If you’re looking a vacation that can combine adventure, entertainment, and relaxation all rolled up into one experience, then cruising is definitely what you’re looking for.

Royal Caribbean offers six different classes of ships to accommodate your individual tastes and preferences. We had the pleasure of sailing on a 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise onboard the The Freedom of The Seas (FOTS) which is one of the ships in the fleet’s “Freedom Class” category. And rather aptly named if I must say so myself!

FOTS is designed to offer just about every pleasurable encounter imaginable to the senses. Whether your interests are more refined and laid back, or you prefer fun and excitement, FOTS has you covered! Where to begin? Let’s start with the food, and how there’s something to fit everyone’s palate 24 hours a day. There are 9 different restaurant choices that span the range from pizza and buffet style on the casual end, to gourmet pasta and steaks on the higher end. Needless to say, the options provide a welcome relief to the dreaded question “What’s for dinner?” as you can pretty much get what you want, when you want it.

The shops on board cover your needs as well with such offerings as cosmetics, jewelry, clothing, and any last minute items you may have forgotten. Did I forget to mention that these purchases are duty and tax free? That’s a great incentive to load up on lots of souvenirs for friends and family back home.

Other grown-up activities include gambling at the Casino Royale, bidding on fine art at one of the art auctions, enjoying various wines and spirits at one of the many bars, or dancing the night away in one of several nightclubs. If those things are a little too high impact for you, perhaps you would enjoy the more subtler pleasures like getting a facial or massage at the spa or catching a recently released movie at The Screening Room, the onboard movie theatre. You could also catch a show at the Ice Rink. The options are plentiful and they provide the perfect distraction while the ship is at sea.

And if you’re wondering what the kids will be doing while you’re having the time of your life, FOTS has that covered too! (Trust me, Royal Caribbean went above and beyond on the mission to make sure everyone has a memorable experience.) There are several activities designed specifically to keep the young ones entertained during the entire 7 day cruise. Programs are divided into three categories based on age. 3-5 year olds are Aquanauts, 6-8 year olds are Explorers, and 9-11 year olds are Voyagers. Each day the ship provides an itinerary that outlines a host of organized chaperoned activities specifically geared to the interests of the respective group. Older kids are invited to participate in various teen activities and they have their own special area designated as The Living Room which comes complete with video games, couches, and televisions (and Foosball as my 14 year old son so graciously reminded me). And just like a real living room, snacks are provided when the older kids inevitably get the munchies!

Mind you, these are just the onboard amenities; we haven’t even hit the ports yet! The FOTS 7 day Eastern cruise stops in 3 ports; Coco Cay, Bahamas, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. Each port offered more sights and activities to appeal to just about anyone.

Coco Cay is actually a small private island owned by Royal Caribbean solely for the use of their guests. Activities on the island include snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, hair braiding, and waterslides. Bring your sunscreen because there are plenty of beach chairs to lounge in and just soak up the rays. When hunger strikes (as it will with all the fun to be had) you can eat to your heart’s content at the complimentary (yes, free!) BBQ lunch at Blackbeard’s Grille. Again, chaperoned activities are provided for the kids if you choose.

At both Charlotte Amalie, and Philipsburg you can enjoy many of the same activities offered at Coco Cay with the major exception being the shopping! Allegedly, some of the best diamonds in the world can be bought here for some of the best prices. But as the captain on The Sea Blaster Marine Snorkel Tour informed us, “there are no sharks in the waters here, they are all in the jewelry stores ashore!” My advice; use your discretion and do your research before you buy.

All in all it was fabulous vacation that our family enjoyed to the fullest and one we can absolutely give the stamp of approval. Don’t forget to mention your active duty status to receive a discounted rate when you register. So pack your bags, round up the family and friends, and get ready for fun and sun on the high seas!

Adventure at Sea

by Michael and Camellia Jackson