Freedom of the Seas

The flagship of Royal Caribbean's new Freedom class, Freedom of the Seas will operate year-round, seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay and Labadee.

The 158,000gt vessel will carry 3,600 passengers in lower berths and feature brand signatures including an ice skating rink; the Royal Promenade shopping, dining and entertainment street; and the largest version to date of a seagoing rock-climbing wall.

Freedom of the Seas also will offer wireless technology throughout the ship for Internet and cell phone access, as well as flat-panel televisions in all accommodations and public areas.

Royal Caribbean said it will start disclosing new features of the ship in early May, a year from its debut. Freedom of the Seas will be delivered from Aker Finnyards in late April 2006. She will be named in May, following a series of pre-inaugural previews for trade and media, and her maiden voyage will be June 4.