Royal Caribbean's new mega-ship Freedom of the Seas has reached a major milestone towards her mid- 2006 completion date. After the colossal vessel's dry dock was filled with water, Freedom of the Seas officially "set sail" for the first time as she was floated out of Aker Finnyards Shipyard in Turku, Finland late last week. Freedom of the Seas is the first in a series of three ultra-sized cruise ships currently on order at Aker Yards from Royal Caribbean.
Once completed, this massive cruising vessel will weigh in at an impressive 158,000 gross tons, with a length of nearly 340 meters, making it that largest passenger cruise ship in the world. The vessel with also boast a full 15 passenger decks, accommodating more than 5,000 guests and crew at one time. Like a virtual floating mini-city, Freedom of the Seas will also oversee its own energy and drinking water production.
"Seeing a new ship floated out for the first time is a momentous occasion," said Royal Caribbean CEO and Board Chairman Richard D. Fain. "A tremendous amount of highly skilled work goes into constructing these ships and we are pleased to be working once again with Aker Finnyards to build what is sure to be the most innovative and exciting ship afloat."
One of several Royal Caribbean cruise ships to be constructed at Aker Finnyards in recent years, Freedom of the Seas was first ordered by the cruise line in September of 2003, and will be delivered to Royal Caribbean in April of 2006. The ship is currently scheduled to make her official maiden voyage in May of 2006. Until then, the title of the world's largest cruise ship still belongs to Cunard Cruise Line's Queen Mary 2, which has held the honor since her debut in January of 2004.
The second and third vessels that are currently scheduled to be built at Aker Yards for Royal Caribbean will be ready for delivery in the springs of 2007 and 2008 respectively. All three ships are a part of Royal Caribbean's innovative new Freedom Class family of ships, which will essentially be bigger and better versions of Royal Caribbean's five highly successful Voyager Class ships, all of which were delivered from Aker Finnyards from 1999-2003, the most recent being the Mariner of the Seas, which debuted in November of 2003.
Royal Caribbean has gradually been releasing details of some of the spectacular features that will be aboard the Freedom of the Seas, some of which include a top-deck aqua environment, featuring three massive pool areas. Each area will introduce innovative new concepts, including an interactive water park, the most dramatic whirlpools afloat, as well as an incredible sports pool.
The jungle-themed Solarium will feature two large hot tubs cantilevered out 12 feet from the sides of the ship and suspended 112 feet above the ocean. The ship will also offer six different stateroom categories including more "family friendly" staterooms, as well as all the delectable cuisine, world-class entertainment, and superior onboard service that Royal Caribbean is known for.
