doubt the Flowrider would mean anything to them. Besides, seeing some of the bathing suit "malfunctions" that take place on the flowrider, I'm not even sure that's a place you'd want your young boys around.

The Mariner is a great ship and I'd go on it in a heartbeat. As a matter of fact, I'm hoping to book her again within the next week.
 
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Gayle V

Guest
Hellow Hockeywidow,

I just took a look over at the RCI site and found this, about the flow rider:

Please note for safety reasons minimum height requirements are as follows:
Boogie Boarding - 52"
Stand Up Surfing - 58"


There still is the water park, which sounds great and I'm certain even little kids could enjoy that.

Good luck with the decision.
 
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