Freedom of the Seas may not be the newest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, but after spending a long weekend onboard with kids and friends, I completely understand why it remains such a popular choice for a quick Bahamas getaway.
For this cruise, we did a “Dad’s cruise” — just dads and kids. It was a blast. I travel with my kids often, but being onboard with friends made it especially fun, and I highly recommend this type of trip. And as an avid Royal Caribbean cruiser, I’ll admit I still love the Freedom-class ships. They’re the perfect size for a 3- or 4-night getaway.
So this Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas review is based on a 3-night sailing, where a group of dads brought our kids along for a truly unique trip. We sailed out of Miami and spent the night before at the Elser Hotel, one of my favorite spots near the cruise port — I’ll do a separate review of the hotel.
Freedom of the Seas originally launched in 2006, but Royal Caribbean gave it a major amplification in 2020 that refreshed many of the public spaces — especially the pool deck, dining venues, kids’ areas, and bars. That update added popular spots like The Lime & Coconut, El Loco Fresh, and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, along with a more colorful Caribbean-style pool deck.
So this isn’t a brand-new ship, but it offers a lot of updated Royal Caribbean fun without the full-on craziness of the newer Icon-class ships. I found it very enjoyable and plan to sail this class again.
First Impressions of Freedom of the Seas
Walking onto Freedom of the Seas, the first thing that stood out was how much the ship still feels like a classic Royal Caribbean experience. It has the big central Royal Promenade, the energetic pool deck, the ice-skating rink, the theater shows, the casual dining spots, and the kind of constant activity schedule that makes Royal so easy for families to love.
I still love walking onto the Royal Promenade on embarkation day. It just sets the tone for the cruise — and across the fleet, Royal’s promenades are the best in the business at creating that feeling.
We all boarded, hit our muster stations, and then headed straight to make our specialty dining reservations. After grabbing a cocktail, of course.
This is not a quiet boutique-style cruise, it’s more old school Royal Caribbean. Freedom has energy and if you are on one headed to the Bahamas, the ship has a lively, vacation-now personality. There were families, couples, friend groups, and plenty of people clearly trying to pack as much fun as possible into a long weekend. I find the short cruises to be so much fun and Freedom of the Seas is the perfect ship for a short trip to the Bahamas in my opinion. Our group loved the energy and the tone was set for a great cruise.
Our Interior Cabin
We stayed in connecting interior cabins, and for a short Bahamas cruise, they were absolutely fine. My cabin connected with one of the other dads’, so we could open the door and let everyone interact — which, with a group of kids, turned out to be a huge plus. I rarely cruise in an interior room, but I have to admit it was completely enjoyable. The cabin itself was functional, clean, and comfortable. On a short cruise you’re really only sleeping in the room anyway, so we didn’t miss having a balcony, even though that’s usually our go-to.
That said, the cabins are one area where Freedom of the Seas shows its age. Compared to the refreshed restaurants, bars, and pool deck, the staterooms feel a bit more dated — so it’s worth going in with that expectation. For us, on a 3-night sailing, it didn’t bother us at all.
Pool Deck: The Heart of the Ship
The pool deck was easily one of the busiest and most fun areas on Freedom of the Seas. I still love the pool decks on the Freedom Class Ships. They are a perfect size, especially when traveling with younger kids. I find the layout super functional and I think Royal does a great job on their ships in creating fun pool decks that have easy access to bars, food and activities for the kids.
Royal Caribbean’s refreshed pool deck on Freedom gives the ship a bright, Caribbean resort-style feel with colorful seating, updated bars, and plenty of visual energy. The Lime & Coconut bar is the centerpiece, and it really does make the whole area feel more modern and festive. The large video screen allows for the kids to watch movies in the pool or hot tubs in the evening and they really loved that. The pool area is definitely a high light on this ship.
For younger kids, there’s Splashaway Bay, a perfectly sized play area that helps keep the little ones busy. My 6-year-old still enjoyed it — she’d disappear into the dumping bucket and little slides for a solid stretch while I actually got to sit down and relax for a minute. It gives the younger crowd somewhere to play without clogging up the main pools, and honestly, a place where the kids can run loose safely is worth its weight in gold on a family cruise.
For the older kids, there are the pools, whirlpools, waterslides, the FlowRider, and plenty of music and activity. Freedom also has classic Royal Caribbean sports-deck features like the rock-climbing wall and sports courts, so boredom was not really an issue. My 9 year old loves the Rock wall and really enjoyed climbing it multiple times. Royal really does a great job for kids of all ages.
And yes, the kids love the hot tubs on this ship and they unfortunately tend to be full of kids. I just like to throw that out there. I know some people find this annoying. I always found it annoying, at least until I had kids! But on any family oriented cruise, this is par for the course. But don’t fret, there is an awesome and very large hot tub in the adults only solarium.
Keep in mind – on sea days, loungers disappear quickly, especially near the pool and Splashaway Bay. You have to play the towel game (getting up early and saving a chair with a towel) if you want to get a premium seat, but this is true for almost every cruise I have been on. Don’t hate the player, hate the game! So if you want prime chairs near the action, go early. If you are more flexible, look for seating one deck up or farther away from the main pool. We found that being slightly removed from the center of the action made the day more enjoyable anyway, especially with kids needing space for snacks, towels, and breaks.
Pool deck tips
- Claim chairs early if you want to sit near the pool.
- Use the upper deck for better availability and a little less chaos.
- Take kids to Splashaway Bay earlier in the day before it gets packed.
- Don’t overlook the Solarium if adults in your group want a calmer break. The Solarium provides a welcomed break from some of the craziness of the main pool deck.
- Bring sunscreen and refillable water bottles because the pool deck can turn into an all-day hangout.
- Don’t forget about the all you can eat Ice Cream – your kids will love it. Mine sure did.
In fact, the Sprinkles ice cream shack became a daily stop whether I liked it or not. The kids had the location memorized by day one, and “can we get ice cream?” became the unofficial soundtrack of the cruise.
Restaurants and Dining on Freedom of the Seas
Food on Freedom of the Seas was exactly what I expected from a short Royal Caribbean sailing: convenient, family-friendly, and varied enough that everyone could find something. There are enough specialty restaurants to upgrade your experience if you want, but plenty of easy included options that don’t cost extra. We went with the unlimited dining package, which let us eat at the specialty restaurants as many times as we wanted across the sailing, and I found the food on par with what you’d get on the newer ships. On a short cruise especially, it’s a fun way to bounce around and try more venues than you’d normally get to.
This isn’t a foodie luxury cruise, but it does a great job of feeding a lot of people with different tastes.
Main Dining Room
We gave the Main Dining Room a shot. With kids and friends along, it gave us a chance to sit down together and feel like we were having a real dinner instead of everyone grabbing food in different places.
I’ll be honest: the food in the Main Dining Room is underwhelming, at least for the adults. That said, it worked just fine for the kids — they found plenty they liked on the menu and never had trouble finding something to eat, which on a family cruise counts for a lot. And I always say it’s the people you’re eating with that make the meal, so we made the best of it and had a great time anyway.
Service was friendly, though slow — which is the main reason we usually skip the MDR for most meals. It was slow on Freedom too, but hey, you’re on vacation. Go with the flow.
Windjammer
The Windjammer buffet was convenient, especially for breakfast and quick meals with the kids. I’ll be honest — I don’t eat in the buffet very often, and I find the quality tends to dip on the older ships, Freedom included. It can also get crowded at peak times, so if you’re a buffet person, the best strategy is to dodge the obvious rush periods.
For families, though, the Windjammer earns its keep: everyone can grab exactly what they want without any debate. That alone makes it valuable when you’re cruising with kids.
El Loco Fresh
El Loco Fresh was one of our favorite casual spots on the ship. It’s Royal Caribbean’s complimentary Mexican spot up near the pool deck, serving tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and a build-your-own setup with rice, beans, and all the toppings. No charge, no reservation — you just walk up and load up a plate, which makes it perfect for a quick lunch without fully leaving the action.
The location and flexibility are what made it so handy. Right there by the pool, it was the ideal spot to grab a bite between pool time and the next activity without having to change out of swimsuits or sit down for a full meal. The salsa and toppings bar was a nice touch too — you could make your plate as mild or as loaded as you wanted, which made it easy to feed both the kids and the adults without any fuss.
And I’ll be honest: I found myself here most often right about the time the drink package started to kick in. There’s no better way to offset that first batch of frozen cocktails than a plate of tacos by the pool. Is it authentic, top-tier Mexican? No. But for a free, fast, hit-the-spot option steps from the water, it absolutely delivered — and we were back more than once over the long weekend.
Sorrento’s Pizza
For late-night snacks, Sorrento’s Pizza is a lifesaver. Tucked right on the Royal Promenade, it’s the ship’s go-to spot for a quick, included slice — no extra charge, no reservation, no fuss. You just walk up, grab a slice (or three), and go. On a short cruise where you’re trying to squeeze every hour out of the trip, that kind of convenience is worth a lot.
Is it gourmet pizza? No. Is it exactly what you want after a show, a drink, or a long day in the sun? Absolutely.
The selection usually rotates between cheese, pepperoni, and a couple of specialty options, and while it won’t win any awards, it hits the spot every time. It was also a clutch option with the kids — there’s something about pizza that ends every argument about where to eat, and being able to grab a slice on the way back to the cabin made the late nights a lot easier. More than once it became our unofficial second dinner after a full day in the sun.
Best of all, it’s open late, so when the rest of the ship is winding down and you’ve got that post-cruise-day hunger, Sorrento’s is there. It became one of those spots we kept drifting back to without really planning it.
Café Promenade
Café Promenade was useful for coffee, small bites, and quick snacks. My daughters loved the donuts, so I found myself in here more often than I’d planned. The Royal Promenade location makes it easy to stop by throughout the day, whether you need a morning coffee or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
A couple of things worth knowing: we had the drink package, so all the specialty coffees here were included — and FYI, they serve Starbucks, so if you’re particular about your coffee, this is your spot.
Specialty Dining
We always do specialty dining when we cruise — it’s worth it to us every time, and on Freedom of the Seas there’s a solid lineup to choose from: Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Johnny Rockets, and Playmakers. I won’t break down every venue here, just the ones we actually ate at — Chops and Giovanni’s — and we enjoyed every meal.
The steaks at Chops were excellent. That’s the headline for the adults — they came out cooked perfectly and were every bit as good as I’ve had on the newer ships, so the grown-ups in the group ate very well. But if you’re worried about your kids eating at a steakhouse, don’t be. My daughter had cake for an appetizer, french fries for dinner, and ice cream for dessert — and she was thrilled. That’s the thing about specialty dining with kids: it’s a lot more flexible than people expect.
Giovanni’s is a great option with kids too — I find there’s more on the menu that mine will actually eat there than at Chops. And here’s some free advice that applies to any specialty restaurant on the ship: just tell your waiter what your kids need, and they’ll almost always make it happen. I’ve found that if you’re kind and easygoing about it, the staff bend over backwards to accommodate you. A little patience goes a long way.
One more tip — if you have the drink package, it covers the milkshakes at Johnny Rockets. Those are basically mandatory when cruising with kids.
I also have to give a shout-out to Playmakers as a dinner spot for the family. It’s loaded with kid-friendly stuff — chicken fingers, burgers, onion rings, fries — that always goes over well. Yes, it’s technically a sports bar, but there are plenty of kids in there during the day and early evening, so you don’t have to feel weird bringing yours along.
Bars and Lounges
Freedom of the Seas has a strong bar lineup, and each venue has its own personality.
The pool deck’s Lime & Coconut is the obvious daytime favorite. It nails the whole Bahamas cruise mood — colorful, casual, tropical, and fun. If you picture yourself with a frozen drink in hand while music plays by the pool, this is probably where you’ll end up.
One thing I’ll give Royal credit for: there are waiters roaming the pool deck constantly, and I don’t think we ever waited long for a cocktail. They always do a great job on this front, and this cruise was no different.
Inside the ship, these were the bars we frequented:
Schooner Bar
Schooner Bar was our nightly spot, and honestly, it’s one of those classic Royal Caribbean lounges we gravitate to on every ship. There’s something about the nautical theme, the dim lighting, and that old-school cruise-lounge feel that just works. It became our go-to for cocktails before dinner — a place to gather the group, compare notes on the day, and ease into the evening.
It’s also a great spot for trivia if you want something a little more active, but for us the real draw was the piano. We’d come back later in the evening to catch the piano player, and he always did a fantastic job. He took requests, too — and when he played Elton John’s “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” one of my all-time favorites, he absolutely killed it. That’s the kind of moment that sticks with you: a great song, a drink in hand, and good people around the table. After a few too-loud, high-energy spaces on the ship, the Schooner Bar’s relaxed, sing-along vibe was a welcome change of pace.
Boleros
Boleros brings Latin music and dancing to the mix, and it gives this corner of the ship a completely different energy from the other bars. This was my regular spot for frozen mojitos, so I found myself here often. There’s always music at night, and being right outside Playmakers, the whole area becomes lively and fun once the evening gets going.
What I liked most was the location — you can walk right up the stairs to the Royal Promenade, so it sits at a natural crossroads of the ship. I spent a good bit of time in this part of Freedom and loved the buzz of it.
Playmakers
We covered the food earlier, but Playmakers earns a spot in the bar section too, because it became our group’s hangout. It’s ideal for catching a game with a drink in hand while the kids stay busy right next to you — which, on a dad’s cruise, is just about the perfect setup.
While we watched the game and worked through the beer list, the kids played pool, shuffleboard, and the Jenga set they had on the tables. My daughter turned into a total pool shark, running the table on the other kids like she’d been hustling for years — I couldn’t have been prouder. Having them entertained an arm’s length away meant the dads could actually relax and enjoy a couple of rounds. That combination — good drinks, sports on the screens, and games to keep the kids occupied — is exactly why I love Playmakers across the entire Royal Caribbean fleet.
The beer selection is genuinely good too, which isn’t always a given at sea. Between the drinks, the games, and the easy energy, Playmakers was easily our favorite hangout of the cruise.
Bull & Bear Pub
The Bull & Bear Pub gives you that casual beer-and-live-music atmosphere, and it quickly became part of our nightly routine. For our group, this was the place to go for live music — the acoustic guitar player was awesome, and he really made the evenings fun. We found ourselves drifting back here after dinner to catch his set just about every night.
It can get a little rowdy once the crowd starts singing along, but that’s exactly what brings the pub feel to life. People into it, drinks flowing, everyone joining in on the songs they know — it had a great energy. This was easily one of our favorite spots on the ship.
Viking Crown Lounge / Olive or Twist
The Viking Crown Lounge is one of those higher-up spots that’s easy to overlook — it’s tucked a bit out of the way on Deck 14 — but it became one of our favorite finds on the ship. In the evenings it’s a calmer drink setting with great views, the kind of place to slip away for a quieter cocktail.
During the day, though, it took on a whole different personality. They ran karaoke up here, and the kids loved getting in on it — there were more kid-friendly activities in this area too, so it made for a fun change of pace for our group. One of the kids in our group had to get up and sing while the rest of the kids sat at the bar with a Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri in hand and was in absolute heaven. If you’ve got kids, it’s worth seeking out the daytime sessions; we ended up visiting far more often than we expected.
The Royal Promenade
The Royal Promenade is one of the signature spaces on Freedom of the Seas. It feels like the ship’s indoor main street — shops, bars, snacks, events, parades, music, and people constantly passing through. This is where Freedom really feels like a Royal Caribbean ship.
There’s a classic car parked right on the Promenade — complete with teddy bears riding shotgun — and it became an instant photo magnet for the kids. They insisted on stopping by it more than once, and it’s the kind of small, charming touch that makes the space feel fun rather than just functional.
During the day, it’s a convenient cut-through and an easy place to grab a coffee, a slice of pizza, or browse the shops. At night, it transforms into an entertainment zone — and on a short sailing, that energy ramps up fast. You could hear the music drifting out from the pub every evening as you walked by, and it drew us in every single time.
What I love most is the layout. The bars and casino are just one deck below, so a quick trip down the stairs puts you right at Playmakers or the Schooner Bar. That easy flow is exactly why the Promenade is where we ended up spending most of our evenings — and it’s a big part of why I love the Freedom-class ships.
Entertainment on Freedom of the Seas
Entertainment is one of the reasons Freedom of the Seas works so well for a short cruise — you can make the trip as busy or as relaxed as you want.
The ship has production shows, live music, trivia, game shows, parties, and one of Royal Caribbean’s best classic features: the Studio B ice-skating rink. The ice show is a must-see if it’s offered during your sailing. Our kids loved it, and it’s one of those things that still feels genuinely impressive even if you’ve cruised plenty of times before.
I’ll admit, I used to make fun of the ice show — it always seemed a little silly to me. But once I had kids dragging me to every performance, I came around, and now I can honestly say I enjoy them. For a cruise ship, the talent and production are seriously entertaining.
That said, the Royal Promenade is really the entertainment hub of the ship. With easy access to all the different bars and live music nightly, it’s where the evenings naturally come together — which I covered more in the Promenade section above.
What We Loved
The best part of Freedom of the Seas is the overall value. It delivers a big-ship Royal Caribbean experience in a shorter, easier-to-plan package.
We especially loved:
- The refreshed pool deck — bright, fun, and vacation-ready from the moment you step out.
- El Loco Fresh — one of the easiest casual dining wins onboard.
- The Royal Promenade — perfect for snacks, people-watching, and evening energy.
- The variety of bars, from Lime & Coconut to Schooner Bar to Playmakers.
- The family-friendly entertainment, especially the ice show and the pool and sports-deck activities.
- The short-cruise convenience, which made it easy to travel with kids and friends.
TIP: If you have the drink package, be sure to stop by Johnny Rockets and take advantage of the included milkshakes — and don’t forget to order the virgin frozen drinks for the kids!
What You May Not Love
Freedom of the Seas is a great ship, but it isn’t perfect.
The biggest downside is crowding in the popular areas. The pool deck can feel packed and loungers go early, the Royal Promenade can bottleneck during events, and the elevators get busy at predictable times — especially before dinner, after shows, and around port arrivals.
The cabins also feel older than the refreshed public spaces. They were clean and comfortable, but if you’re expecting the style of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, you’ll notice the difference.
Finally, a 3-night sailing has a naturally high-energy vibe. That’s a major plus if you want a fun weekend getaway, but if you’re after quiet luxury, slow sea days, and a more subdued atmosphere, this probably isn’t your fit. Is it a party ship? Not at all — but it is a bit more rambunctious than the week-long or longer sailings. There are also usually a lot of kids on these short sailings, which was awesome for us on a dads-and-kids cruise.
Tips for Cruising with Kids on Freedom of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas is a strong ship for cruising with kids, especially if your family likes pool time, casual food, and lots of activities. Adventure Ocean is always great on Royal Caribbean. My kids have enjoyed going since they were toddlers. They do an amazing job at providing a space the kids will love. They make friends there as well and that helps out with keeping them busy throughout the cruise.
Don’t forget to play mini golf!
Or to hunt for Iguanas!
Or do some shopping!
Here are the tips I would share with another family:
- Adventure Ocean is a win. The kids club on Freedom of the Seas was a hit with our kids.
- Get to the pool deck early. Chair availability is much better before the main crowd arrives. This way you can keep an eye on the kids as they bounce around from pool to pool and hot tub to hot tub.
- Plan entertainment ahead of time. For a 3-night sailing, the schedule moves fast.
- Bring magnetic hooks and a hanging organizer. Cruise cabins are compact, especially with kids.
- Set a meeting spot on the Royal Promenade. It makes traveling with kids much easier.
- Avoid peak buffet times when possible. Go slightly earlier or later for a calmer experience. My girls get rattled when the buffet is jammed, making it difficult to get them fed.
- Find quiet spots before you need them. The balcony, upper decks, Solarium-adjacent areas, and less busy lounges can be lifesavers. The Solarium is a life saver when the kids are visiting Adventure Ocan!
Is Freedom of the Seas Worth It?
Yes, Freedom of the Seas is worth it if you want a fun, family-friendly Royal Caribbean cruise with plenty to do, good casual dining, lively bars, and strong value.
It is especially worth it for:
- Families with kids
- Couples traveling with friends
- First-time cruisers
- Short getaway travelers
- Bahamas cruise itineraries
- People who want big-ship amenities without the newest-ship price
It may not be the best fit for:
- Travelers who want a quiet luxury atmosphere
- Guests who dislike crowds
- Cruisers who only want the newest ships
- People who expect modern cabins and ultra-premium dining throughout
For our dad/kids cruise, Freedom of the Seas hit the sweet spot. It was easy, fun, social, and packed with enough Royal Caribbean favorites to make a 3-night trip feel full without becoming overwhelming.
FAQ: Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas Review
Is Freedom of the Seas good for families?
Yes, Freedom of the Seas is a great choice for families. The ship has Splashaway Bay, waterslides, pools, kids’ programming, casual dining, sports activities, mini golf, FlowRider, and plenty of entertainment that works well for kids and adults.
Is Freedom of the Seas good for cruising with kids?
Yes. For cruising with kids, Freedom of the Seas offers a strong mix of activities, casual food, and family-friendly spaces. A balcony cabin can make the experience easier by giving everyone a quiet place to reset.
Does Freedom of the Seas feel old?
Some areas, especially the cabins, can feel older compared with newer Royal Caribbean ships. However, many public spaces were refreshed during the ship’s major amplification, including the pool deck, bars, casual dining venues, and kids’ areas.
What are the best free restaurants on Freedom of the Seas?
The best included dining options include the Main Dining Room, Windjammer, El Loco Fresh, Sorrento’s Pizza, and Café Promenade. El Loco Fresh is especially convenient for pool-deck lunches. If you want the best quality food on the ship, you will need to add the dining package or book a specialty restaurant. Is in a necessity, probably not, but the dining package is something I will not cruise without.
Is the pool deck crowded on Freedom of the Seas?
Yes, the pool deck can get crowded, especially on sea days and short Bahamas sailings. For the best chair selection, arrive early or look for seating one deck above the main pool.
Is Freedom of the Seas good for a 3-night Bahamas cruise?
Yes, Freedom of the Seas works very well for a 3-night Bahamas cruise. The ship has enough restaurants, bars, shows, and activities to keep the weekend full without feeling too complicated. With stops in Nassau and CoCoCay, you really can’t go wrong with this cruise!
Would we sail Freedom of the Seas again?
Yes. For a short family or friends getaway, Freedom of the Seas offers a lot of value, entertainment, and classic Royal Caribbean fun.
If you would like to book this ship with me, visit www.minottitravelclub.com.