Liberty of the Seas

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.

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).

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.

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.