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Ship comparison

Independence of the Seas vs Liberty of the Seas

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Independence of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,634 passengers, in service since 2008. Liberty of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,634 passengers, in service since 2007.

Choose Independence of the Seas if you want a more active cruise: it outscores Liberty of the Seas for active (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Choose Liberty of the Seas if you want a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Independence of the Seas for family friendly (8.0 vs 6.5) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Side by side

Specifications

marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.

Independence of the SeasLiberty of the Seas
Cruise line Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2008 (better) 2007
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted 2018 (better) 2015
Gross tonnage 160,000 154,407
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 44.0 (better) 42.5
Decks 18 18
Length 1,112 ft 1,112 ft
Beam 184 ft 184 ft
Speed 26 mph 25 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 8 / 10 8 / 10
Cruises on sale 45 26
Upcoming sailings 75 140
Cruise lengths 4 to 9 nights 4 to 15 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $363 $349 (better)

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Independence of the Seas leads on 5 of the ten, Liberty of the Seas on 1, with 4 level.

  • Active Independence of the Seas: 8.0 Liberty of the Seas: 7.0
  • Adventure & nature Independence of the Seas: 4.0 Liberty of the Seas: 4.0
  • Cultural Independence of the Seas: 6.0 Liberty of the Seas: 6.0
  • Dining Independence of the Seas: 6.0 Liberty of the Seas: 6.0
  • Entertainment Independence of the Seas: 8.3 Liberty of the Seas: 7.8
  • Family friendly Independence of the Seas: 6.5 Liberty of the Seas: 8.0
  • Party Independence of the Seas: 6.5 Liberty of the Seas: 6.0
  • Romantic Independence of the Seas: 4.0 Liberty of the Seas: 4.0
  • Spa & fitness Independence of the Seas: 8.5 Liberty of the Seas: 8.0
  • Staterooms Independence of the Seas: 8.0 Liberty of the Seas: 7.5

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

45 cruises on sale, from $363.

Royal Caribbean

Liberty of the Seas

Liberty of the Seas is packed with experiences found in all of Royal Caribbean's Freedom class of ships, as well as new offerings created to stir your imagination. Share a high five with Shrek as part of The DreamWorks Experience.

Highlights

  • 30 different cupcakes at the Cupcake Cupboard
  • Shooting some hopes in the onsite basketball court
  • Gaming at the Vegas-style Casino Royale
  • Complimentary ice-skating shows

Sailing now

26 cruises on sale, from $349.

Questions

Independence of the Seas or Liberty of the Seas?

Which is bigger, Independence of the Seas or Liberty of the Seas?

Independence of the Seas is bigger at 160,000 gross tons, against 154,407 gross tons for Liberty of the Seas. Independence of the Seas carries 3,634 passengers and Liberty of the Seas carries 3,634.

Which ship is newer, Independence of the Seas or Liberty of the Seas?

Independence of the Seas is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2008 against 2007 for Liberty of the Seas.

Which has more space per passenger?

Independence of the Seas, with 44.0 gross tons per passenger against 42.5 on Liberty 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?

Liberty of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 6.5 for Independence of the Seas.

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