Royal Caribbean Blog

The cruise industry is always growing, welcoming new, innovative, and mind-blowing ships like Legend of the Seas. However, does that mean you should avoid older vessels?

Recently, I sailed aboard Liberty of the Seas on a five-night cruise to Germany and Belgium from Southampton, England. Although she isn't the oldest in the Royal Caribbean fleet, she's a far cry from the record-breaking Oasis and Icon Class ships that dominate the cruise line's marketing strategy. 

Still, after spending five nights onboard, I came away impressed by just how much Liberty has to offer. Thanks to a recent Royal Amplification, the ship feels refreshed with new dining venues, updated public spaces, and new original productions.

That said, sailing on an older ship comes with a few trade-offs. While Liberty of the Seas offers many of the features that make newer Royal Caribbean ships so popular, there are also areas where her age is noticeable, such as her dated staterooms. 

In this article, I'll dive into what it's really like to sail on this older ship, exploring 10 things I liked and disliked about Liberty of the Seas — and why, despite her shortcomings, she offers one of the best values in the fleet. 

#1. I loved the new Western-themed ice skating show. 

During her Royal Amplification, Royal Caribbean replaced the Encore! An Ice Spectacular skating show in Studio B with Boots and Blades. As someone who isn't a fan of country music, I didn't think I'd like this production. 

And while the Western theme may not have been my first choice, Boots and Blades was a pleasant surprise and easily one of the highlights of my Liberty of the Seas cruise. 

The choreography, for example, was especially impressive — the lifts, spins, and tricks kept my attention throughout the 45-minute show, with the skaters making the difficult moves look a little bit too easy. 

I also thought that the costumes were a lot of fun, from the hobby horses to the sparkly getups. Even the sets felt a little more immersive than other ice shows that rely more on technology. At one point, one of the skaters hopped on a mechanical bull! 

#2. I disliked my outdated cruise room.

Wanting to keep our cruise costs low after a pricey pre-cruise visit to London, England, my fiancée and I booked the cheapest available cabin, a standard interior stateroom, aboard Liberty of the Seas.

Knowing that Liberty is a 19-year-old cruise ship, we knew that the cabin would feel dated. However, this was still a disappointment considering that the vessel had just completed its highly anticipated Royal Amplification. 

Many public areas received a facelift, including the pool deck. The cabins, unfortunately, remained largely untouched. For example, the couch in my inside stateroom looked worn, and the cabinets were chipped. Plus, there was a noticeable lack of charging options. 

In the end, it wasn't the worst cruise cabin I've ever stayed in, but it was a far cry from the more modern and luxurious rooms found on ships like Icon and Utopia of the Seas. 

#3. I loved the revamped pool deck. 

Unlike the staterooms, Liberty's pool deck got a much-needed refresh. In line with other Royal Amplified vessels and newer ships, the pool deck now features bright décor, creating a resort-like atmosphere.

The transformation turned decks 11 and 12 into a destination, rather than just a place to cool off on a hot day at sea. For starters, there are two Lime & Coconut Bars, each serving up the signature Lime & Coconut drink, along with other tropical beverages. 

Royal Caribbean brought its highly-rated El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca to the pool deck, too. This gives guests easy access to grab-and-go Mexican fare, like nachos, burritos, and quesadillas — at no extra cost! 

For those who don't want to battle the annoying chair hogs, casitas were also added to the pool deck. These shaded, private lounging areas are available to rent for the day, both in port and at sea, and provide a more relaxing retreat. That said, they don't come cheap, and Liberty has plenty of complimentary seating available, even if it is a short walk from the pools. 

#4. I disliked that Royal Caribbean removed the complimentary sauna and steam room. 

One of my biggest complaints about Liberty is that Royal Caribbean seemed to prioritize revenue-generating additions, like specialty restaurants and new stateroom categories, over refreshing the ship's existing features.

For example, the spa's complimentary sauna and steam rooms were removed to make way for new cabins on Deck 11. The new locker room is extremely tiny, with just two toilet stalls. 

I was looking forward to using the sauna, especially since access is a paid perk on newer ships with thermal spas. For example, my thermal spa pass on Utopia of the Seas cost $99 per person for a three-night sailing. 

#5. I loved the ship's European flair.

Because this was a European cruise out of England, the onboard atmosphere felt noticeably different from a typical Caribbean sailing, with a more international mix of passengers. 

However, beyond the clientele, Royal Caribbean made a few subtle changes to better cater to the European market. For example, the Rock Brit Street Party paid homage to famous British musicians, playing hits like "Revolution," "Levitating," and "Rock DJ."

The food options were tailored to the European market, too. Café Promenade, for example, frequently had a scone filled with berries and cream. Although it was far from the scones I had at high tea in London, it was a nice touch that I don't typically see on Caribbean or Bahamian sailings.

Even the bears in the classic car in the Promenade were sporting fun United Kingdom flag-inspired outfits. 

#6. I disliked the slow service in the dining room.

The service in the dining room was undoubtedly slow. One night, we had to ask our servers multiple times for a bread basket, and drink refills seemed nearly impossible. 

Normally, I choose My Time Dining. However, for this sailing, I decided to try traditional dining with a set table and assigned servers. Meals regularly stretched longer than expected, and the service felt less attentive than what I've experienced on other Royal Caribbean cruises.

The food was great, but the overall dining experience would have been much better with faster and more consistent service. As such, it left a sour taste in my mouth for traditional dining.

#7. I loved all the quiet lounge areas. 

Liberty of the Seas isn't packed from bow to stern with adrenaline-pumping activities like Oasis or Icon of the Seas — and that's one of my favorite things about the ship. 

Although there is an escape room, a FlowRider surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, waterslides, a mini-golf course, and more, the ship strikes a nice balance between constant stimulation and built-in downtime. 

There are plenty of tucked-away spots throughout the ship where you can relax with a drink, read a book, or simply enjoy the ocean views. My go-tos were the nooks near the aft elevator banks, the outdoor seating behind the FlowRider, and the Viking Crown Lounge.  

#8. I disliked that there wasn't a Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. 

As mentioned earlier, Royal Caribbean has been focused on adding more revenue-generating spaces, from specialty restaurants to cabins and casinos. 

On Liberty of the Seas, Casino Royale on Deck 4 was expanded to feature more table games and slot machines than before, replacing the former photo gallery area near Boleros. 

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. 

Even worse, the expanded casino means that there was no room to add Playmakers, which has been a major disappointment to many frequent cruisers — myself included. I mean, you can seriously never go wrong with a campfire cookie for dessert!

#9. I loved the non-smoking casino. 

When I heard that Liberty was getting an expanded Casino Royale, I assumed that part of the casino would be non-smoking, while the original part would remain smoking. 

To my surprise, the entire casino aboard Liberty of the Seas was non-smoking during my sailing. Personally, I thought it was a great change — though my partner was a little frustrated she couldn't vape while cutting through the ship. 

Still, the space felt cleaner and more comfortable, and I appreciated how smoke wasn't drifting into popular spaces like Boleros or the Schooner Bar. 

#10. I disliked the long lines. 

Finally, we encountered some annoying lines on Liberty of the Seas, whether for a slice of pizza or an ice cream cone on the pool deck. Disembarkation in Southampton was hectic with just one gangway, too. 

The worst, however, was the seemingly constant line at Café Promenade for specialty coffee. Starbucks rarely had a wait, but that's because Diamond vouchers and drink packages don't work there. 

To avoid the crowd also trying to get their morning caffeine fix, we quickly learned that going earlier was better. As such, we'd often make our way to Deck 5 no later than 8:00 a.m., getting our specialty lattes in seconds. 

Is Liberty of the Seas a good cruise ship?

Overall, my fiancée and I were pleasantly surprised with our experience on Liberty of the Seas. Still, even with the recent Royal Amplification, she shows her age in many areas. 

The staterooms, in particular, are in dire need of attention, and I think it would have been smarter for the cruise line to allocate some funds toward the cabins versus more casino space or new accommodations. 

That said, in terms of value, Liberty of the Seas remains a strong option. She delivers a fun onboard atmosphere, solid dining options, and good entertainment at a competitive price point compared to newer, larger vessels. 

Although Liberty isn't the flashiest ship in the fleet, she offers a memorable cruise experience — if you go in with realistic expectations. For example, if you understand that some areas feel dated, rather than expecting modern cabins or the latest technology, you can have a great time aboard Liberty of the Seas. 

Royal Caribbean brought back Legend of the Seas, but it's nothing like the original.

The first Legend of the Seas launched in 1995. With a gross tonnage of less than 70,000 and a passenger capacity of around 2,000, the Vision Class ship was a far cry from the massive Icon Class vessel that carries the same name.

That said, she was pretty revolutionary at the time. Highlights included a rock climbing wall, a mini-golf course, an elegant atrium, two pools, a theater, and a fitness center. 

(Credit: Soma Biswas)

Moreover, she's considered one of the most well-traveled ships in the fleet, having offered voyages to places like Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the South Pacific, Alaska, Central America, the Caribbean, the Baltic, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. 

In June 2016, it was announced that Legend of the Seas had been sold to Thomson Cruises (now Marella Cruises), with the vessel departing Royal Caribbean's fleet in March 2017. 

(Credit: Singaporevideo)

That said, the original Legend of the Seas is still sailing under a different name. Today, she continues operating as Marella Discovery 2. 

Marella Discovery is another Vision Class ship that was transferred from Royal Caribbean's fleet to Marella Cruises. She began her career sailing as Splendour of the Seas in 1996, eventually leaving the fleet in 2016.

(Credit: 臺灣賞船人Taiwan Ships Watchers)

Royal Caribbean's newest ship, also named Legend of the Seas, set sail on a special invite-only journey on June 29, 2026, ahead of her maiden voyage on July 4. 

Reusing ship names isn't unheard of in the industry. In fact, cruise lines like Holland America Line and Princess Cruises have revived names across multiple generations of ships, including MS Noordam and Sun Princess.

(Credit: Nathan Foley)

That said, it's the first time Royal Caribbean has reused the name of one of its former vessels. More than 30 years after the original vessel debuted, the Legend of the Seas name has returned aboard one of the world's largest and most technologically advanced cruise ships. 

Coming in at 248,663 gross tons with a passenger capacity of over 5,600, Legend of the Seas ranks among the largest cruise ships ever built, joining her Icon Class sisters, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, at the top of the list.

In fact, she's more than three and a half times larger than the original Legend of the Seas, when measuring by gross tonnage, and can accommodate nearly three times as many guests. 

The size isn't the only thing that showcases just how dramatically Royal Caribbean's ships have evolved since the mid-1990s — it's also the amenities. 

On Legend of the Seas, you'll find everything from a rubber duck-themed carousel to an indoor AquaTheater, train car specialty restaurant, multi-deck casino, Ultimate Family Townhouse suite, upgraded Pearl, expansive Central Park neighborhood, and so, so, SO much more. 

Guests, for instance, can take advantage of more than 40 places to eat and drink, ranging from the complimentary Main Dining Room to the AquaDome Marketplace, El Loco Fresh, Chops Grille, Hooked Seafood, and Izumi Sushi and Hibachi. 

Legend of the Seas boasts an impressive lineup of attractions, ensuring that there's more than enough to keep busy on a six-, seven-, or eight-night cruise.

The record-breaking Category 6 waterpark is one of my favorite Icon Class features. However, there are also multiple pools and hot tubs, a surf simulator, sports court, mini-golf course, rock climbing wall, escape room, an ice skating rink, Crown's Edge ropes course/zip line hybrid, and dedicated youth spaces for every age group.

On a similar note, even spaces designated for relaxation have been elevated compared to older Royal Caribbean ships.

The AquaDome on Deck 15 combines panoramic ocean views with dining (Hooked Seafood and the Aquadome Marketplace), entertainment (AquaTheater), and relaxing nooks. 

Back in the 90s, however, the Viking Crown Lounge was one of Royal Caribbean's most recognizable design elements.

With its panoramic views and elevated position high atop the ship, it offered guests a low-key place to relax, enjoy a drink, listen to music, and take in the scenery. In other words, it was much less of a multi-purpose space compared to today's AquaDome. 

(Credit: Cruise Passenger)

The accommodations are another area where the differences between the original and new Legend of the Seas are really noticeable. 

In the 90s, the stateroom experience wasn't as important as it is today. As such, the original Legend of the Seas offered traditional layouts and fewer categories compared to its modern successor. 

(Credit: Tim Pixsson, PIXSSON photo)

On today's Legend, for example, there are over two dozen different types of cruise rooms, ranging from tiny inside cabins to lavish suites and even interior-facing balconies. 

Comparatively, the original Legend of the Seas placed a greater emphasis on windowless interior and ocean-view staterooms, rather than the variety of balcony categories common today. 

I can't forget to mention entertainment! When the original Legend of the Seas was built, the scale of the ship's entertainment offerings was nowhere near what passengers experience today.

For example, on today's Legend, you'll find everything from high-diving shows with synchronized swimmers and acrobatic performers to ice skating shows and even a Broadway-style production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in the Royal Theater. 

(Credit: Adrian The Cruise and Travel Guy)

All of that to say, the two ships may share a name, but they represent completely different eras of cruising.

Modern-day cruisers often expect the ship to be a destination in and of itself, packed with restaurants, entertainment, attractions, and unique experiences designed to keep guests busy all day long. 

(Credit: Aaron Hall)

On the flip side, the original Legend of the Seas was built to transport cruisers to various regions across the world, offering a more simplistic onboard experience. 

Royal Caribbean's new immersive restaurant might be the most fun dining experience I've had in a long time.

Available on the new Legend of the Seas ship, Royal Railway Legend Station is a new offering of a restaurant they debuted a few short years ago. This new version is smoother, offers higher quality cuisine, and delivers the kind of meal you'll be talking about for a long time.

When Royal Caribbean invited me to try it on a preview sailing of the new ship, I was eager to see how this experience would measure up.  I had experienced the Wild West show on Utopia of the Seas and even went to an early test preview at Miami Headquarters. 

When you combine great food, technology, and entertainment, you get what might be the best elevated dinner experience that encapsulates everything Royal Caribbean wants in everything on its ships: a terrific memory maker.

After taking in every minute of the 90 minute meal, here's what my experience at Royal Railway was like.

Disclosure: Royal Caribbean invited me to sail on Legend of the Seas and dine at Royal Railway for no cost. I purchased separately Royal Railway on another upcoming sailing that I paid for on my own.

Royal Railway is a dinner show that looks like you're on a train

Located on the Royal Promenade, you'll find what appears to be a train station and this is all part of the story telling at Royal Railway.

Unlike traditional specialty restaurants on cruise ships that offer a specific type of cuisine, there's show and technology that aims to transport you to a different time and place.

It costs extra to dine at the Royal Railway, which should be booked before the cruise begins via the Royal Caribbean app. Yes, printed tickets are delivered to your cabin that you need to bring with you.

About 30 minutes prior to your train time, you can enter the station. This is where I already started getting impressed.

You walk onto a station platform that looks and sounds like a real train station. There's even a bar that has cocktails you can order for your ride.

The level of detail on the platform alone sets the tone for why Royal Railway is so impressive.

When it's time for your train (dinner and show), a conductor will call for everyone to board.

I was impressed by the variety and flavor of each course

Each train car has a table for two or four, where the full menu is waiting.

The story behind Royal Railway is you're following the Silk Routes that Marco Polo took on his journey back from the Orient to Europe.

Each region your train visits along his famous path represents a course of food and cuisine. Most of the food is served family style, but the main entree (Turkey) is ordered individually.

There's food from Persia, India, Turkey, China, and Italy.  Other than Turkey, all the food are small bites that are meant to be shared. All the food from Italy and China are served to each person as a sampling platter.

Before we talk about the show, I think the food should be recognized for being sophisticated, yet palate pleasing.  You don't have to be a foodie to enjoy eating here, as there's lots to choose from.  There's even a kids menu that anyone can ask for!

I was so impressed by the Silk Routes food, to the point I would go back just for the food options.

The original Royal Railway on Utopia of the Seas had a more family-focused menu and its food was good, but didn't wow me. The Silk Routes menu is a significant step up in variety and flavor.

Your journey begins in China, where a trio of appetizers are served to each person.

The Wood Ear Mushroom Spring Roll had such great flavor, and I was pleasantly surprised how much better it was than your average spring roll.

The Hoisin Duck Egg Rolls sounded strange (I don't ever order duck), but I really enjoyed it.

Moving to India, a platter of food is served for your table to share. 

I love Indian food so much, so this was the highlight of my meal. As someone that has eaten a lot of Indian on Royal Caribbean ships, this is not your garden variety Windjammer curry.

While Indian food might be somewhat polarizing, I think the flavors and spice level are quite balanced for novice tastes.  Nothing was overly spicy, but it retained plenty of flavor. Stick with the Butter Chicken and Potato Chop if you're new to Indian food.

In Persia, a palate cleanser is served to prepare you for your entree.

It's a tasty sorbet that was more like pre-dessert than anything, so I enjoyed it!

In Turkey, your entrees are served and we went with the two kebabs.  One is a beef kebab and the other an Impossible (vegan) kebab. 

Very similar flavor profiles for both, and I ate every bite.  This is when I started hitting my food limit because I had eaten everything from the Indian serving earlier.

At dessert, there's another sampler provided for everyone. 

Our table's favorite was the Stracciatella Gelato, but my wife really liked the Raspberry Bombolini.

This is the best use of technology on a cruise ship

What elevates Royal Railway beyond just another cruise ship specialty restaurant is the train experience.

Through the use of technology, it looks and feels like you're riding on a train.

As your train pulls out of the station, the windows open and you have a digital view of the places Marco Polo visited. The rumble of the tracks is felt in subtle vibrations in your seat.  The car itself gently moves to simulate movement.

In addition to following Marco Polo's route, each region you visit will celebrate a festival. Holi in India, Chinese New Year, and Hot Air Balloon Festival in Turkey, for example.

Each second of the ride has something else to see outside the window and what you see on one side is different than what's on the other side.

It's a convincing simulation, while your conductor hosts stops in periodically to narrate and explain the significance of the region, Polo's experience there, and what the food you're being served represents.

Silk Routes solves for most of the issues with the first restaurant

One major improvement with Silk Routes is the pacing and story telling is much better. There's more storytelling on Utopia, which felt like interruptions to a dinner meal many times.

I think there's a much better balance of show, food, and story this time around.

I loved my meal and show, but I recognize there are two possible problems with Royal Railway for some guests.

While the menu has a good deal of variety, it's not as familiar food as you might find in the Main Dining Room or a specialty restaurant like Chops Grille. 

My kids are very picky eaters, and would probably eat less than half the food served. 

The other issue is cost, because Royal Railway isn't cheap. For an upcoming sailings, the cost of one person is $165 (slightly cheaper for kids).  That's over $500 for dinner for four people.

Of course, this isn't your typical specialty restaurant and there's much more that comes with your dinner than just different food. Royal Caribbean calls it a real memory making experience.  Not once-in-a-lifetime, but certainly the kind of meal you might book to try and use it for a special evening.

Dinner you won't forget

As someone that's always looking for experiences that stand out as being unlike anything I can do anywhere else, this hits that target squarely in the center. There's no way you won't dine at Royal Railway and not come home and tell your friends about it.

Moreover, it's not just about it looking like a train. The show element is very well done, but the food stands out on its own as something I wish I could get more of separately.

Royal Caribbean's CEO revealed that one popular cruise destination could become year-round in the near future. 

While the cruise line is synonymous with epic Caribbean vacations, it also operates around the globe, including Alaska, Europe, South America, Hawaii, Mexico, and more.  

During a Q&A session on the newly launched Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley hinted that the company is working to better curate sailings for the Australian market, particularly when it comes to the Royal Beach Club Lelepa.

"There [are] a lot of differences [and] nuances between [the] Australian consumer and an American consumer. And we're creating that experience. So we think [the Royal Beach Club Lelepa is] going to really tick the box for the Australian market," Bayley said. 

He added that the company's intention is to grow the region's market, especially because they're proud of the work that's gone into developing Royal Beach Club Lelepa. 

"It's [an] exceptionally beautiful destination, and we're building something which is really in harmony with the environment. And it's going to be a really special place," Bayley stated. 

Lelepa is a long-time project that's going to really break ground in July

Royal Beach Club Lelepa will be the first cruise destination in the South Pacific, and Royal Caribbean is targeting October 2027 for the first guests to visit the private club.

During the Q&A session aboard the Legend, Royal Caribbean executives confirmed that a major milestone for the long-awaited project is upcoming in July.

Unfortunately, executives shared few additional details, leaving cruise fans in the dark as to what they can expect as development moves forward.

That said, we have an idea of the amenities available at the Royal Beach Club Lelepa. 

Located on the northwest side of Vanuatu, just northeast of Australia, the Royal Beach Club Lelepa will feature two stunning beaches, the family-friendly East Beach and "adventure-primed" West Beach, along with an adults-only area for passengers 18+.

Additionally, a specially crafted lineup of food and drinks will be available — all included at no extra charge. 

Speaking of what's included, unlike other Royal Beach Clubs (i.e., Paradise Island and Santorini), entrance to Royal Beach Club Lelepa will be included in your cruise fare.

This means you won't have to budget for a curated private island day, with everything from admission to tender transportation, lounge chairs, umbrellas, beach games, restrooms, food, and more included. 

Of note, there won't be Wi-Fi at the Royal Beach Club Lelepa, and unlike some of Royal Caribbean's other private destinations, guests won't find sprawling freshwater pools.

What ships sail to Australia?

Royal Caribbean cruise ships sail from Brisbane and Sydney, Australia, from October to April. Beginning in late 2027 and continuing into 2028, Anthem of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas will be based in the region. 

Anthem is a Quantum Class ship that launched in 2015 and comes in at 168,666 gross tons, while Voyager is a Voyager Class ship that hit the high seas in 1999. She's slightly smaller than Anthem, measuring around 137,000 gross tons.

According to Bayley, Royal Caribbean isn't planning on sending its upcoming Discovery Class ships to Australia. Rather, they will be deployed in regions like Alaska, Europe, and Asia. 

"Discovery Class is a class for Royal Caribbean. It is a class by its name that will go to Asia; it will go to Alaska; it will go to [Europe]," he said aboard Legend of the Seas. 

Royal Caribbean's CEO revealed where the new Discovery Class ships are likely to sail.

While the cruise line is still being tight lipped on just about every detail, it's becoming clearer the Discovery Class ships likely won't be doing traditional Caribbean voyages to the usual places.

Royal Caribbean has ordered two ships so far, with the first one ready to sail sometime in 2029. But beyond that, there hasn't been much additional information divulged.

While sailing on Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley answered a question about this new ship class and gave us a better idea of where these new ships are headed.

A new ship with exotic experiences

Mr. Bayley was keen to not share any significant news about the Discovery Class ships yet, but he elaborated on where they are headed.

There's been rampant speculation as to what Royal Caribbean's plans are for these ships, especially since they won't be as large as the Icon Class ships.

Mr. Bayley specifically called out three parts of the world we will see Discovery Class ships: Asia, Alaska, and Europe.

"Discovery Class is a class for Royal Caribbean. It is a class by its name that will go to Asia, it will go to Alaska, it will go to European itineraries," he said.

"That ship will be specifically designed for those types of more exotic experiences."

Previously, he had only alluded to the fact there would be more exotic destinations. Now we know more precisely which of those markets these ships are headed towards.

In September 2025, he confirmed the ships wouldn't be doing the same routes as the Icon and Oasis Class ships.

Part of that decision to send Discovery on more exotic routes is because of guest feedback, "We've learned about the segment of guests who want to go on these different types of itineraries. And we've packaged and built it into Discovery."

At Wednesday's meeting, he also repeated the fact Discovery Class ships will be able to fit in the Panama Canal, which will allow them to get from one part of the world to the other with less time.

"We'll be able to go through the Panama Canal... which changes access to more exotic destinations."

He explained having to go around South America is a 60 day journey, but going through the Panama Canal reduces that time to just about two weeks. That allows the ship to move around more efficiently.

One more small detail mentioned was these ships are sourcing the best ideas from Royal Caribbean's other ships.

"We've literally taken everything we've learned from all of the classes that have preceded Discovery, including this class, which is, we think, phenomenal class."

When we can expect to hear more details

I know what you're thinking: enough of the speculation, when will Royal Caribbean actually reveal everything about the Discovery Class?

According to Bayley, that should occur in late 2027.

"We'll be super happy to talk about Discovery about typically 18 to 24 months before the ship first sails."

What we know so far

The comments shared today reflect a new ship that is very much still in development, and that's part of why so few details are known.

Royal Caribbean announced they placed an order for two cruise ships earlier this year.

Both are being built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France. The first will debut in 2029 and the second in 2032.

There are options for four additional ships to be built, should the cruise line exercise those options at a later date.

Thanks to filings with the U.S. government, we also have an idea of how big the ships are.

According to Royal Caribbean Group's form 10-Q filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the new ship will have an approximate passenger count (berths) of 4,300.

That's about 1,300 passengers less than the Icon Class ships.

Royal Caribbean created a smarter balcony cabin for families, and it's a great idea.

Legend of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship. Among the additions and changes, including the rubber duck-themed carousel, Hollywoodland Supper Club, and Royal Railway — Legend Station, is a new category of staterooms.

Royal Caribbean introduced the Family Ocean View Balcony (Category FB) on Legend of the Seas. These spacious accommodations measure 285 square feet, with an additional 50-square-foot private balcony.  

Generally speaking, these new cabins are similar to the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony staterooms. However, they have a traditional verandah, replacing the controversial infinite balcony. 

According to the deck plans, Family Ocean View Balcony cabins on Legend of the Seas have space for up to six passengers. Each stateroom includes one Royal King bed (which can be converted into two twin beds), one double sofa bed, and one bunk bed with two twin-size beds.

That's not all, though. Many of the Family Ocean View Balcony cabins are connecting, so you can essentially create a "mini-suite" with significantly more space for families of up to 12. 

However, instead of a connecting door inside the cabins, these cabins feature a shared vestibule with two separate entry doors. The idea is that you can close the outside doors and keep your primary cabin door open or unlocked so you can easily go between them.

As such, if you don't know the family in the other connecting cabin, you don't have to share an interior door inside your stateroom. 

Here's a look at the new family balcony staterooms on Legend of the Seas. 

Legend of the Seas Royal Caribbean Balcony Room: PHOTOS + COST

During Legend of the Seas' preview cruise from Málaga, Spain, Royal Caribbean Blog toured cabin #12716, which is designated as a Family Ocean View Balcony (Category FB). 

Starting off, you're greeted by a long entryway. To the left are the split bathrooms. These innovative bathrooms separate the shower and bathtub from the toilet. 

This makes it easier for families to get ready after a long day ashore by allowing multiple passengers to freshen up without squeezing into one small bathroom.

Another advantage of split bathrooms is that they typically provide more storage space. For example, in cabin #12716, there are six shelves, along with vanity cubbies and two sinks. 

You'll find that Royal Caribbean didn't change much about the beloved Icon Class shower design, so guests can enjoy the spacious layout, glass shower door, and built-in bench. 

Moving on, much of the cabin is similar to standard balconies on Legend of the Seas. 

There's a flat-screen television, an expansive vanity area, two nightstands, and even a large couch that converts into a double bed. 

Being a new cruise ship, there's also no shortage of charging options. The vanity alone has one standard American outlet, one European outlet, and even a USB port. There are also American outlets and USB ports conveniently located by the bedside.

Unfortunately, the storage situation is largely unchanged from other standard Icon Class staterooms. 

While the stateroom offers more living and sleeping space for families, the closet and wire drawer space is on the limited side, especially considering that these rooms can accommodate up to six guests.

Of course, one of the highlights of this cabin is the balcony. Royal Caribbean's Icon Class was the first ship in the fleet (excluding Celebrity Cruises) to introduce Infinite Balconies. 

Although some praise their flexibility and spacious living areas, they remain controversial, with critics claiming they're nothing more than a glorified ocean-view stateroom. 

On both Icon and Star of the Seas, there were no standard Family Ocean View Balcony (FB) cabins. Instead, those who wanted ocean views had to book the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony (IB). 

Legend of the Seas changes that by offering larger families a traditional balcony experience. Instead of the Infinite Balcony setup, the Family Ocean View Balcony features a true outdoor verandah where guests can step outside and enjoy the fresh ocean air. 

The private 50-square-foot balcony comes with two outdoor chairs and a small table, giving families a dedicated place to relax and watch the scenery. This is especially important during the cruise ship's European season, when she'll visit bucket list ports like Barcelona, Spain, and La Spezia, Italy.

That said, perhaps the best part about this specific cruise room is the private bunk bed nook. 

The innovative bunk space gives kids their own area while giving the rest of the family a little more privacy. Here, you'll find two twin-size beds, each with its own flat-screen television!

Additionally, the top bunk bed has a privacy curtain, and there are tons of smart storage solutions scattered throughout the area. 

For example, there are deep shelves built into the staircase, and there are a few drawers below the bottom bunk. Moreover, there's a narrow shelf above the top bunk that provides a convenient spot to keep a tablet, phone, or other small items. 

I don't know about you, but this setup is way more exciting than a standard pullman bed, and I would have loved sleeping here as a child!

So, how much do these staterooms cost? Although they aren't designated as suites, you'll still pay a pretty penny compared to standard balconies and interior cabins on Legend of the Seas. 

For example, a Family Ocean View Balcony (Category FB) on Legend of the Seas' July 18, 2027, sailing from Barcelona starts at $9,054.60 for a family of four, breaking down to around $2,263 per person. 

Comparatively, a standard guarantee (GTY) ocean view balcony costs $7,094.60. The roughly $2,000 price difference is significant, especially considering that European excursions are often more expensive than Caribbean alternatives. 

Not only that, but families also have to factor in airfare, which can add a substantial amount to the overall cost of the vacation. 

The price difference is noticeable on Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale, too. On the eight-night Southern Caribbean voyage departing on December 11, 2027, a Family Ocean View Balcony starts at $9,639.92 for a family of four. 

On the flip side, a standard GTY ocean view balcony on the same sailing comes in at around $6,199.92, or $1,550 per person. 

For some travelers, the added space and extra sleeping arrangements may easily justify the higher cost, particularly for larger families. Others, however, may find a standard balcony cabin to be the better value for a Legend of the Seas cruise.

While Legend of the Seas might not be that different from Royal Caribbean's other Icon Class ships, it does a few things differently and it's a win.

No matter how many cruise ships Royal Caribbean builds, each new one comes with a few tweaks and adjustments.  New shows and specialty dining are always going to be different, but other changes also get included.

I've scoured the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship for everything on Legend of the Seas that is new or updated to see which ones truly stand out as being better than we saw before.

I think it's great that even if this is the third Icon ship, it's not a carbon copy of the ones that came before it. It keeps things fresh, even if they didn't remove the screechy wire baskets in the staterooms yet.

Here are 6 improvements Royal Caribbean made on Legend of the Seas that are better than Icon or Star of the Seas.

The Pearl is what we always wanted from it

As soon as you board Legend of the Seas, you will instantly notice The Pearl here is very different from what you've seen on other ships.

Inside it's brighter, more colorful, and animated.  It's stunning, and I dare you not to walk in front of it and not take a photo or selfie.

Earlier versions of The Pearl were impressive, but this one is on another level because of how beautiful it's interior is.  I think this version is the vision for this space all along, but it took a few iterations (and time) to get it right.

I remember there was a lot of hype for The Pearl when it first opened on Icon of the Seas, but now we have a version of it that lives up to it.

Expanding the casino to two decks is a big win

There is a two-deck casino, which adds an additional non-smoking section to deck 3. 

The lower level isn't as large as the main floor, but it does add quite a lot of new slot machines and tables.

There's a staircase in the middle that goes between both decks of the casino and a new casino bar at the base of the stairs. It reminds me of the stairs that lead to the casino on the Freedom and Voyager Class ships.

Royal Caribbean has prioritized more gambling space over the last few years, and in the case of Legend, the expanded casino replaces the ship's conference center.

Considering how popular Casino Royale has become in recent years, more slots and tables means less competing for them among fellow passengers.

Unlike the expanded casinos on the Oasis Class, this new area is connected to the main area so it feels less disjointed and you don't have to play the game of "I wonder if the other section is less crowded".

The rubber ducks carousel is undeniably cute

I never expected the new carousel design in Surfside to be as adorable as it turned out to be when a rubber duck themed design was revealed.

Everything in Surfside is meant to be for kids, but I can appreciate the carousel here has a cutesy look that fits so perfectly in.

In fact, Royal Caribbean has gone all-in with the rubber ducks on cruise ships idea with this new ship. The carousel embodies it, and there are plenty of duck shopping opportunities around the ship.

Each rubber duck on the carousel has a name and a backstory to it.  It's going to be a challenge for children, when given the choice, of which they want to ride first because inevitably I think they will have favorites.

As an adult, I might not be as infatuated with each individual duck. But I do recognize this carousel is a step-up from the previous versions because there's clearly been more thought in how to make this one stand out.

Removing the comedy club is a miss, but Royal Railway looks incredible

I think every cruise ship should have a comedy club, however, there's no question Royal Railway is a very impressive replacement.

Royal Caribbean sought to build an immersive experience that makes you feel like you're dining on a classic train. Now it really looks and feels like you've stepped onto a real train station with cars ready to whisk you away.

I was blown away by the platform design, both in size and scope. There's even a bar on the platform, which I'm told will be open to all guests to stop by and enjoy drinks there.

I have yet to experience dinner onboard (look for my review later this week), but there's no doubt the Product Design folks went all out to make you think you're really on a train. 

There are so many little details, including some very creative newspaper clippings near the bar. As a fan of quality design, I love how this new space really does make it feel like you've stepped from cruise ship to train station.

The crystal blocks are such a smart idea

Royal Caribbean shared a fun idea for their loyal members that reach a loyalty milestone while sailing on Legend of the Seas.

After getting 140 Crown and Anchor Society points, you're eligible for a crystal block gift.  You'll get another every 70 points thereafter.

For Legend of the Seas, someone at headquarters got creative because there's a limited-edition Legend of the Seas Inaugural Season Crystal Block.

It features the all-new Legend of the Seas on the front and the original Legend on the back. It's a wonderful homage to the legacy of this ship's name, and I think loyal cruisers will appreciate the connection to Royal Caribbean's past.

There are so many more shops with things you might actually buy

I'll admit I usually breeze past most shops on a cruise ship because they're more or less the same, but they've re-thought some of the retail spaces on Legend.

While there will always be fine jewelry shops on cruise ships, I think Royal Caribbean rethought some of its shopping spaces to be more practical. I think people on a cruise vacation are more likely to be inclined to buy a fun souvenir than an expensive one.

Instead of Royal Bling, there's now a Sol & Sea shop that has more everyday clothing to purchase. In Surfside, there are shops with fun souvenirs to browse.

On the Royal Promenade, you'll find Jellycats, blind boxes, Funko collectibles and more.  If you don't know, these are really popular among kids and collectors alike.

Oversold cruise ships aren't totally unheard of in the industry. 

Although not as common as oversold flights, cruise lines occasionally accept more bookings than a ship can accommodate because they know some guests will cancel due to last-minute travel changes.

For example, Royal Caribbean recently oversold two Alaska cruises aboard Voyager of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas. The Last Frontier is an extremely popular cruise destination with limited capacity, and demand far exceeds the number of available cabins during peak sailing seasons. They also oversold a Fourth of July sailing out of Florida aboard Freedom of the Seas. 

When a cruise is overbooked, the cruise line starts by reaching out to affected guests before embarkation, offering lucrative options such as generous compensation, future cruise credits, or alternative sailings to those willing to adjust their plans. 

Fortunately, most cruisers never experience this issue, though some actually hope they do because of the tempting perks. Still, the news headlines of overbooked cruises can be scary for those with strict travel plans and little wiggle room. 

Here's exactly what happens when a cruise ship gets overbooked — and why cruise lines oversell itineraries to begin with. 

Look for volunteers and offer generous incentives to change plans

In the weeks leading up to any cruise, Royal Caribbean monitors its bookings as part of its inventory management process. If it comes across a potential issue, the cruise line proactively reaches out to remedy the situation. 

For example, guests sailing on the July 16, 2026, Serenade of the Seas cruise received an email asking select cruisers if they'd consider rebooking a different voyage. 

However, as you might notice, the company did not use the words "oversold" or "overbooked." Rather, they were looking for passengers with "flexible travel arrangements."

(Credit: Marie Paulette / Facebook)

"Ahead of our Serenade of the Seas July 19, 2026, sailing, we are looking to see if you and your travel party have flexible travel arrangements. If your plans are set in stone, please mark this email as "Read" , and gear up for your upcoming adventure - although, there are some pretty sweet options below," the email reads. 

Royal Caribbean offered passengers the ability to transfer their booking to another 2026 sailing aboard Ovation of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, or Voyager of the Seas at no additional cost. 

In addition, guests would receive a full refund of the paid cruise fare, a 50% Future Cruise Credit (FCC), and reimbursement of any non-refundable, pre-purchased travel expenses. 

The second option stated that passengers could cancel their booking and receive a 100% refund, along with a 100% FCC to be used on a future Royal Caribbean voyage. 

Royal Caribbean also oversold a cruise on Voyager of the Seas. Like the overbooked Serenade of the Seas cruise, those sailing aboard Voyager were given the option to move to a different sailing aboard Serenade, Anthem, or Voyager of the Seas and receive a full refund of the paid cruise fare. 

Unlike the Serenade of the Seas sailing, however, Royal Caribbean did not offer an additional FCC to Voyager passengers who chose to cancel their upcoming cruise. 

(Credit: Jennifer Seitz / Facebook)

The only way to get an FCC in this case would be to fully cancel their upcoming Voyager of the Seas cruise. Those who accept this option would receive a 100% refund, along with a 100% FCC to be used on a future Royal Caribbean sailing. 

Finally, according to published coverage on Cruise Blog, the cruise line also oversold a Bahamian voyage aboard Freedom of the Seas over the Fourth of July, departing from Miami, Florida, on July 2, 2026. 

Guests were given the option to move to the July 16, 2026, Freedom cruise for a full refund of their cruise fare, excluding taxes. If passengers choose to sail in a similar stateroom category, no additional compensation will be provided.

(Credit: Dan PK / Cruise Blog)

However, if they choose a lower category cabin, they can receive a $300 non-refundable onboard credit per stateroom. Royal Caribbean will also reimburse for any non-refundable, pre-purchased travel expenses.

Passengers were also given the option to cancel their booking for a full refund and an FCC equal to 100% of their paid fare. Non-refundable, pre-purchased travel expenses will be reimbursed by the cruise line, too.

The idea behind these last-minute offers is to find people booked on the cruise who might sail frequently and can change their plans because they have multiple vacations scheduled. For these passengers, missing one sailing may not be as disruptive to their schedule, especially if the compensation offered makes it worthwhile.

Royal Caribbean is also searching for opportunistic deal hunters who wouldn't mind delaying their trip or switching ships for a refund and FCC. Of course, the exact compensation offered will depend on the situation, so don't take these examples aboard Freedom, Serenade, Voyager of the Seas to be the only scenarios you could encounter in an overbooked cruise email. 

Do cruisers ever get denied boarding because of an overbooked sailing?

Thankfully, it is extremely rare for a cruise to be oversold and have passengers denied boarding, but it has happened. 

In December 2023, a few people booked on Quantum of the Seas from Australia encountered a situation where they were unable to board after the ship reached capacity and ran out of available cabins, USA TODAY reported. 

According to the news article, Jai Raynor and his wife, Kaitlyn, were denied boarding for the eight-night South Pacific cruise. They had booked a guarantee (or GTY) cabin for around $1,900. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will let you now pay $30 to find out your guaranteed cruise cabin sooner

Normally, GTY cabins allow the cruise line to assign passengers a room closer to the sailing date, often in exchange for a lower fare. Rarely, however, does the number of guests booked exceed the number of available cabins. 

"Unfortunately, efforts to accommodate all those who wished to sail fell short for a group of our guests, and some were unable to sail as planned," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told USA TODAY.

"We take these disruptions seriously, and we apologize for the inconvenience this has caused," they added.

In the end, Raynor and the other impacted sailors were given a full refund, along with an FCC worth their entire paid fare and complimentary Deluxe Beverage Packages. 

Why do cruise lines oversell sailings to begin with?

Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President, Sales & Trade Relations, talked about why cruise lines oversell cabins during a Q&A session aboard Ovation of the Seas in 2025. 

"Because of such high demand, we have been selling a lot more guarantees because travel partners said, 'Please have a lower price point,'" Freed explained.

Billy Hirsch, owner and founder of CruiseHabit, told Royal Caribbean Blog that overselling cruise cabins is actually a practical business approach since data shows that there are people who either cancel at the last minute or don't show up on embarkation day.

"Even if a sailing is totally booked weeks out, there will almost always be some number of guests who cancel at the last minute or fail to show up. Trying to fill cabins at the last minute is risky and can harm price integrity," Hirsch said.

As such, cruise lines will make an educated prediction, based on years of data, of how many empty staterooms they'll likely have ahead of any given sailing and sell that many extra cabins ahead of time.

Freed continued, saying, "Occasionally, we don't get the wash or the cancellations on the guarantees, and we are in an oversold situation." 

To be clear, Royal Caribbean prefers to avoid oversold sailings whenever possible. However, the cruise line also has to balance demand to keep its ships sailing as full as possible. As Freed said, "We're not trying to do an oversold situation. That's not our goal. But we have to make sure that our ships are sailing at full capacity."

According to Freed, there's a certain methodology that helps them choose which guests to reach out to when they realize a sailing is overbooked. Factors include whether passengers live near the cruise port, whether they have flight arrangements, and their ages.

"We'll just kind of say, do you think these people are flexible? And then we do offer them quite beautiful compensation to kind of go on to a different sailing with a nice upgrade," she adds.

"Usually forecasts work out, but when they don't, if those offers are so good that people are happy to accept them, then everyone leaves the port feeling good — whether on the ship or in a cab," Hirsch concluded. 

Is Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas the right cruise ship for your next vacation?

I previously sailed aboard this Freedom Class ship in 2023. However, I wanted to get back on board to see whether the changes during her highly anticipated Royal Amplification improved the experience. 

This dry dock added new amenities, such as the Lime & Coconut Bar, Izumi Sushi and Hibachi, and even a unique ice skating show that can't be found on any other ship in the fleet. 

I embarked on a five-night voyage aboard Liberty of the Seas from Southampton, England, to Hamburg, Germany, and Zeebrugge, Belgium. The sailing gave me enough time to experience the ship's venues and updates, entertainment offerings, and overall atmosphere — and in the end, I wish it had been a longer cruise!

Here's what my cruise on the Liberty of the Seas ship was like and whether you should rush to book a sailing on this Freedom Class ship or not. 

About Liberty of the Seas

Debuting in 2007, Liberty of the Seas was the second Freedom Class cruise ship to enter Royal Caribbean's fleet. At one point, she was among the biggest cruise ships in the world, but that title has since been awarded to Oasis and Icon Class vessels like Utopia of the Seas and Star of the Seas. 

Still, despite not being the largest cruise ship in the world, Liberty of the Seas has a lot to offer guests. There's more than enough to keep passengers busy — ranging from the resort-style pool deck to the adults-only Solarium, retail shops, unique shows, FlowRider surf simulator, waterslides, complimentary poolside movies, and more. 

Here's a full list of the features and amenities available aboard Liberty of the Seas:

• Adventure Ocean
• Social040
• Casino Royale
• Perfect Storm waterslides (Cyclone and Typhoon)
• Tidal Wave waterslide
• Jogging track
• Library
• Mini-golf course
• Outdoor moving screen
• Multiple pools and hot tubs
• Adults-only Solarium
• Royal Escape Room
• Platinum Theater
• Skylight Chapel
• Sports Court
• Studio B ice rink
• Vitality Spa
• Fitness center

According to the cruise line, Liberty of the Seas measures 154,407 gross tons and can accommodate 3,948 guests at double occupancy. She's home to over 1,350 international crew members and comes in at 1,112 feet long. 

Although she's spending summer 2026 in Europe, sailing from Southampton to bucket list destinations like Portugal, Norway, and Denmark, Liberty will relocate to Galveston, Texas, in October, where she'll offer Western Caribbean voyages through at least April 2028. 

Cruise embarkation

My fiancée and I flew to London, England, six days before our scheduled embarkation for a pre-cruise vacation. We arrived on time and had a great time exploring London, visiting iconic attractions like the Tower of London and eating our way through Borough Market. 

Before we knew it, it was time to order an Uber from our pre-cruise hotel and make our way to the London Waterloo train station. Since Southampton isn't as close to central London, we decided to take the train since it was more affordable than hiring a private car. 

The journey was straightforward and relatively affordable, coming in at around $65 for two people. Plus, the two-hour-long ride gave us a much-needed opportunity to relax after five busy days sightseeing in London. The train also had complimentary Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat. 

After arriving in Southampton, we opted to hire a taxi to take us to the terminal. Although it is within walking distance, we had too much luggage and preferred the ease of being dropped off steps from the building's entrance. It was affordable, coming in at less than $10 for both of us and our massive suitcases. 

After arriving, we ran into a few hiccups at the Southampton cruise terminal. The first delay we had was waiting in the long line to obtain luggage tags. However, those who pre-printed them quickly dropped off their bags and made their way inside. As such, we could have avoided this delay if we had printed our tags at our pre-cruise hotel in London. 

We ran into another small issue when the check-in agent escorted us to another port employee to verify our credit card information for our SeaPass accounts. This was unexpected since I had already completed the online check-in and entered the payment details before arriving in Southampton. 

Even with the short delays, we were on board in around thirty minutes and eager to begin our cruise to Germany and Belgium, starting with a quick stop at our cabin to drop off our carry-on bags.

Liberty of the Seas interior cabin

Since we splurged during our pre-cruise visit to London, my fiancée and I decided to book the cheapest available cabin aboard Liberty of the Seas: a Category 4V Inside Stateroom. The fare came to $1,497.84, or $748.92 per person, including gratuities. 

Since we didn't spend extra on a balcony cabin, we didn't have a strict budget for our port days, opting to book museum tickets and cooking classes, rather than aimlessly walking around.

Our 162-square-foot cabin was located on Deck 7 in the aft (or back) of the ship. The location ended up being perfect for us since it wasn't far from an elevator bank. As such, we could easily get to popular dining venues like Café Promenade and the Windjammer buffet on Deck 11. 

Overall, the layout was typical for an outdated Freedom Class cabin, with one Royal King bed (that could have been split into two twin beds), a vanity, dresser, closet, safe, mini-fridge, television, an ensuite bathroom, two nightstands, a full-length mirror, and a decent-sized couch. 

Having sailed on Liberty before, I wasn't surprised by the lack of charging options, though I wish Royal Caribbean had devoted some time and money to updating the older staterooms during the ship's Royal Amplification in 2026.

In the stateroom, there were just two standard American outlets, along with one European outlet, all located at the vanity. This meant there weren't any convenient bedside charging options. 

Moving on, we agreed that — between the built-in dresser, closet, hidden shelves, and generously-sized nightstands — there was more than enough storage to keep everything organized, and we didn't struggle to fully unpack for our five-night cruise. 

The bathroom was small and, like the rest of the cabin, somewhat dated. However, it was perfectly functional for everyday use, and I loved that there wasn't a clingy shower curtain like on some older Royal Caribbean vessels. 

Another feature I appreciated was the extra-long sink vanity, which gave us lots of space to spread out our makeup and toiletries when getting ready for our port days or freshening up for dinner. 

On the flip side, the shower wasn't my favorite. The shower pressure was pretty weak, and the finicky temperature controls meant it was difficult to find that "perfect" temperature — it was either scalding hot or freezing cold. 

Overall, I'm glad we opted for a cheaper inside cabin on this particular sailing. Because it wasn't a scenic cruise, we didn't spend much time in our room, and shelling out extra money for a balcony would have been a little pointless. 

Food on Liberty of the Seas

Liberty of the Seas offers a lot of dining choices for guests, including some new additions that were introduced during the ship's Royal Amplification in 2026. 

When sailing on Liberty of the Seas, you will find a lot of variety, with each restaurant falling into one of two categories: complimentary or specialty.

Complimentary restaurants are included in your cruise fare, while specialty restaurants cost extra. Aboard Liberty of the Seas, the specialty restaurants have a set cover charge that includes a multi-course meal. 

Here's an overview of the complimentary and specialty dining options aboard Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas ship:

Complimentary dining

• Café Promenade
• El Loco Fresh
• Main Dining Room
• Sorrento's Pizza
• Windjammer Marketplace
• Room service (continental breakfast only)

Specialty dining

• Chef's Table
• Chops Grille
• Giovanni's Table
• Izumi Sushi and Hibachi
• Johnny Rockets
• Starbucks
• Room service 

My fiancée and I primarily stuck with the included options, eating at places like the Windjammer Marketplace, Café Promenade, and Main Dining Room. However, we did splurge on one specialty meal at Izumi Hibachi, which is one of our favorite extra-charge restaurants in the fleet. 

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the food aboard Liberty of the Seas, especially after a disappointing dining experience on Harmony of the Seas in May 2026. 

We ate in the Main Dining Room three times during our five-night sailing, and there were more hits than misses during each meal — which is something I didn't expect going into the experience. Highlights include the chicken and leek pie, goat cheese tart, and spaghetti with marinara sauce. 

Moving on, Izumi Hibachi was fantastic as always. Having dined at the specialty teppanyaki restaurant on multiple ships, ranging from Freedom of the Seas to Icon of the Seas, I can confidently say that it's hard to go wrong with Izumi. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, filet mignon, scallops, chicken, or shrimp, there's something for everyone. 

Plus, the interactive cooking experience adds a fun layer of entertainment to the meal. Royal Caribbean calls this "eatertainment," since you're paying for not only a higher-quality meal, but also a live show. 

We also skipped the dining room the next night in favor of a quick dinner in the buffet, and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. The kung pao chicken was especially tasty, and my fiancée was a huge fan of the chicken patties, along with the vegan brownie. 

Finally, even the fast-casual options were better than recent sailings aboard ships like Harmony of the Seas. For starters, everything at El Loco Fresh actually tasted fresh. Generally speaking, El Loco Fresh isn't my favorite Mexican restaurant at sea, with venues like Carnival's BlueIguana Cantina and Disney's Donald's Cantina preparing more consistent, flavorful dishes. 

That said, El Loco Fresh aboard Liberty of the Seas exceeded my expectations. Perhaps it was the ingredients sourced in Europe, but everything — ranging from the cheese quesadillas to the chili beef and guacamole — was noticeably fresher and more memorable. 

In fact, El Loco Fresh was our go-to spot for sea day lunches, rather than trying to navigate the crowded Windjammer. We walked in once to see what was available, but nothing spoke to us. Instead, we headed back outside to fill up on chips and salsa, quesadillas, and burritos. 

Café Promenade was another constant for us. Not only did we stop by daily for our specialty coffee fix, but it also became our preferred spot for a light breakfast, with fresh fruit, pastries, and other grab-and-go options that were quick to eat. 

Entertainment and activities 

There is no shortage of activities, shows, and events aboard Liberty of the Seas. That said, because it is a mid-sized vessel, the overall environment is more relaxed than on ships like Utopia of the Seas, and it's relatively easy to cross everything off your must-do list on a five, six, or seven-night voyage. 

During our cruise, we made the most of our sea days and evenings, attending the brand-new Western-themed ice show, watching original productions in the theater, and listening to live music in the pub. 

Other shows and events aboard Liberty of the Seas include:

• Bring the Beat Back: A Party Through the Decades
• Latin Fiesta with Son del Rio
• Plunge Day Pool Party
• Rock Brit Street Party
• Royal Kappa Chi
• Anchors Away
• Boots and Blades
• In Concert
• Saturday Night Fever — The Musical
• The Price is Right — Everyone's a Contestant

Although Liberty is an older ship, I'd argue that the entertainment is one of the vessel's selling points. The ice skating show, in particular, was among the best I've seen on Royal Caribbean ships, and I was impressed by the dancing and singing in Saturday Night Fever — The Musical! 

That said, I found the promenade parties to be a little gimmicky. The Rock Brit Street Party was especially cringey, but it seemed to be a hit for many passengers. Perhaps this was because it was the night England played Ghana in the World Cup, though. 

If you are overwhelmed by everything available on Liberty of the Seas, the best place to start is the Cruise Compass. Every Royal Caribbean ship offers a daily Cruise Compass, conveniently available in the mobile app. This feature gives a detailed breakdown of restaurant hours, the activities schedule, and more. 

Speaking of, there are so many fun activities offered on Liberty of the Seas, including:

• Perfect Storm waterslides 
• Tidal Wave waterslide
• FlowRider surf simulator 
• Splashaway Bay 
• Baby Bay
• Rock climbing wall
• Sports court
• Adventure Ocean 
• Mini-golf course
• Social040 
• Casino Royale
• Adults-only Solarium sun deck
• Studio B ice skating rink
• Royal Escape Room

During our sea days, we mainly relaxed in the adults-only Solarium, though the first day was a little chillier than expected. It was a popular spot, and the prime lounge chairs went quickly. This was true even on port days. 

Still, it was a much quieter spot than the main pool deck, which hosted events like dance lessons, outdoor movies, and the ever-popular belly flop contest. As such, we enjoyed lounging in the Solarium pool, catching up on our latest reads, and sipping on crisp beverages — away from the hustle and bustle just a few hundred feet away. 

If you are an avid gambler, you'll love the expanded Casino Royale aboard Liberty of the Seas. Although it isn't the largest in the fleet, it is strictly non-smoking. Overall, I thought there was a good variety of slot machines and table games available. I tried my luck with my $6 FreePlay and won $60, but I lost it all minutes later. 

My Liberty of the Seas review: Is the ship worth it?

I've been on over three dozen cruises, with my first Royal Caribbean cruise being aboard Freedom of the Seas in 2010. Although they aren't as flashy and new as they were two decades ago, there's still a lot to love about Freedom Class ships — Liberty of the Seas included. 

For starters, there are so many included activities. Whether you like relaxing by the pool, working on your surfing skills, playing a friendly game of basketball, or catching an evening show, there's something for everyone. Plus, since she's an older ship, sailing aboard Liberty is much more affordable compared to voyages on vessels like Utopia or Legend of the Seas. 

That said, not everything aboard my Liberty of the Seas cruise was perfect. My fiancée and I thought that the dining room service was slow, and the chair hogging was a bit out of control. The elevators were pretty slow, too, so we ended up taking the stairs more than usual.

Moreover, I wish Royal Caribbean had given the cabins a little more TLC during Liberty's Royal Amplification. Although the cruise line refreshed many of the public spaces, our stateroom showed noticeable signs of wear, including a large stain on the couch, chipped cabinets, and a lack of charging options. 

That said, the overall vibe of Liberty of the Seas was the perfect mix of exciting and relaxing, especially after a lengthy pre-cruise stay in London. 

I loved the new additions, including the Lime & Coconut Bar and Izumi Hibachi. Plus, the entertainment showcases some of the best offerings in the cruise line's fleet. Between the Boots and Blades ice skating show, live music, interactive game shows, and Saturday Night Fever — The Musical production, the evening lineup was always exciting. 

On the final night of the cruise, I wished I had another few days on board and was jealous of those sailing back-to-back on the nine-night voyage to Spain and Portugal!

Despite the issues with the service and outdated stateroom, my fiancée and I had a great time aboard this Freedom Class ship, and the very, very minor shortcomings were outweighed by everything done right — ranging from the new ice skating show to the condition of the vessel and overall value. 

So, all that to say, yes, I'd highly recommend a cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas, whether that's a last-minute European voyage or Caribbean getaway from Galveston, Texas. 

Royal Caribbean is not shy about trying to outdo itself, and it's new cruise ship makes an already successful class even better.

Legend of the Seas is the third Icon Class ship and it welcomed members of the media onboard to get a first look at what's new and different.

One thing you have to know about Royal Caribbean is they are never content with what's been done. New ships are opportunities to evolve what's loved, add more for guests to discover, and improve everything else.

I boarded Legend of the Seas in Malaga, Spain for a short 4-night preview sailing to see what the new world's biggest cruise ship has to offer.

Big and small changes are everywhere

Royal Caribbean has spent years marketing this ship, so some of what's different about Legend of the Seas is well-known. But lots of other tweaks don't make the press release.

The two big areas where Legend differs from Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas are dining and entertainment.

Walking around this brand new ship, Legend is different enough without messing with what has worked so well on the first two ships. It appears more fundamental changes will have to wait for Hero of the Seas.

By far, the new dining is stealing the show even before the ship has welcomed any passengers have stepped on.

The new Hollywoodland Supper Club is an intimate and sophisticated dinner option where guests can enjoy entertainment, paired cocktails and exquisite food.

This restaurant is themed to the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, filled with movie stars and galas. As my mom would say, "music you can hum along to" because it's so well-known.

Perhaps the main attraction is the new Royal Railway restaurant, which is a first for the Icon Class.

This takes the place of the comedy club onboard, and it's a marvel of engineering, story telling, and great food.

One major difference is how much bigger the space is and how it really feels like you're on a train station before you step foot on a classic train.

Silk Routes is a dinner option that matches the route Marco Polo took from the Orient back east, with each course of food matching the region you're traveling in. Butter chicken in India, Adana kebab in Turkey, Raspberry Bombolini in Italy, and more.

Given it's small size, it's a hot ticket and the kind of dining experience you can't find anywhere else.

Legend of the Seas is filled with all new shows at every venue, which is a staple of Royal Caribbean.  

Two new shows headline the lineup.  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is an all-new musical that is shown in the Royal Theater.

Another can't miss show is America's Got Talent LIVE.  

A variety talent show, this is something different for Royal Caribbean, and I can't wait to see the initial performances onboard.

One major differentiating factor to Legend (and all the Icon Class ships) is how focused it is on families.

Not only are there plenty of cabins designed for young families, but there's more for them onboard.

Surfside is an entire area with younger children in mind. It has a splash area, aqua park, and an all-new carousel.

This carousel has the cutest rubber ducks you can ride on, making it endearing for children.

Speaking of kids, there are kids-focused restaurants in Surfside, including a kids buffet, grab-and-go burger and pizza station, and a bar that serves "mommy and me" matching mocktails for kids and cocktails for grownups.

Many parents will appreciate how much larger the casino is on Legend. 

It actually spans two decks, with a beautiful passage within the middle of it.  Royal Caribbean has steadily increased its gaming space across ships, and the casino on Legend has the feel of a land-based resort.

Royal Caribbean also included an homage to the ship's predecessor of the same name.

The original Legend of the Seas ship model can be found in the Schooner Bar, which will instantly stand out for how very different the original is to today's version. 

The Pearl will stop you in your tracks

It's hard not to notice the upgraded visuals of The Pearl as you walk onboard Legend of the Seas.

While this architectural and engineering marvel is impressive on any ship, inside it's a kaleidoscope of colors and movements. It's a bright neon infusion that will make this an absolute must-stop for a selfie every time you pass by.

This is a classic example of how the third ship in a class can stand out from other ships and instantly make the previous ships feel just a little bit dated.

The core of what makes these ships so good is still here

Royal Caribbean knows what works well, and they haven't deviated much from what made Icon of the Seas a game changing success.

There are 8 neighborhoods, including Central Park in the middle of the ship, Thrill Island and its six water slides, indoor AquaTheater, and expansive Royal Promenade.

A ship this large might concern you that it would be difficult to navigate, but I think the Icon Class ships are the easiest to get around.  Not only do the neighborhoods help distinguish different areas so you know where you are, but there are escalators, well-positioned stairs, and the super quick destination elevators.

The ship's food hall is back again, albeit with a new lineup of restaurants.  There are Korean rice bowls, Mexican tacos, and the fan favorite crepes.

This is a great example of something that was brand new to the fleet when it debuted on Icon, but now is the sort of "how did I ever cruise without it" feature.

The Category Six waterpark has six waterslides that have quickly become a must-do for so many people that cruise on these ships.

The first Legend of the Seas sailing begins next week

Legend of the Seas is 248,663 gross tons and can accommodate 5,610 passengers at double occupancy. It's able to hold up to 7,600 passengers. When you add in the 2,350 crew members, it's the very definition of a mega ship.

The maiden voyage will take place on July 4, 2026 when Legend sets sail from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. This will be the first time paying passengers will onboard, and will kick off the ship's summer season in Europe.

The new ship will offer 7-night Western Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona, Spain. Visits will include Marseille, France; Civitavecchia, Italy; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and La Spezia, Italy.

In November, Legend of the Seas will move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she'll offer a series of six- and eight-night cruises to the Western and Southern Caribbean. Each cruise will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Cruises on Legend of the Seas are available to book through April 2028. At the time of publication, an interior stateroom on the Nov. 11 3-night naming cruise starts at $796 per person. If you want to sail longer, there is a 6-night voyage on January 3, 2027 that starts at $1,138 per person in an inside cabin.