Royal Caribbean’s 3,634-passenger Freedom of the Seas was the biggest ship in the world for a few years after it launched. It no longer holds that title, but it has been refurbished. Not only did the time in dry dock leave the vessel feeling clean and new, but some of the line's bells and whistles, including its famed surfing simulator, were also added.
Sabor Modern Mexican: This upscale Mexican restaurant is the best at sea. Look for guacamole prepared tableside and well-executed regional dishes served in an elegant space.
On Air Karaoke: This fun bar has a stage and a proper speaker system — it feels substantial enough to make you feel like you’re putting on a real performance. Best of all, there are small booths in which to practice before you strut your stuff in front of fellow passengers. Now, if only the song choices were up to date!
The Ice-Skating Rink: It has been years since Royal Caribbean first launched this feature, but it is as much fun now as ever before. We love the colorful ice dancing performances as well as the opportunities to rent skates and get out on the ice yourself.
Plenty of Pool Deck Fun: Films are screened on the deck poolside, and there’s also a splash park for kids and a smaller, quieter, pool for adults in a solarium.
Dreamworks Characters: Shrek and the gang show up in a parade down the center of the ship, as well as in the 3-D movies shown in the ship’s theater.
Families with Kids: This ship, like others in the line, has plenty of colorful spaces and family-focused activities, from decorate-your-own cupcake classes to all-ages line dancing by the pool.
This Was Once the Biggest Ship in the World: The large size means that service can be … impersonal. But you don’t book a cabin on a massive ship like this and expect personalized attention, do you?
