Royal Caribbean
Freedom of the Seas
- Cruises
- 64
- From
- $358
Ship comparison
Freedom of the Seas vs Independence of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Independence of the Seas
- Cruises
- 48
- From
- $406
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Freedom of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,634 passengers, in service since 2006. Independence of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,634 passengers, in service since 2008.
Choose Freedom of the Seas if you want a more family-friendly ship or a more romantic trip: it outscores Independence of the Seas for family friendly (10.0 vs 6.5) and romantic (6.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Independence of the Seas does not lead by a clear margin on any measure we track, so pick it for its itinerary or its dates.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Freedom of the Seas | Independence of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2006 | 2008 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2018 | 2018 |
| Gross tonnage | 154,407 | 160,000 |
| Passengers | 3,634 | 3,634 |
| Crew | 1,360 | 1,360 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.7 | 2.7 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 42.5 | 44.0 (better) |
| Decks | 18 | 18 |
| Length | 1,112 ft | 1,112 ft |
| Beam | 184 ft | 184 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 64 | 48 |
| Upcoming sailings | 93 | 80 |
| Cruise lengths | 2–12 nights | 4–10 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $358 (better) | $406 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Freedom of the Seas leads on 3 of the ten, Independence of the Seas on 2, with 5 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Royal Caribbean
Freedom of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas features several maritime innovations to stir your imagination. Share a high five with Shrek as part of the DreamWorks Experience. Catch a first-run movie in the 3D theater or poolside under the stars on the outdoor movie screen.
Highlights
- Meeting Shrek as part of the DreamWorks Experience
- Shopping on the Royal Promenade
- Ice skating in the onboard ice skating rink
- Sipping delicious wines at Vintages wine bar
Sailing now
64 cruises on sale, from $358.
About Freedom of the Seas Plan my cruise on Freedom of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Independence of the Seas
Meet Independence of the Seas, packed with a long list of onboard activities typical of Royal Caribbean's Freedom class of ships. Highlights include the FlowRider surf simulator, a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, cantilevered whirlpools, Royal Promenade, mini golf course, and more.
Highlights
- Relaxing spa treatments at Vitality Spa
- Four pools in adults-only Solarium
- 30 types of cupcakes from the Cupcake Cupboard
- Broadway-style entertainment in the Main Theater
Sailing now
48 cruises on sale, from $406.
About Independence of the Seas Plan my cruise on Independence of the Seas
Questions
Freedom of the Seas or Independence of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Freedom of the Seas or Independence of the Seas?
Independence of the Seas is bigger at 160,000 gross tons, against 154,407 gross tons for Freedom of the Seas. Freedom of the Seas carries 3,634 passengers and Independence of the Seas carries 3,634.
Which ship is newer, Freedom of the Seas or Independence of the Seas?
Independence of the Seas is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2008 against 2006 for Freedom of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Independence of the Seas, with 44.0 gross tons per passenger against 42.5 on Freedom of the Seas. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
They are level, with one crew member for every 2.7 passengers.
Which is better for families?
Freedom of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10, against 6.5 for Independence of the Seas.
Still deciding?
Tell us what matters and we will match the sailing
Send your dates, budget and who is travelling, and our partner travel agency will come back to you about Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas or a ship that suits you better.