Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Freedom-Of-The-Seas

A 29-year-old Israeli man was apprehended by law enforcement at PortMiami on February 17, 2026, after authorities discovered disturbing material on his phone as he exited the 'Freedom of the Seas'. This incident resulted from a coordinated effort by federal and local agencies responding to a tip-off received by U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding potential illicit activities associated with child sexual abuse content. In an expedited operation, customs officers boarded the cruise ship ahead of the usual passenger processing to conduct a thorough search of the suspect’s mobile device. Documents from the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office reveal that this search unearthed a video showing the sexual assault of a minor. Upon being informed of his legal rights, the man admitted to possessing the incriminating material during questioning on the vessel. Subsequently, he was taken into custody and transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Facility, where he is being held on a $2,500 bond. In addition, federal immigration authorities have imposed a hold on him as they weigh potential prosecution or deportation. This arrest underscores the diligent partnership between U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Miami-Dade law enforcement, highlighting the importance of strict screening procedures at prominent maritime entry points. At the time of the incident, the cruise ship had just returned from a brief trip through the Caribbean.

The 'Freedom of the Seas' had to make significant changes to its itinerary following a medical emergency involving a passenger. On the evening of January 26, the cruise ship made an unscheduled return to the Port of Miami to facilitate urgent medical attention for the affected guest. Earlier, the vessel had departed Miami on January 25 for a five-day cruise through the beautiful Western Caribbean. However, after its scheduled stop at Nassau, Bahamas, the situation escalated when one passenger's health worsened. Medical staff aboard assessed the condition and indicated that the individual required specialized care that could not be provided on the ship. Due to the necessary detour back to Miami, the cruise line was unable to stick to its original timetable. As a result, the planned visit to George Town, Cayman Islands, initially set for January 26, was canceled. In its place, the ship spent the day at sea, charting a course to an alternative destination. To accommodate the changes, Royal Caribbean added Freeport, Grand Bahama, to the updated itinerary, and the ship successfully docked there on January 28. Travelers who had booked excursions to George Town through the cruise line were promptly issued refunds. These refunds were credited to the guests' personal accounts as shipboard credits, ensuring that any unused amount at the end of the cruise would be refunded back to their credit cards. The 'Freedom of the Seas' is anticipated to return to Miami on January 29, thus completing its five-day journey as originally planned.

On January 8, 2021, Salvatore “Sam” Anello from Valparaiso, Indiana, received a sentence of three years' probation after pleading guilty to negligent homicide. This decision comes after the heartbreaking incident involving his 18-month-old granddaughter, Chloe Wiegand, who tragically fell from Deck 11 of the cruise ship 'Freedom of the Seas' while it was docked in Puerto Rico in July 2019. Anello, who was on a family trip at the time, expressed that he was unaware that the window in the children's play area was open. He lifted Chloe to the window to let her mimic knocking on glass, as she had enjoyed doing at her brother’s hockey games. In October 2020, he entered his guilty plea and defense attorney Michael Winkleman confirmed that Anello would carry out his probation in Indiana. Meanwhile, Chloe's parents have initiated a civil lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, which is still pending, seeking accountability for the tragic loss.

A recently released video captures a heartbreaking moment involving 18-month-old Chloe Wiegand, depicting her grandfather, Salvatore Anello, as he leans out of an open window aboard the cruise ship 'Freedom of the Seas'. This footage contradicts Anello's assertions that he was unaware the window was open prior to the tragic fall of his granddaughter. According to legal documents submitted by Royal Caribbean, the video shows Anello engaging with the window for a total of eight seconds before lifting Chloe from the ground. It is revealed that he held her over the railing and the open window for approximately 34 seconds before the unfortunate incident occurred. The footage illustrates that Anello leaned out, fully aware, leading to the assertion that he recklessly endangered Chloe's life. Royal Caribbean's court filing emphasized, "There was no 'hidden danger' — Mr. Anello knew the window was open." The Wiegand family has since initiated legal proceedings, claiming that Royal Caribbean did not implement adequate safety measures to protect passengers from the exposed windows while docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Anello maintains that his intention was to allow Chloe to tap on the glass, similar to how she would cheer at her older brother's hockey matches. In addition to the civil suit, Anello is also facing criminal charges of negligent homicide in Puerto Rico related to the incident.

Royal Caribbean International has announced an exciting $116 million renovation for its iconic ship, Freedom of the Seas, scheduled for spring 2024. This substantial upgrade is part of the ambitious Royal Amplified fleet modernization program, aiming to enhance the onboard experience for guests. Among the thrilling new attractions will be a glow-in-the-dark laser tag arena, making for an unforgettable adventure at sea. Families with young children can look forward to the vibrant Splashaway Bay aqua park, designed specifically for little ones. For adults seeking relaxation, a refreshed adults-only solarium will provide a tranquil escape. Additionally, the ship will welcome The Perfect Storm, a duo of spectacular waterslides towering three stories high, promising plenty of fun and excitement. The Caribbean pool area will undergo a significant redesign, featuring luxurious casitas, comfy daybeds, hammocks, and various seating arrangements for guests to unwind. Culinary enthusiasts will rejoice at the enhanced dining options, including a revamped Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, which will present a fresh menu to delight diners. Guests can also indulge in poolside favorites at El Loco Fresh, a new Mexican eatery complete with a full-service bar. For those craving Asian cuisine, the ship will introduce Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, featuring interactive teppanyaki tables and a vibrant sushi bar. This modernization effort underscores Royal Caribbean's commitment to delivering innovative experiences at sea.