Freedom Comes in a Big Package – Freedom of the Seas

People like big things and when it comes to cruise ships, size does matter. And size is what Freedom of the Seas, one of the newest vessels from the cruise giant Royal Caribbean, offers its guests and even more. Just launched in May 2006, Freedom astonished the world with its 155,000 tons, and its ability to house as many as 3,634 passengers, surpassing the already gigantic Queen Mary 2.

With such a big package, Freedom of the Seas does come with big surprises. What other ship can boast of having its own surf park on board. Freedom also has its own full-sized boxing ring and a water park for kids of all sizes. Of course, Freedom does not exclude all the goodies its predecessors had. It has a barbershop, a rock-climbing wall, an ice skating rink, restaurants, bars, cafes, and everything you would dream about in the cruise. Passengers compare it with Royal Caribbean’s Voyager, albeit fortified with more space and features.

It is not surprising for Freedom of the Seas to have numerous features making any passenger’s stay memorable and enjoyable. It has no less than three swimming pools, two whirlpools, a coffee shop, a pizzeria, an ice cream parlor, an Irish pub, and several Duty-free stores. It has a mini-golf course, a full-sized basketball court, a casino, and other amenities. Guests are sure to be comfortable and updated with Wi-Fi Internet access all over the ship, flat-screen TVs in each stateroom, and cellular phone connectivity.

Big Size Means Big Fun

A cruise in the Freedom of the Seas never runs out of entertainment for its passengers. In the afternoon, guests can join ever-classic pool games as well as trivia contests. The winery holds wine tasting sessions for the entire week. The casino is open for gamblers and gamers whenever Freedom sets out to sea. At night, as much as 1,300 guests can go to the Arcadia Theater for spectacular productions including the Broadway-inspired fairytale “Once Upon a time”, concerts by the Nelson Brothers, the every popular newlywed contest for honeymooners, stand up comedy, and magic shows. Those who want a cozier venue for entertainment may also go to Pharaoh’s Palace.

You can also catch the very spectacular ice skating show performed by professional skaters. For late nights, you can also try lounging at Boleros, the very hip and sexy Latin lounge famous for its mojitos and other cocktails amidst dancing of merengue and salsa. If you music is your thing you can go to Bull & Bear Pub for favorite rock hits, Schooner Bar for soothing piano music, or to the On Air bar for some sing along. Nothing also beats a nightcap at the Biking Crown Lounge located at the very top of the ship or some bubbly at Champagne Bar before dinner.

Sporty types are of course never left out. Freedom features a towering rock-climbing wall, the sports court, a hiking/jogging track, and the first surfing park on a ship. The surf park is a notable feature and there are schedules assigned for boogie boarding and surfing with professional photographers capturing your rare surfing moment. Of you can work out at Shipshape Fitness Center to beef up your biceps and abs with their free weights, elliptical machines, and treadmills. But another unique feature of the gym is its boxing ring, where you can condition your body with your own private instructor. Group classes are also offered, including yoga, aerobics, Pilates, and stretching.

The Crowd

Freedom of the Seas boards a great array of passengers from various places and ages. It is an ideal family cruise ship for its kid-friendly attractions H2O Zone and FlowRider. Young couples from their thirties to fifties also find the ship perfect for a first or second honeymoon. Seniors can also have the fun of their life too. While most passengers come from North America, there are also several guests coming form Europe and South America.

The extra size does indeed provide extra perks in Freedom of the Seas. It truly can provide you with the cruising experience of a lifetime.