Royal Caribbean Darren Wittko Royal Caribbean Darren Wittko

Liberty of the Seas Review and Tips - Royal Caribbean

My best tips for sailing on Liberty of the Seas - Royal Caibbean

Ship Summary

Liberty of the Seas is one a middle-aged cruise ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet. known for its vast array of onboard amenities and activities. Built in 2007 by Royal Caribbean, Liberty of the Seas was the largest cruise ship ever built at the time, joining her sister ship, Freedom of the Seas. She can carry 3,600 guests and 1,360 crew. Shortly after, Independence of the Seas was delivered rounding out the Freedom Class ship category in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.

Liberty of the Seas
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Her last major refurbishment was in 2016 but she missed an important update scheduled for 2020 due to the pandemic.

Liberty is a fine ship, at one the pride and joy of Royal Caribbean’s fleet, but today her staterooms feel a little dated and she has fewer features than her sister ships Freedom and Independence.

For this reason, Liberty usually has bargain fares.


Why It’s Popular

  • Splashaway Bay Aquapark

  • Perfect Storm water slides

  • Ice skating rink

  • One of the few ships that still has Sabour Mexican Restaurant

  • Vitality Spa

  • Priced lower than other Freedom Class ships

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Entertainment

Studio B (Deck 3, midship) is home to "Encore! An Ice Spectacular," which is performed twice on the cruise. You should arrive early to get a good seat, this is one of the most popular shows on the ship

Platinum Theater - Located on Decks 2, 3, and 4 aft. There are usually 2 performances of the show to accommodate early and late dinner seatings in the main dining room.

The popular shows are Broadway’s Saturday Night Fever which will let you step back in time to the days when disco reigned supreme in New York, and In the Air — an awe-inspiring celebration of flight that blends dazzling special effects, fascinating history, and electrifying choreography in one high-flying production.

Throughout the ship, there are various entertainers from piano players, to comedians, and live bands that play everything from jazz to rock and roll.

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Casino Royale - a popular spot at night for adults who want to try their luck at slots, video poker, and table games. I recommend that you Join Club Royale rewards program, you’ll earn points every time you play. If you earn enough play, you’ll likely get offers and invitations to special events and tournaments, VIP seating at shows, priority dining reservations, and even complimentary cruises for two.


Liberty of the Seas Where to Eat for Free

Windjammer Buffet - Pop in during the morning for scrambled egg Bhurji served with roti, or home-style crispy chicken and waffles. Refuel in between adventures with a refreshing watermelon and feta salad or classic fish and chips. Or sample your way from Italy to India with dishes like traditional chicken marsala, savory pork vindaloo, tangy duck a l’Orange, and flavorful Caribbean goat curry.

Main Dining Room - In Liberty of Sea’s Main Dining Room, you can experience a rotating menu of dishes always offering something unexpected. A multi-level restaurant that usually isn’t too crowded compared to Windjammer. You can book My Time Dining - which allows you to show up whenever you like, or a seated time, early or late. I do not recommend My Time Dining because there is often a long line to get in. You can make a reservation for My Time Dining on Day 1, which will help compared to walking up without a one.

Sorrento’s Pizza - Royal Caribbean has spent years perfecting the recipe at Sorrento’s. It’s great pizza! Order a slice or a whole pie, it’s all included at no extra cost to you.

Cafe Promenade - 24-hour coffee shop serving pastries and light sandwiches.

Liberty of the Seas Specialty Dining

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Sabor Modern Mexican - A selection of small plates that include spicy beef empanadas, served with freshly grated tomato and garlic sauce. The fried chile calamari is a popular option. Sabor Modern Mexican lets you choose from a selection of proteins that come wrapped in house-made warm flour and corn tortillas. Go for the shredded beef short rib, spicy chicken, grilled cobia, succulent shrimp, or pulled pork — or mix and match a couple of each. Sabor cannot be found on the newer ships, so it’s great that the fan-favorite is still alive and well on Liberty of the Seas.

Chops Grill - As far as entrees go, the tender filet is one of the most popular items on the menu. If 9 ounces is a bit too much for you, opt for the smaller 6-ounce petite filet — it packs in just as much flavor as the standard cut. If you’re a traditionalist, complement your meal with an order of steaming Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and creamed spinach.

Giovanni’s Table - Every meal at Giovanni’s Table is served family-style. You’ll find all your favorite Old-World classics like traditional risotto finished with porcini and truffle mushroom tapenade, and veal osso buco paired with creamy cheese polenta, ripe tomatoes, and sautéed green beans.


Staterooms on Liberty of the Seas

Rooms come in 4 categories on Liberty of the Seas

  1. Inside - no exterior view

  2. Oceanview - window with exterior view (most are on lower decks)

  3. Balcony - the most popular

  4. Suites - Includes special VIP perks and extra space

Rooms have a slightly dated feel with pastel colors that were popular in the 2000s like the dark green accents on the wall and bed linens.

Bathrooms are small, typical for most cruise ships, and feel a little worn.

Most rooms sleep between 2 and 4 guests and connecting rooms are available.


Pool and Recreation

The pool and recreation options on Liberty of the Seas offer a variety of activities for guests of all ages. The ship features several pools, including an adults-only retreat area, a family-friendly main pool, and a designated splash area for children. Guests can enjoy sunbathing on comfortable lounge chairs or seek shade under umbrellas.

Aside from the pools, Liberty of the Seas offers an array of recreational activities such as rock climbing, mini-golf, sports courts for basketball and volleyball, and a FlowRider surf simulator for those looking to catch some waves. Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the onboard gym facilities, fitness classes, and jogging track.

Whether you prefer lounging by the pool, staying active with sports, or trying your hand at something new like surfing, Liberty of the Seas provides a well-rounded selection of pool and recreation options to enhance your cruise experience.

My Top Ten Things to do on Liberty of the Seas

  1. Movies under the stars poolside

  2. Take in a show at one of the ship’s theaters

  3. Try different restaurants, Liberty is known for great food

  4. Karaoke at the On Air Club

  5. Try your luck at the Casino

  6. Scale the rock climbing wall

  7. Relax in the adults-only Solarium

  8. Let the kids play at Splashway Bay

  9. Enjoy ice skating during open skate hours

  10. Ride Perfect Storm and Tidal Wave water slides


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Royal Caribbean Darren Wittko Royal Caribbean Darren Wittko

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From the Overlook Pods to Casino Royale, you’ll have a night out like never before onboard Icon of the Seas

A night out on Icon of the Seas will be a totally unique experience. Turn up the volume on unforgettable with rockin' set lists. Make it a party for two with starlit sips set to the soundtrack of soulful classics. Or fuel your whole team’s competitive spirit with a rousing round of darts, brews over billiards, and retro arcade classics

Check out Exclusive Offers for Icon of the Seas here

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Thank you so much for being so patient with us. We had a great first cruise. Your advice was spot on especially with the dining package.
— Wendy D. New Brunswick, New Jersey


Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.


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