Royal Caribbean
Independence of the Seas
- Cruises
- 48
- From
- $406
Ship comparison
Independence of the Seas vs Voyager of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Voyager of the Seas
- Cruises
- 37
- From
- $249
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Independence of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,634 passengers, in service since 2008. Voyager of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 1999.
Choose Independence of the Seas if you want a newer ship or more of a party: it outscores Voyager of the Seas for party (6.5 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2008 (vs 1999).
Choose Voyager of the Seas if you want a more romantic trip, a more family-friendly ship or more culture: it outscores Independence of the Seas for romantic (6.5 vs 4.0), family friendly (8.5 vs 6.5) and cultural (7.5 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Independence of the Seas | Voyager of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2008 (better) | 1999 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2018 (better) | 2013 |
| Gross tonnage | 160,000 | 137,276 |
| Passengers | 3,634 | 3,114 |
| Crew | 1,360 | 1,176 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.7 | 2.6 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 44.0 | 44.1 (better) |
| Decks | 18 | 15 |
| Length | 1,112 ft | 1,020 ft |
| Beam | 184 ft | 127 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 27 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 48 | 37 |
| Upcoming sailings | 80 | 82 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–10 nights | 2–25 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $406 | $249 (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, Voyager of the Seas on 4, with 2 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
Voyager of the Seas
Voyager of the Seas has several of Royal Caribbean's iconic features for cruise passengers to enjoy. Conquer the rock-climbing wall, or find your adventure on the basketball court, ice-skating rink or mini-golf course. If it's zen you seek, achieve it poolside or at the relaxing Vitality Spa.
Highlights
- Spa treatments at the Vitality Spa
- DreamWorks experience for kids to meet and greet with characters
- Solarium, an adults-only retreat
- Rock-climbing wall and basketball court
Sailing now
37 cruises on sale, from $249.
About Voyager of the Seas Plan my cruise on Voyager of the Seas
Questions
Independence of the Seas or Voyager of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Independence of the Seas or Voyager of the Seas?
Independence of the Seas is bigger at 160,000 gross tons, against 137,276 gross tons for Voyager of the Seas. Independence of the Seas carries 3,634 passengers and Voyager of the Seas carries 3,114.
Which ship is newer, Independence of the Seas or Voyager of the Seas?
Independence of the Seas is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2008 against 1999 for Voyager of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Voyager of the Seas, with 44.1 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?
Voyager 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?
Voyager of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.5 out of 10, against 6.5 for Independence of the Seas.
Still deciding?
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