Above: Royal Caribbean Cruise
Lines Freedom of the Seas Cruise Ship.
Ship info
The Freedom of the Seas cruise ship departs from
Miami, FL. Throughout the year, she offers ocean cruises to Caribbean.
Check Dates & Prices for cruises to Caribbean.
Began service: April, 2006 Guest capacity: 3,600 Total staff: 1,150 Length: 1,020 feet Passenger decks: 15 CDC
inspection score: NA
Freedom
of the Seas First Glimpse
Royal
Caribbean has launched Freedom of the Seas. It takes
the itle "biggest-ship-ever" from Cunard's Queen Mary 2.
While this ship features many Voyager-class signatures -- ice skating
rink, indoor promenade, rock climbing wall -- the 1608,000-ton, 4,375-passenger
ship also offers some unique-to-cruising features. Freedom of
the Seas will have three separate pool "regions" (Voyager
class ships have just two). In detail:
Absolutely, the coolest new spot will be the H2O Zone,
a fabulous interactive water park. Whimsical and playful -- and most
definitely aimed at families -- features include numerous water-spouting
contraptions, such as a waterfall, umbrella jets, a cone spill bucket,
spray cannons, spray loops and pipefalls, all decorated as colorful
sculptures. There are two splash pools as well, one of which will
have a current that shoots water around a central island. At night,
this area, with the integration of a fantastic and dynamic lighting
system, will be transformed into a sculpture garden.
Another first-ever feature is a dedicated sports pool in the main
pool area. Like Voyager-class vessels, there are two side-by-side
pools that comprise that part of the deck, but in this case one will
be used almost exclusively for athletic pool games, ranging from basketball
and volleyball to pole jousting and synchronized swimming. Other times,
it will have designated lanes for lap swimming.
One more brand-new feature is the wave
machine. FlowRider generates a thin sheet of water that flows
over the surface, creating a wave-like shape. Riders surf or body
board against the waterflow of 30,000 gallons per minute.
At night, designers hope to entice passengers back to the main pool
area with an open-air nightclub. There's a large dance floor between
the two pools and Royal Caribbean anticipates themed parties and disco
events.
The solarium pool is more than just a "stretched" version
of those found on Voyager-class ships. While similar in look, and
featuring an additional row of loungers, there are two cantilevered
whirlpools that are tucked into a bow-like window 112 ft. above the
water. They're pretty gigantic; each one holds 16. Just as nifty is
a series of free-standing hammocks scattered about the solarium.
The rock-climbing wall has expanded, going from the 30 x 33 ft. model
on Voyager-class ships to one that's 43 x 44 ft., and this one will
have additional spire for climbing. In all there are 11 routes to
climb.
Beyond the pool areas, the only real details Royal Caribbean would
share concerned some new ideas about staterooms. Cruise Critic has
already reported that staterooms on Freedom of the Seas will
be larger than those found throughout the rest of the fleet and that
all will be outfitted with flat-screen televisions.
But what was revealed in May was the creation of new concepts in staterooms
(popular and familiar sizes, such as royal suites, will continue to
be featured).
Family travelers should be pretty excited to hear that Freedom
of the Seas will offer family-friendly cabins in a variety of
categories, from insides to promenade view to ocean view. These will
feature alcoves with bunk beds for kids and some will feature bathrooms
with tubs, not just showers.
The presidential suite is the largest ever on a Royal
Caribbean ship. Not only does it clock in at 1,215 square ft. (and
that's just inside – the balcony measures an additional 810
square ft.), it has four bedrooms, and four full baths. The verandah
is complete with a whirlpool, wet bar, alfresco dining, and loungers
for just about everyone.
Overall, Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean Cruises' top honcho, told the
assembled gatherers in May that Freedom of the Seas "emphasizes
an all-inclusive" something-for-everyone atmosphere in which
freedom of choice is the mantra. We'll be interested to see how that
applies to interior features -- from Adventure Ocean
and the teens' Living Room to alternative restaurants
and shops -- and will feature those innovations as soon as they're
unveiled.
Check Dates & Prices
for cruises to Caribbean.
Freedom of the Seas cruise reviews
Cruise
Ship Inspection Report
All passenger cruise ships arriving at US ports are subject to unannounced
CDC inspection. Freedom of the
Seas Score: NA
