Liberty of the Seas
Liberty of the Seas / Royal Caribbean International
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FlowRider
FlowRider / Royal Caribbean
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Sabor
Sabor / Royal Caribbean
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Splashaway Bay
Splashaway Bay / Royal Caribbean
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Ice Skating
Ice Skating / Royal Caribbean International
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Cupcake Cupboard
Cupcake Cupboard / Royal Caribbean International
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"Saturday Night Fever"
"Saturday Night Fever" / Royal Caribbean International
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Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony
Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony / Royal Caribbean International
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Cruise

Liberty of the Seas

Our Ship Review
by Donna Heiderstadt
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

The 3,798-guest Liberty of the Seas launched in 2007 and was one of the first Royal Caribbean ships to have a surfing simulator. The Freedom-class ship later underwent a major makeover in February 2016 that expanded its on-deck attractions with a splash park for kids and three new waterslides, including the boomerang-style Tidal Wave, making this the first Royal Caribbean ship to have waterslides on board (a surprising fact for such a forward-thinking line). In addition, Liberty of the Seas received two new specialty restaurants — the modern Mexican spot Sabor and the Italian Giovanni’s Table — as well as the cocktail-focused R Bar. 

Liberty of the Seas was scheduled to undergo Royal Caribbean’s “Amplification” program, designed to add features from newer class ships (Oasis and Quantum vessels), in 2021, but the refurbishment was postponed by the pandemic. Still, this ship offers plenty of fun for couples and families seeking a big-ship experience on a budget.

What We Love

The Solarium: If you want to take a break from all the excitement (and noise) on the main deck, this glass-roofed, adults-only retreat has a pool and two cantilevered whirlpools that extend out 12 feet over the sides of the ship.

Great Entertainment: Both the Broadway-style "Saturday Night Fever: The Musical" and the fun and family-friendly Studio B ice-skating shows are worth your time — and are complimentary.

Panoramic Oceanview Staterooms: The 2016 renovation also added an entirely new accommodation category. There are now 26 of these staterooms at the front of the ship that have floor-to-ceiling windows, including four that face forward for maximum views.

Sabor: This 2016 addition to the ship wins points for authentic Mexican preparations as well as the guacamole made table-side.

Best Known For

All the Freedom Class Firsts: Like Freedom of the Seas before it, Liberty of the Seas packs a lot of innovation into its 15 decks: the FlowRider surf simulator and an H2O Zone aqua park, as well the rock climbing wall, ice-skating rink, and mini-golf courses previously seen on the line's Voyager-class ships.

The Royal Promenade: This four-story, Main Street-meets-shopping mall atrium in the center of the ship is home to boutiques, bars and pubs, and eateries. There are also a series of cabins with windows overlooking the promenade, a great vantage point for the parades and dance parties that take place along the way.

Who It's Best For

Active Families: With its three pools, 12 bars and lounges, and ship-wide activities (from Ocean Adventure kids club sessions to parades and dance parties), Liberty of the Seas offers a lively setting for a fun-filled cruise vacation.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

It’s Not Oasis or Quantum Class: While Royal Caribbean has brought newer features and activities to some of its older vessels, Liberty of the Seas isn’t one of them. Those who have sailed on Oasis or Quantum-class ships, or older ships that have already been “Amplified,” may find this one to be a bit of a letdown — although the Perfect Storm waterslides, FlowRider surfing simulator, and rock climbing wall do make it cool for first-timers.

Donna Heiderstadt
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger
Cruise Expert