- Show up early for the best poolside seating.Daniel Stein/Photodisc/Getty Images
Royal Caribbean's cruise ship Freedom of the Sea features a water park, boxing ring, cooking academy, ice-skating rinks, casino and a presidential suite that sleeps 14 people. Knowing a few handy tips for sailing on one of the largest cruise liners in the world can mean the difference between a fun vacation and a cruise disaster. - The Freedom of the Seas is recommended for passengers with an active lifestyle. Many of the ship's activities are sports related, including a surfing pool, boxing ring, ice skating, a rock climbing wall and golf course. The ship's size also means that mobility-challenged persons can have difficulty getting around.
- The ship offers a variety of activities, from working out in the gym to taking in a show in the ship's theater. Guests should bring clothing to fit all occasions, from swimsuits to cocktail dresses. Mix and match outfits that can be dressed up or down are helpful, and a jacket or cardigan can help with nighttime ocean breezes.
- Cruise-goers have a few options when it comes to shipboard tipping. Guests can either prepay gratuities when booking the cruise, or pay as they go. For wait staff, the cruise line suggests tipping $3.50 per waiter each day and $2 for assistant waiters. The recommended tip for cabin stewards is also $3.50 per day. Bar tabs automatically add a 15 percent tip.
- A ship twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty and as long as four football fields can fit a lot of people, namely 3,634 passengers plus crew. When the ship first set sail in 2006, it was the largest cruise ship in the world. Because of its size, getting good spots at the pool or seats in the restaurants is a matter of timing and planning. Reservations for shows, the nicer restaurants and land excursions should be made before setting sail. For other shipboard activities, show up early to get the best seating.
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