Freedom of the Seas

In an effort to appeal to the modern cruiser, the Royal Amplified Freedom of the Seas expanded the drinking and dining options aboard ship, placing an emphasis on casual elegance and laidback fun. You'll still have formal options like the always-popular five-course dinner and wine pairing at Chef's Table, but the ship's newest additions are intentionally unfussy. Giovanni's Italian Kitchen offers hand-tossed pizzas and charcuterie alongside a great selection of Italian wines. The chill vibes continue at Playmakers Bar & Arcade, which is your go-to destination for grabbing some wings and a craft beer flight while you watch a game on one of the many TVs. El Loco Fresh serves up fast casual Mexican. All guests will, of course, also have access to Royal Caribbean's signature buffet at Windjammer as well as Sorrento's Pizza, and Café Promenade.

Time by the pool is no doubt a major part of any cruise vacation, so it's no surprise that many of the Royal Amplified transformations are centered on the ship's outdoor spaces. The pool decks have been completely overhauled, adding a more contemporary feel and an expanded range of seating options, which include in-pool loungers and oversized hammocks. The Lime and Coconut is the updated, three-level poolside bar, which reflects the sundeck's Caribbean vibe. Perhaps the most exciting update to the Freedom of the Seas is the addition of The Perfect Storm, a collection of the wildest waterslides at sea. When you want to cool off and get your adrenaline pumping, head for Typhoon and Cyclone, a pair of translucent slides that twist and turn over nearly three stories. If you'd rather find your thrills indoors, sign up to play the immersive glow-in-the-dark laser tag game, Clash for the Crystal City.

You'll have no trouble keeping up with your workouts while at sea thanks to the Shipshape Fitness Center. The sprawling gym takes up almost the entire forward section of Deck 12, and it offers state-of-the-art cardio and strength training machines as well as free weights. You'll also find a spacious studio offering group fitness classes like Pilates, spinning, yoga, and more. If you'd rather get moving outside, you can hit the ship's jogging track or join a pick-up game of basketball or volleyball on the sports deck. If you prefer your calorie burn with a bit of an adrenaline rush, head for the climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, or take a spin around the ice skating rink. 

The spa on Freedom of the Seas is connected to the fitness center by a glass staircase. It's the perfect place to find a little tranquility with one of their many therapeutic treatments. The spa menu includes a variety of massages, scrubs, wraps, and facials, the most popular of which is the Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial, which will leave your skin glowing. If you want a more dramatic transformation, the med-spa offers advanced anti-aging techniques and injectables like Botox and Restalyne. Teen cruisers can book manicures, facials, and more designed especially for them. Guests also have the option of buying a day pass to take advantage of the spa facilities like the thermal suite, rain shower, sauna, and steam room.

Adjoining the Royal Promenade on Deck 5 are the Promenade Shops. Similar to what you'd find in an upscale mall, the shopping area contains boutiques selling designer handbags, luxury watches, and high-end beauty products. You'll also find shops selling Royal Caribbean-branded gear as well those offering forgotten toiletries or personal necessities. Thanks to the central location of the shopping area, you have plenty of choices for places to grab a bite or a cocktail if you need a break between stores. The Bear & Bull Pub and Vintages are just two of the options. While you're at sea, everything you buy is tax and duty-free, so you can shop to your heart's content.

Royal Caribbean's highly-awarded children's program reaches new heights on the Amplified Freedom of the Seas thanks to the ship's completely redesigned spaces for kids and teens. The reimagined Adventure Ocean on Deck 12 has a nursery for the tiniest cruisers, play areas for kids aged three to 12, and a teen space complete with a secret speakeasy-style entrance and outdoor patio. The Adventure Ocean program allows parents to drop off kids as young as three off for age-specific programming that includes sports tournaments, arts and crafts, science experiments, and so much more. While the kids are playing, Mom and Dad can hit the casino, get a massage, or even make a shore excursion. Other new kid-friendly spaces include Splashaway Bay, which is perfect for little ones who are not quite ready for the intense waterslides of The Perfect Storm. 

Royal Caribbean's signature Casino Royale is located on Deck 4 midway between the Arcadia Theatre and the Isaac Dining Room. Stocked with slots of varying denominations as well as a variety of table games, including poker, craps, blackjack, and roulette, Freedom of the Seas has a game of chance for everyone. Check the cruise schedule for theme nights that can make a night in the casino even more fun. Beginner gamblers can take advantage of complimentary lessons while the more experienced may want to sign up for one of the regularly-scheduled tournaments. The casino is open to anyone who is at least 18 as long as the ship is at sea.