A new wave of island flair arrives in the Southern Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s newly amplified Freedom of the Seas debuted its $116m transformation in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in March 2020 as with a crowd-pleasing combination of new thrills, guest favourites and top-rated destinations.
The transformed ship offers new adventures from bow to stern, including The Perfect Storm duo of high-speed waterslides, a vibrant Caribbean poolscape, the cruise line’s first Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and new, dedicated spaces for kids and teens.
Freedom, the largest cruise ship in the world, when she arrived in 2006, joined her sister, Independence of the Seas, as part of the Royal Amplified fleet modernisation effort.
Thrills on Deck
- The Perfect Storm – At three storeys high, guests can choose Cyclone or Typhoon to go head to head through winding twists and turns in a heart-pumping faceoff.
- A resort-style Caribbean poolscape – Featuring a whole new look, signature poolside bar The Lime & Coconut, live music and a wider variety of seating and shade with the addition of casitas, in-pool loungers and daybeds, the reimagined pool deck is where pool days become an all-day affair.
- The youngest of travellers can enjoy the new kids aqua park, Splashaway Bay, and adults looking for soothing downtime can head to the renewed Solarium.
Amped-up Flavours
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen – New to Royal Caribbean, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen serves up a reimagined menu of authentic Italian dishes with a contemporary flair, from fresh pastas to custom pizzas hand tossed high in the air. The cruise line’s take on “Sunday supper” is complete with limoncello and a wide selection of wines.
- El Loco Fresh – Guests can enjoy a poolside fiesta of flavors, including tacos, burritos and quesadillas, at the casual grab-and-go spot. The venue is the first El Loco Fresh that includes a full-service bar with a wide selection of tequilas.
- Izumi Hibachi & Sushi – From sushi to sashimi and hibachi, Izumi offers an Asian-inspired dining experience. The menu spans a variety of hot and cold appetisers, entrees and desserts – each made to order with fresh ingredients and impeccable presentation.
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade – At this hangout, all ages can have a seat at the table to catch live games on more than 100 TVs, make legendary plays on arcade classics and refuel on classic bar fare and ice-cold brews.
Adventures for Everyone
- Clash for the Crystal City – Two clans, the Yetis and Snowshifters, collide in this glow-in-the-dark laser tag adventure for control of a mystical frozen city.
- Adventure Ocean – The award-winning youth program reveals a 360-degree transformation. Its new layout encourages kids to choose their own immersive adventures across several rooms: Play Place, the whimsical space with climbable creations; Arena, where there’s friendly competition; and Hangout, a space to chill and call their own. Three- and 5-year-olds and the tiniest of travellers at 6-36 months old each have dedicated spaces with AO Juniors and AO Babies, respectively.
- Social033 – Teens will rejoice in their exclusive hangout, entirely redesigned to feature the latest in movies, gaming and music, plus a new, private outdoor deck.
The top-to-bottom transformation also adds Freedom to the lineup of ships now available on the Royal Caribbean International mobile app. Guests can check in for their cruise from their personal device and arrange Expedited Arrival, prior to setting sail, for a seamless boarding experience at the port.
PASSENGERS : 3,634
BERTHS : 1,557
CREW : 1,397
FACILITIES : Three main dining rooms (two sittings), themed bars and lounges, casino, library, three swimming areas, water park, ice rink, Flowriderfitness centre, steam room, youth and childrens facilities, flat screen TVs in every stateroom, wifi capability, rock climbing wall, flowrider, ice skating rink.