Imagine having a boat that can hold 4000 people, with rock climbing walls, a surfing pool, and an ice rink. Well we have found it with the new “Freedom of the Sea” from Royal Caribbean International. This 1,100 foot long vessel will have its first departure on June 4th, 2006 and is planned to sail from Miami to the Western Caribbean.

From the LA Times:

The ship will have more of everything: shopping, pools, restaurants and entertainment. Pricing seems to be similar to that of other ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, with rates starting at $699 per person, double occupancy, for off-season cruises.

Why should anyone build such a large ship? Although many Americans prefer smaller vessels — those carrying only 700 or 800 passengers — it is obvious that the small-ship crowd (of which I am a member) is out of step with Americans. Year after year, the bigger the ship, the greater its popularity.

Much has to do with the facilities aboard. Larger ships have such things as rock-climbing walls, mini golf courses and ice-skating rinks.

In a carefully calibrated campaign to whet the public’s appetite, Royal Caribbean has been doling out small announcements of the enhancements that Freedom of the Seas will have.

From Royal Caribbean International:

Ship Highlights

Rock-climbing wall Ice-skating rink Royal Promenade Extensive WiFi capabilities and connectivity for cell phones Full-size, flat-screen TVs in every stateroom Themed bars and lounges Adventure Ocean® youth facilities ShipShape® Day Spa and Fitness Center Casino RoyaleSM   Ship Facts Passenger Capacity: 3,600 double occupancy  Gross Tonnage: 160,000 Length: 1,112′ Beam: 126.64′ Draft: 28′ Cruising Speed: 21.6 knots