Freedom of the Seas

Freedom of the Seas was once the biggest cruise ship in the world. Almost twenty years later, it doesn’t even crack the top 25, showing that the largest cruise brands are going all out for mega-resorts at sea. As the first of three Freedom-class ships, it modernized the idea of a family-friendly vacation, taking inspiration from Voyager-class vessels and enhancing it. It’s a fun cruise for those who don’t want to pay thousands of dollars for the newest ships while still enjoying features like an ice rink, laser tag, multiple waterslides, and entertaining shows.

What we like about Freedom of the Seas

For a ship that offers this much, Freedom of the Seas is one of the best bangs for your buck in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Sure, you won’t find bumper cars, roller coasters, or huge Broadway musicals, but this is still a cruise where you can pay $340 for a 5-night Caribbean cruise and enjoy waterslides, an ice rink, laser tag, a FlowRider, and even a small waterpark for children. Considering that the newest megaships now cost $1,000 or more for a week-long cruise, paying about half of that for a trip onboard Freedom of the Seas is a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers.

There’s also a lot to do onboard Freedom of the Seas. You might think it’s a small ship since it no longer ranks in the top 25 biggest cruise ships in the world, but Freedom is still considered a mid-sized vessel with plenty to keep guests busy. You can enjoy ice rink shows, a Brothers Grimm-themed performance featuring classic fairy tales, dance classes, pool parties, a library, and more activities to keep everyone entertained for a week. It offers a great mix of options for both adults and children, making it hard to see a family leave Freedom of the Seas feeling disappointed.

Dining options are also quite good for a ship of this size. You get the classics - Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, and Chef’s Table - but there’s also Izumi Hibachi and Sushi (a modern take on Izumi that offers more than just sushi), Johnny Rockets, Sorrento’s Pizza for late-night complimentary pizza, and El Loco Fresh for tacos and burritos. Honestly, for a family-friendly cruise ship focused heavily on the Caribbean, having dedicated spots for pizza and tacos is a huge plus.

What we don’t like about Freedom of the Seas

This is a mid-sized ship with excellent prices departing from Miami, but expect crowds during peak season. Lines can get long at the Main Dining Room, Windjammer, and along the Royal Promenade, so plan accordingly. This probably isn’t the kind of cruise where you can just sit with a book, relax, and watch the waves go by. Elevators are slow, pools are small, and they get crowded, especially on sea days. This isn’t a ship for recharging your energy, as it can definitely get loud and noisy.

Rooms feel a bit dated, especially the interior ones. Most have only two power outlets, so charging devices can be tricky for larger families. The décor is also somewhat old-fashioned, and some guests mention a lack of storage if you’re traveling with four or more in the same room. Our tip? Bring a USB adapter so everyone can charge their phones at night.

Conclusion

Freedom of the Seas is a classic mega-resort with plenty to do, though it has a few dated aspects and can get crowded. If that’s not a dealbreaker, you’re sure to have a great time onboard. It’s an excellent choice for families, thanks to the variety of dining options and activities for both adults and kids. If you’re not concerned about the newest mega-ships, Freedom offers a very good middle ground.