|
Freedom of the Seas: The Ship Of All Ships
When Royal Caribbean International’s Freedom of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, pulled into the New York City harbor, it dwarfed the pier. From my 26th floor apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, I’ve watched ships come and go for over a decade. And this one was by far the biggest I have yet to see—even by New York standards. I spent a couple of nights on board to scope her out. The bottom line—it takes a couple hours to get acquainted, but this ship is so well-laid out (kind of like New York City) that it’s not likely you’ll be lost (for too long, that is!). And everywhere you look is funky, fun and fabulous art, like a moveable crab sculpture that plays the violin or wall-sized computer generated photos.
Nuts & Bolts
The Freedom of the Seas (FOS) weighs in at 160,000 GRT or the equivalent of Royal Caribbean’s first four ships joined at the hip. It is 185 feet wider than the White House is long (168 feet) and from the waterline to the top of the funnel FOS is 208 feet tall—the Statue of Liberty from the ground to the tip of the torch is 305 feet. There are enough staterooms to host all NFL, MLB and NBA players and coaches in one single sailing! Want more stats? The Arcadia Theatre seats 1,350 guests, the same amount of passengers on three 747 airplanes, the Royal Promenade -- 445 feet of cobblestone walkways surrounded by boutiques, bars, coffee shops and a barber -- is longer than a football field. As for people, the FOS holds 2,634 guests double occupancy, has 4,700 works of art, 10 restaurants, 16 bars and lounges and 258 waiters.
 Itinerary For A Day At Sea
Order In:
Wake up to room service on your private deck. Open your balcony door and feel the splash of sun on your face.
Shape Up:
The “ShipShape” Fitness Center is on Deck 11 (From now on take the stairs –unless you ladies are dressed to kill in high heels. It will keep you in good form for all the partying you're going to be doing!). If you're into exercise this facility ROCKS. The roster of hip equipment includes 6 Pilates reformer machines, Life Fitness' Cable Motion Series, the only boxing ring at sea (!!) and the Next Generation Power-Plate -- a vibrating scale that is a hot item for celebrities. Classes include iSalsamania classes (Latin-inspired dance workout) and The “Night Klub” indoor in a high-tech studio with night club-style lighting. If running is your gig, there’s an outside track and you can get jogging maps for the ports you stop in. Book a treatment early at the Freedom Day Spa, and then slow down with a steam and/or sauna (with floor-to-ceiling windows facing out to sea).
 Re-energize at Squeeze Bar at the swimming pool area with a fruit smoothie with an extra dose of ginseng in the mix. Time to sun, swim and relax at Solarium, the adult-only swimming pool.
Surf and Turf:
It's on to deck 13 to nab a pina colada at the Wipe Out! Bar, watch the surfers on the FlowRider wave generator, play a round of miniature golf, have another brew for good luck and take a rock-climbing lesson at The Wall. And if you just want to shoot a few hoops, there’s a full-sized basketball court plus a simulated golf course.
Fill up with a double cheeseburger at Johnny Rockets, the 1950's theme burger joint.
Feelin’ Hot, Hot, Hot?
Take a soak in the whirlpools -- they extend 12 feet out from the sides of the ship and 112 feet above the water!
Shopping and Coffee:
It's down to Royal Promenade-the 445-foot long shopping and entertainment boulevard---for an ice-cream cone at Ben & Jerry's and a cup of java at Latte-tudes. Take your bad self over to the Clean Shave for grooming while your lady shops for tax-free jewels.
Naptime:
No directions necessary.
 Drink:
Ladies --change into something sparkly for the evening, guys-put on your duds. Time to try out some bars. Imbibe some bubbly at the quiet Champagne Bar or visit Vintages for wine tasting.
Martinis and all that Jazz:
Walk up to the pool deck for some fresh air. Check out the glass-enclosed Viking Crown Lounge on deck 14 for some jazz and a martini at Olive or Twist. Then stroll down to the Plaza Bar on Deck 11 for tea or sake.
Hunger for Gambling:
It’s time to grab a snack at one of the lounges and check into Casino Royale. You have a choice of 19 tables and 308 slot machines.
Later on:
After you've made your millions, fall into The Crypt, a ghoulish late-night lounge, spin a salsa at Boleros, a Latin-themed bar with live music, or raise your voice at the On Air Club, a Karaoke bar.
Sailing Scoop:
Freedom of the Seas sails 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries for Miami calling in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Royal Caribbean’s private destination, Labadee, Haiti.
www.royalcaribbean.com 1-800 327-6700
|
|