Freedom of the Seas Ship Review
We took Freedom of the Seas on the CocoCay itinerary, and it was a fantastic cruise. Although the ship is older than some of Royal Caribbean's newest vessels, it has been well maintained and still offers plenty to do. The layout is easy to navigate, making it simple to get around. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and appreciated the ship's lively atmosphere and friendly crew.
Dining
The Main Dining Room featured a traditional dining experience with plenty of seating and consistently good service. Since we had the Unlimited Dining Package, we also enjoyed several specialty restaurants throughout the cruise.
One of our favorites was Izumi Hibachi, where the interactive chefs and delicious food made for a memorable evening. We also dined at Johnny Rockets, which is conveniently located on Deck 12, and enjoyed an excellent meal at Giovanni's Italian Kitchen.
For quick complimentary bites, Sorrento's Pizza and El Loco Fresh were both great options, offering tasty food whenever we wanted a casual meal or snack. Overall, the variety of dining choices ensured there was something for every craving throughout the cruise.
Cabins
We stayed in a Junior Suite and really appreciated the extra living space and generous storage. Our cabin was classified as a sunset-view suite, located toward the aft of the ship. While it was a bit farther from the elevators, the quieter location and beautiful wake views more than made up for the extra walk.
The Junior Suite also featured a larger bathroom than standard balcony cabins, complete with a bathtub and upgraded bath amenities, including premium shampoo and conditioner. The added comfort and storage made this cabin an excellent choice for our cruise.
Entertainment
The entertainment on this sailing offered something for everyone. We attended the ice skating show, and the performers were incredibly talented, making it one of the highlights of the cruise. The Royal Theater also featured a variety of performances, including a comedian, live music, and a magician, providing great entertainment throughout the voyage.
Our stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay was another standout. With so much to see and do, one day barely feels like enough time. We chose to spend the day at Hideaway Beach, the adults-only area, where we relaxed in the pool, enjoyed the swim-up bar, lounged on the daybeds, and took advantage of the upgraded food offerings. It was the perfect way to unwind and made for one of our favorite port days.
Pools
There was no shortage of pool space on this ship. We especially enjoyed the Solarium, which offered a relaxing adults-only retreat. Even on sea days, it was usually easy to find chairs, making it a great place to unwind.
Spa
We visited the spa during the cruise and had a wonderful experience. I booked a hair appointment, while Rob treated himself to a traditional hot shave. The staff was friendly, professional, and attentive, making each visit relaxing from start to finish.
Although the spa follows Royal Caribbean's familiar layout and services, everything was well maintained and the treatments were consistently high quality. It was the perfect place to unwind and add a little extra pampering to our vacation.
Bars
Freedom of the Seas offers an excellent variety of bars and lounges, each with its own unique atmosphere. One of our favorite spots was Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, which we felt was the best version we've experienced on any Royal Caribbean ship. It was the perfect place to catch a game, enjoy great food, and relax with a drink.
We also loved the seamless flow of the ship, especially the walk from the Casino Royale through to Boleros, making it easy to explore several venues in one evening. The Schooner Bar and The Pub were both great places to enjoy live music and unwind, while The Lime & Coconut pool bar was our go-to spot for tropical cocktails during sunny afternoons on deck.
Pros
- Excellent Playmakers Sports Bar with great food.
- Spacious Junior Suite with plenty of storage.
- Relaxing adults-only Solarium.
- Plenty of bars and live music venues.
- Easy-to-navigate ship layout.
- Perfect itinerary featuring CocoCay.
Cons
- No dedicated Solarium Bistro.
- Limited walking track.
Overall Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐
Freedom of the Seas is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a fun, activity-filled vacation with a perfect balance of relaxation and entertainment. If you're sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay, this itinerary is hard to beat. While Freedom may not have all the newest features found on Royal Caribbean's latest ships, it remains one of the best options in the fleet for a memorable Caribbean cruise.
Would we sail again? Absolutely. Freedom of the Seas combines a great itinerary, excellent entertainment, quality dining, and plenty of places to relax, making it a ship we'd gladly book again.