Freedom of the Seas

When Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) Freedom of the Seas launched in 2006, she was the biggest cruise ship in the world. With a capacity of 5,400 passengers, Oasis of the Seas has since overtaken her, but Freedom is still one of the best cruise ships for families, especially those with older kids.

Dining aboard Freedom of the Seas.

The three-story dining room serves continental favorites at two assigned seatings. My Time Dining is a nice feature for families. Instead of being locked into the early or late seating, passengers can choose the time that works best for them.

There are two specialty restaurants on board – an Italian trattoria called Portofino and a Steakhouse called Chops Grille. The dessert sampler at Portofino includes favorites like tiramisu and panna cotta.

Both these restaurants require reservations and have a surcharge. But either is a nice place for an adult date night.

The dining room is open for breakfast, but the buffet at the Windjammer Café is a better choice if you have kids in tow. An omelet station will make whatever you’d like. And at lunch, the Windjammer’s Jade serves Asian dishes and stir fries. In the evenings, it sometimes has sushi night.

You can grab a burger or hot dog from the pool-side grill. And Sorrento’s makes pizzas and panini. But kids will love Johnny Rockets, and the surcharge for a burger, fries, and onion rings is a reasonable $4.95 per person. For dessert, Ben & Jerry’s is also available.

Accommodations aboard Freedom of the Seas.

All cabins have interactive, flat-screen TVs, mini safes, small refrigerators, and WiFi Internet access. There are 172 inside cabins that look out onto the Promenade. And 842 staterooms have private balconies.

Family cabins, with 300 square feet of space, can sleep six. While the Family Royal Suites, which sleep up to eight, have a living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a good-sized veranda.

Facilities aboard Freedom of the Seas.

Royal Promenade

The heart of Freedom of the Seas is the 4-story high Royal Promenade, the ship’s lively main street. During the day, you can shop, people-watch, or enjoy a pint of ale or a glass of wine. At night, there’s a carnival atmosphere with jugglers, parades, and more.

There are two pools and three Jacuzzis, a rock-climbing wall, 9-hole mini golf course, ice-skating rink, a boxing ring, and a huge casino. Few cruise ships have as many fun things to do as this one.

The kids have their own H2O Zone – a water park with a pool, waterfall, and plenty of places to splash around. And a cool club for teens keeps them happy too.

The Adventure Ocean divides children into four age groups, and provides supervised activities throughout the cruise. Children under three and those who aren’t potty trained are welcome for 45-minute play dates with their parents. Private babysitting, which is arranged through the Purser’s Office, is also available.

surf rider

There’s a fitness center and a Day Spa, where you can sign up for almost any kind of treatment. But the most popular attraction on board is the FlowRider surf park. Passenger can surf or boogie board in the 32’ x 40’ wave pool. Surf lessons are available for an extra charge.

Adults can enjoy a little peace and quiet at Vintages Wine Bar, the Champagne Bar, or the Latin-flavored lounge called Boleros. The wine tastings in Vintages are low-key and well priced.

The Solarium has hammocks and two cantilevered whirlpools that put you out over the sea. If your nerves are up to it, you’ll enjoy incredible views.

Entertainment is plentiful and generally professional. Big productions are staged in the 1,300-seat Arcadia Theater, and cabaret acts appears in Pharoah’s Palace. Professional ice skating shows are held in Studio B, the ship’s ice rink. Tickets are free but limited so get yours in advance.

Families will find plenty of enjoyable diversions and good value for money with a cruise on Freedom of the Seas.

Read our list of the Top 10 Cruise Ships for families here.

Freedom of the Seas Image Flickr: micah.d
Surf Rider Flickr Image: hmalsch
Royal Promenade Image Flickr: hmalsch