Freedom of the Seas Cruise Reviews

Originally built in 2006, Freedom of the Seas received a major refurbishment in 2015. The Freedom-class vessel from Royal Caribbean received several modifications. Updates focused on its rooms, a new nursery, video screens over the pool, and the addition of touch-screen LCD maps. The interactive maps help you find your way all over the ship. It’s now an easy task to navigate from the cupcake shop to one of the movie theaters — and any destination in between. Freedom is also scheduled for another large update in 2020 as part of the Royal Amplified refurbishment program. It's set to receive new activities like laser tag and an escape room, along with several new waterslides and dining spots.

Active couples, families, and solo travelers can enjoy lively days at sea and lovely destinations on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. Renovated cabins keep everyone comfortable after days spent climbing the rock wall, enjoying the H20 Zone Water Park, or pounding it out in the onboard boxing ring. Entertainment options include stage shows in the Arcadia Theater and figure skating shows at Studio B, along with acrobats, comedians, and magicians performing throughout the ship.

Toddlers and elementary-age children can participate in staff-led activities at Adventure Ocean. Teens compete for high scores in the Challengers Arcade. Adults can find some peace and quiet in the Solarium, which only admits cruisers 16 and over. Adults can also enjoy a drink in one of the many of the onboard bars and lounges. Dining options are also plentiful. Choices range from casual eateries like Sorrento’s Pizza, Johnny Rockets, the Windjammer Cafe, and Ben & Jerry’s, to more formal options Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, and Sabor Modern Mexican.

Freedom of the Seas itineraries and departure ports

Freedom of the Seas departs from San Juan, Puerto Rico and sails Southern Caribbean itineraries. Unlike the many Royal Caribbean ships sailing from Florida, Freedom can reach less-traveled (and often more popular) Southern Caribbean ports like St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts, all without spending any extra days at sea.

Before you book

This ship is best for: Active families, couples, and groups of friends are the best fit for Freedom of the Seas. Despite being an older ship, Freedom comes with all the adrenaline-pumping highlights Royal Caribbean is known for.

You should know: Because of its size and Royal Caribbean’s focus on energetic fun, this isn't a ship for cruisers looking for a quiet, intimate experience. Also, despite receiving updates in 2011, the ship might feel slightly dated to cruisers used to sailing on newer ships. That will likely change when Freedom enters dry dock again in 2020.

Things to do on Freedom of the Seas

On Freedom of the Seas, younger children are supervised and entertained by highly-trained staff in the Adventure Ocean. Active cruisers of all ages enjoy the rock wall, pools, water park, and movie theaters. Older kids lounge poolside or dance in their own club, and the arcade is open for friendly competition all day. Entertainment options for adults run the gamut from lazy days by the pool to live jazz in the Viking Crown Lounge to participation in fun classes.

Freedom of the Seas ship highlights

• FlowRider surf simulator
• Movies by the pool
• Specialty dining options including Johnny Rockets, Chops Grille, Sabor, and Vintages
• Onboard classes for dancing, cooking, and cupcake decorating
• Clubs and lounges for teens and adults
• An onboard ice skating rink
• Activities for kids include several staff-run programs daily, so parents can enjoy adult-only events

Freedom of the Seas cabins

Freedom of the Seas cabins offers four main categories: inside, oceanviews, balconies, and suites. Within those categories, passengers choose from an additional 30 types of cabins to meet specific personal and family needs. Some of the interior staterooms are small — around 150 square feet — but family interior rooms are larger and sleep up to six. These rooms include several bed and sofa options that convert, so sleeping arrangements are customizable. Recent upgrades to cabin areas ensure a modern feel that includes flat-screen televisions, in-room Wi-Fi, and interactive programming that lets passengers plan shore excursions right from their room.

Freedom of the Seas dining

Freedom of the Seas reviews regularly highlight the dining options and the speed with which staff serve passengers. Kid-friendly options, including Johnny Rockets and Ben & Jerry’s, serve fare much of the day, and adults can slip into Chops Grille or Giovanni’s table for a fancier atmosphere. An Italian trattoria and pizzeria offer hearty options. Families can always end the day by decorating their own dessert in the Cupcake Cupboard.