EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Freedom of the Seas (2006)

[Jason]

MIAMI, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Finnish workers at Kvaerner Masa- Yards yesterday laid the first block of the massive keel destined to frame Royal Caribbean International's newest, most futuristic ship. In lowering the 443-ton block into the drydock, Royal Caribbean used the start of construction to announce the name of the new ship -- Freedom of the Seas -- and comment on the thinking behind the name. Throughout preconstruction, the ship has been called Ultra Voyager.

- Extensive WiFi capabilities and connectivity for cell phones. Because when you're on vacation it's great fun to let the folks at home know what they're missing.

- Staterooms and balconies that are among the largest in the industry. Plenty of room to relax and plan your adventures.

- A full-size, flat-screen TV in every stateroom. But then again, with all the incredible vacation activities to explore, try not to be too disappointed if you have trouble finding time to turn it on.

- The Freedom of the Seas will be the Largest Cruise Ship in the World.

- Maiden Voyage in May 2006, and will sail alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami.

- Freedom of the Seas builds on the popular Voyager-class ships and will feature the Royal Promenade, rock-climbing wall and ice-skating rink.

Pictures and Descriptions

On both sides of the ship, there will be two large hot tubs that will extend twelve feet over the side of the ship. These hot tubs will provide spectacular views of the ocean and scenery....

One of the three main pools on the top deck will be for adults only. Features include underwater music and a window looking into one of the ship's atriums....

The main pool area will feature two pools separated by a stage. One pool will be dedicated for sports activities and the other for swimming...

The main pool area becomes a major nighttime entertainment spot, with the stage becoming a dance floor, and with a DJ and bandshell located nearby...

The "H20 Zone" is located aft, and features a lazy river (which pushes you through with a current), children wading pools, a waterfall, and spraying/spurting devices...

Quick Facts:

»158,000 gross registered tons

»1,112 feet long

»184 feet wide

»28 feet draft

»21.6 knots cruising speed

»15 passenger decks

»3,600 guests double occupancy

»1,800 guest rooms

»4,370 guests total occupancy

»1,360 crew

[gogetter]

Hello,

Thanks Jason... :grin:

[Shari2]

Amazing! Thanks for the great pictures, Jason!

[Mebert]

Thanks Jason,

That looks like one huge ship. The pool area looks like a beach.

[GottaCruz]

Unbelievable! Now this might be THE ship that gets me to sail RC instead of Carnival for a change. That H20 zone is right up my alley. Out of my 23 cruises, would you believe that I 've never been in the pool? I'm not much of a swimmer and in the Carnival pools you have to be either in or out. That wading pool and lazy river sound great. Hmmm, I just might have to force myself to put on a bathing suit for that. :rolleyes:

Thanks for the pics, Jason. Amazing!

[jtutak]

WOW I thought 100,000 tons was big!! :cheesy:

[Jason]

Amazing, aren't they?? When I first received these artist renderings, my jaw dropped as I examined each one!! I'm surprised the media coverage about this ship hasn't been very significant yet. But I bet we should be seeing more and more as her inaugural sailing gets closer

[Jason]

Amazing, aren't they?? When I first received these artist renderings, my jaw dropped as I examined each one!! I'm surprised the media coverage about this ship hasn't been very significant yet. But I bet we should be seeing more and more as her inaugural sailing gets closer

[Jason]

Amazing, aren't they?? When I first received these artist renderings, my jaw dropped as I examined each one!! I'm surprised the media coverage about this ship hasn't been very significant yet. But I bet we should be seeing more and more as her inaugural sailing gets closer

[schatje]

WOW !! WOW !! WOW !! that pretty much sums it up. Thanks so much for the sneek preview. It sure makes me want to book in the future and I thought I'd never want to cruise on that big of a ship. Maybe we can have a "Cruise Crazies" party on this one?