When you choose a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, it's important to know what's special and unique about that ship so you can take advantage of it. Today we will begin a look at the ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet and what is fun and exciting about it, starting with Freedom of the Seas.
Best place for sail away: the helicopter pad
Most guests enjoy Freedom of the Seas leaving port from their balcony cabin or the pool deck, but a lesser known fact is you can enjoy sailaway from the helicopter landing pad on the bow (front) of the ship.
You can get to this special spot by walking all the way forward on deck 4 outside. There will be stairs that go up to the next deck, and farther forward is the helipad.
In addition, some nights the helipad is open to passengers at night which is perfect for star gazing. Which night the helipad is open will vary from sailing to sailing.
FlowRider
One of the unique entertainment offerings on Freedom of the Seas is the FlowRider, which is a surfing simulator located on the back of the ship. This is a free activity where you can try to learn to surf in a controlled environment. There are also private and group FlowRider classes offered.
Lines for the FlowRider can be long for most of the cruise. Try to hit it up as soon as you embark upon Freedom of the Seas on the first day or during port days.
Buy One, Get One Free Margaritas
Lately the "On the Air" bar on Freedom of the Seas has been offering buy one, get one free margarita drinks, which is fantastic deal for those that enjoy having adult beverages during their cruise. We've seen this deal offered throughout the cruise as well as starting on the 2nd or 3rd day. Check with the bar or your cruise compass when you board, but it's hard to go wrong with free drinks.
Freedom of the Seas Entertainment
Freedom of the Seas offers some unique entertainment that is only found on a few other ships in the fleet
- Ice skating show (Freedom-ice.com)
- DreamWorks parade in Promenade
- DreamWorks character breakfast (free with reservation)
- Marquee (stage show)
- Now You See It (stage show)
- Headliner Show
- Once Upon a Time (stage show)
Boxing Ring
Freedom of the Seas offers a boxing ring for passengers to use inside their massive gym. Here you can take boxing lessons, which can be a fun workout. Passengers can take individual or group boxing lessons for an additional cost.
Ben and Jerry "Sweet"
On the promenade there is a special stateroom that overlooks the promenade area, cabin 6305, which is unique because it is themed to the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream shop that is below it. The cabin lies directly above the Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop on the Royal Promenade. And because on the porch of Ben & Jerry's two life-size cow figurines, the passengers look through their window behind these cows.
If you happen to stay in this stateroom, you will get certain extra amenities such as complimentary Ben & Jerry's ice cream as well as access to the concierge lounge.
Freedom of the Seas quick info
Formal Nights: Day 2 (Monday) and Day 6 (Friday). Monday is also the Captain's Reception
Specialty Restaurants: Chops, Portofino & Johnny Rockets
Other food that costs extra: Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, Cupcake Cupboard, Cafe Promenade (coffee), Vintages (wine)
