Freedom to Splash Where You Want
May 09, 2005
Details are slowly leaking out about Royal Caribbean's first ship in the new Freedom class series. As the most forward-looking and innovative ship the company has built to date, Freedom of the Seas has only just begun to reveal her truly outstanding new-to-cruising features. Scheduled to launch in May 2006, Freedom will become the largest ship in the world at 158,000-tons and fit to carry 3,600 passengers double occupancy with more space and more special features for everyone.
While we can expect the ship to feature several distinctly Voyager-class signatures like an ice skating rink, indoor promenade and rock climbing wall, Freedom of the Seas has just unveiled an unparalleled top-deck aqua environment that features three massive pool regions. Each area introduces innovative new concepts, including an interactive water park for families, the largest, most dramatic whirlpools afloat and a pool dedicated solely to water sports.
"Freedom of the Seas' combined pool area is 43 percent larger than on our Voyager-class ships, giving us the ability to create three distinctive spaces to appeal to our varied audiences," said Richard D. Fain, Royal Caribbean Chairman and CEO. "Guests will have the freedom to splash in the family pool area, relax in the adults-only Solarium or soak in the sun at the main pool area."
H20 Zone
The farthest aft of the three areas is the H20 Zone, a colorful water world of sculptures doubling as interactive fountains that offer guests numerous ways to get soaked—or soak some one else! Throughout one large, central wading area, there are wheels turning, buckets dumping and a number of spray cannons, water jets, ground gushers and waterfalls. In one corner of the water playground guests will find a circular pool that shoots a current of water into a river oasis around the central island. Guests can float with the flow as one of the fountain sculptures gently sprays a mist over them. Younger cruisers will enjoy a shallow pool that is fed by a flamingo-shaped fountain. At night, the water park will turn into a dramatically lit sculpture garden.
Sports Enthusiasts
In the main pool area, one of the ship's two central pools will be designated as a sports pool. Guests will be invited to challenge themselves, and each other, in a variety of water sports including pool volleyball and basketball. Other quirky sports that are sure to be a blast include floating golf, pole jousting, water ballet and synchronized swimming contests! Spectators and contestants will be equally entertained!
Solarium
Among lush tropical foliage, rainforest-inspired mosaics and murals, towering sculpted metal palm trees and hammocks, guests will find the ultimate in relaxation at the Solarium. Featuring two large hot tubs cantilevered out 12 feet from the sides of the ship. Relax before breathtaking panoramic views as you're suspended 112 feet above the ocean in a hot tub. The Solarium's pool offers a few fun and exciting surprises for its guests including underwater music, a photo collage behind glass depicting a coral reef, and a glass wall that allows them to look into the atrium adjacent to the pool while submerged!
Open-Air Nightclub
Come dark, the main pool area will transform into an open-air nightclub. A large dance floor is situated between the two pools and guests will enjoy live music, themed parties and fabulous DJs.
Family & Large Group Accommodations
Although we still haven't heard much of what lies within the Freedom of the Seas, we have heard that cabins will be larger and all staterooms will feature flat screen TVs. There will also be six different family-focused stateroom categories specially designed to accommodate larger families and groups of friends. The Presidential Suite being the largest accommodates 14 people and boats 1,215 square feet of interior space and an 810-square-foot outdoor living area.
Freedom of the Seas will sail seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami calling in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Royal Caribbean's private island destination, Labadee, Hispaniola. The ship, along with two others in the new Freedom Series, is currently under construction at Aker Finnyards in Turku, Finland.
This is only the beginning of Freedom's new "Something for Everyone" design. More details will be revealed later this summer consisting mostly of indoor features. Call one of our Certified Cruise Specialists at 1-888-267-1232 to reserve cabins on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas or email cs@cruisenetwork.com with "Freedom Reservation" in the subject line.
Meghann Porter
