Anyone has been on Liberty or Freedom ships of Royal Caribbean?

Question

How are this new ships?

Answer 1

Freedom was awesome. I am going on Independance in March of 09. The reason why I chose to go on the new ships again is because in your room on the TV they have a map and it tells you exactly how deep the water is under you. I just thought that was the coolest thing ever. I guess you gotta see it lol.

Answer 2

WE went on the Freedom about a year or so ago and its a great ship.  The ships are identical but have different names and color schemes and decor. Both ships are the exact same size, the Freedom was launched in 2006 and we cruised on it in November of that year and it was a great cruise. The Liberty was launched last year and now Royal Caribbean will launch a third identical ship called the Independence of the seas.

The ship holds over 3,000 passengers but we completed boarding in about 30 minutes from the curb to our cabin. It would have gone faster if they had been ready at a couple spots. We were slowed mainly by one person looking at all of the "Set Sail" passes as we entered the terminal. Then they were slow in setting up a second security desk to take security photos for the cruise cards. After that it was a breeze.

I loved the balcony cabin we had. It was roomy and had plenty of space for clothes; bags go under the bed. They announced to us that the beds on the Freedom will be cruise line wide; its was a great pillowtop bed and was very comfortable in comparison to beds on other ships. There was a flat panel HDTV in the room, a safe, and a shower stall with a sliding door. Our room included a love seat and coffee table.

The ship has a mall area down its middle with shops on both sides, including a barber shop, coffee shop, and a place where you can get free food 24/7. That's in addition to the 24/7 free room service. Its like a larger version of RC's  Voyager, Mariner and Adventure of the Seas ships.

The ship has some features that other ships don't have. The rock climbing wall is on many RC ships. But the new "flow rider" is unique to RC's Freedom and Liberty of the Seas ships. It is a place where you can go surfing on a boogie board right on the back of the ship. It works great, although I didn't try it. There is stadium seating for people to watch or sit while awaiting their turn. The ship also has an ice skating rink and during the week there are two days when there is a free ice show that is great, kinda like the Ice Capades. The ship also has a full sized basketball court and mini-golf. It does not have the roller blade track but it certainly has the ice skating.

This ship is great for kids and families with kids. On the pool deck there is one area called the H2O Zone which is essentially a small water park for kids; but us big kids can play there too. It has water cannons, a small lazy river, a pool, and falling water all over. Kids will love it. Then the middle of the ship has another pool where everyone can get wet or use a hot tub. Then up further there is an adults only area called the Solarium with a pool and two hot tubs that extend over the sides of the ship. These tubs are huge, can hold maybe 12 people and you can look over the side of the tub at the ocean.

The ship has THE best gymnasium I have ever seen on a cruise ship. All of the latest equipment, including weight machines, rowers, steppers, treadmills and each has its own TV screen so you can watch TV while you workout. It also has a boxing ring and some other new high tech stuff. Also has steam room and sauna for those who use the gym.

In addition to the ice shows there was a show in the main show room each night. There is a casino and there are bars and lounges all over the ship. There is an internet cafe but I would ship it as it way too expensive and just wait until you get an internet cafe  at the pier that is only $5. for an hour (vs $50 an hour on ship).

The only thing I did not like about the ship was its Windjammer Cafe where everyone goes for breakfast and lunch if they don't go to the main dining room, is too small for everyone and people were walking around looking for a table after they got their food. We decided to just order the free breakfast room service an eat on the balcony.

I like the ship and may go again on it or its twin when i can catch one of their super cheap fares.