Royal Caribbean Reveals Big Changes For Popular Ship

Another Royal Caribbean International cruise ship is about to get a makeover. This time, Freedom of the Seas is set to undergo a $116 million refurbishment before it begins sailing a new itinerary.

What Will Change On Freedom of the Seas

Next February, Freedom of the Seas will be taken out of service long enough to have several new features, restaurants and bars added. Then, on March 8, the ship will head for her new homeport of San Juan to do roundtrip sailings to the Southern Caribbean.

READ MORE: Royal Caribbean Will Get a Massive Makeover

So what does $116 million buy a cruise ship in today’s economy? A whole lot, as it turns out. One of the biggest changes Freedom will undergo is to the pool deck, which will take on a Caribbean vibe with a wide array of seating options — whether you want to be in the sun or the shade — and several casitas.

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A major highlight of the “amplified” Freedom of the Seas will be the pool deck. (Rendering via Royal Caribbean International)

The area will also feature Splashaway Bay, a water-fueled playarea for young cruisers. while adventure seekers will want to hit The Perfect Storm, aka a set of racing waterslides.

Anchoring the pool deck will be the line’s popular new poolside bar, the Lime & Coconut. The three-level hot spot features specialty cocktails, live music and a rooftop deck offering a great view of all the activities unfolding below, not to mention the beautiful scenery.

Several New Dining Options Will Be Added

Elsewhere, the refurbishment — which Royal Caribbean calls an “amplification” — will see several new food venues being added. Perhaps the most noteworthy is Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, offering everything from made-to-order, hand-tossed pizzas to a special “Sunday Supper” menu.

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Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen is the perfect place to wine and dine. (Rendering courtesy of Royal Caribbean International)

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi offers teppanyaki tables as well as a sushi bar, and features a variety of appetizers, main courses and desserts. If you need to check out a game, head to Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. With over 80 screens, they’re sure to be showing a team you can root for while enjoying bar food and a cold brew.

READ MORE: Royal Caribbean Orders Third Icon-Class Ship

Finally, the poolside El Loco Fresh will offer up grab-and-go Mexican treats like tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. And for the first time on a Royal Caribbean ship, the eatery will also have a full bar and a selection of tequilas.

Fun For The Whole Family

When you want to burn off a few calories, head to Clash for the Crystal City, a glow-in-the-dark laser-tag adventure.

Plus, every aspect of the Adventure Ocean club will be redesigned with the youngest of cruisers in mind, while teens will get their own place to relax while watching movies, playing games and even hanging on their own private outdoor deck.

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The Adventure Ocean area will allow tots to unleash their creative side. (Rendering courtesy of Royal Caribbean International)

Grown-ups will also have their own space thanks to the spiffed-up adults-only Solarium.

Once the ship begins sailing from San Juan in March of 2020, her itineraries will see the ship visiting such tropical locals as Aruba, Curacao, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Antigua and Bonaire.

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