Freedom of the Seas Cabin Photos
There are four main types of cabins -- inside, oceanview, balcony and suite -- but within each are different configurations, including roomier options for families in all categories at different price points. There are 1,817 staterooms; 842 have private balconies and 172 have promenade views. All staterooms are equipped with keypad-operated safes, hair dryers, Wi-Fi Internet access, mini-fridges and flat-screen televisions featuring a range of channels (ESPN, CNN, Cartoon Network) as well as interactive programming (order shore excursions and room service, or check your portfolio).
Interior and promenade-view staterooms are on the small side, measuring 152 square ft. and 149 square ft. respectively; bathrooms are shower-only, though we appreciate that Royal Caribbean has stuck with sliding doors as opposed to those pesky curtains that always seem to float inward and invariably lead to flooding. Pumps in the shower are preloaded with shower gel and shampoo. Family interiors are nearly double in size (300 square ft.), and sleep up to six with two twin beds that convert into a queen plus a sofa and/or Pullman.
Oceanview cabins add a porthole and a smidge more space (these range from 161 to 200 square ft.); family oceanview staterooms clock in at 293 square ft., with a sitting area, two twin beds that convert into a queen, and a sofa and/or Pullman. Before moving into suite territory, there are two balcony options: Deluxe at 177 square ft. (balcony 74 square ft.) and Superior at 189 square ft. (balcony 68 square ft.). Decor in our balcony stateroom was teal, peach and white, with lighting overhead and at the desk/vanity, as well as bedside wall-mounted lamps; balcony furniture comprised of a small table and two loungers (metal with mesh covering) -- much nicer than the plastic ribbon variety.
Space and amenities increase as you ascend the suite scale. Some Junior Suites (287 square ft., balcony 101 square ft.) and Grand Suites (387 square ft., balcony 126 square ft.) have tubs; walk-in closets are standard in both. The Owner's Suites (614 square ft., balcony 209 square ft.) add a private sitting area separate from the bedroom; the one Royal Suite (1,406 square ft., balcony 377 square ft.) also features a whirlpool marble tub and shower, entertainment center, king-sized bed, baby grand piano, and a private hot tub on the balcony. Grand, Owner's and Royal Suite guests have access to a concierge who can assist with specialty restaurant reservations, spa treatments and the like, and the Concierge Club lounge, where pre-dinner canapes and cocktails are complimentary.
Four Royal Family Suites (610 square ft, balcony 234 square ft.) accommodate up to eight and feature a living area with a double sofa bed, two bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to a queen (one also features third and fourth bunks), a verandah with teak furniture and two bathrooms with showers (one with tub).
The new Presidential Family Suite (1,215 square ft., balcony 810 square ft.) is the granddaddy of family-friendly accommodations onboard, and exclusive to this class of ship. The suite can accommodate up to 14 guests and consists of two master bedrooms with private baths, and two additional bedrooms each with two Pullman beds and two twin beds that convert to a queen. There are two additional "standard" shower-only bathrooms. The huge private balcony is outfitted with a hot tub, teak dining set (table and chairs), and padded teak loungers.
One last "special" stateroom is 6305, a promenade-facing cabin with an obstructed view: the window is blocked by the, ahem, behinds of two cows that stand atop the Ben & Jerry's ice cream parlor directly below. The good news, though, is that cruisers who find a pair of derrieres pressed up against their window receive complimentary scoops from Ben & Jerry's every day of their cruise!
Whatever stateroom you choose, you'll sleep tight: All cabins feature Royal Caribbean's stylish, comfortable bedding -- a huge improvement from the glorified cots of old. There are pillows and shams, and duvets with cotton blend covers. Custom pillow tops are doubled over when placed atop twin beds, but when the beds are in the queen configuration they are unfolded across both (already) plush mattresses to eliminate the dreaded gap. Our room was set up with twins, but other passengers we spoke to assured us the queen configuration was comfortable and gap-free.
