Royal Caribbean
Independence of the Seas
- Cruises
- 48
- From
- $406
Ship comparison
Independence of the Seas vs Navigator of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Navigator of the Seas
- Cruises
- 28
- From
- $267
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Independence of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,634 passengers, in service since 2008. Navigator of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 2002.
Choose Independence of the Seas if you want more culture or a newer ship: it outscores Navigator of the Seas for cultural (6.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2008 (vs 2002).
Choose Navigator of the Seas if you want a more family-friendly ship or a lower starting fare: it outscores Independence of the Seas for family friendly (8.0 vs 6.5) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $267 (vs $406).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Independence of the Seas | Navigator of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2008 (better) | 2002 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2018 | 2019 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 160,000 | 138,000 |
| Passengers | 3,634 | 3,114 |
| Crew | 1,360 | 1,185 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.7 | 2.6 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 44.0 | 44.3 (better) |
| Decks | 18 | 15 |
| Length | 1,112 ft | 1,020 ft |
| Beam | 184 ft | 157 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 48 | 28 |
| Upcoming sailings | 80 | 112 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–10 nights | 2–17 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $406 | $267 (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 4 of the ten, Navigator of the Seas on 1, with 5 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
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
Royal Caribbean
Navigator of the Seas
As the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class, the 3,114-passenger Navigator of the Seas has plenty to offer. Refurbished in 2019, the ship features the longest waterslide at sea, a revamped pool area, new nightlife venues and updated dining options. The best way to enjoy this ship is to take advantage of the amenities.
Highlights
- Duty-free shopping on the Royal Promenade
- Recreational facilities such as the ice-skating rink and rock-climbing wall
- More than 100 treatments at Vitality Spa
- Solarium pool, an adults-only retreat
Sailing now
28 cruises on sale, from $267.
About Navigator of the Seas Plan my cruise on Navigator of the Seas
Questions
Independence of the Seas or Navigator of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Independence of the Seas or Navigator of the Seas?
Independence of the Seas is bigger at 160,000 gross tons, against 138,000 gross tons for Navigator of the Seas. Independence of the Seas carries 3,634 passengers and Navigator of the Seas carries 3,114.
Which ship is newer, Independence of the Seas or Navigator of the Seas?
Independence of the Seas is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2008 against 2002 for Navigator of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Navigator of the Seas, with 44.3 gross tons per passenger against 44.0 on Independence of the Seas. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Navigator of the Seas, with one crew member for every 2.6 passengers against one for every 2.7 on Independence of the Seas.
Which is better for families?
Navigator 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.
Still deciding?
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