Freedom of the Seas

Freedom of the Seas: background:

Billed as "the largest cruise ship in the world" (at least when it debuted in June 2006), Royal Caribbean International's Freedom of the Seas carries up to 3600 guests.

Freedom of the Seas has several "bigger and better" features: for example, the combined pool area is 43% larger than Royal Caribbean's Voyager-class ships, and the rock climbing wall is higher and wider.

Of special interest to families is the H2O waterpark zone, and family-sized cabins that can sleep six or eight.

Freedom of the Seas - Pool Areas:

Freedom of the Seas has a main pool area, family pool area, and adults-only Solarium.

Family Pool Area: H20 Zone

The H2O Zone has a large wading area with spray cannons, jets, gushers, plus colorful sculptures that spray water: kids can turn wheels, set off sensors, dodge dumping buckets.

In another area, guests can float with the flow of a river around a central island.

There's also a shallow pool for kiddies, and a swimming pool with wading areas and waterfall.

Solarium
Jungle-themed and adults-only, the Solarium will have two large hot tubs cantilevered out 12 feet from the sides of the ship, suspended 112 feet above the ocean.

Main Pool, sports pool
One of the ship’s two central pools will be a sports pool, for games such as water volleyball and basketball, floating golf and pole jousting, amateur synchronized swimming competitions.

Freedom of the Seas - more for families:

• largest rock-climbing wall at sea: 43-foot-tall by 44-foot-wide, with central spire
• kids' program: Adventure Ocean Program, with wacky science experiments, and Adventure Art by Crayola®, crafts projects, sports tournaments, dance parties; for ages 3 to 17
• Teens have three exclusive areas: Fuel nightclub, The Living Room hangout, and the Back Deck sundeck
• Aqua Babies and Aqua Tots playtime programs, developed by partner Fisher-Price®, Inc. for ages 6 months to 36 months and their parents
• shows in the main theater
• ice skating spectaculars and free-skate parties on the ice rink
• entertainment and parades at night on the Royal Promenade shopping and dining boulevard

Family-sized cabins:

In addition to large suites -- such as the 14-person Presidential-- The Freedom of the Seas has family categories over and above standard triples and quads, each with twin beds, convertible to a queen; bunks, typically in a curtained-off alcove; maybe a sleeper sofa, too.

One six-person Family Stateroom with balcony (400 sq. ft. + balcony)

8 six-person Family Oceanview Staterooms

4 six-person Promenade Family Staterooms (335 sq. ft.)

2 six-person Inside Family Staterooms,. (330 sq. ft.)

Find out more about Freedom of the Seas:

• read about Freedom of the Seas at the Royal Caribbean site, where you can also make bookings.
• Cruises at About.com has news about cruise ships
• once sailings begin, you can check TripAdvisor.com for guest comments

This brief profile is meant to introduce this cruise ship to family vacationers; please note that the writer has not visited in person. Always check web sites for updates.