Freedom of the Seas launched in May 2006 as the world's biggest cruise ship, measuring 155,000 tons, carrying 4,500 passengers and introducing Royal Caribbean's now-widespread FlowRider surf simulator to the cruise industry.

Although the ship is no longer the biggest in Royal Caribbean's fleet – that title is held by the line's newer Oasis-class ships -- it does not feel outdated. If anything, Royal Caribbean is doing a great job of keeping Freedom of the Seas in tip-top shape. During a 2015 dry dock, Freedom received new cabins, a new nightclub and two new for-fee restaurants – giving passengers a plethora of dining choices that range from Italian to Mexican. (The ship also had some nagging propulsion issues addressed.) Although Royal Caribbean's 4,500-passenger Freedom-class ships are the line's third-largest (behind the Oasis and Quantum classes), Freedom of the Seas doesn't feel crowded. That's not to say that the ship feels empty or small. Sometimes there's congestion in Windjammer at peak times, you'll wait in a line (a short line, but a line nonetheless) to disembark at tender ports, and dinnertime can be a bit noisy with hundreds of others chowing down around you. At the same time, it's never hard to find quiet, private nooks. The library, Internet cafe, Cafe Promenade, Vintages wine bar and even the Solarium pool are great for getting-away-from-it-all moments, particularly on port days. Overall, the traffic flow throughout the ship is smooth, but there are times when it comes to a dead standstill along the Royal Promenade (the ship's mall-like main thoroughfare) -- when there's a sale on duty-free watches, for example. Other areas just seem poorly designed. It can be a harrowing experience to reach the Deck 3 On Air Bar and Studio B from the front of the ship, as there's no direct access straight through. Passengers have to either walk up one flight to Deck 4 (and through the horribly smoky casino) to the aft and then head down or go up two decks to the often crowded Royal Promenade to walk aft before heading down. Uncover the best deals with a Royal Caribbean expert Muffett Grubb Specialities : River Cruises and All Inclusive 181 reviews Contact Agent Anita Thompson Specialities : River Cruises and All Inclusive 81 reviews Contact Agent Barbara Lawrence Specialities : All Inclusive and Family Vacations 38 reviews Contact Agent Danny Fisher Specialities : River Cruises and All Inclusive 33 reviews Contact Agent Jody Piotter Specialities : River Cruises and Luxury Cruises 27 reviews Contact Agent Heather Rosing Specialities : All Inclusive and Beach Vacations 19 reviews Contact Agent Josh Oretsky Specialities : Luxury Cruises and River Cruises 18 reviews Contact Agent Lori Hischke Specialities : River Cruises and Honeymoons 16 reviews Contact Agent Emily Forsberg Specialities : Destination Weddings and Disney Vacations 11 reviews Contact Agent Amy Stambaugh Specialities : River Cruises and National Parks 11 reviews Contact Agent In general, service is personal, since there are so many spaces in which you can become a "regular." Baristas at Cafe Promenade, serving Starbucks coffee drinks, remember complicated beverage orders; the bartenders at Boleros, Royal Caribbean's Latin-themed bar, remember names and poisons; and even the wait staff in Windjammer, the casual buffet, treat kids as the highest-order VIPs.

Inclusions Included with your cruise fare: Meals in three main dining rooms and at the Windjammer Marketplace buffet, Cafe Promenade and Sorrento’s Pizza; snacks from Sprinkles Ice Cream; and continental breakfast room service Main theater entertainment Most activities and events onboard, including use of the ice skating rink Use of the fitness center (but not most fitness classes and personal training) Use of the Sports Court, Freedom Fairways mini-golf, flowrider and rock climbing wall Adventure Ocean Kids Club activities for kids ages 6 months to 17 years until 10 p.m. Gratuities, only if you booked your cruise in Australia and New Zealand in AU and NZ dollars Not included with your cruise fare: Onboard gratuities ($14.50 per person, per day for Junior Suites and below; $17.50 per person, per day for anyone staying in a Grand Suite or higher) Auto-gratuities of 18 percent applied to salon, spa, beverage purchases and all specialty dining venue reservations Drinks excluding water, tea (including iced tea), coffee and select juices from the Windjammer Marketplace All room service orders ($7.95) except free continental breakfast Most specialty dining Treatments at the spa and salon Most fitness classes Most arts and craft classes Activities like the arcade, bingo, sushi-making classes, shopping events, behind-the-scenes ship tour, bottomless galley brunch and alcohol tastings Casino play Adventure Ocean kids club programming after 10:00 p.m. Shore excursions Internet access and packages Onboard photos and artwork