One of Royal Caribbean's most popular cruise ships is Freedom of the Seas and we have searched all over this ship for the best hidden secrets that you might miss on this impressive ship.
10. Best spot for sailaway
If you want the best spot on Freedom of the Seas to watch as she pulls out of port, then it has to be the helicopter pad at the front of the ship.
Located on the bow, guests can walk to the helicopter pad and enjoy the unobstructed views that you can only get from the helicopter pad. The perspective from this spot is hard to beat and many guests do not know it is possible to go here.
To access the helicopter pad, go outside on deck 4 and then walk forward, climb up a set of stairs and continue walking forward until you reach the helicopter pad.
9. Hidden door to the helipad
Speaking of the helipad, if you want to avoid the stairs that lead up to the front of the ship, there is a secret door that will get you right there.
Walk all the way forward on Deck 5 and enter the Star Lounge. In the daytime, it is usually empty. Enter the lounge and take an immediate right, just past the DJ booth.
There's a set of unmarkes doors that you can simply open up an you will be let out right next to the helipad.
This is especially helpful if you have a stroller or are in a wheelchair and stairs are a problem.
8. Second best spot for sailaway
A good alternative spot for sailaway that is less windy than the helipad (and has no stairs) are the little observation areas on deck 11 near the Solarium.
Go up to deck 11 and walk all the way forward. Once in the Solarium, adjacent to the doors that lead to the elevator lobby are glass doors you must open manually.
Inside is a small "room", with windows that look outwards and even some chairs to sit in. This can be a great, uncrowded spot to enjoy sailaway.
7. Enjoy the view from Olive or Twist
It is really hard to beat the views of Freedom of the Seas' upper decks from the Olive or Twist Lounge.
Located on deck 14 at the aft of the ship the Olive or Twist lounge offers guests sweeping views of the upper decks and the ocean.
To get to Olive or Twist, you must use the aft elevators and go up to deck 14.
6. Get a taste of it all at FreedomFest
An event unique to Freedom of the Seas is something called FreedomFest, where the Royal Promenade offers guests a little of everything unique on Freedom of the Seas.
There will be food and drink stations available, as well as towel and napkin folding demonstrations, watermelon carving, photos with the ship's officers, and more.
It is basically like a "best of" from the week's events held in one spot.
FreedomFest is held on the Royal Promenade and is usually done on one of the last sea days of your cruise. Check the Cruise Compass for more information.
5. Sun yourself on the St. Tropez deck
If you want to get that perfect tan or just enjoy being outside without all the noise of the pool deck (or the crowds), head up the St. Tropez deck.
Walk up to deck 12 and then walk all the way forward. You will see a large open area with some deck chairs that you can use to enjoy a mostly uncrowded sun bathing spot.
What is special about the St. Tropez deck is there tends to be not many guests here at all, leaving it rather tranquil.
4. Best parade spot
The DreamWorks parade on Freedom of the Seas is a terrific opportunity to see and meet the popular stars from hit DreamWorks films.
If you want a good spot to enjoy the parade and ensure your kids have a good chance to be close to the characters, try in front of the Bull and Bear pub.
The pub has tables outside the pub that you can sit at in the time leading up to the parade and since other families do not consider a pub the first spot to bring kids to for a parade, it can remain overlooked.
Once the parade is about to begin, stand up from your seats and you will be up front for all the action. In addition, the pub is located right in the middle of the parade route.
3. Find the coolest mixed drinks here
These days, Royal Caribbean offers its guests a lot of opportunities to buy alcoholic beverages but the best place to find the most interesting mixed drinks has to be up on the pool deck on the port side.
This one spot near the main pool consistently serves up more than just mixed drinks. You will find the neatest souvenir mugs as well as interesting choices for drinks that we could never find anywhere else onboard.
On one day, they were making mixed drinks that you could drink out of a hollowed out pineapple, and other days had different light up or color changing mugs.
Look for a stand on deck 11 at the main pool, close to the Solarium. The choices available change daily, so be sure to ask about what is coming up and when.
2. Ride the FlowRider on embarkation day
Guests cannot seem to get enough of the FlowRider surf simulator on Freedom of the Seas. It is really fun to try and learn to surf without having to wait for that perfect wave but there always seems to be a line.
To beat the lines, go to the FlowRider on embarkation day. Bring your swimsuit in your carryon luggage (or wear it to the ship) and then head to the FlowRider in the afternoon.
Most other guests onboard will not have their swim suits or even be aware the FlowRider is open. It is the perfect time to get multiple rides in without little or no wait!
1. Book the Ben & Jerry's Suite
Photo by David Fiske
If you want a stateroom with some real character, try the "Ben & Jerry's Sweet" Promenade stateroom.
Stateroom 6305 may not appear different on the deck plans, but it one of the most unusual staterooms available anywhere.
Located directly above the Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop on the Royal Promenade, the sweet has a view of the Royal Promenade blocked by the two cows that make up the ice cream shop's recognizable facade.
Inside the stateroom, you will find a cow motif, with cow-sheets, pillows, cow, cow's picture on the wall and much more.
Booking this stateroom also gets you coupons for free Ben & Jerry's ice cream as well as access to the Concierge Lounge (for passengers over 18 years), which are otherwise only available to passengers reserved for those who booked a suite.
Did we miss any Freedom of the Seas secrets? Share them in our comments!
