Freedom of the Seas Vs Liberty of the Seas

Choosing the right cruise ship can be tough when ships are from the same class and cruise line. How do you pick the best one for your next cruise?

Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas are two mid-size ships from the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. They launched around the same time and were almost identical but recent updates have made them different.  

In this article, we will compare Freedom of the Seas vs Liberty of the Seas. Let’s look at what they have in common and what makes them different.

Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Ship Renovations & Refurbishment

Royal Caribbean’s Amplification Program was launched in 2018, aimed to upgrade Voyager and Freedom Class ships with features from newer vessels. Freedom of the Seas was renovated in early 2020, following Independence of the Seas in 2018.

The global shutdown halted the program leaving Liberty of the Seas unmodified. Despite the cruise industry’s recovery, the Amplification Program remains paused, resulting in significant differences between the once-similar Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. 

Freedom of the Seas vs Liberty of the Seas Class & Age Difference

Freedom of the Seas (Launched in 2006) and Liberty of the Seas (Launched in 2007) both belong to the Freedom Class of cruise ships operated by Royal Caribbean International. There is no difference in their class, as they are sister ships within the same class. The Freedom class was introduced in 2006, including these two ships and Independence of the Seas.

Freedom of the Seas vs Liberty of the Seas Size Comparison

Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas are very similar in size with just a few small differences. After its recent renovation, Freedom of the Seas can hold more passengers and has a slightly higher gross tonnage than Liberty of the Seas. Liberty of the Seas is one foot longer.

These small differences in size and capacity probably won’t affect a traveler’s choice, as both ships provide similar experiences.

Here is the Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas vs Freedom of the Seas Size Comparison Chart 

Ship Stats	Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas	Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas
Class	Freedom	Freedom
Gross Tonnage	154,407 GT	156,271 GT
Length	1,112 ft	1,111 ft
Width	185 ft	185 ft
Total Decks	15	15
Passenger Decks	14	14
Total Passengers Capacity	4,960	4,635
Passengers (double occupancy)	3,798	3,926
Crew	1,360	1365

Freedom of the Seas vs Liberty of the Seas Construction Cost

Liberty of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas construction costs approximately $800 million. These sister ships were built at the same shipyard – Kvaerner Masa-Yards (now part of Meyer Turku) in Turku, Finland.

Freedom of the Seas vs Liberty of the Seas Passenger Capacity

The Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, both Royal Caribbean cruise ships have similar but slightly different passenger capacities. The Freedom of the Seas Passenger Capacity is 3,926 guests at double occupancy, with a maximum capacity of 4,635 guests.

In comparison, the Liberty of the Seas has a double occupancy capacity of 3,798 guests but can host up to 4,960 guests at full capacity. This indicates that while the Liberty of the Seas has a lower standard occupancy, it can actually accommodate more passengers overall when fully booked.

Freedom of the Seas vs Liberty of the Seas Staterooms and Suites

Common Accommodations on Both Ships  

Both Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas offer a wide range of staterooms and suites, including interior, ocean-view, and balcony rooms. They feature unique options like Royal Promenade-facing cabins and “hump” balcony rooms with extra space.  

Family-friendly options include interior rooms with bunks and two-bedroom Oceanview cabins. Both ships offer various suites, from junior suites to the Royal Suite (1,360-square-foot with a baby grand piano), with grand suite guests and above having access to exclusive lounges. 

Liberty of the Seas Accommodations 

Liberty of the Seas has 1,899 staterooms for passengers, providing a range of accommodations to suit various preferences and group sizes. For example, Liberty of the Seas offers a 4-bedroom Villa Suite, one of the largest in Royal Caribbean’s fleet in terms of capacity. This suite can accommodate up to 14 guests across four bedrooms and sofa beds in living areas. 

Freedom of the Seas Accommodations 

Freedom of the Seas renovated recently in 2020 and has 1,963 staterooms, offering guests more choice in their lodging options. It has six large (406 sq ft) Spacious Oceanview cabins on the port side of Deck 12, opposite the Adventure Ocean kids program facilities and arcade.

These cabins are conveniently located one flight of stairs above Splashaway Bay, making them ideal for families with small children.

Key Differences 

• Liberty of the Seas retains the 4-bedroom Villa Suite, which Freedom no longer has. 
• Freedom of the Seas offers extra Oceanview options near the kids’ clubs, which are not available on Liberty of the Seas. 
• Freedom’s Villa Suite was replaced with Junior Suites. 
• Freedom’s 2020 renovation means it has some attractions not found on Liberty of the Seas, which was last updated in 2016. 

Freedom of the Seas vs Liberty of the Seas Restaurants

Common Dining Options 

Both ships feature a Main dining room and the Windjammer Cafe buffet. They also offer complimentary pizza at Sorrento’s and snacks at Café Promenade. Specialty dining options on both include Johnny Rockets and Chops Grille steakhouse. 

Liberty of the Seas Restaurants 

Liberty of the Seas provides two unique dining options. Sabor Modern Mexican offers Mexican cuisine but is not complimentary. For Italian dining, Giovanni’s Table presents a more formal experience. 

Freedom of the Seas Restaurants 

Freedom of the Seas offers several distinctive dining venues. El Loco Fresh is a complimentary Mexican eatery serving breakfast burritos, nachos, and tacos. Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade offers pub-style food. The ship also features Izumi Hibachi and Sushi restaurant and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, a more relaxed Italian option. 

Key Differences 

Freedom of the Seas offers more popular dining locations including a free Mexican option, while Liberty’s Mexican restaurant is paid. Freedom of the Seas also has Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, which are not on Liberty of the Seas.

The Italian restaurants differ in style, with Freedom of the Seas’s being more casual. These differences are due to the recent Amplification upgrade, which introduced several new dining venues. 

Here is the Freedom vs Liberty of the Seas Dining Options Comparison 

Restaurants	Type	Freedom of the Seas	Liberty of the Seas
Main Dining Room	Free	✓	✓
Windjammer Buffet	Free	✓	✓
Cafe Promenade	Free	✓	✓
Sorrento’s Pizzeria	Free	✓	✓
Sprinkles Ice Cream	Free	✓	✓
El Loco Fresh	Free	✓	✗
Room Service	Cost Extra	✓	✓
Chef’s Table	Cost Extra	✓	✓
Chops Grille	Cost Extra	✓	✓
Ice Cream Parlor	Cost Extra	✓	✓
Johnny Rockets Burgers	Cost Extra	✓	✓
Cupcake Cupboard	Cost Extra	✗	✓
Giovanni’s Table	Cost Extra	✗	✓
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen	Cost Extra	✓	✗
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi	Cost Extra	✓	✗
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade	Cost Extra	✓	✗
Sabor Modern Mexican	Cost Extra	✗	✓

Freedom of the Seas vs Liberty of the Seas Bars & Lounges

Common Bar Options 

Both Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas have many similar bar venues like Boleros, Schooner Bar, and R Bar providing guests with a variety of options for drinks and socializing. 

Freedom of the Seas Bars 

Freedom of the Seas features two newer additions not found on Liberty of the Seas. These include Playmakers Sports Bar, which offers a sports-themed environment, and The Lime & Coconut cocktail bar located on the pool deck.

The Lime & Coconut has become a popular feature on Royal Caribbean ships, with newer ships like Icon of the Seas has this bar on multiple locations. 

Liberty of the Seas Bars 

Liberty of the Seas has a unique sports bar called On Air. This versatile venue serves as a sports bar during the day and transforms into a karaoke bar at night, offering guests different entertainment options throughout their cruise. 

Key Differences 

The main distinctions in bar offerings are Freedom’s Playmakers Sports Bar and Lime & Coconut, which are not present on Liberty of the Seas. Instead, Liberty features the dual-purpose On Air bar. These differences reflect the more recent updates made to Freedom of the Seas, incorporating newer concepts popular across the Royal Caribbean fleet. 

Restaurants	Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas	Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas
Schooner Bar	✓	✓
Casino Bar	✓	✓
Boleros	✓	✓
English Pub	✓	✓
R Bar	✓	✓
Star Lounge	✓	✓
Suite Lounge	✓	✓
The Plaza Bar	✓	✓
Vintages	✓	✓
Olive or Twist	✓	✗
On Air Club	✓	✗
Playmakers	✗	✓
Pool Bar	✓	✗
Sky Bar	✓	✗
Solarium Bar	✓	✓
Squeeze	✓	✗
The Lime & Coconut	✗	✓
Viking Crown Lounge	✗	✓

Freedom of the Seas vs Liberty of the Seas Activities and Entertainment

Common Activities and Entertainment 

Both Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas offer a wide range of activities and entertainment options. These include rock climbing walls, adults-only solariums, kids’ clubs, FlowRider surf simulators, and mini-golf courses.  

Both ships feature Ice Skating rinks with performance shows and open skating times. Evening entertainment includes musical productions, magicians, and jugglers. Interactive game shows like Love and Marriage and The Quest are popular on both ships.  

Freedom of the Seas Activities and Entertainment 

Freedom of the Seas boasts newer and higher-quality facilities for its kids’ clubs and Solarium due to its recent Amplification upgrade. It also features a unique laser tag attraction called Clash for the Crystal City. The ship’s theatre shows are all original productions. 

Liberty of the Seas Activities and Entertainment 

Liberty of the Seas offers Broadway productions in its theatre, along with a Saturday Night Live show, which may appeal to those who prefer familiar theatrical performances. 

Key Differences 

The main distinctions lie in the quality of some facilities and the variety of activities. Freedom’s recent upgrades have resulted in improved kids’ clubs and Solarium areas as well as the addition of a laser tag attraction.

The theatre shows also differ, with Liberty of the Seas offering Broadway productions while Freedom of the Seas presents original shows. These differences reflect the more recent updates made to Freedom of the Seas adding newer concepts and facilities.

Freedom of the Seas vs Liberty of the Seas Pools and Waterslides

Common Pool and Water Features 

Both Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas offer extensive water-based amenities. These include multiple swimming pools, whirlpools, and indoor adults-only Solarium pools. Both ships feature a Splashaway Bay splash park for younger children and the “Perfect Storm” racing waterslides, Typhoon and Cyclone.  

Freedom of the Seas Pools and Waterslides 

Freedom of the Seas has pool deck (Caribbean-inspired makeover) after renovation. The Splashaway Bay on this ship received upgrades with new water features, enhancing the experience for young cruisers. 

Liberty of the Seas Pools and Waterslides 

Liberty of the Seas has an additional waterslide called Tidal Wave, which is not present on Freedom. This boomerang-style slide sends riders on a raft up an almost-vertical slope before sliding back down, offering a unique thrill. 

Key Differences 

The main distinction lies in the Tidal Wave slide exclusive to Liberty of the Seas. Freedom of the Seas features a more recently renovated pool deck with a Caribbean theme and an upgraded Splashaway Bay.

These differences reflect the different renovation timelines and focuses for each ship, with Freedom of the Seas receiving more recent updates to its general pool area, while Liberty of the Seas maintains a unique water attraction. 

Freedom of the Seas vs Liberty of the Seas Itineraries

The main differences between Freedom of the Seas vs Liberty of the Seas lie in their homeports and cruise durations. Freedom of the Seas focuses on Bahamas and longer Caribbean cruises from Florida, while Liberty offers more diverse itineraries, including Bermuda and Canada, with varying cruise lengths and departure points throughout the year.   

Freedom of the Seas Itineraries 

Freedom of the Seas offers short cruises from Miami from February to July 2024, focusing on Bahamas trips. Most of these itineraries include a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay as well as at Nassau. After July, the ship relocates to Fort Lauderdale for longer 8-nights Caribbean cruises until April 2025. 

Liberty of the Seas Itineraries 

Liberty of the Seas sails from Cape Liberty offering cruises to Bermuda and Canada in summer 2024. The ship moves to Fort Lauderdale providing shorter 4 to 5-night trips to the Eastern Caribbean during the 2024/25 winter season. 

Freedom of the Seas Vs Liberty of the Seas: The Best One

Choosing between Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas can be tough because the best depends on what you like. Both Royal Caribbean ships have many activities for different interests. You can enjoy rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and the FlowRider surf simulator on either ship. They also have similar pools, gyms, and spas.  

Freedom of the Seas has been recently renovated and now features the Perfect Storm water slides and a new kids’ area called Splashaway Bay. Freedom of th Seas is popular Royal Caribbean ship for babies and toddlers.

Liberty of the Seas hasn’t been renovated, but it has the Tidal Wave boomerang slide. Despite these differences, both ships offer great entertainment including Broadway-style shows, live music, and various bars and lounges for relaxing in the evening.

Both ships provide excellent service and similar travel routes. Your choice may depend on specific features you want, your budget, or available sailing dates. In the end, both ships offer fantastic Royal Caribbean experiences with their own unique perks. 

FAQs – Freedom of the Seas Vs Liberty of the Seas