A recent cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas really reminded me of the family or multi-generational aspects of a cruise vacation. Up until the arrival of the Oasis and Allure of the Seas, the Freedom was the largest cruise ship on the seas and was built and designed for family vacations. But this is not to say that young couples or retirees will not find the ship inviting and entertaining.
This ship has consistently been rated the best ship and crew by her passengers. From the moment you come aboard you notice the crew, always there but never ‘in your face.’ This extremely courteous and friendly crew will address you by name if you have introduced yourself to them, for the duration of your time together. The food and service in the Dinning Room were as great as you would expect but what was a little surprising was that the food and service in the buffet on the Lido Deck was just as good with the crew anxious to bring you coffee or juice or whatever you desired. And although the ship was sailing with a full complement of passengers, we rarely had trouble finding seating in the buffet area for breakfast or lunch.
Up on the Sports and Lido Decks you will find the usual pools and hot tubs but these have been cleverly grouped so no matter what sort of experience you are looking for you can find it. There is a very nice Solarium with an adults only pool and oversized whirlpools, two more pools for adults and families plus a water park with plenty to keep the younger set occupied. Then add the innovative Flow Rider where you can actually go surfing, the basketball court, miniature golf course, boxing ring and rock climbing wall and you will be hard pressed to decide what to do next! My husband and I (both over sixty) both tried the Flow Rider, on a Boogie Board, and were successful on the first try. What a kick! Never got around to climbing the Rock Wall or entering the Dodge Ball Tournament but others onboard kept those venues pretty busy.
If you are looking for something a bit more sedate, how about the Wine Tasting in the Wine Bar? This is not the usual where they have four to six wines they have decided to let you try. The Vintages Wine Bar had a wine tasting each afternoon. The staff there was exceptional even for this ship. They took the time to ask you about your wine experiences, what you like or dislike, then they bring out four offerings geared specifically for you. I like reds while my husband prefers the milder/sweeter whites. So we each had totally different options. One evening they had a Port tasting that was just to die for since it was complemented with wonderful chocolates!
The cabin choices on this ship are practically infinite, everything from an Inside cabin for two to a Family sized stateroom for up to 6. Our cabin had a window that overlooked the enclosed Royal Promenade which allowed us to watch the Parade without leaving our cabin and no hunting for a good view. We prefer Exterior Balcony cabins but wanted to experience overlooking the Promenade. If you book an interior cabin overlooking the Promenade remember to put on some clothing prior to opening the drapes or you might surprise someone across the way. All the cabins have plenty of storage and a shower large enough to bend over in without doing yourself mischief!
The Whirlpools in the Solarium were hot and had a wonderful view of the ocean. The Spa menu is extensive and the Hot Stone Massage was excellent. The gym equipment appeared to be excellent and functional although I didn’t try any of it (you could actually get boxing lessons or sparing matches in a real, full sized ring with a man or a woman instructor). Exercise is too much like work to be engaging in it while on vacation so we just watched a bit. So if you are looking for relaxation and rejuvenation the opportunities abound, however for those looking to squeeze in every bit of excitement and new experience this ship still comes through.
The cruise director, Graham Seymour, was very funny and entertaining. He even had his own adult stand-up comedy show late one night. The other entertainment included an illusionist that really did make you shake your head in wonder plus a marvelous retrospective show about Ricky Nelson done by his twin sons. The production shows and ice skating shows were top notch as well.
This was one of the best cruises I have been on in a long time. This ship is very comfortable, easy to find your way around on with a marvelous crew and a Captain that evidently runs a tight ship. I know you will enjoy your cruise on the Freedom of the Seas as much as we did.
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