Anthem of the Seas, a newer Quantum Class ship from 2015, offers a more technologically advanced cruise experience with cutting-edge amenities like "Wow Band" technology and modern entertainment options. The ship accommodates 4,180 passengers across 168,666 gross tons, making it approximately 8% larger than Liberty with contemporary styling and high-tech features. Despite carrying more passengers, Anthem maintains excellent service levels with its larger crew of around 1,500 members. This ship appeals to cruisers seeking innovation, modern design, and state-of-the-art onboard experiences.
Liberty of the Seas, built in 2007 and renovated in 2016, provides a more traditional Royal Caribbean experience with classic charm and family-friendly features like The Perfect Storm waterslide trio. With 3,798 passenger capacity and a wider beam design, Liberty offers slightly more space per passenger (~41 GT vs ~40 GT), creating a less crowded feel despite being smaller overall. The ship features 17 restaurants with 9 included dining options and emphasizes traditional cruise amenities over high-tech innovations. Liberty is ideal for cruisers who prefer classic Royal Caribbean style, more spacious layouts, and time-tested onboard activities.
Specialty Dining Options
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Complimentary Dining Options
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Amenities
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Frequenty Asked Questions
Which Ship is Bigger: Anthem of the Seas vs Liberty of the Seas?
Anthem of the Seas takes the crown here, though not by a huge margin. This Quantum Class vessel weighs in at 168,666 gross tons compared to Liberty's 154,407 gross tons – that's roughly 8% larger. Anthem also stretches longer at 1,141 feet versus Liberty's 1,112 feet.
Here's where it gets interesting though. Liberty of the Seas is actually wider at 185 feet compared to Anthem's 136 feet. This extra width means Liberty feels more spacious per passenger, with about 41 gross tons per person versus Anthem's 40. It's one of those quirky maritime math situations where bigger doesn't always mean roomier.
What's the Age Difference Between These Ships?
Liberty of the Seas launched in 2007, making it eight years older than Anthem of the Seas, which debuted in 2015. But don't write off Liberty just because it's older – Royal Caribbean gave it a significant renovation in 2016 that added some pretty cool features.
The age difference does show in the overall design philosophy. Anthem represents Royal Caribbean's newer thinking with cutting-edge technology and modern aesthetics. Liberty has that classic cruise ship charm with tried-and-true features that many cruisers absolutely love.
How Do Passenger Capacities Compare?
Anthem of the Seas can handle 4,180 passengers at double occupancy, while Liberty of the Seas maxes out at 3,798. That's about 380 more people on Anthem, which might sound crowded, but both ships maintain similar crew-to-passenger ratios.
Anthem carries around 1,500 crew members compared to Liberty's 1,360, so service levels stay pretty consistent between the two. The real difference is in how that space gets used and how the crowds flow through different areas.
What Makes the Onboard Experience Different?
Anthem of the Seas: High-Tech and Modern
Anthem brings Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class innovations to the table. You'll find high-tech amenities like the "Wow Band" that handles everything from room access to onboard purchases. The ship features more contemporary entertainment options and often hosts unique experiences like Puzzle Break events.
The overall vibe is sleek and modern, with entertainment venues that feel more like upscale urban experiences than traditional cruise ship activities.
Liberty of the Seas: Classic Charm with Modern Upgrades
Liberty offers that traditional Royal Caribbean feel that many cruise veterans cherish. The 2016 renovation added The Perfect Storm waterslide trio, giving families some serious fun without losing the ship's classic character.
With 17 restaurants (9 included in your fare), Liberty provides plenty of dining variety while maintaining that familiar cruise ship atmosphere many people expect and love.
Which Ship Offers Better Value and Experience?
This really depends on what you're after. Anthem of the Seas works best if you want the latest and greatest technology, don't mind larger crowds, and prefer contemporary styling. The newer ship design means everything feels fresh and cutting-edge.
Liberty of the Seas appeals to cruisers who value space, appreciate classic cruise ship design, and want modern amenities without sacrificing that traditional feel. The extra width creates a less crowded atmosphere, even though it carries fewer passengers.
Both ships deliver excellent Royal Caribbean service standards, but the experience feels different. Anthem leans futuristic while Liberty stays comfortably familiar with smart upgrades.
How Do Itineraries and Departure Ports Compare?
Anthem of the Seas often sails from Cape Liberty, offering some pretty spectacular moments like passing under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The ship tends to focus on contemporary cruise experiences with modern port facilities.
Liberty of the Seas operates from various ports and typically offers more traditional cruise itineraries. The ship's design works well for different types of cruising, from Caribbean sun-seekers to families wanting classic cruise memories.
The choice between ports might actually influence your decision more than the ships themselves, depending on what's convenient for your travel plans.