What an amazing weekend! I had the pleasure of sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas for a 3 Night Bahamas Cruise. The Freedom of the Seas was built in 2006 and first debuted as the World’s Largest Cruise ship. It was the first in the Freedom class of ships. Since then Royal Caribbean has launched, the Oasis and Quantum class ships, and coming in 2024 another class with the Icon of the Seas.

If you’re looking for a quick cruise getaway, the Freedom of the Seas is a perfect option.

Here are My Top 5 Things I loved about the Freedom of the Seas.

#5 – THE NEWLY RENOVATED POOL DECK (Deck 11 & Deck 12)

In early 2020, the Freedom of the Seas underwent a $116 million dollar amplification that features a lineup of new thrills from bow to stern. The amplification wasn’t just a paint job and cosmetics but in my opinion, was more like a redo from HGTV.

Also new is the addition of new pool furniture and casitas and clam-shaped day beds that are located on the top level that overlooks the pool. Guests can make reservations for one of the casitas at the Lime & Coconut bar.

The pool area features a resort-style Caribbean pool deck, The colors really popped against the blue sky and white clouds, which made for a festive atmosphere. For the kids, there’s the Splashaway Bay aqua park.

No pool is complete without a signature poolside bar, The Lime & Coconut bar is one of the best addition again, in my opinion. The bar has adult-sized swings and features specialty drinks.

On the middle deck of the Lime & Coconut Bar is a second bar with additional seating. Past guests would remember this as the SkyBar. This is a great place to catch the sun and a breeze while sipping on your favorite beverage or watching a movie on the big screen. This would make an excellent location to watch the “Sail-a-way” party.

The Lime & Coconut bar completes the area with a rooftop deck. The rooftop area does not have a bar, but it offers great views, and a nice breeze, and is a cool spot for a group of friends to chill and relax, especially at night under the stars.

#4 – PLAYMAKERS SPORTS BAR AND ARCADE (Deck 4)

If you’re a sports fan, Playmaker’s Sports Bar and Arcade is a great place to hang out. Fans, family, and friends of all ages can have a seat at the table to catch live games on more than 100 TVs, then play a game of foosball and pool at one of the game tables.

Guests can also enjoy playing classic arcade games like Pac-man and Donkey Kong while consuming traditional bar food and ice-cold beers.

Located behind the bar in Playmakers is a private Owners Box area that is available for a private group with reservations to watch the games. It also features large-screen TVs, sofas, and chairs.

The food served in Playmaker’s is additional and is NOT included in your cruise fare. Click here to view the menu.

#3 – THE ICE SKATING SHOWS (Deck 3)

Royal Caribbean is known for its entertainment at sea and has won awards for the best entertainment for 2021 – 2022 by Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards starting with their Ice Skating Shows.

Imagine sitting on a moving ship while watching some of the most talented ice skaters perform high-level flips, jumps, triple axles, and acrobatics with ease and little to no incidents.

The shows are absolutely amazing and the stellar production would easily rival anything you would find on land starting with the customs, choreography, music, lighting, and special effects.

During the day, the venue is open for the guest to “hit” the ice so be sure to bring long pants and long sleeves. It is also used for laser tag and movies.

All this is included with your cruise, so be sure to make time to see one of the outstanding ice shows while you’re onboard the Freedom of the Seas.

#2 – GIOVANNI’S ITALIAN KITCHEN (Deck 11)

Located on Deck 11 just outside of the Windjammer marketplace and opposite Chops Grille, is Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. The menu features authentic Italian dishes and made-to-order pizzas that are baked in the in-house pizza oven, if you have 2 or more people within your party, I highly recommend Giovanni’sSM assorted meat and cheese platter and gigantic veal meatball all of which are shareable sizes.

I hadn’t enjoyed lasagne since I was a kid in school and even it was delicious. Just be sure not to fill up on bread, you’ll definitely want to try Mamma’s Tiramisu or the Chocolate Ravioli or for something lighter the Go Bananas for dessert.

The decor is what I would describe as modern Italian chic, with family-style dining in the front of the restaurant and smaller seating near the back. Both have amazing views of the ocean from the large floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

Typically, I’m not a fan of Italian cuisine, however, Giovanni’s was a game-changer. I’ve since visited Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen onboard the Odyssey of the Seas.

Although Giovanni’s is a specialty restaurant it is not included in your cruise fare, I highly recommend you try it for lunch or dinner during your cruise.

#1 – THE SCHOONER BAR (Deck 4)

The #1 place that I absolutely loved onboard the Freedom of the Seas and full disclosure I love this place on all Royal Caribbean ships is the Schooner Bar.

The bar is located on Deck 4 next to the casino. It has a nautical theme, with a warm woodsy interior. There’s a faux ship mast with ropes and canvas sails that resemble a wooden boat.

It’s a great place to relax and chill with a great cocktail while listening to piano music. If you’re looking for a spot to meet up with friends before dinner…The Schooner Bar is your go-to spot.

The bar is often the main place for trivia and games. When not in use it’s also a great place to read and/or people-watch.

The best time to visit the Schooner bar is late in the evening when the crowds start to gather, the drinks are pouring from the bar, the waiters are working the room making sure everyone has a drink in the hand, and the pianist is leading the crowds in sing-a-long songs.

Have you ever sailed on the Freedom of the seas? Let me know in the comments what are your favorite things onboard.