Freedom to Explore: Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class Ships

Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class ships provide passengers with options aplenty on the high seas. Three new mega cruise liners are sailing Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries with offerings from 4- to 14-night cruises. Freedom and Liberty of the Seas rotate between Eastern and Western 7-night itineraries from the ports of Miami and Port Canaveral. Independence of the Seas, the newest of the Freedom Class ships, debuts in November 2008 rotating between Eastern and Western Caribbean ports from Ft. Lauderdale then offers Mediterranean sailings in the summer of 2009. There is even a unique 4-night Western Caribbean cruise offered on November 19^th, which is a great way to test ride the new ship for both new cruisers and veterans from a cost and time perspective.

At 160,000 tons these ships will accommodate approximately 3,600 passengers on its 15 decks. In addition to the standard stateroom offerings, the Presidential Family Suites are an option only on Freedom Class ships, these rooms offer over 1,200 square feet and sleep eight to 14 people. The interior is compromised of two master bedrooms with private baths and two additional bedrooms and baths, a living area with sofa bed and dining table. A private balcony with dining area, lounge chairs, whirlpool and wet bar compliment this spacious category of room. Cruising has always been a family-friendly option, but with the addition of this cabin category, this provides yet a further opportunity for families to come together in a fun-filled vacation environment.

Lovers of sun and water will not be disappointed in this class of ship.  An onboard surfing experience is available via the FlowRider for beginners to advanced levels. This is not as easy as it looks, but provides a new water sport element to cruising…a first of its kind. Beyond traditional pool settings, Freedom Class’ H2O Zone water parks offer a variety of interactive fountains and geysers for children of all ages. For children who do not swim well, be sure to keep an eye on them as there are sudden drop offs with no warning.  

Watching the sunset with the drink special of the day in one of the ship’s hot tubs is a calming and beautiful experience. On Freedom ships, there are two large whirlpools that set out over the side of the ship present a panoramic view from 11 stories above the water. Cruisers feel as though they are sailing free-form in the ocean in this new feature. 

Like other Royal Caribbean ships, there is an adult-only area, the Solarium pool is for passengers 18 and older and is lined with palm trees and hammocks (which is a new option). This area brings the island relaxing feel onboard.

One of the best values for cruising is its cuisine. Just as with other Royal Caribbean ships, Freedom Class vessels offer an abundance of dining options from the standard dining room experience to the buffet of the less formal café. For those desiring a more personalized experience, you can opt for one of the specialty restaurants, Portofino or Chops Grille. Jade is a buffet-style restaurant open for dinner specializing in Asian cuisine. Johnny Rockets offers the 50’s style burger, fries and shake experience in a fun music filled atmosphere. Be aware that the specialty dining options do carry a fee, typically to cover gratuity for the servers.

To help ensure passengers stay in shape after indulging in the midnight buffet and unlimited food options, cruises are known for its fitness facilities. A new sporting option made available on Freedom vessels is the boxing ring. Cruisers can also take part in its miniature golf course, rock climbing wall, ice skating rink at sea and other sport activities. When cruising, be sure to check out the fitness classes, many of which are included in the cruise price, and any health-related seminars.

The Freedom Class ships amaze the first time cruiser with their size and abundance of options while providing familiarity to the Voyager class cruisers with additional benefits.  All of the fascinations of a vacation at sea on a floating resort, these Freedom Class ships truly do provide the freedom to explore.

PHOTO CREDITS: Tropical Latitudes Travel (www.tltravels.com)