It’s Cruise Ship Monday!
Today brings us Royal Caribbean International’s Freedom-class–Freedom of the Seas (2006), Liberty of the Seas (2007) and Independence of the Seas (2008).
When built, the first ship of this class, Freedom of the Seas, was the largest cruise ship in the world as well as the largest in gross tonnage and passenger capacity–just under 4,000 at double occupancy. This class of ships held these records until Royal Caribbean introduced the Oasis of the Seas in 2009.
The Freedom-class ships feature a Royal Promenade, an ice skating rink, mini golf, a water park and a rock climbing wall. This class of ships was the first Royal Caribbean ships to feature the FlowRider surfing simulator on the top deck. In fact, until the Oasis- and Icon-class ships, the top decks of the Freedom-class vessels held more attractions than any other Royal Caribbean ship.
Each Freedom-class ship features multiple pools and whirlpools–the first whirlpools that extend past the edge of the ship. Independence of the Seas also features the SkyPad–a virtual reality bungee trampoline experience. Liberty of the Seas features Tidal Wave, the first boomerang style slide at sea.
The Freedom-class ships have a variety of dining venues which vary by ship. Each ship features the specialty dining venues of Chops Grille, Johnny Rockets and Giovanni’s Table–Freedom of the Seas has the updated version, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. Independence of the Seas features Fish & Ships and Sugar Beach. Liberty of the Seas is the only Freedom-class ship with Sabor, a Mexican cuisine restaurant.
Two of the Freedom-class ships offer Broadway shows. Liberty of the Seas features “Saturday Night Fever” and Independence of the Seas features “Grease.” However, all three ships have a world-class production show and featured entertainment including an ice skating show in Studio B.
Currently, Freedom of the Seas sails from Miami, Florida; Liberty of the Seas sails from Cape Liberty Bayonne, New Jersey; and Independence of the Seas sails from Southampton, England.