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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Liberty of the Seas

Our Ship Review
Royal Caribbean
Cruise Line
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

The 3,634-passenger 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 — and the cocktail-focused R Bar.

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: Another new addition to the ship, this Mexican restaurant wins points for authentic 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: There are the FlowRider surf simulator and an H2O Zone aqua park, as well the rock climbing wall, ice-skating rink, and minigolf 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.

DreamWorks Experience: Who doesn’t love Shrek and Fiona? Or the wild menageries from "Madagascar," "Kung Fu Panda," and "How to Train Your Dragon"? Kids of all ages can interact with characters during parades, photo ops, and even scavenger hunts. There are also special character breakfasts (be sure to book in advance).

Who It's Best For

Active Families: Sailing weeklong itineraries from its home port of Galveston, Texas, to the Western Caribbean, Liberty of the Seas makes just three port calls and has three days at sea. But don't worry, there is plenty to keep kids and teens as well as the adults occupied on board.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

It’s Not Oasis or Quantum Class: Royal Caribbean keeps upping its game by bringing fleet-wide favorites to their older vessels, but those who have sailed on newer ships may find this one to be a bit of a letdown — although the multiple waterslides, surfing simulator, and rock climbing wall certainly up the cool factor.

Donna Heiderstadt
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger