Liberty of the Seas significantly outsize Jewel of the Seas with 154,400 GT versus 90,090 GT, accommodating nearly double the passengers (3,798-4,960 vs 2,191-2,702). Liberty offers 11 dining venues, multiple waterslides, a Flowrider surf simulator, and H2O Kids Waterpark, making it ideal for families seeking extensive onboard entertainment. Jewel provides a more intimate experience with 8 dining options, rock climbing walls, and adults-only Solarium spaces, built in 2004 as a Radiance-class ship compared to Liberty's 2007 Freedom-class construction. Both ships maintain similar passenger-to-space ratios despite their size differences, ensuring comparable comfort levels per guest.
Jewel of the Seas excels in destination-focused cruising, with its smaller size allowing access to unique ports that larger ships cannot reach. Liberty of the Seas caters to mainstream itineraries with vibrant onboard activities and feels busier due to higher passenger capacity, though it includes quiet zones for relaxation. Choose Jewel for intimate, destination-rich experiences with classic cruise ambiance, or select Liberty for modern amenities, extensive family entertainment, and large-scale dining variety. Both Royal Caribbean ships deliver quality experiences but serve distinctly different cruiser preferences and vacation styles.
Specialty Dining Options
Jewel of the Seas
Liberty of the Seas
Complimentary Dining Options
Jewel of the Seas
Liberty of the Seas
Amenities
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Liberty of the Seas
Frequenty Asked Questions
Which ship is bigger: Jewel of the Seas or Liberty of the Seas?
Liberty of the Seas absolutely dwarfs Jewel of the Seas in size. We're talking about a massive difference here – Liberty weighs in at 154,400 gross tons compared to Jewel's 90,090 tons. That makes Jewel roughly 42% smaller than her Freedom-class sister.
The length difference tells the same story. Liberty stretches an impressive 1,112 feet, while Jewel measures 962 feet. Standing next to each other in port, you'd immediately notice Liberty's commanding presence.
Passenger Capacity Differences
The size gap becomes even more obvious when you look at passenger numbers. Liberty can pack in nearly 4,960 guests when every berth is filled, though she typically sails with around 3,800 passengers. Jewel, on the other hand, maxes out at about 2,700 guests with a typical capacity of 2,191.
This means Liberty carries almost twice as many people as Jewel – something that dramatically affects the onboard atmosphere and energy.
What are the main differences in onboard amenities?
Entertainment and Activities
Liberty of the Seas brings serious firepower when it comes to entertainment. You'll find the FlowRider surf simulator, multiple waterslides including that famous boomerang slide (the first of its kind at sea), and the H2O Kids Waterpark. It's basically a floating theme park.
Jewel takes a more refined approach. She offers classic cruise amenities like rock climbing walls and the adults-only Solarium – perfect for those quiet moments when you want to escape the crowds. The ship feels more like a boutique resort than a massive entertainment complex.
Dining Options
Liberty wins the numbers game with 11 specialty restaurants and 9 bars scattered across her 15 decks. You'll never run out of new places to try, from casual bites to upscale dining experiences.
Jewel keeps things more intimate with 8 dining venues, including gems like Giovanni's Table for authentic Italian cuisine and a proper Teppanyaki restaurant. Sometimes having fewer choices means each option gets more attention to detail.
Which ship offers a better cruise experience?
This question really depends on what makes you happy on vacation.
Choose Liberty of the Seas if you want:
- Non-stop action and entertainment
- Tons of dining variety
- Family-friendly activities that keep kids busy for hours
- That "big ship" energy with something happening around every corner
- Modern amenities (she got major upgrades in 2016 and recent renovations through 2026)
Choose Jewel of the Seas if you prefer:
- A more relaxed, intimate atmosphere
- Better access to unique, smaller ports that big ships can't reach
- Classic cruise elegance without overwhelming crowds
- More space to breathe (similar passenger-to-space ratio but fewer total people)
- Destination-focused cruising rather than ship-focused entertainment
How do the cabin options compare?
Liberty offers way more variety with nearly 1,889 cabins spread across her multiple decks. You'll find everything from interior rooms to sprawling suites, with plenty of balcony options.
Jewel has about 1,097 cabins, which means less variety but also less competition for elevators, popular dining times, and prime pool deck spots. Sometimes smaller really is better.
Which destinations can each ship visit?
Here's where things get interesting. Jewel's smaller size opens doors that Liberty simply can't fit through. She can dock at charming smaller ports and navigate waterways that would be impossible for her massive sister ship.
Liberty sticks to the major cruise ports that can handle her size and passenger volume. You'll visit popular destinations with well-developed cruise infrastructure, which isn't necessarily a bad thing – these ports became popular for good reasons.
What about the overall vibe and atmosphere?
Liberty buzzes with constant energy. There's always something happening, someone to meet, or a new activity starting. It's cruise ship life turned up to eleven. Some people absolutely thrive in this environment.
Jewel offers a more contemplative pace. You can actually find quiet corners, enjoy peaceful moments on deck, and have conversations without competing with water slide screams or poolside DJs. It appeals to cruisers who see the ship as a comfortable way to travel rather than the main attraction.
Both ships deliver the Royal Caribbean quality you'd expect, just wrapped in completely different packages. Your perfect choice depends entirely on whether you want to feel the excitement of being part of something massive or prefer the charm of a more intimate floating resort.