Going on a Royal Caribbean cruise and are boarding the Freedom of the Seas ship? Be prepared and check out my Freedom of the Seas tips to make your trip more seamless and allowing you more time to relax and enjoy your cruise.
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Intro
The Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas cruise to the Bahamas has everything you want in a cruise vacation: adventure, luxury, and relaxation! This post will go over this cruise ship’s amenities, its port of calls, and useful tips for you to know before you embark on your Freedom of the Seas journey. I had boarded the Freedom of the Seas cruise to the Bahamas for a 4-night stay, which includes stops at CocoCay and Nassau, and a day at sea. Check out Royal Caribbean sailings here.
The Ship: Freedom of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class, which includes 2 other cruise ships. The Freedom of the Seas ship is based in Florida and visits various islands in the Caribbean, including the Bahamas. The ship first started sailing in 2006, and was refurbished back in 2020, right before COVID-19 shut the cruises down.
Bahamas 4-Night Cruise
As mentioned, I boarded the Freedom of the Seas cruise to the Bahamas for a 4-night stay, which follows the below itinerary:
- Day 1: Embarkation Day – Board the ship and leave the Florida port, making way towards the Bahamas
- Day 2: Perfect Day at CocoCay – First port of call to disembark the ship and enjoy this exclusive Island’s amenities
- Day 3: Day at Sea – spend the day exploring the ship, and enjoy the many activities and entertainment options
- Day 4: Nassau Island – Second port of call to disembark the ship and explore the Island or go on a Shore Excursion
- Day 5: Return to the Florida port and disembark the ship
Staterooms
There are different stateroom options you can book, from interior rooms to luxurious suites. If you haven’t been onboard a cruise before, the interior rooms are located on the inner-center side of the ship so these rooms will not have a window. But if you’re looking for a private outdoor space with awesome ocean views, then try booking a stateroom with a balcony!
- Stateroom Options:
- Interior Stateroom $
- Ocean View Stateroom $$
- Balcony Stateroom $$$
- Suite Stateroom $$$$
I unfortunately could not snag a balcony room, but the Ocean View stateroom I stayed in was spacious and had a large window. It was located right in the front of the ship on the port side (left side). Normally, if you’re prone to motion or seasickness (like I am), then it’s best to choose a room located in the middle of the ship at a lower deck and with a window so you can see the horizon. However, the room I was in at the very front caused no issues for me, BUT I did take Dramamine every day to minimize experiencing any seasickness effects.
Packages
Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas offers a variety of packages to enhance the cruising experience. Here’s a short list of some of the key packages:
Dining Packages
- 3 Restaurant Dining Package
- Unlimited Dining Package
- Tips:
- Calculate how much a meal will be based on the Package Cost to determine if a package is worth the price
Beverage Packages
- Deluxe Beverage Package (includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages)
- Refreshment Package (non-alcoholic beverages)
- Soda Package
- Tips:
- Calculate how many drinks you need to drink per day based on the Package cost to determine if a package is worth the price
- May be worth the convenience of not having to worry about extra charges
Internet Packages
- Voom Surf (basic internet)
- Voom Surf + Stream (high-speed internet)
- Tips:
- Limited amount of persons can be logged in to use the WiFi. You are able to log off to allow another person to log in and use the WiFi
Spa and Fitness Packages
- Various spa treatment packages
- Fitness class packages
- Tips:
- Take advantage of limited time package discount deals
Photo Packages
- Various photo packages for onboard photography
- Tips:
- View and purchase your photos at the Photo Gallery located right outside the Main Theatre
- Alternatively, you can view and purchase photos on the Royal app and download directly to your phone
These packages can be customized based on your preferences and needs. For the most accurate and detailed information, it’s best to visit the Royal Caribbean website or contact their customer service.
Dining
There are several dining options aboard the Freedom of the Seas:
- Complimentary Dining Options
- Main Dining Room (Traditional Dining)
- Windjammer Café (Buffet)
- Café Promenade (Coffee shop)
- Sorrento’s (Pizzeria)
- El Loco Fresh (Mexican)
- Room Service
- Additional Cost Dining Options: Specialty Restaurants
- Cupcake Cupboard (Cupcakes) $
- Playmakers (Sports Bar & Arcade) $$
- Johnny Rockets (American) $$
- Izumi Hibachi & Sushi (Japanese) $$
- Vintages (Wine Bar) $$
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen (Italian) $$$
- Chops Grille (Steaks) $$$
- Chef’s Table (Upscale Cuisine) $$$$
Main Dining room
An elegant sit-down restaurant where a team of waiters will serve you and your party. When booking your cabin, you’re able to either select to dine on your own time, or select your Main Dining time preference. The dine on your own time will allow you to eat in the Main Dining room during their dinner hours, however it is based on availability so it’s recommended to make reservations to guarantee a table. Otherwise, if selecting a traditional dining time preference, you can either choose the early Dining at 5:30 PM, or the late Dining at 8:00 PM. These times may vary though so be sure to check.
If you’re with a larger group, it is possible to all be sat together. If you’re not seated together due to different bookings, this can be fixed on the day of your embarkation by visiting the Guest Services. Otherwise, you may be seated with other cruise-goers for each dinner. Additionally, not only are you seated with the same group for dinner, but you will also be served by the same wait staff, where it will be difficult to not befriend them!
For dinners, there is a different menu for each night so you can try something new every day. The Dinner menu contains a three-course meal, where you can choose an option from each category: Appetizer, Main Entrée, and Dessert. All the food on the menu are included in your cruise booking. However, if you want to splurge, there are some premium menu items that come at an extra cost, like the Surf and Turf for example.
For breakfast and lunch, there is no pre-arranged seating. You can simply arrive during their open hours and be seated and served.
Freedom of the Seas Tips/Things to Know
- You are able to skip ordering from a category if a dish does not interest you, however, you may not have a plate during that course. For example, if you choose to not have an appetizer, you will not get your first plate until the main entrees are ready to be served for the whole table, leaving you without a plate while other tablemates are enjoying their appetizer.
- If you can’t decide between two menu items of the same category (like 2 main entrees), you are able to order both, free of charge!
- Similarly, you are also able to order 2 of the same dish as well if you found you really liked one
Windjammer Café
A large buffet-style restaurant with diverse food options for every meal of the day, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have a small Gluten-Free section! Additionally, the Windjammer Café takes up a large portion of the back of the ship and has tall floor-to-ceiling windows to admire the ocean views while dining.
Freedom of the Seas Tips/Things to Know
- Food is not served all day, so you’ll have to try and catch a meal during their open hours
- It is first-come, first-serve seating. At times, it can be a bit crowded but there is always someone leaving where you hopefully won’t be looking for a table for too long.
Café Promenade & Sorrento’s
Café Promenade and Sorrento’s are location on the Royal Promenade. They serve pastries, coffee/tea, and sandwiches, and is open 24 hours! At Sorrento’s you can find freshly baked pizzas made in true New York style.
El Loco Fresh
Located on the pool deck and right next to the Splashaway Bay. They serve Mexican food in a build-your-own-taco style, where you can choose to craft your own taco with several meat options, make a cheese nachos, or a delicious Mexican plate. There’s also a salsa bar where you can add taco toppings, such as guacamole, sour cream, onions, pico de gallo, as well as an assortment of hot sauces like Cholula and Tabasco.
Freedom of the Seas Tips/Things to Know
- El Loco Fresh does not operate all day, but it is still open when the Windjammer Café closes at 3 PM, in case you miss the Windjammer’s lunch hours and are looking for a snack or late lunch.
Room Service
You are able to order room service food where a crew member will deliver right to your cabin. Additionally, you’re also able to bring food back to your cabin if you so wish to eat in the comforts of your room. If you choose to do this, just be sure to place your finished food tray and dishes outside the door in the hallway for the stewards to grab and dispose of it, and keep your room clean.
Specialty Restaurants
There are several gourmet restaurants onboard that you can enjoy for an additional cost. To name a few, there is Chops Grille (steakhouse), Giovanni’s Table (Italian), Izumi (Japanese), and Johnny Rockets (American). Each of these at-cost restaurants do come at different price points, so be sure to check their menu items and associated prices if this is a concern. If not, then go in! You’re on vacation anyways 🙂
Activities & Entertainment Options
There are several activities and entertainment options aboard the Freedom of the Seas:
- Activities:
- Pool Deck
- Flow Rider Surf Simulator
- Rock Climbing Wall
- The Perfect Storm (Slides)
- Sports Court
- Mini Golf
- Entertainment:
- Vitality Spa and Fitness Center
- Broadway-style Shows
- Ice Skating Rink
- Casino
- Sports Bar
- Royal Promenade
- Other: Arcade, Bingo, Movie Night, Night Clubs, Trivia, Shopping
Activities
Pool deck
The pool deck has multiple pools where the main pool is large with varying depths, including a shallow portion you can sit in and features multiple whirlpools. This pool area also has a large TV screen where they will play videos throughout the day and at night, they may also put on a film for you to enjoy on the deck. You can also find games such as table tennis/ping pong and corn hole on the pool deck as well.
The pool deck also has a kids waterpark, Spashaway Bay, with slides, fountains, and a large water bucket to for soaking. The adult section, Solarium, has a bar and a pool that has in-pool seats to enjoy your drink, and there are 2 whirlpools right at each side of the ship’s edge. The large floor-to-ceiling windows at the whirlpools will make you feel like you’re hovering over the Atlantic ocean.
Sun Chairs
During the day, the pool deck’s sun chairs might be completely full, and people normally start leaving their chairs later in the afternoon. But it’s possible that people will leave here and there, opening up spaces. If you want a specific lounge chair at a certain location then it’s best to try to get to the pool early to claim your spot. There are some sun chairs that have a cover to shade from the sun. These are more limited so may be harder to find an available one during the day. There are also a few cabanas that you can get by talking to a crew member since they are roped off to prevent people from flocking to and claiming them.
Towels
Additionally, there is a towel kiosk where you can pick up and return your towels for the day. Note that you must return your towels to a towel kiosk as your cabin steward will not pick these up if it’s inside your room.
FlowRider Surf Simulator
More for the adventure seekers looking for a thrilling experience. The FlowRider is a high-pressure water surf simulator where you can either boogie board or surf. If you want to ride the FlowRider, you will first have to go to a nearby desk, watch a training video, sign a waiver, then receive a bracelet.
FlowRider surf lessons are also offered at an additional cost. I would definitely recommend this if you want a guaranteed opportunity to experience the FlowRider. The lesson spans an hour and can be with other people who book the lesson. The lesson starts you on the boogie board to try basic riding, balancing, and board control. When you “pass” the boogie board lesson then you can move on to the stand-up surfing lesson, but regardless, you will still be able to do the stand-up surfing. I was with 3 other people, and we each were able to go on the FlowRider about 4 times.
Freedom of the Seas Tips/Things to Know
- Only open for limited hours during the day, so be sure to check their operating hours and what sessions they will hold, such as the Open Boogie Boarding session or Advanced Surfing session.
- They’re open Boogie Board sessions attract the most people, where the lines may be long. If this is the case, they might split the FlowRider in half using a separator so that two riders can be on at the same time.
- The water pressure is high, so if you fall off the board, it’s possible that swimsuits may “adjust”. Men trunks and women two-pieces might experience this wardrobe malfunction, so if you want to avoid this from happening, women can wear a one-piece or cover-up shirt, and men can tighten their trunks.
Tip: Check Hours of Operations for Activities of Interest
Rock Climbing Wall
Another adventure seeker experience where you can participate in a unique challenge and climb the rockwall. Before getting on the wall, there is a nearby desk where you’ll get your harness and rock climbing shoes. There aren’t any lockers here so if you have belongings, you might need to leave them at the shoe-changing area, or with someone. I didn’t have any issue just leaving my stuff at the shoe-changing area though.
There are multiple rock climbing wall sections that you can climb up, and depending how busy it is, there may be a limited of available rock walls to climb. When I went, I only saw three rock walls open to climb, but I’m sure if the wait lines were longer, then they’d open the other walls too. When it’s your turn to climb, you are able to tell the crew member which wall you’d prefer to climb. You might have to wait for the one you want if there’s already someone on it, or you can just go on the next available one.
The walls have varying levels of difficulty, so ask the crew member what the difficulty levels are if you’re concerned about this. On the wall, there are two bells you can reach. The first one is about halfway up the wall and the second one is at the highest point on the wall. If you make it to the top, be sure to look around and admire the surrounding views.
Freedom of the Seas Tips/Things to Know
- Only open for limited hours during the day, so be sure to check their operating hours for open rockwall sessions.
- You will need to be completely dry before climbing, so don’t try to go right after coming from a water activity or pool.
- You will need to wear a top that covers your entire upper body. If you go wearing swimsuit/trunks that reveals upper body skin, then you’ll be told to put a top on. This is primarily so that the harness and rope does not rub against your skin or irritate your body.
- Wear your own socks to wear with their provided rock climbing shoes.
The Perfect Storm
Comprises of two extreme slides called Typhoon and Cyclone. You will have to climb a set of spiral stairs to access each slide. They’re both equally exciting and there are transparent portions that let the light in so that you’re not sliding completely in the dark.
Freedom of the Seas Tips/Things to Know
- Slides aren’t open all day so be sure to check their operating hours
Sports Court
The Sports Court is a court that can either be used to play basketball or soccer, or both. When I went, they had 1 basketball hoop up so only a half-court available for those wanting to play some ball. The other half of the court was dedicated to soccer and had two netted goals on each side. There are also times when they put up a Volleyball net as well. Be sure to check the Royal app for any Sports Court competitions in case you want to watch or participate. Otherwise there seems to always be people playing on the courts if you just want to play for fun.
Mini Golf
The Freedom Dunes Mini Golf course is decently-sized and has multiple holes you can putt. There is a barrel of golf clubs and golf balls you can grab and play at your leisure.
Entertainment
Vitality Spa and Fitness Center
Features a large, well-equipped gym and a serene spa that offers a wide range of treatments. The gym is located at the front of this ship with the entire outer perimeter covered with floor-to-ceiling windows so you can have fantastic views while working out. If possible try going to one of their raffles. On my first day of the cruise, I had passed by the gym and there was a crew member handing out raffle tickets. I attended and they were giving away some exciting prizes from gym classes and spa treatments to a bottle of wine. However, I was not lucky enough to win a prize, but they did announce a limited time deal for a spa package, called the “Manager Special”, which included a massage, eye collagen treatment, and hot stones.
Freedom of the Seas Tips/Things to Know
- The gym might have classes, so check the gym schedule if any of these interest you
- If you’re interested in relaxing and pampering yourself, be sure to check everything the Spa has to offer
Broadway-Style Shows
On cruise nights, there may be Broadway-style shows in the Main Theatre. I highly recommend trying to catch at least one of these shows! They are a high-quality production, with extremely talented singers and dancers. I was able to catch the Storybook show where the performers reenacted classic fairytale favorites with a modern twist.
Freedom of the Seas Tips/Things to Know
- Waiters go around taking drink orders if you wish, or alternatively, there is a bar in the back of the theatre where you can walk up and order a drink.
- Filming the show is fine as long as you turn your camera flash off
Ice Skating RInk
Offers open skating sessions and also hold very exciting and impressive ice skating shows. I was not able to experience an open ice skating session, but I did attend an ice skating show and it was amazing! The ice skaters are very talented and will execute exciting moves, flips, dances, and music.
Freedom of the Seas Tips/Things to Know
- The Ice Skating rink isn’t open all day so be sure to check the times for the Open Ice Skating Rink sessions
- Check what days and times the Ice Skating Shows are scheduled so you can plan it into your itinerary
- Waiters are around so you can order beverages during the shows
- Filming the Ice show is fine as long as you turn your camera flash off
Casino
The Casino Royale is large and contains a ton of various slot machines and also have the basic gambling tables, such as Poker, Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette. The buy-ins to the table are relatively low with a minimum of $10 when I went. A bar is at the center of the casino and waiters are around to take drinks orders too.
Freedom of the Seas Tips/Things to Know
- To buy-in at a gambling table, you are able to use your Royal key card but they will charge you a fee if you do so. Because of this, it is recommended to bring cash to buy in at the tables to avoid paying unnecessary fees.
Sports Bar
The Playmakers Sports Bar is connected to the Casino, and has TVs everywhere so you won’t miss a game while you’re cruising. The TVs do only show limited sports channels though, so be sure to check their schedule that provides all the games they’re going to play throughout the day. There’s also a few arcade-like games inside, such as skeeball and basketball, table games, like billiards, shuffle board, and foosball, and there are also table-top games you can play like Jenga. For the arcade games, you can use your Sail Key Card to charge the game to.
Freedom of the Seas Tips/Things to Know
- If you’re trying to catch a sports game while on your cruise, there are game-showing schedules on top of each table and at the bar. It details the game (team vs team) and the time they will show.
Royal Promenade
The Royal Promenade features a long boulevard lined with shops, some dining options, and a bar. They also have parades and dance parties on the Royal Promenade, so be sure to check out the schedule on the Royal app and attend one! The deck below is the Casino Royale and Playmaker’s Sports Bar and is accessible about half-way through the Royal Promenade via a staircase.
Other Entertainment OPtions
Additional entertainment options include Arcade, Bingo, Movie Night, Night Clubs/Lounges, and Trivia.
- Bingo: occurs at certain times of the day, and there’s plenty of time beforehand to get a BIngo Card to participate
- Trivia: occurs at various locations on the ship
- Arcade: decently-sized and has a good variety of arcade games children can enjoy. You can use your Sail Key Card to charge to play the games.
- Movie Nights: show a feature film on the big screen TV on the pool deck, and can be enjoyed while lounging on the sun chairs
- Night Clubs/Lounges: for after-hours funtivities, enjoy drinks or dance at the night clubs or lounges located on the highest deck of the ship
Ports of Call: Bahamas
Perfect Day at CocoCay
CocoCay Island was made specifically for Royal Caribbean cruise goers, and includes numerous beaches you can relax at, pools and swim-up bars you can enjoy, and activities you can partake in.
- Captain Jack’s Galleon: Kids play area with fountains and slides
- Chill Island: Relax on the tranquil beaches with sun chairs and cabanas
- Coco Beach Club: an at-cost exclusive club with an infinity pool, bungalows, overwater bungalows, and upscale food
- South Beach: Beach to relax on but also has sports you can partake in sucha as volleyball and basketball.
- Splashaway Bay: Another kids play area with slides, fountains, and a soak bucket
- Oasis Lagoon: a large pool with swim-up bars and loungers
- Thrill Waterpark: an at-cost waterpark that features the tallest waterslide in North America and a wave pool
- Up, Up and Away: a balloon ride that takes you up and above the Island and offers awesome views
Nassau
Nassau is the capital city of the Bahamas and located on New Providence Island. It is a vibrant destination and offers beautiful beaches, fun shore excursions, and rich culture and history. If you’re able to, check out some of the below locations or shore excursions at Nassau:
- Atlantis Resort: a world-famous resort located on paradise Island that has a water park, casino and an aquarium. You are able to only access the shopping area and casino for free, otherwise you will have to pay to access the waterpark and aquarium
- Bahamas Straw Market: Large market and a perfect place to go souvenir shopping
- Cable Beach: beautiful white sand beaches and clear waters
- Nassau City Tour: learn about the historical and cultral sites and landmarks
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Tour: snorkel or dive in the Bahamian clear waters and witness vibrant coral reefs and marine life
- Dolphin Encounter Tour: get in an enclosed lagoon and interact with friendly dolphins
Final Words
The Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas cruise to the Bahamas is an incredible vacation experience. It’s a perfect getaway that combines adventure, relaxation and luxury. Be prepared for yours and apply these Freedom of the Seas tips to your Royal trip. Bon Voyage!
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