Royal Caribbean International Freedom of the Seas

Introduction

Unveiled in 2006, Freedom of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships on the planet (in fact, it was the largest of all from the time of its debut until the arrival of the even larger Oasis of the Seas in 2009). The first of Royal Caribbean’s three Freedom Class vessels, it’s chock full of on-board activities, including an ice skating rink, rock climbing wall and the cruise industry’s first FlowRider surfing simulator. It also recently was upgraded with several features that debuted on Oasis, including a 3-D movie screen, a Cupcake Cupboard cupcake store and new children’s programs (something parents likely will love is the new nursery for babies and tots up to 36 months—and the option of getting a nanny if they want to go for a romantic dinner).

As part of the recent overhaul, Freedom of the Seas also was infused with DreamWorks character theming (something first done in late 2010 on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas). The “DreamWorks Experience,” as Royal Caribbean is calling it, includes the incorporation of Dreamworks characters such as Shrek and Kung Fu Panda into on-board parades, themed meals, ice skating shows and the ships’ new 3-D movie theaters.

Freedom of the Seas can accommodate 3,634 passengers at double occupancy (two people per room), but add in the hundreds of extra pull-down bunks and pull-out sofas in its many family-friendly cabin categories and the total occupancy of the ship during holiday periods can approach 4,400 passengers. With its range of on-board activities and the kid-luring DreamWorks Experience, it is a great ship for families.

Gene's Opinion on the Freedom of the Seas

Like so many of Royal Caribbean’s newer vessels, Freedom of the Seas is a big, bold ship that will appeal to people who like a mega-resort experience. Though not quite as large as the line’s two newest vessels (the record-size Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas), it offers oodles of deck-top and interior activities that make it a particularly good choice for families with children who need to be kept busy (the ship’s first-ever-at-sea FlowRider surfing simulator is a bonafide teen-pleaser, as are its climbing wall, basketball court and miniature golf course). Families also will enjoy the DreamWorks characters and DreamWorks movie-themed shows on the ship (something found on only a handful of ships).

In addition to families, Freedom of the Seas also will appeal to couples young and old looking for a glitzy cruise experience, with lots to do and at a reasonable price point. Just be warned: Intimate, this ship isn’t. If it’s quietude and lack of crowds you seek, this isn’t the right ship for you.

Comparisons

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