What Is Included And Not Included On Freedom Of The Seas?

What Is Included and Not Included On Freedom Of The Seas?

Launched in 2006, Freedom of the Seas marked Royal Caribbean’s first Freedom class ship. Today, it is still an immensely popular ship among families and has been updated multiple times since its launch, most recently receiving an “Amplified” upgrade in 2020, which greatly expanded dining options, added The Perfect Storm water slides and updated entertainment options, as well as other enhancements. Freedom of the Seas measures 1,112 feet long and 156,271 gross tons and can carry up to 4,375 guests. The ship sails primarily from Miami (to the Caribbean) and Port Canaveral (to the Bahamas and short Caribbean) and features a layout that is characteristic of a large ship with attractions such as large pools, a rock climbing wall, an ice skating rink, and the Royal Promenade.

For planning purposes, it is important to know what is included in the base fare vs. what is not in order to prepare a smooth sailing, no stress vacation. Below, we have provided a complete breakdown of inclusions, exclusions and smart options for managing your total cruise costs (All amounts reflected are as of 2026, or officially updated within the last 12 months).

Overview of Freedom of the Seas and What the Fare Covers

The base cruise fare on Freedom of the Seas covers your accommodation, most meals, basic entertainment, onboard transportation (elevators, stairs), and access to the majority of public areas and activities. Royal Caribbean’s philosophy is “pay once, play a lot,” so the fare includes a wide range of free experiences that keep families and first-timers entertained without constant upselling.

Typically, the fare includes:

• All accommodations overnight in the stateroom of choice (interior, ocean view, or a suite).
• Meals in the main dining room - breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks.
• Meals in Windjammer Marketplace (all-meals buffet).
• 24/7 coffee/tea/pastries/sandwiches at Café Promenade.
• 24/7 pizza slices at Sorrento's Pizza.
• Sandwiches/salads/cookies at Park Café.
• Mexican food at El Loco Fresh.
• Free room service for continental breakfast (in stateroom).
• All the shows in the main theaters (we will rock you, ice skating, aqua theatre ).
• Daily activities (i.e. trivia, game shows, dance classes and pool games).
• Kids and teens clubs - Adventure Ocean and Social020.
• Pools/hot tubs/sports court (flowrider, rockwall, mini-golf)
• Gym/jogging track/basketball court.
• Library/card room/art gallery.
• Port charges/fees

Included Dining Options

Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Sea boasts some of the best complimentary dining options within the cruise line.

• Main Dining Room: The Main Dining Room has three meal sittings (early, late, and My Time) and offers table service with a menu that changes daily to feature a variety of foods from American, Italian, Asian and Vegetarian choices.
• Windjammer Marketplace: Multiple food stations will be available at Windjammer Marketplace (the buffet) to include carving, pasta, Indian, Asian, salad bar and dessert stations. Available dining is from breakfast through late night.
• Café Promenade: It offers generic grab-and-go items (coffee, tea, pastries, and cookies).
• Sorrento’s Pizza: 24-hour New York-style pizza can be found there.
• Park Café: Located in the Central Park area, it serves roast beef sandwiches, salads, paninis, and cookies.
• El Loco Fresh: Mexican food is available, featuring tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas and a salsa bar.
• Continental Room Service Breakfast: Breakfast room service is complimentary. A complimentary morning room service tray with coffee, juice, cereal, pastries, and fruit is delivered to each stateroom.

Specialty restaurants such as Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi, 150 Central Park, etc require you to pay a fee for their eateries and services.

Also, Read: How Much Are Gratuities On Royal Caribbean?

Included Entertainment & Activities

There are many activities and entertainment options on Freedom Of The Seas which many resorts can't even offer for free.

• Royal Theatre: Broadway style productions (such as "We Will Rock You" and "Grease"), comedians, gameshows.
• Aqua Theater: Outdoor diving and acrobatic shows (weather permitting).
• Studio B: Ice skating shows and open ice skating.
• Two70: Panoramic lounge with Vistarama screens and aerial performances.
• Music Hall: Live bands, DJ nights, karaoke.
• Outdoor Movies: Pool area movies under the stars.
• Activities: Numerous activities such as trivia, dance lessons, pool games, art auctions, bingo (additional fee), casino.
• Kids & Teens: Adventure Ocean (ages 3-11) and Social020 (ages 12-17) provide free supervised activities for children and teens.
• Sports and Fitness Facilities: climbing wall, FlowRider, minature golf, basketball court, jogging track, fitness center.

Included Onboard Services

• Housekeeping: Housekeeping services include daily cleaning of staterooms, providing towels and turning down beds.
• Room Service: Room service is free for continental breakfast but incurs a $7.95* fee (plus gratuity) for all other items.
• Laundry: The laundry service is self-service only and the price is between $3-$5* per load (depending on the deck).
• Medical Center: A medical center is available for medical emergencies or basic services (fees apply).
• Guest Services: The front desk will provide assistance with guest inquiries, booking excursions at an excursion desk and selling future cruises.

Also, Read: How Many Ways to Save Money On Royal Caribbean Cruise?

What’s Not Included

Here is a list of the main additional expenses you may incur while on the cruise:

• Drinks: Alcohol, specialty coffee, bottled water and sodas (unless you purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package, ~$60-80*/day).
• Specialty Dining: Chops Grille ($39-59*), Giovanni’s Table ($29-49*), Izumi ($39-49*), Chef’s Table ($89-129*), Johnny Rockets ($10.99*).
• Shore Excursions: $50-300+ per person (for example, an Atlantis day pass, snorkeling, a helicopter tour).
• Spa and Salon: Massages ($150-300*), acupuncture, haircuts, manicures.
• Arcade and Arcade Games: $1-5* per game.
• Wi-Fi: Voom packages $20-35*/day.
• Gratuities: $18*/day for standard cabins and $20.50*/day for suites are typically pre-paid or added to your account.
• Photos, auctions for art, bingo: prices range from $10-50* each.
• Casino: Any losses from gambling.
• Shopping: Itemized listing of all duty-free item purchases (including jewelry and souvenirs).

Generally speaking, most people can expect to spend an additional $50-150* per day on top of their cruise fare.

Optional Packages and Add-Ons

People going on cruise vacations can buy the following ready-for-purchase packages to help reduce their total vacation spending while on the cruise:

• Deluxe Beverage Package (Alcohol and Non-Alcohol Drinks): Package amount will vary ($60-$80* per day).
• Unlimited Dining Package: Includes Chops Grill, Giovanni's Table, Izumi, Chef's Table. Package prices will vary (Approximately $100-$150* for 3-5 meals).
• Internet Packages (Voom Surf and Stream): Package charges will vary daily ($20-$35* each day).
• Adventure Ocean Package: Extra kids club hours, late-night babysitting.
• Onboard Credit: Pre-purchase for excursions, spa, etc.
• Gratuities Pre-Paid: Eliminates daily surprises upon receiving the cruise bill.

These packages and pre-purchased items will save each cruiser between 20% and 40%.

Also Read: Top Things to do on Freedom of the Seas

How to Budget for the Total Cruise Cost

Typical 7-night Freedom of the Seas budget (per person, double occupancy, interior cabin, 2026 prices):

• Cruise fare: $600-1,000*
• Taxes/fees/gratuities: $200-300*
• Drinks (package): $300-500*
• Specialty dining: $50-150*
• Excursions: $100-400*
• Wi-Fi: $100-200*
• Misc (arcade, photos, shopping): $100-300*

Total per person: $1,450-2,850*

Family of four: $5,800-11,400*

Tips:

• Book early (6-12 months) for lowest fares.
• Choose interior or ocean view to save $200-500*.
• Pre-pay gratuities and packages for discounts.
• Use onboard credit offers.
• Avoid peak holidays (spring break, Christmas) for lower rates.