This cruise liner from Royal Caribbean made its debut in June 2006 to snatch the largest cruise ship title from the then-reigning monarch, Queen Mary 2. Measuring 158,000 tons, she is 1,112 ft long, making the Freedom of the Seas 20 ft shorter that the QM2 and beamier by no less than 50 ft. She is far too large to slip through the Panama Canal, hence she sails weekly from Miami to the Western Caribbean.
Her 3,634 passengers are looked after by 1,360 international crew members and Norwegian officers. In most respects, the Freedom is an enlarged Voyager of the Seas with enhancements and more outdoor space. In 2007, Liberty of the Seas followed, and in 2008, the Independence of the Seas. For bells and whistles, the RCI ships have it over the competition, and their graceful profiles are amongst the best-looking ships afloat. The interiors are attractive and long cabin corridors avoid the seemingly endless views by offering twists and turns and artworks.
Royal Caribbean got its start on 1969 with the Song of Norway and its trademark Viking Crown Lounge, the cocktail bar attached to the funnel. Then in 1988, the 73,193-ton Sovereign of the Seas arrived to take the largest cruise ship title away from the SS Norway. The Royal Caribbean fleet now numbers 21 ships, all but one completed in the 1990s or later. RCI has no intention of giving up the big ship title anytime soon as the firm has a 220,000 tonner under construction at Aker Finnyards in Turku, Finland.
All ages flock to these ships, and most are Americans, but notoriety also draws South Americans and some Europeans. During the school holidays, swarms of children increase the double occupancy capacity from 3,634 up to a potential of 4,375 souls. Tips can be added to shipboard accounts at the recommended rates of $3.50 per diem to the cabin and dining stewards; $2 to the assistant steward and 75 cents to the head waiter, for a total of $9.75 per day per person.
The weekly Caribbean cruises depart Miami and call at standard ports—Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay and RCI's private island of Labadee. Two days are spent at sea.
Nothing dazzles first-timers more than the Royal Promenade, a four-deck-high atrium that extends 445 ft through the center of the ship. The ship's main street is a major draw day and night for strollers, imbibers and shoppers. It erupts into a circus atmosphere from time to time. Men can even get a haircut and shoeshine here. Themed watering holes are Vintages, a California-style wine bar, The Bull & Bear and an English pub. Cafe Promenade offers a Seattle's Best coffees that is twinned with the Book Nooks, for travel and general book titles. Ben & Jerry's presents a 1950s ice cream parlor and Clean Shave is just what it sounds like, a men's hair salon. The plethora of entertainment spaces includes two show lounges with major high-tech productions, a Latin-themed nightclub, On Air, a new venue for karaoke, a jazz club, the Schooner Bar and, of course, the trademarked Viking Crown's several bar-lounges, rimming the ship's funnel on Deck 14.
RCI-style activities, as on all ships in the fleet, include a rock-climbing wall with no fewer than 11 routes to the top; an ice skating rink plus ice show extravaganzas; in-line skating; a nine-hole miniature golf course; computerized golf simulator; and courts for basketball, paddleball and volleyball. New to the fleet is the FlowRider, a surfing wave simulator than generates a 30 mile-per-hour crest for surfboard or body surfers, and a 20- by 20-ft boxing ring—a new feature for the fitness center. Spectators generate a lot of energy at these activities. The H2O Zone is a family sculpture and water park with a waterfall and spraying fountains and a sports pool for water volleyball and jousting, and a grandstand for the spectator events. The Solarium and its tiny pool, an area set aside for adults, are flanked by two whirlpools cantilevered 12 ft over the ship's side some 112 ft above the waterline. The vertigo-inclined should stay away from the water's edge. On the same deck, the lido pool area is a whopping 43% larger than aboard the Voyager-class for a noticeably roomier outdoor experience. Wi-Fi connections (a fee charged) are available in many parts of the ship.
Traditional two-seating dining (6:15 and 8:30) can handle over 2,000 on three levels. The entrance and setting tower over the nothing-special menus, and stout supporting columns block some table views. Alternative dining choices keep expanding with two service-charge ($20 and reservations required) restaurants—Chops Grille for seafood and steaks and Portofino for an Italian menu—both serving about 100; and Johnny Rockets, a 1950s-style chain diner for hamburgers, French fries and milk shakes. Dimes are provided for the indoor jukeboxes and the wait staff may burst into song. The Windjammer Cafe, sensibly designed with numerous island stations, dishes out buffet-style food, some with themes such as Wild Greens for salads, Sweet Dreams for dessert and Jade for Asian food. Sorrento's is a pizza outlet at the bow end of the Royal Promenade. Conventions are growing in popularity with generous meeting and trade show spaces.
The cabins comprise 1,804 outside with 844 of those providing balconies. Of the 733 insides, 172 have bay window views (sold at a premium) into the Royal Promenade, making for an intriguing street scene. Occupants will want to draw the curtains to keep out the lights, kept burning 24 hours a day, and for privacy from the neighbors living across the way. Standard features are twin beds that convert to queens, flat-screen TV, phone, safe, minibar, hair dryer, duvets, and 24-hour complimentary cabin service. The standard cabins measure from 149 sq ft to 300 sq ft. Junior suites measure 287 sq ft with the balcony 101 sq ft, and larger suites run up in size to the Presidential Family Suite, sleeping up to 14 in four bedrooms at 1,215 sq ft with an 810-sq-ft private veranda. It has four baths, a whirlpool and a dining table. There are 32 wheelchair-accessible cabins. Suite denizens have access to a concierge lounge, thus avoiding the queues in the reception lobby.
No ship afloat, except siblings, offer the Freedom's size, potential number of passengers, or the range in innovative activities. This ship is not for quiet retiring types, but rather for those who like to be constantly on the go and who plan to take their rest after they disembark.
