Alan Rosenbaum, a CruiseOne cruise specialist from Alpharetta, recently returned from a two day inaugural cruise aboard Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, the Freedom of the Seas. At 160,000 tons and a passenger capacity of 4,375, this is the largest cruise ship ever launched.

“It’s not only the size that makes this ship special,” Alan reports, “it’s also the innovations and guest facilities that aren’t available on any other ship.”

All Royal Caribbean ships have rock climbing walls. As you might expect, the Freedom has the largest rock climbing wall. But the ship also has onboard surfing on the FlowRider. “It’s mind boggling to think that a person can actually surf on the deck of a cruise ship,” says Alan. “Even if you’re not a surfer, you can watch it from only a few feet away.

Most cruise ships now have large exercise rooms with panoramic views of the sea. But on the Freedom of the Seas they’ve added a boxing ring. And continuing the tradition of the Voyager class ships, there is also an ice skating rink which is used both for passenger skating and for ice shows.

“And the beds are amazing. They have nine inch pillow top mattresses. If the ship weren’t so exciting, I’d never want to get out of bed. And the flat screen TV’s with news, movies, and a variety of other programming make it more comfortable than my own bedroom.”

New production shows were unveiled this week and each one got standing ovations. And the Arcadia Theatre is completely state-of-the-art. According to Richard Fain, the Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean, their old ship, the Song of Norway, cost less than just the sound and light equipment on the Freedom of the Seas.

GSM cell phones work on the ship, even when you’re at sea. But the Alan complained that the in-room internet access was a little slow and needs some improvement.

Some people may complain that the ship is just too big and it would be hard to find your way around. But Alan points out that the 5 story atrium down the center of the ship sort of orients you and it’s really hard to get lost. The atrium, of course, is also an entertainment center with shops, bars, and restaurants. And this street-like area is also used for events such as the Circus Parade.

With all this plus a variety of bars and clubs, some cruisers may think that it’s just too much. They don’t want to do all of that. However, Alan advises that no one should try to do everything. “They’ve made so many things available that no matter what your interests, you’ll find an activity that suits you. And that includes sitting by the pool and doing nothing.”

The Freedom of the Seas will be sailing western Caribbean itineraries from Miami.

Alan Rosenbaum is a Personal Cruise Specialist and the owner of a CruiseOne franchise in Alpharetta. You can contact him about this ship, or any other cruise at 770-664-9010, or email him at arosenbaum@cruiseone.com. His website is www.CruisePleasures.com.