Tips for the Perfect Visit to Great Wolf Lodge
Finally as the last post in my three-part series, here are: Tips for the Perfect Visit to Great Wolf Lodge -Bring your own towels if at all possible (see review for explanation) -You should...
If you’re in the mood for a floating paradise, Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas is the perfect place to set sail. Since her maiden voyage in 2006, she’s been delighting adults and children alike with amenities galore.
The Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas is a floating oasis of fun. 15 passenger decks give guests a huge amount of space to enjoy their vacation. In fact, the ship has over 1,800 staterooms – enough to accommodate every NFL, MLB, and NBA player at the same time. Plus the coaches. Comfortably.
Although the Freedom of the Seas has room for over 4,000 guests each sailing, the layout is thoughtfully planned so it doesn’t feel crowded. A Royal Promenade runs 445 feet down the center of the ship, covering a space longer than a football field filled with open areas and lined with shopping and dining destinations.
If you start to feel a little lost looking for one of the cantilevered whirlpools, the miniature golf course, the rock climbing wall, or the ice skating rink, handy Wayfinders are located near the elevators and the stairs.
These touchscreen devices allow you to view a map of the ship, review the activity schedule, check the daily dining menu, and more.
As soon as boarding begins, the Windjammer Café is already open and ready to welcome guests onto the ship.
Dining options include 10 different restaurants and 16 bars/lounges with a full staff to keep you well-fed throughout your trip. Beyond the main dining room and Windjammer Café, Freedom of the Seas passengers can enjoy specialty options such as the Chops Grill, Johnny Rockets classic malt shop, Sorrento’s pizza, or even Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlor.
All of the staterooms on the Freedom of the Seas convert to a Royal king size bed configuration and have private bathrooms. For families traveling with children, fold down bunks, pull-out couches, and connecting rooms are available.
Over 1,000 ocean-view rooms are available on the ship, with the majority having walk-out balconies to you can enjoy a private view of the water from the comfort of your own room. Interior staterooms are also available, some with a Promenade view overlooking the “main street” shopping district on board.
Around ever corner you’ll discover new activities and entertainment while on board the Freedom of the Seas.
If you’re the active type, be sure to check out the FlowRider® surf simulator, Sports Court, golf simulator, rock climbing wall, or one of the three outdoor pools on the ship. For those that like to get in a morning (or afternoon or evening) run, an outdoor jogging track circles one of the upper decks. The ShipShape Fitness Center is a fully-equipped exercise facility and offers weight training, boxing instruction, and yoga classes.
The DreamWorks® Experience and Barbie Experience are exclusive to Royal Caribbean and offer kids an opportunity to enjoy activities featuring their favorite characters during their voyage. Families will also appreciate the Adventure Ocean® youth facility that offers free daytime and evening programs for kids ages 3-17, the Challenger’s Arcade, and the Royal Babies/Royal Tots nursery program.
Those looking to relax can lounge poolside or take a dip in one of the 6 whirlpools on board the Freedom of the Seas. The Freedom Day Spa offers several relaxation and rejuvenation services including massages, facials, and skin treatments.
For those that prefer to raise the stakes on the high seas, Casino Royale is the place to test their luck. Card tables, slot machines, roulette, and bingo are some of the games available.
A full range of entertainment options can be found on the Freedom of the Seas. Daily productions at the Acadia Theatre seat over 1,300 guests per performance and range from comedy shows to magicians to exciting Broadway-style showcases. The ice skating show is performed on real ice and is one show you can’t miss!
Other entertainment options include The Crypt dance club, Fuel teen disco, and Pharaoh’s Palace variety shows. Over 4,700 works of art are on display through the ship in both open areas and curated galleries.
No matter what your interests, you’re sure to find something to make your trip a uniquely exciting experience when sailing with Royal Caribbean. I’ll be sharing more of my recent experience with the Freedom of the Seas soon to give a first-hand look at some of the dining options, family activities, entertainment, and port of call. Stay tuned!
Jen is the Minneapolis writer & professional loudmouth behind Life With Levi, a site with a humorous take on balancing life as a working mom. She is a natural community builder and uses social media to create powerful engagement between her readers and brands that can help make their lives easier. At least, that’s how she prefers to explain her Facebook and Twitter addiction.
When she’s not at the office, you can usually find her building forts with the kids, starting pillow fights, or planning her next family adventure.
This looks beautiful! I love how there are so many options for food, exercise, and relaxation!
I have never been on a cruise before but I really want to go on one! It looks absolutely amazing!!
Wow – it looks like a super ship and so much fun! Makes me want to schedule a cruise!
It looks like so much fun. We haven’t gone on a cruise in a while. I’d like to go again.
looks like you had a great time!
This looks fantastic. We have only done one Royal Caribbean cruise in the Baltic. I would love to go on another ship and see the updates.
Going on a cruise is something that Hubby and I have wanted to do for a very long time. Neither of us has ever been on one. Reading this post makes me want to do it even more!
OK, where do I sign up! i am ready!
We went on this ship a few years back and it is AMAZING!!!
WOW!!! This looks amazing!! We have been wanting to go on a cruise forever and I’m constantly checking the sales and promos. I am going to put the Freedom on my list!
Royal Caribbean advertises its’ exceptional customer service – wow, this looks decadent. Gosh, haven’t been on a trip outside Canada since I’ve been married – planning the new two years to have an adventure cruise with my husband/son. Thanks for posting pics and tips….added to my bucket list.
Eva Mitton-Urban