Naturally, passengers flock to the closest media medium to post about it: CruiseCritic I’ve been incredibly vocal in my absolute revulsion for the site and in cases like this my views are confirmed. They just posted the article: Why Did Freedom of the Seas Sail Into a Storm Two Other Cruise Ships Avoided?

Yes CruiseCritic, RCI and their extremely experienced crew decided to forego passenger safety and sail into a storm on purpose. Obviously its sarcasm here (I don’t want RCI upset with me.)

Their argument in the article mostly focuses around the following:

“two other vessels — Disney Dream and Carnival Sensation — delayed their departures until weather conditions calmed”.

RCI fired back via their spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez:

“Freedom of the Seas was the first ship scheduled to leave Port Canaveral on Sunday — making it something of a guinea pig. ‘When Freedom of the Seas departed Port Canaveral, the port was still open and the pilots were still taking ships out’ ”

I think its also important to note that Freedom has further to go  has a significantly deeper draft [7.9m vs 8.53m]. Besides, if the port is open, its captains decision. He knows his ship better and knows what she can and cant handle.

Carnival’s take was the following:

"We felt it was best to keep the ship in port until conditions improved for the comfort of the guests and crew," explains spokeswoman Jennifer De La Cruz.

As any experienced mariner will tell you, the most dangerous place to be in, in a storm is along the pier. There is so much that can snap, break, and objects the ship can slam into. Why do you think that when a hurricane is approaching, ports close down and ships flee for open water?

Anyways, here are photos of the inside of the Freedom. You’re on a ship. IT MOVES. That’s what they do!

UPDATE: We got video. Notice how the ships railing tends not to move in relation to the horizon. Freedom is 4 wave lengths in, well, length. This helps minimize the total movement of the ship. Stabilizers help too, but I doubt they were deployed in this rough of weather.

To debut on Freedom and Liberty (Not Independence*)

Cupcake Cupboard. The shop will be on the Royal Promenade where the current barbers shop is. Like Oasis they will be sold for $2.50 per cup cake!(Talk about mark up, but it is extremely popular and if they can get that price then all the power to them!) The area is also available for classes and parties.

Outdoor Movie Theater. Princess were the first to offer the popular Giant Movie Screen By The Pool concept. The aqua theater does this on Oasis, so RCCL will place a 18.5 ft (which kinda seems small when you think about it) in the main Pool area.

Upgraded Shows. The as-yet-unannounced show will debut on the ships in 2011.

ImaginOcean Puppet Show. The kids area will feature this family puppet show/musical.

While we’re on the topic of revamped children’s areas, Royal Tots and Royal Babies will be there to cater to children from 36 months to 6 years.

Interactive Touch-Screen Displays will be added to provide pax with quick, easy access to onboard information.

* Independence of the Seas, due to her year-round status in the U.K., will feature different enhancements to be announced latter in the year.

Changes to Allure of the Seas (sister ship to Oasis)

The Boardwalk Dog House will be added to, you guessed it, the boardwalk. The venue will offer a wide selection of sausages, hot dogs, and brats. So far it looks to be free! It will be moves to the donut shop. The donut shop will be moved next to the ice cream shop where some seating currently is.

Rita’s Cantina, a So-Cal taqueria/Mexican beach bar will replace the Seafood Shack. The fee for the restaurant will be $4.95 compared to the $8.95 for the Seafood place.

RCI will introduce the first Guess Store at sea. Just like they did with the Coach store, this store will sell high end designer handbags, watches, shoes, jewelry and glasses. The store will replace the Focus Photo Shop, which will move to the photo gallery.

Guest Kiosks will be present. Carnival introduced these in the form of "FunHubs." Located in the Royal Promenade, guests will have the ability to view their bill, the daily calendar, spa appointments, dinner reservations, and the ability to print out airline boarding passes. No access to the unrestricted web though.

Following the onslaught on 3D technology that debuted at the 2010 CES, Allure will feature 3D Movies in the main theater. No word on whether or not you need glasses or if its glasses free.

AquaTheater will feature a new show called Blue Planet.

In-Cabin iPod Docks (mist likely iHomes) will be in all cabins.

There are rumored to be further slight tweaks to differentiate her from Oasis.

Will report back when they are announced.