Freedom of the Seas

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 thrills in the onboard H20 Zone Water Park, or pounding it out in the onboard boxing ring. Freedom of the Seas entertainment includes 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 while teens compete for high scores in the Challengers Arcade, and adults can find some peace and quiet in the Solarium (which only admits cruisers 16+) or in one of the many of the onboard bars and lounges. Dining options are also plentiful, with choices ranging 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.

Originally built in 2006, Freedom of the Seas received a major refurbishment in 2011, including modifications to its rooms, a new nursery, video screens over the pool, and the addition of touch-screen LCD maps to 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 and will receive new activities like laser tag and an escape room, along with several new waterslides and dining spots.

Freedom of the Seas sails Southern Caribbean itineraries from San Juan, Puerto Rico. 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.

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

Before You Book

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

Things to Consider

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. And despite receiving updates in 2011, the ship might feel slightly dated to cruisers used to sailing on newer ships, although that will likely change when Freedom enters drydock again in 2020.