Last month, Royal Caribbean completed a massive upgrade that added much-needed changes to Liberty of the Seas. I was lucky enough to sail on this Freedom Class ship to get a first look at what's new on a recent five-night cruise out of Southampton, England.
Liberty of the Seas was supposed to receive her Royal Amplification in 2021. However, it was indefinitely postponed during the cruise industry shutdown.
As such, a lot cruisers ranked Liberty at the bottom of the three-ship class because she lacked many of the modern venues, attractions, and design updates that had already been added to her sister ships.
During her dry dock, Liberty received changes that ensured there were new ways to drink, dine, and relax aboard the 154,407 gross-ton Freedom Class ship.
One of my favorite upgrades has to be the new Boots and Blades ice skating show, and the addition of Izumi Hibachi & Sushi is another welcome upgrade since I love teppanyaki!
Here's a look at the all-new Liberty of the Seas, sailing from Southampton, England, and Galveston, Texas, in 2026.
A new resort-style pool deck
One of the most noticeable changes aboard Liberty of the Seas was the pool deck. During her Royal Amplification, the outdoor space was transformed into a colorful, resort-style escape.
The vessel already had the Perfect Storm waterslide duo and kid-friendly Splashaway Bay. However, the space was brightened up with Caribbean-themed decor and two Lime & Coconut bars.
The Lime & Coconut quickly became a favorite for its selection of fruity, tropical drinks. As such, it has been added to many ships in the fleet, including Navigator of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and now Liberty of the Seas.
Even though the weather sailing from England to Germany was a bit chilly, the Lime & Coconut still proved to be one of the most popular spots on the pool deck.
Poolside tacos, burritos, and more at El Loco Fresh
Sabor Modern Mexican was removed from Liberty and replaced with a different specialty restaurant. That said, cruisers can still find simple Mexican fare at El Loco Fresh, Royal Caribbean’s complimentary Mexican restaurant, on the pool deck.
Located on Deck 11 near the Splashaway Bay area, this convenient grab-and-go dining option has something for everyone, ranging from build-your-own nachos to burritos, quesadillas, and tacos.
There's also a great salsa station where you can customize your meal with a variety of toppings like tomatoes, guacamole, onions, hot salsas, sour cream, and more.
Cantina Fresca is located right beside El Loco Fresh. The colorful bar specializes in Mexican-themed beverages, offering a menu filled with margaritas, palomas, micheladas, and more.
A new Japanese and sushi restaurant was added
According to Royal Caribbean's Vice President of Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, the most popular restaurant in the fleet is Izumi — hence why this sushi and teppanyaki specialty venue was added to Liberty of the Seas.
Izumi took the place of Sabor Modern Mexican on Deck 4 near the Schooner Bar. Although Izumi is an upcharge, it is consistently worth the extra cost for many guests because of its high-quality food and interactive dining experience.
"Izumi is actually the most popular restaurant by volume in the fleet," D'Souza said during a travel agent conference call.
"Especially teppanyaki. It's a really wonderful experience. I think it's a perfect experience while you're on vacation."
Guests can splurge on premium coffee at Starbucks
Initially, the deck plans seemed to suggest that Royal Caribbean was replacing Boleros with a Starbucks. Fortunately, I can confirm that isn't the case, and the popular Latin-themed lounge remains exactly where cruise fans would expect to find it.
That said, Liberty of the Seas did gain a new Starbucks during her amplification. Located on the opposite side of Deck 4, the specialty coffee shop gives guests a convenient place to grab specialty coffees, teas, and pastries during their sailing.
Note, though, that Starbucks is not included in any of Royal Caribbean's drink packages.
There's an expanded casino
Royal Caribbean has been focused on adding more casino space to its fleet. Consequently, Casino Royale on Deck 4 was expanded, featuring more table games and slot machines than before.
This means that you won't find the photo gallery near Boleros anymore. Instead, the shore excursions and Focus gallery were moved and combined on Deck 3, right outside Studio B.
Unfortunately, these changes mean that the On Air Lounge no longer exists. In my opinion, I'm glad Royal Caribbean chose to reshuffle these spaces rather than replace Vintages with a non-smoking casino like on Freedom of the Seas.
Liberty has a new country-themed ice skating show
If I'm honest, Royal Caribbean's ice skating shows aren't always my favorite. Sometimes, the themes are gimmicky, confusing, and underwhelming.
However, Boots and Blades was a pleasant surprise — and that's coming from someone who usually can't stand country music.
The production felt more polished and energetic than other shows, with impressive skating, strong choreography, and fun costumes.
The stunt work was another highlight, especially the skating duo led by the ice captain. Some of the lifts and spins had the audience (myself included) holding their breath!
Considering that Liberty is going to be based in Texas through at least April 2028, the country theme feels like a fitting choice and should definitely be on future cruisers' must-see lists.
More cabins were added
Royal Caribbean added over 35 new cabins to Liberty of the Seas, removing some public spaces to make room for the additional passenger accommodations.
For example, the Conference Center on Deck 2 was replaced with new inside cabins. Additionally, the Card Room on Deck 10 was axed and replaced with multiple new staterooms, including cabins 1343, 1345, 1347, and 1349.
Unfortunately, not much work was done on the existing cabins.
Enhanced Adventure Ocean youth spaces
Royal Caribbean updated its popular Adventure Ocean kids' club to reflect the programming on newer ships, complete with brighter designs and a more modern aesthetic.
AO Juniors is separated from the AO Babies area, ensuring that younger children have spaces designed for their age groups.
The Fuel teen area also became Social040.
There's a new escape room
Finally, Liberty of the Seas got an upgraded escape room during her Royal Amplification.
Now, passengers can test their wits at "Escape U: Art Studio" to solve puzzles and clues to "escape" before time runs out. The entrance is within the Star Lounge on Deck 5 and replaced the Connoisseur Club.
"Gogh beyond the canvas and ace your test to unlock a vibrant surprise and colorful masterpiece," Royal Caribbean says about the escape room.
