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		Is Bigger Always Better Reprinted from August 2006 Issue -by SONDRA WILSON Over the past few years I have watched what I feel is the metamorphosis of the cruise industry. Some cruise lines continue to build bigger and better ships, some cruise lines just build bigger but not better ships, and some cruise lines have found their own niche and cater to a different clientele who want a more personal cruise environment and are willing to pay for it. Recently George and I were invited to participate in a two night inaugural of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas. This ship launching received a lot of press. The Today Show did a huge promotion for this ship by running a contest for the most deserving woman to be the Godmother of the Freedom of the Seas. And their live broadcast onboard the ship resulted in elevating public awareness to a new all time high with the launch of this ship. The cruise line itself did an amazing 10 inaugural events to promote this new product to the travel industry, an unprecedented feat. And multiple TV ads showing people surfing on the new flow rider sent a message that something new was about to happen. The new Freedom of the Seas holds 3700 passengers and 160,000 tons and has over 4000 passengers at full capacity but embarkation was a breeze in Miami and we never waited in line. This ship is so huge that it will easily dwarf many of the small Caribbean towns it visits. This to me is a huge minus. I am not sure if ships of this size are for me, but I had a great time onboard and I think the Freedom of the Seas has a lot of pluses to recommend it. It’s a great ship for family reunions. While the grown ups are enjoying the adults only solarium, the teens are having the time of their life on the new flow rider (the ultimate wave pool) near the rear of the ship that lets you surf or boogie board. Falter and you will be pushed back against a very padded rear or side wall. The little ones have their very own water park, the H2O zone. My four year old granddaughter would loose her mind here. In fact I know I would have to literally pull her away from the amazing water wonderland. For the more active members of the family there is a huge rock climbing wall, a full size basketball court, a 9-hole miniature golf course and more. How about an ice skating rink mid ship or a boxing ring in the fitness center? The list of activities on this ship is endless. Boredom doesn’t seem to be a word found in the dictionary on this ship. The activities are never ending. And if that isn’t enough there is a shopping mall through the middle of the ship that hosts themed parades each evening. Here we found a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream shop, a wine by the glass bar, an Italian pizzeria, and some pretty wonderful shopping. I loved The Royal Promenade. It’s very well done. The Freedom of the Seas has a gigantic fitness center with equipment so new and modern that it outclasses my fitness center back home. The spa offers all the new treatments and more. You can only imagine what happens in the evening? There is a multitude of eating venues on board from a Johnny Rockets to a great buffet. We enjoyed the themed Italian Restaurant and there is a steak house as well. The Dining room is multi-leveled with good food and a nice quartet that plays for the dinner hour. Of course the Freedom has wonderful shows. They are some of the best we have seen including music from the Beatles to a Broadway take off of all the shows we have loved. The evening venues did seem a bit crowded to me. No surprise considering the number of people onboard, but they repeated the shows multiple times so everyone would have a chance to see them. Our cabin was very nice. It was a bit small but efficient and it all worked. All the rooms had flat screen TV’s and upgraded bedding. Even though the ship was very large, I could not tell that the service had suffered for it. I am such a picky person and I was pleasantly surprised at the ship, accommodations, and dining options. And our cabin steward was very responsive to our needs. I was pleased with the accommodations. A few tips: book the dining of your choice, spa treatments, and any special fitness classes the minute you board so you can be sure to get reservations as you wish. Do as much preordering of tours as possible so you won’t have to stand in line. My conclusion: The Freedom of the Seas is a destination in itself. The fact that it moves and goes from place to place is a bonus. Shore excursions are not the focus of this trip; it’s all about the ship. With that in mind, the entertainment and onboard activities are staggering. I have never seen a ship with so much to offer. If you choose to sail on smaller vessels your options are also smaller. It’s our job as travel experts to match our clients to the correct ship for them. There are many clients out there that will really love the Freedom of the Seas. We had a fabulous time and would recommend it to anyone wanting the big ship experience. Its sister ship, the Liberty of the Seas launches next year. Sondra Wilson is president of Carlson Wagonlit Travel in Richland, Kennewick, and Walla Walla. They are celebrating their 23rd year in buasiness in the Tri-Cities. Carlson Wagonlit Travel with its recent acquisition of Navigant is now the largest travel company in the world. We offer local people here in town to share their expertise as well as the buying power of working with the worlds largest travel company.