Debuted in May 2006 as the world’s largest ship, Freedom of the Seas is one of the most popular in the fleet of Royal Caribbean International.
Although the title of the world’s biggest ship has been transferred to Icon-class ships, Royal Caribbean does a great job in keeping this vessel in good shape.
Moreover, this ship was the first one ever to introduce the FlowRider surf simulator to the cruise industry. In this blog, we are going to cover everything about Freedom of Seas. From its onboard facilities to new upgrades, stay with us to find out all the details.
30-Second Summary
Freedom of the Seas is a popular Royal Caribbean vessel. It is ideal for people who like mid-sized ships with big ship features.
In this guide, you will learn about the amplification of this vessel, what was added and changed, and how to choose the right cabin. Additionally, it provides a deep dive into itineraries, family- and adult-friendly activities and spaces, how this ship compares to other ships in the fleet, and tips for first-time cruisers.
Freedom of Seas: A Snapshot
Freedom of the Seas belongs to the Freedom class of Royal Caribbean. It is the first ship in this class, which also includes Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas.
This vessel made its maiden voyage in 2006 and carries approximately 4,500 passengers. The number of decks is 15, with around 2012 cabins.
The gross tonnage of the ship is 154,407, while the length is 1112 ft. Additionally, the number of crew members who serve passengers onboard is approximately 1,360.
The Amplified Freedom of the Seas
Royal Caribbean is keeping Freedom of the Seas in the best condition. Recently, in 2020, a $116 million upgrade took place that changed many things on the ship.
- The Perfect Storm Waterslide was installed on Deck 13. It features two slides, Cyclone and Typhoon, on which friends and family race each other down through twisting and turning paths. The slides are complementary, unlike newer ships, where you have to pay extra fees.
- Glow in the Dark Laser Tag was also added in the form of “Clash for the Crystal City.” It is a competitive arena where passengers compete to get hold of a frozen city. It is the perfect game for teens, tweens, and competitive adults.
- The Flowrider surf simulator was originally present on the ship, but it received many enhancements and better integration with the new pool deck design. It is one of the ship’s major attractions, providing guests with the thrilling experience of surfing on board.
- Freedom also became the first ship of Royal Caribbean to debut Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. It came in the place of the former Giovanni’s Table. Now, this restaurant has a rustic and contemporary ambiance with an open kitchen and an in-house pizza oven.
- Some other venues that were added include El Loco Fresh, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Splashaway Bay, and Izumi Hibachi & Sushi.
Transformation of Decks
Beyond adding venues, the upgrade also allocated space on the vessel to maximize capacity and passenger experience.
- The Conference Center on Deck 2 was replaced by 25 inside cabins, which increased accommodation options for budget-conscious travelers.
- Deck 6 also went through significant changes. The Loyalty Desk was converted into 4 inside cabins, while the Presidential Family Suite was replaced with 4 Balcony staterooms.
- The library on Deck 7 was also converted into 4 inside cabins.
- The RC Online internet cafe on Deck 8 was also replaced by 4 inside cabins, because guests now prefer using Wifi and their own device, instead of a shared computer terminal.
- Deck 11 saw some of the biggest changes. The pool area was completely changed with the addition of more shaded areas, hammocks, swing seats, daybeds, and casitas. The adult-only Solarium was also enhanced.
- The aft on Deck 12 received Splashaway Bay, which is a kids’ aqua park. It replaced the former Outdoor Youth Area.
- Deck 13 became ideal for all action seekers when the Perfect Storm Waterslides were placed next to the upgraded Flowrider surf simulator.
If you have sailed before 2020, you might need to relearn some spaces. While the Royal Promenade remains largely unchanged, expect to find new venues in different areas.
The 2025 Update: During a three-week dry dock in Cadiz, Spain, in January, Freedom of the Seas received some routine maintenance along with one notable change.
The Vintages Wine Bar was replaced by the Casino Royale Non-Smoking section. It provides more gaming space to people who want to play in a smoke-free environment.
Choosing the Right Stateroom for Your Budget
Freedom of the Seas has around 2000 staterooms. Have a look at how they offer value for your money.
Interior Cabins: These cabins range from 150 to 160 square feet. However, the inside cabins on Deck 7 to 9 are midship and perfect for sensitive travelers (meaning they do not experience a lot of motion). These cabins are also close to the elevators and main dining room.
Ocean View Rooms: These cabins measure upto 161 to 200 square feet and offer better value. The forward-facing Ocean View staterooms have unique round windows that overlook the ship’s bow, giving a submarine-like feel. Moreover, Family Ocean View cabins can accommodate around 6 guests, perfect for large groups.
Balcony Staterooms: There are two balcony options: Deluxe, which is 177 square feet, and Superior, at 189 square feet. Moreover, the “hump” balcony cabins located at the ship’s bulge offer extra balcony space at the standard price. These are on Deck 9 and 10.
Junior Suites: These cabins provide the best price-per-square ratio in the suite category. Guests get priority check-in, priority disembarkation, and access to the Suite Lounge.
Cabins to Choose and Avoid
These tips ensure that your cabin becomes a place of rest rather than discomfort.
Cabins to Choose
- The cabins on Deck 8 and 9 are midship. They offer the perfect combination of convenience, stability, and location.
- Balcony rooms on Deck 10 are best, as higher decks give more beautiful views.
Cabins to Avoid
- Cabins on Decks 6 and 7 are located above the public venues on Deck 5. You might experience late-night noise from activity on the Royal Promenade.
- The cabins located directly below the pool deck experience noise from furniture movement, particularly during embarkation and disembarkation.
- Cabins near elevators and stairwells on any deck should be avoided, as they experience noise from constant foot traffic.
Freedom of the Seas Itinerary
The itineraries on Freedom are usually short and sail from Florida (Miami or Fort Lauderdale). Typical sailings range from 3 to 9 days and include visiting popular ports of call.
Typical Itineraries You Will Find
- The 4-night Bahamas cruise includes visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island) and Nassau with a sea day.
- 5-night Caribbean or Western Caribbean cruises include sailing to different ports, such as Grand Turk, Nassau, Georgetown, Falmouth, and Cozumel.
- During 7 to 9-night Eastern or Western Caribbean itinearies, you enjoy longer round-trips including additional islands, like San Juan, St.John’s, St. Maarten, or Philipsburg.
Seasonal Deployment and Changes
Royal Caribbean International changes ships’ deployments according to the seasons. Freedom of the Seas remains frequently scheduled for Caribbean deployments during winter and spring (peak cruise season).
In other parts of the year, it is deployed for short Bahamas sailings. For official deployment announcements, you should check the Royal Caribbean website.
Port Highlights
Perfect Day at CocoCay (Bahamas): It is Royal Caribbean’s private island that has beautiful beaches, thrill rides, a water park, and cabana options.
Nassau (Bahamas): There are many shore excursions to try, such as visiting the straw market, historic sites, and beaches.
Grand Turk: It is known for great snorkeling, diving, and bustling beach clubs.
Cozumel (Mexico): Travelers enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and exploring Mayan ruins.
San Juan, St Maarten, Antigua, St Kitts: These are often included in longer itineraries and offer excellent culture, beaches, and historic tours.
Family Cruise Central: Age-by-Age Activity Planning
Freedom of the Seas is full of family-friendly amenities.
Toddlers to Tweens
Freedom upgraded the Adventure Ocean Kids Club, giving it a complete 360-degree transformation. The new layout allows children to select their own adventures across interconnected rooms.
Babies (6 to 36 months): They enjoy sensory activities and soft play areas.
Aquanauts (3-5 years): This program offers age-appropriate fun sessions, including games, art, and themed parties.
Explorers (6 to 8 years): Children get access to activity zones and participate in group activities.
Voyagers (9 to 11 years): Kids get complete access to hangout spaces, sports competitions, and science and tech-related activities.
Activities for Teens
Freedom also provides multiple activities to engage adolescents.
Teen-only spaces: The dedicated teen lounges allow teenagers to escape both kids and adults. They can watch movies, hang out with friends, and play games.
Social Activities: Many teen activities are intentionally tech-free to provide a real experience of social interaction. They can play laser tag, enjoy FlowRider, play sports, participate in pool deck games, and have parties and dances.
Multigenerational Cruise Tips
Cruising with parents, grandparents, and children requires a balance of competing needs and energy levels. You can go for “shared experiences vs split-up strategies” for ultimate fun.
Let us explain with an example. You can start each day with uniting for breakfast and then splitting to enjoy age-appropriate activities. Reunite for lunch at poolside venues or other dining places and split again for afternoon activities. End the day by having dinner together.
Activity Everyone Enjoys
- Ice skating performances
- Shows at the Royal Theater
- Deck parties
- Trivia contests
- Mini-golf
- Rock climbing wall competitions
Adult-only Escapes
Although Freedom of the Seas is family-friendly, it has an adult-only space, the Solarium on Deck 11, for genuine peace. This place becomes a refuge for passengers who want quiet and tranquility.
This adult-only retreat has two cantilevered whirlpools, tiered sun lounge areas, and a casual bar. It is located forward on Deck 11 and has an open and airy design. You can watch the sweeping ocean through glass panels.
The space feels calm and is a perfect getaway when the main pool starts to get crowded and overwhelming. You can soak in scenic moments here, such as sunrise, sunset, and arrival at ports.
You do not have to reserve the Solarium in advance. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You can simply go inside and relax on a lounger for as long as you like.
Adult Beverage and Social Spaces
On this ship, you can find bars and lounges ideal for both lively nights and relaxed conversations.
The Lime & Coconut: This multi-level tropical bar is located across Decks 11 and 12. It offers poolside drinks and live DJ music. Arrive early to spend a peaceful time; later at night, the atmosphere becomes high energy.
R Bar: This bar is in the Royal Promenade on Deck 5. This is a martini-style bar and has a more refined and comfortable setting compared to the bustle of the promenade.
Viking Crown Lounge: This panoramic observation lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows where you can watch the ocean. It is an excellent choice to get a moment of quiet, away from the ship’s crowd.
Freedom of the Seas Dining Options
Like all Royal Caribbean ships, Freedom also has a main dining room. Apart from that, there are specialty restaurants.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen: This reimagined Italian restaurant was introduced on Freedom during its amplification. The rustic design with an open kitchen and pizza oven is perfect to get a glimpse of authentic ambiance.
Chops Grille: This steakhouse provides prime cuts with classic sides.
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi: This Japanese venue operates differently from other restaurants. There is no fixed cover charge. Every item has an individual price.
Hidden Free Dining Options
El Loco Fresh: Located at Deck 11, this complimentary Mexican quick-service spot is by the pool. You can build your own burritos, tacos, and quesadillas with a complete salsa bar.
Sorrento’s Pizza: This pizzeria is open for many hours. You can get classic slices and daily pizza specials, all included in your cruise fare.
Café Promenade: It is a 24/7 cafe that offers pastries, tea, sandwiches, and drip-style coffee. Premium coffee may cost extra.
Park Café: It is a quieter option for made-to-order items like sandwiches, paninis, fresh salads, and soups. It is also often less busy than other restaurants.
Ship Comparison: Freedom vs Fleet
First, let’s compare Freedom of the Seas with the fleet of the same class: Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas.
| Feature | Freedom of the Seas | Liberty of the Seas | Independence of the Seas |
| Class | Freedom-class | Freedom-class | Freedom-class |
| Launch and Maiden Voyage Year | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
| Gross Tonnage | Around 156,271 GT | Around 155,889 GT | Around 154,407 GT |
| Length (approx) | Approximately 1,111 ft (338.8 m) | Approximately 1,112 ft (338.9 m) | Approximately 1,112 ft (338.95 m) |
| Double Occupancy Capacity | Approximately 4,500 | Approximately 3,798 | Approximately 3,634 |
| Typical Ambience: Key Points | Older “mega-ship” vibe, superb amenities, good value | Similar size to Freedom, slightly less flash, often repositioned | Slightly newer within class, solid family and activities focus |
| Best For | Families and couples who want a blend of modern fun and classic cruising | Travelers who prefer a slightly calmer and traditional Caribbean vibe | Active families and younger cruisers who enjoy interactive and tech-forward fun |
Freedom vs. Newer Oasis and Quantum Ships
This comparison is important because newer does not always mean better.
| Feature | Freedom of the Seas (Freedom-class) | Wonder of the Seas (Oasis-class) | Quantum of the Seas (Quantum-class) |
| Gross Tonnage | Approximately 156,271 GT | Approximately 236,857 GT | Approximately 168,666 GT |
| Length | Around 1,111 ft (338.8 m) | Around 1,188 ft (362 m) | Around 1,141 ft (348 m) |
| Double-Occupancy Passenger Capacity | Around 3,700-4,000 | Around 5,734 | Around 4,180 |
| Key Features and Differentiators | Traditional “mega-ship” layout with good value and balance | Eight neighbourhoods and a huge variety of venues, and a large scale | Tech-heavy experience with modern design and fewer passengers than the Oasis scale |
| Best For | Families and couples wanting big-ship fun without extremes | Guests wanting the ultimate resort-at-ocean experience | Cruisers seeking innovation and gadgets, and a strong indoor and outdoor variety |
When is Freedom Better
While Oasis and Quantum-class ships have more cutting-edge features, Freedom of the Seas has several important areas that make it a smarter choice for many cruisers.
Value for Money: Freedom of the Seas is generally priced lower than newer ships. Saving can vary, but it is common to find fares that are more affordable, ideal for travelers seeking a premium cruise experience without the premium price tag.
Relaxed Environment: Freedom has roughly 2000 passengers fewer than Oasis-class ships, and it feels spacious and less crowded. Travelers find an easier flow of movement, short lines, and a friendly vibe onboard.
Access to more Ports: Due to its smaller size, Freedom can dock at ports that large Oasis-class vessels cannot. This means that cruisers can explore a wider variety of destinations that large ships cannot reach.
Easier Navigation: Freedom is large enough to offer you a lot of attractions, but compact enough that you can easily walk from bow to stern in a few minutes. This means you spend less time navigating and more time enjoying the ship.
Balanced Itineraries: Many of the Freedom’s itineraries offer balanced port visits and sea days. Travelers have plenty of time to explore the shores and time to relax and unwind onboard.
When to Book for Maximum Value
Wave Season (January to March): This is a big sale period for cruising. During this window, you can expect the best fares, cabin selection, and perks.
Shoulder Season: If you avoid booking during major holidays, you will find good fares, fewer crowds, and still pleasant weather. For a Caribbean cruise, the demand is low during the shoulder season, but the weather conditions are excellent.
Avoid Peak Weeks: The fares are the highest during spring break and major holidays. Unless you have to travel during this time, try to delay your booking for discounts.
First-time Cruiser Tips
Being a first-time cruiser can be an intimidating and exciting experience. To fully enjoy this first experience, it is important to prepare everything in advance.
- Download the Royal Caribbean app to see deck plans, book activities, and reserve specialty restaurants.
- Pack smartly: Pack swimsuits, layers, and clothes according to the season. Moreover, pack sunscreen, toiletries, and essential documents.
- If there is any shore excursion, dining option, or entertainment you do not want to miss, book it in advance.
- Understand what is included in your fare and what is not to avoid any unexpected surprises.
- Explore the ship and enjoy every moment. Explore ports and participate in shore excursions.
Wrapping It Up
Despite being an old and compact ship compared to the newer ones, Freedom of the Seas provides ideal amenities, adventures, and itineraries for all types of travelers.
Whether you love to go on cruises or are a first-time cruiser, Freedom of the Seas is superb for planning your vacation. Remember to book smartly and prepare ahead to truly enjoy the voyage.
For more cruise-related updates, feel free to visit Cruise Tidal.
FAQs
When was Freedom of the Seas last Refurbished?
Freedom of the Seas was refurbished during January-March 2020. Many new facilities were added along with enhancements to some areas. The ship re-entered service in March 2020.
What Cabins should I avoid on Freedom of the Seas?
Steer clear of Decks 3, 6, and 10, as they may experience noise due to music and foot traffic. Moreover, forward and aft-facing cabins on higher decks experience more motion and are not ideal for sensitive travelers.
Is Freedom of the Seas good for First-time Cruisers?
Yes, this is a mid-size ship with big ship amenities, so navigating it is easier. It also has a diverse variety of dining options, onboard activities, and itineraries that make this ship suitable for a first cruise experience.
What Entertainment is available on Freedom of the Seas?
Guests can enjoy Broadway-style shows, poolside movies, live music at Boleros, ice-skating performances, and themed parties at The Lime and Coconut. It also hosts trivia contests, karaoke, and late-night comedy shows.
