"Sitting us with complete strangers!" - isn't this what is expected at freestyle, and done on all ships at breakfasts and lunches?

You may think it is expected but you don't have to eat with strangers. We have sailed NCL, Princess and Holland America and have always requested a table for 2 when cruising alone or a table for our group when cruising with family or friends.

That was our experience on NCL, katybird - we sat alone at a table for dinner. I don't think it was an option to be seated at a large table with others we didn't know.

Oh, I forgot about this thread! We were on Jewel in January. I would like to see them to add or schedule their free activities better, during various "friends" meetings there was not much to do, maybe they were counting on better weather?

Compare to other cruise lines, everything especially tenders was much better organized.

This was our first freestyle cruise, and I one of those who have not enjoyed it. With assigned seating you have the same waiters and the same companions. With freestyle, we mostly had a dinner table to ourselves. I like to meet people.

We liked the food, we liked the service, and with the exception of occasional cocktails, didn't pay for anything. Yeah, tips, but this was told in advance, so easy to budget, even easy to figure out the true price before reservation.

Whether or not we'll travel with them again depends on prices and itinerary, we didn't have any problems.

Oh, and the cabin lay-out (we had porthole this time, our choice) was the best we had.