Freedom of the Seas

The amplification turned Freedom's pool deck into a colorful Caribbean scene, with tropical murals, palm trees, daybeds and first-come, first-served cabanas with USB charging. There are two large pools, three extra-large hot tubs, a big outdoor movie screen and a bandstand for the steel drums. Above it all sits the three-level Lime and Coconut, with two bars, market lights for the evening and a top-level sun deck that includes an area reserved for suite guests and Pinnacle Club members.

Freedom's top deck is built for play. When Freedom debuted, Danny was one of the very first guests to ride the FlowRider, the first surf simulator on a cruise ship, and it's still complimentary for surfing or boogie boarding. The Perfect Storm, added in 2020, is a pair of racer waterslides. Splashaway Bay keeps little ones busy with splash pads, water cannons and kid-sized slides, while the sports court, rock climbing wall, ping pong tables and mini golf course round out the deck.

Adventure Ocean was completely redesigned in the amplification. Kids 6 to 12 move freely between the Workshop for arts, crafts and science, a movie and gaming hangout, and the Arena, with interactive game tables, foosball and active games. AO Juniors welcomes 3-to-5-year-olds with a pirate ship, a slide and crafts, and Adventure Ocean Babies cares for little ones as young as 6 months on many sailings. Teens 13 to 17 get their own club with an outdoor deck. The arcade costs extra.

The adults-only Solarium on Freedom is noticeably larger and sunnier than on the Voyager Class ships. Padded loungers wrap around the sides, there's a pool and hot tubs, and a big open sun deck stretches out front. A bridge crosses up and over the pool and adds a little shade below. The standout is the cantilevered whirlpools that extend out over the side of the ship, an industry first when Freedom debuted. The Solarium Bar serves the whole area, with servers coming around too.

The Windjammer is the ship's casual buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Freedom's has more room than the Voyager Class version, and the renovation gave it a fresh look. The bar at the entrance pours espresso and fresh-squeezed juices in the morning, plus a bloody mary if you like. Stations cover deli sandwiches, grill favorites, salads and made-to-order eggs at breakfast, with complimentary coffee, tea, lemonade and infused waters. Tables range from cozy fours to big high-tops.

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi pairs lively teppanyaki tables, where chefs cook chicken, steak and seafood right in front of you, with a sushi bar if you just want rolls (both extra cost). Danny's daughter loves the hibachi show. Right across the way is the Schooner Bar, Royal Caribbean's classic nautical piano bar, with sail-style decor, evening sing-alongs and trivia. Nearby, Boleros brings Latin music and dancing, and Casino Royale offers slots, table games and hand-dealt poker.

Playmakers is one of the biggest additions from the amplification, and Danny is blown away by it. Royal Caribbean says there are more than 80 TV screens, so the game is always on. You'll find pub food (extra cost), a huge bar, high-top tables, pool tables, foosball, shuffleboard and vintage arcade games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and Defender. Two private Owner's Boxes each have a giant video wall made of nine screens, with bar and food service for your group.

The Royal Theater seats a couple thousand guests for Broadway-style production shows, comedians, singers and guest acts. Studio B is Freedom's ice rink, larger than the original on Voyager of the Seas. It hosts ice shows by former Olympic skaters, complimentary open skating, theme parties and the adults-only Quest. Glow-in-the-dark laser tag sets up here too. At the front of the Royal Promenade, the Star Lounge hosts karaoke, trivia, bingo and game shows.