I am looking at taking my family on a cruise and was wondering how nice the Freedom of the Seas really is. Has anyone been on and do the recommend a balcony? Thanks!

Yes, I have cruised on Freedom. The only uequivocable thing that can be said is that it is the BIGGEST ship sailing at the moment. "Best" is a very subjective statement.

It was certainly not the best for me. It is huge and impersonal when one prefers the ambiance of a smaller ship. It feels like a convention hotel and Mall of America combined. I found the food and service to be average, the entertainment very good, fitness facilities excellent, accomodations new and comfy.

It is likely a great choice for families.

It is not, IMO, "best" for everyone. I prefer a more traditional, formal atmosphere with excellent food and service and a largely adult demographic. I dislike announcements and the push to buy things and I do not like to be ala carted to death.

So, for me, there are others that are far more appealing. To her fans, I imagine she is the best.

Re the balcony, if it is within your reach, why not? It is a real treat IMO.

Thanks for the help. I know what you mean regarding a more intimate surroundings but this time we will have family so I wanted something where they wouldn't be bored. They say the Freedom is a lot of fun and I just found out that it has a "skating rink" on board,......amazing! The fact that it has a basketball court for my 13 year old is appealing as well. Again thanks for your help!

You will have skating rink and basketball court on any Voyager class ship for a lot less. I think Explorer and Mariner are the ones in Caribbean now. They are just a little smaller than Freedom but offer as much fun.

I've been on the Voyager twice, the Navigator and the Mariner twice. The Mariner was my fav of those. We just got back from the Freedom last week and I loved it, too. Personlly, I go for the ship and the activities. The entertainment was great, there were lots of places to dance, I loved the ice show and the production show "Once Upon a Dream". The new pizza place on the promenade was a nice bonus, and the wine bar is a favorite for us. Some maller ships I've sailed had cramped gyms, and you couldn't get a machine. Not here. I thought the food was average to good, the service was excellent, IMO. We made many friends and had a ball. I frequently had my lunch on the balcony and my husband and I sat out there at night many times enjoying the moon on the water. I walked around the Promenade deck every day which was one heck of a workout! The art on tthe ship is gorgeous...I'm into that; I spent a couple hours looking at all the art in the halls and various areas- amazing. The dining room is gorgeous and festive- so much nicer than some ships with blah dining rooms. I liked the ship so much that I never got off in port this time. Too much to do. The flowrider was great entertainment, too. If I want an intimate cruise, I'll book a boat and captain. But for an activity filled cruise with so many, many options, I loved the Freedom and have already booked the sister ship for next Jan.

The "best" ship, according to the Berlitz Guide, is the Europa - and has been for years. Of course, ALL cabins are suites and all have balconies. You may also read the review at cruisecritic.com.