Liberty of the Seas Ship Review
We sailed on Liberty of the Seas before the ship's current refurbishment during a Canada and New England itinerary. As a Freedom-class ship, Liberty shares many of the features we enjoyed on Freedom of the Seas, including its easy-to-navigate layout, spacious public areas, and wide variety of activities. While some venues have since been updated, we found Liberty to be a well-maintained ship that delivered an enjoyable cruise experience. After our upcoming European sailing on the newly amplified Liberty of the Seas, we'll update this review with our latest impressions and any changes made during the refurbishment.
Dining
Dining onboard offered a great mix of complimentary and specialty options. The Main Dining Room consistently provided excellent service and well-prepared meals, while the Windjammer buffet offered plenty of variety for breakfast and lunch.
One of the biggest changes since our sailing is the addition of Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, which has become a popular specialty dining venue. Liberty also replaced the former Sabor Modern Mexican restaurant, bringing the dining lineup more in line with other Royal Caribbean ships. Based on our experiences on other ships with Izumi Hibachi, we're excited to try it during our next sailing.
Cabins
We stayed in a balcony stateroom and were impressed by how much space it offered. There was plenty of storage for clothing, luggage, and other cruise essentials, making it easy to keep the cabin organized throughout the voyage.
The cabin was comfortable, quiet, and featured everything we needed for a relaxing cruise. Even though newer ships have more modern cabin designs, Liberty's accommodations still provide a comfortable home away from home.
Entertainment
Liberty of the Seas offers a variety of entertainment options, including Broadway-style productions, ice skating shows, live music, comedy, and game shows. The ship's entertainment venues provide something for guests of all ages, making it easy to stay entertained throughout the cruise.
We'll be updating this section after experiencing the ship's refreshed entertainment offerings during our upcoming European itinerary.
Juan "thi Piano Hitman" Jade (pictured here) is our all time favorite!
Pools
The pool deck features multiple pools, whirlpools, and the adults-only Solarium, making it easy to find a place to relax. Families can enjoy the main pool area, while adults looking for a quieter atmosphere will appreciate the peaceful setting of the Solarium.
The ship also offers popular outdoor attractions like The Perfect Storm waterslides and the FlowRider surf simulator, providing fun for guests looking for a little more adventure.
Spa
The Vitality Spa offers a relaxing escape from the excitement of the ship. Guests can enjoy massages, facials, salon services, and access to the thermal suite on select sailings. The friendly staff and peaceful atmosphere make it a great place to unwind after a busy day in port or on a sea day.
We'll revisit the spa during our next cruise to see if any updates have been made as part of the ship's refurbishment.
Bars
Liberty of the Seas features a great selection of bars and lounges throughout the ship. Favorites include Boleros for Latin-inspired music, the Schooner Bar for piano entertainment, Vintages Wine Bar, and The Lime & Coconut for tropical drinks by the pool.
One noticeable difference compared to Freedom of the Seas is the absence of Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, which we personally enjoy on other Royal Caribbean ships. Even so, Liberty still offers plenty of excellent places to relax with a drink and enjoy the evening atmosphere.
Pros
- Easy-to-navigate Freedom-class layout.
- Spacious balcony cabins with excellent storage.
- Great mix of complimentary and specialty dining.
- Adults-only Solarium.
- Variety of entertainment and activities.
- New Izumi Hibachi added after refurbishment.
- Excellent value for couples and families.
Cons
- No Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.
- Some public areas may feel more traditional compared to Royal Caribbean's newest ships.
- Certain venues differ from other amplified Freedom-class ships.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Would we sail again? Absolutely. Liberty of the Seas combines the proven Freedom-class experience with updated venues and a welcoming atmosphere. We're excited to sail her again and share how the recent enhancements compare to our original voyage.