HOW do you fancy a cruise on your own private yacht... just for a small party of 12 or 14 persons, with a huge sun deck with an array of sun-loungers, deck chairs, al fresco dining table and an oversized hot tub?

Your yacht has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a huge lounge with convertible sofas, two full size, flat screen TVs complete with full audio and video package - and it has its own bar, which comes with your own waiter.

This is, in fact, just one of the many suites on board the magnificent Freedom of the Seas new cruise liner which made its debut recently.

It is actually the Presidential Family Suite and, if you have a family group of 12 or 14, it is remarkably good value, as well as being exciting. With 1215 sq ft of living space and a balcony extending to another 810 sq ft, this suite is as big as most villas. But where else would you get a villa that moves from port to port and has such a host of activities right outside your front door?

On arriving at Southampton, it was obvious something special was happening in town.

The security officers were talking about it, the guy at the coffee shop was talking about it, the girl at the newspaper stand was talking about it. Everyone was talking about it. Even the taxi driver couldn't get a breath in between sentences.

Yes, the world's biggest cruise ship had arrived in port that morning. Thousands had gathered to see it in the early morning mists, sailing up the Solent and into Southampton Water, docking at the City Pier, so close to the main road you could almost touch it.

After having sailed on more than 30 ships and having visited another 20 or more, it takes a lot to impress me. I have to say, however, that I was astounded.

Freedom of the Seas towered over the whole of Southampton. At 237 feet high, she is taller than the Oxo Tower in London and she is more than 37 double-decker buses in length. At 160,000 tonnes, holding up to 4,375 guests, this is the largest cruise ship in the world and the most innovative concept Royal Caribbean has ever built.

It's not its sheer size and scale that sets this cruise ship apart from its competitors; it's the fact that she's designed to offer a 'something for everyone' experience, where freedom of choice is the objective. Whether it's cavorting at the waterpark, lounging in the oasis or dancing in the open-air lagoon night club, "whatever you want to do, you have the opportunity to choose", says Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

Luxurious

This luxurious cruise ship features many Royal Caribbean International signatures - from ice skating and the indoor Royal Promenade to rock climbing and night clubs.

Three separate pool regions, over 40 per cent larger than the Voyager Class ships, cater for Freedom of the Seas' varied audiences. The interactive waterpark, H2O Zone is a childrens fantasy, with large brightly coloured sculptures, all of which double up as fountains in which the kids can splash and play. Spray cannons, water jets and ground gushers all add to the fun and excitement.

Children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers are catered for. Adventure Ocean, off limits to adults, has every imaginable facility to entertain the kids. From crayons and colouring books for the tiny ones, to arcade games and computers for the older ones, there is something for everyone. The older teens have exclusive access to the Living Room coffee and soda bar, the Fuel Nightclub and the Back Deck sun deck. Aqua Babies and Aqua Tots have playtimes arranged for them by Royal Caribbean's partner, Fisher Price. These cater for children from only six-months-old.

Other activities include rock-climbing, with Royal Caribbean's biggest ever rock wall, a designated sports pool away from all the sun loungers, ice skating, full-size volleyball and basketball court, mini golf (it's not easy!) and, of course, the latest innovation that has everyone talking, the 'Flow Rider'.

This is more than a wave machine. Thousands of gallons of water every minute are pumped up a slope, creating a surf wave on which you ride your body board or learn to surf. It allows the novice to have fun and also tests the experts. Experienced surfers will not find this easy; it is a real challenge that will keep many 'athletes' bust for hours and hours. It's even fascinating to watch and there is plenty of sheltered seating to do so.

Royal Caribbean is still the only cruise line to offer this attraction and facility. Freedom of the Seas Royal Promenade is 445 feet long, much longer than a football pitch, and features shops, cafes and restaurants, pubs, and a barber shop, the Close Shave. During the day, this is a fun place to meet, chat, eat and drink. At nightime, it turns into an amazing entertainment venue, with music and street parades. The overhanging bridge turns into a wonderful stage, which can be seen from the entire promenade. (Tip. If you are on a budget and prefer an inside cabin to keep the sots down, for only a few pounds more, you can have a 'Promenade View' cabin, which has large bay windows overlooking the entire promenade.) These cabins are soundproofed but you can still watch and enjoy the music and sounds of the entertainment by turning on your television.

Dining

You need never go hungry, no matter what your tastes or capacity for food. All types of special diet are offered, from Halal and Kosher, to Indian and Oriental, European to American.

Have fun in the American Diner Johnny Rocket's on the top decks, help yourself in the Windjammer Cafe and Grill, dine in style in one of the speciality restaurants, Portofino, Chops Grille or Jade, or simply enjoy a wonderful meal served to you in the elegant dining room, which stretches over three floors. A magnificent chandelier, reputed to have cost $1m, complements over 30 smaller ones, equally exquisite and beautiful.

Your thirst is also well catered for. For open-air refreshment, the Wipe Out bar, a freestanding shack near the FlowRider, offer draft beers, wine and icy fruit drinks in a casual and fun environment.

Guests can begin the evening at the elegant Champagne Bar, Cloud Nine Lounge or the Plaza Bar, before heading to the fun time Schooner Bar for piano entertainment and sing-a-longs. Pharaoh's Palace for karaoke, or the Connoisseur Club for classy cocktails, Boleros for live Latin beats, The Crypt, a two-deck, gothic themed night club for the over 18s and The Viking Crown Lounge, offering spectacular views of the ship and the scenery are just a few of the bars where you can whet your whistle.

For me, the Bull & Bear pub on the Royal promenade was just the ticket. Great atmosphere, good company and ice-cold beer.

Entertainment

Spectacular shows, featuring the Wave Revue singers and dancers, take place in the Arcadia theatre. Star acts, comedians, singers and entertainers appear regularly. (Beware the over the top Cruise Directors, though. Americans like that sort of thing!)

Ice shows in the Studio B, karaoke in Pharaohs, Dancing in various lounges and bars, piano entertainment in the Schooner Bar, nightclubbing in The Crypt or simply having a cup of coffee and a home-made chocolate chip cookie in the Cafe Promenade: a host of entertainment awaits you. If you're still bored, you have access to all the recent release movies in your cabin, all of which are equipped with flat screen TVs.

It took just three years to design, built, equip and test this wonderful ship. I have only highlighted some of the facilities and attractions featured on Freedom of the Seas. There is so much more, from gyms to saunas, casinos to libraries. The only way you are ever going to find out everything about her, is to take a cruise and experience the atmosphere, the elegance, the grandeur and the sheer spectacle.

How much will a cruise on Freedom of the Seas cost?

Because Freedom of the Seas is such an innovative ship and because it it has already been 'on sale' for almost a year, fares are at a premium for travel this side of Christmas 2006.

In January and February, however, it is possible to sail on a Western Caribbean itinerary for just over £1,100 and, with some cruise specialists, you might get it for a bit less than that. At the other end, the Royal Suite comes in at around £3,000 per person!

And what about that Presidential Family Suite. Well, the first two people pay £2,343 per person and everyone else pays just £859 (Sailing January 14, 2007).

Almost ready for final fix and sea trials, the sister ship to Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas will commence operations in May 2007. Liberty will have all the facilities featured on Freedom of the Seas and will probably have a few more secret innovations.

From May 2007, both ships will sail alternate East and West Caribbean Cruises - and they're both on sale now at your local Travel Agent or Cruise Specialist.

BY ALAN COUSER