Royal Caribbean International’s Freedom of the Seas is to undergo a US$116 million upgrade as part of the Royal Amplified fleet modernisation initiative.
New onboard highlights will include glow-in-the-dark laser tag, the Splashaway Bay aqua park for young children, a renewed adults-only solarium, a three-storey-high duo of waterslides named The Perfect Storm, and a redesigned Caribbean pool area, which will have casitas, daybeds, hammocks and various other seating options.
Guests will also benefit from an upgraded dining experience, such as in Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen restaurant, which will be reimagined and offer an updated menu. Royal Caribbean will also add a poolside Mexican eatery with a full-service bar named El Loco Fresh, as well as an Asia-inspired restaurant Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, which will have teppanyaki tables and a sushi bar. Other new bars will include Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and a three-level poolside bar named The Lime & Coconut, which will also host live music performances.
Dedicated spaces for young passengers will also be fully renovated, including the dedicated areas for babies and children aged three to five-years-old. Adventure Ocean, which is designed for older children, will undergo complete makeover to include the Play Place, the Workshop for art, science and technology activities, and the Arena for ‘friendly challenges’. The Hangout, which is solely for teenagers, will offer new gaming, movie and music facilities, as well as spaces to relax and a private outdoor deck area.
Freedom of the Seas will return to service on 8 March 2020 and begin sailing seven-night Southern Caribbean roundtrips from San Juan, Mexico. The year-round itineraries will take guests to various destinations, such as Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Castries, Saint Lucia; Bridgetown, Barbados; Saint Johns, Antigua; and Kralendijk, Bonaire.