Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class cruise ships aren't the line's largest or flashiest, but they offer a great value of innovation and comfort for a reasonable price. 

While there aren't as many entertainment and dining options as on Oasis and Icon Class ships, there's a good variety of activities and restaurants, ranging from the three-deck dining room to poolside fish & chips. 

Although Freedom Class ships are no longer the largest in the fleet, they should not be overlooked. Within recent years, Royal Caribbean has invested in upgrading Freedom and Independence of the Seas as part of its Royal Amplified program, adding new features and amenities to the older vessels. 

Liberty of the Seas is set to undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2026, too. 

Considering a cruise on one of Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class ships? Here's everything you need to know before placing your deposit. 

What are the Freedom Class ships?

Royal Caribbean launched three Freedom Class ships between 2006 and 2008:

• Freedom of the Seas (2006)
• Liberty of the Seas (2007)
• Independence of the Seas (2008)

The size of Freedom Class ships ranges from 154,407 gross registered tons (GRT) to 156,271 GRT. Liberty and Independence of the Seas are 1,112 feet long, while Freedom is one foot shorter, coming in at 1,112 feet in length from bow to stern. 

In comparison, Royal Caribbean's Icon Class ships, AKA the world's largest cruise ships, measure just shy of 250,000 GRT and are over 1,190 feet long. 

What is there to do on Freedom Class ships?

Freedom Class ships are known for all the fun activities on the top deck, including cantilevered hot tubs, a FlowRider surf simulator, waterslides, adults-only Solarium, a rock climbing wall, a mini-golf course, Splashaway Bay kids aqua park, a sports court, and, of course, the pools!

Generally speaking, the amenities on the three Freedom Class ships are nearly identical. However, Freedom of the Seas received a new Caribbean-style pool deck in 2020, while Liberty of the Seas is the only cruise ship in the fleet with the Tidal Wave boomerang waterslide. 

Back inside, guests will find Studio B, the cruise line's ice skating rink that transforms into a nightclub once the sun has gone down. It's also home to some of the wildest events on the ship, including the adults-only Crazy Guest game show and Battle of the Sexes. 

In terms of entertainment, the options are more limited than on Oasis and Icon Class ships, which famously have the high diving shows at the AquaTheater. However, between the original production shows, headliner acts, and live music, there’s still no shortage of ways to stay entertained throughout the cruise.

Freedom of the Seas shows

• Royal Theater: "Marquee," "Once Upon a Time"
• Studio B: "Freedom-ice.com"

Liberty of the Seas shows

• Platinum Theater: "Saturday Night Fever — The Musical"
• Studio B: "Encore! An Ice Spectacular"

Independence of the Seas shows

• Royal Theater: "Invitation to Dance," "The Tap Factory"
• Studio B: "Freeze Frame"

Be sure to check the Cruise Compass on the Royal Caribbean app to see when other events, such as parades and dance parties, will take place. 

Additionally, all three Freedom Class ships have Royal Caribbean's award-winning Adventure Ocean youth programming for children, as well as the Royal Babies & Tots nursery program for children between the ages of 6-36 months. The latter has an additional fee, while Adventure Ocean's daytime programming is included in the cruise fare. 

As of November 2025, the late-night Adventure Ocean fee is $15 per hour from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Moreover, the Royal Babies & Tots nursery fees are $9 per hour until 6:00 p.m. and $12 per hour after 6:00 p.m. 

Freedom Class dining

There's no shortage of great dining options on the Freedom Class ships. In addition to the complimentary (included) Main Dining Room and all-you-can-eat Windjammer buffet, there are a variety of specialty (extra-charge) restaurants for guests to enjoy. 

The complimentary restaurants on Freedom Class ships include:

• Main Dining Room
• Sorrento's
• Windjammer Marketplace
• Café Promenade 

The specialty restaurants vary. Although each features the iconic Chops Grille, the rest of the lineup differs by ship. For example, Liberty of the Seas is the only Freedom Class ship with Sabor, a casual Mexican restaurant. However, it is being removed in 2026 as part of the ship's Royal Amplification. 

Here are the specialty restaurants you will find on each Freedom Class ship:

• Chops Grille
• Chef's Table
• Giovanni's Table (Liberty and Independence only)
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen (Freedom only)
• Johnny Rockets
• Sabor (Liberty only)
• Fish & Ships (Independence only)
• Izumi Sushi & Hibachi (Freedom and Independence only)
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade (Freedom and Independence only)

Freedom Class cabins

Freedom Class ships have four categories of staterooms: inside, ocean-view, balcony, and suite. The total number of staterooms varies between 1,899 to 1,963. 

All standard staterooms (i.e., inside, ocean-view, and balcony) have the same basic amenities, including an ensuite bathroom, bed, television, mini-fridge, safe, closet space, and outlets. 

Suites come with more benefits, though the suite program on Freedom Class ships is not as robust as Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships. 

Still, while you may not have access to a private restaurant or Royal Genie, all Royal Caribbean suites (excluding Junior Suites) on Freedom Class ships come with double Crown & Anchor Society points, priority embarkation and disembarkation, access to a dedicated suite lounge, and reserved pool deck seating. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

Liberty of the Seas' Royal Amplification

Liberty of the Seas' long-awaited Royal Amplification is scheduled to take place in late April and May 2026. 

During the ship's dry dock, new features will be added, while some, including Sabor, will be replaced to make way for newer concepts. 

Highlights of Liberty's Royal Amplification include:

• An expanded casino
• Izumi Teppanyaki (R.I.P. Sabor!)
• Starbucks
• Royal Escape Room
• New staterooms
• El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca
• The Lime & Coconut Bar

Read more: Royal Caribbean will upgrade Liberty of the Seas cruise ship with new restaurants, cabins, and more

Where do Freedom Class ships sail?

Because Freedom Class ships are smaller than Oasis and Icon Class vessels, they tend to offer more unique itineraries, particularly around Europe. However, you can also find shorter voyages to The Bahamas — perfect for first-time sailors, family reunions, and birthday celebrations. 

Here's a breakdown of the Freedom Class deployment schedule through April 2028:

Freedom of the Seas deployment schedule

• November 2025 - April 2027: Miami, Florida (The Bahamas and Caribbean)

Liberty of the Seas deployment schedule

• November 2025 - April 2026: Fort Lauderdale, Florida (The Bahamas)
• May 2026 - October 2026: Southampton, England (Europe)
• October 2026 - April 2028: Galveston, Texas (Western Caribbean)

Independence of the Seas deployment schedule

• November 2025 - April 2026: Miami, Florida (Caribbean)
• April 2026 - October 2026: Cape Liberty, New Jersey (Bermuda, Caribbean, and Canada/New England)
• November 2026 - May 2027: Miami, Florida (Caribbean)
• May 2027 - October 2027: Cape Liberty, New Jersey (Bermuda, Caribbean, and Canada/New England)

Who should sail on a Freedom Class ship?

These days, Freedom Class ships remain popular because of the sheer number of activities they offer onboard, as well as their value. Generally speaking, a cruise on a Freedom Class ship will be more affordable than one on an Oasis or Icon Class vessel. 

Since Freedom Class ships are no longer the newest in the Royal Caribbean fleet, the cruise line tends to price them a bit lower than newer and larger ships.

Despite their age, they offer lots to do for all ages, from the sports court to the ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, mini-golf course, world-class dining, and original entertainment. 

Perhaps the biggest drawback of Freedom Class ships is the lack of the Royal Suite Class program. High-end cruisers may prefer sailing on a ship with a more expansive suite offering, as the Royal Suite Class added perks, better amenities, and a more elevated overall experience. 

For example, Freedom Class ships do not have the Coastal Kitchen suite restaurant. Moreover, if you want a Royal Genie, you'll have to pay extra for the service, even if you're staying in the Royal Suite. 

Freedom Class tips and secrets

The best sailaway spot on any cruise ship can be found on Freedom Class ships. Rather than venturing up to the crowded pool deck, go all the way forward on Deck 4 to the helipad. It's quieter, and you'll get amazing panoramic views as the ship pulls away from port. 

Speaking of views, don't overlook the Viking Crown Lounge on Deck 14. Not only are some of the best events of the ship held here (don't sleep on the Silent Disco!), but during the day, you can enjoy a crafted cocktail and take in the sweeping views of the ship, the ocean's horizon, and the port of call.