Independence compared to Freedom and Liberty

[Sharon Sails]

Another Freedom lover here. Cruised Indy last fall, and it seemed more dated to me. Also, I always enjoy the "non-smoking" area of the casino on the Freedom and it has much newer nickel slots and is actually not bad at keeping the smoke from becoming an issue in the non-smoking area. Didn't find that on the Indy - very nasty smoke smell everywhere and old machines. Also the passengers were mostly French-speaking when I cruised, so I didn't get to meet many new people (don't speak French!). So, overall, not as much fun FOR ME on the Indy...

[BillOh]

There's a lot of love for the Freedom class ships. I have been on the Allure twice and having nothing else to compare it to within Royal. Can you tell me why people are big fans of this class? Don't get me wrong I am looking forward to our Liberty cruise. My friend stated that that she also couldn't put her finger on why she preferred Allure over Oasis. I guess it's like comparing ships within the Freedom class.

 

My recent review compared Freedom and Allure quite a bit since they are my two favorites. IMO Freedom gets an edge for a more properly sized Windjammer and a solarium with a swimming pool. Allure has other places to eat, but the WJ is way too small. We spend a lot of time at the Solarium on Freedom and Voyager class ships and like being outdoors and able to swim. Allure and Oasis' solarium feels like its indoors and the "pool" is more of a bird bath so we end up at the beach pool. Love both ships though.

[bouhunter]

They are sister ships under the Freedom Class. They are like 99% similar, the only differences are the interior decor, artwork and shows.

I would agree - 99% similar. I find it amusing the posters who think they can feel a "different vibe" on different ships. We've been on 10 RCCL cruises (7 ships I think) and have never felt any particular "vibe" on any of them. I would not worry about any RCCL ship, let alone the difference between any of the three Freedom class.......just silly to me. But I guess if someone has been on 50 RCCL cruises and is that obsessed with minute details they can create some differences in their mind...........

Edited August 18, 2015 by bouhunter

[MattInFLL]

I definitely have to disagree. Long time cruisers and crewmembers will tell you that each ship has its own personality. Yes since it's a Royal Caribbean ship you will have many of the same features ship to ship, and of course the consistency of the product and what is offered is consistent with the brand. But the personalities still differ. It starts with the captain and senior staff and works its way down. And I've only been on 23 rccl cruises :)

[kimala]

Personally, having been most recently on Allure and THEN Freedom, I can say that the size is perfect (for us.) The Allure was too big, and despite great efforts, you can tell that there are a LOT of people on board. On Freedom, which still holds a great number of passengers, never felt that way to us. There are enough dining options, great activities, and some great staff. (This is of course, all subjective.) But that's why we love the Freedom.

 

Going back in OCTOBER!!!!!

 

When in October will you be on Indy? We are sailing her for the 1st time Oct 18th. We've been on Freedom twice also been on Oasis and Allure...we love the freedom class of ships.

[Charger2008]

We have been on the Freedom and Independence, love them both but I REALLY like that there are no DreamWorks characters on Indy. I prefer to dance during sail away instead of watching characters dance :D

[villager70]

Been on all three, and the one thing I remembered is that the Indy didn,t have the reservation system in place, for ice shows etc. Freedom our favorite. Bob

[Big_G]

Have been on all three and would give Indy the edge for it's 8 night itinerary and the band 'Rock The Boat' but 'Rock The Boat' has moved to Anthem and the itinerary is going 7 days. Edge lost but still a great ship.

[MattInFLL]

See, and on Freedom it really bothered me that everything was 30 minutes earlier (like dinner) and they shut down cafe promenade and sorrentos way earlier than I've seen on other ships. But I'm a late night guy and it's important to me, so freedom is not on my list to repeat. And the passenger mixes and home states are very different on ships out of Port Canaveral than they are out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

 

Ships in the fleet are a lot like people. Some of us get along. Some of us don't :)

[Ocean Boy]

I definitely have to disagree. Long time cruisers and crewmembers will tell you that each ship has its own personality. Yes since it's a Royal Caribbean ship you will have many of the same features ship to ship, and of course the consistency of the product and what is offered is consistent with the brand. But the personalities still differ. It starts with the captain and senior staff and works its way down. And I've only been on 23 rccl cruises :)

 

I agree with you both from my own experience and from talking with plenty of other people.

[parrotfeathers]

Very interesting thread. Liberty was my least favorite cruise. Haven't been on the larger ships, however. Going on Indy November 7.

 

My very favorite was Voyager.