Freedom Class vs. Voyager Class

[jam82]

What are the biggest differences between the Freedom Class and the Voyager class? I sailed on the Voyager in 2006 and liked it. I wanted to book a cruise on either the Liberty or the Freedom, but after looking at prices, I'm thinking of considering a Voyager class ship as the prices are so much cheaper. I'm looking at booking either an OS or GS. Any advice on those?

[Ocean Boy]

The Freedom class ships are a stretched version of the Voyager class ships. The Royal Promenade has several extra venues on the Freedom class ships including Sorrentos pizza place and the Get Out Their shop. Their pool deck has an H2O zone for the kids. They have a flowrider aft on the sports deck, the rock wall is a bit taller. The whirlpool in the fitness center is replaced bay a boxing ring. There is no peek-a-boo bridge on the Freedom class ships.

 

Those are the things that come to mind for differences. I really liked Independence but I would have no problem going back to one of the Voyager class ships. The differences are not ones that are very important to me.

[time4me2fly]

Freedom class has:

 

The FlowRider and boxing ring.

 

The promenade has Sorrento's and Cafe Promenade

 

H2O Zone

 

Cantilevered whirlpools

 

Chops and Portofino

 

Boleros

[mistergq]

They are both great ships and I love them both. Freedom class is a larger version of Voyager class. There are differences and Freedom made improvements to the Voyager class. However, you can't go wrong on either ship.

[39august]

Unless you want to do the flow-rider on Freedom class, you'll see very little difference. A newer Voyager class like Navigator or Mariner will have Chops as well as Portofino specialty restaurants, and the Vintages wine bar instead of the sports bar on the Promenade. These features are also on Freedom class. There is a separate pizza place called Sorento's on Freedom class but the pizza is no better than at the Promenade cafe on Voyager class. Staying in a suite, I'd save the money and go Voyager class. I miss the big hot tub in the gym that was replaced by a useless (to me) boxing ring on Freedom class.

[Ocean Boy]

Unless you want to do the flow-rider on Freedom class, you'll see very little difference. A newer Voyager class like Navigator or Mariner will have Chops as well as Portofino specialty restaurants, and the Vintages wine bar instead of the sports bar on the Promenade. These features are also on Freedom class. There is a separate pizza place called Sorento's on Freedom class but the pizza is no better than at the Promenade cafe on Voyager class. Staying in a suite, I'd save the money and go Voyager class. I miss the big hot tub in the gym that was replaced by a useless (to me) boxing ring on Freedom class.

 

You got that right. Moving the location and creating a new name doesn't necessarily equate to a better product!

[time4me2fly]

Voyager

OS 618 sq ft bal 131 sq ft

GS 381 sq ft bal 95 sq ft

 

Freedom

OS 614 sq ft bal 209 sq ft

GS 387 sq ft bal 89 sq ft

 

I loved my sailings on the FOS and LOS, because of the larger promenade and it's fun to watch people on the FlowRider.

 

I don't have a need for such a large stateroom like the OS & GS. Regular balconies and junior suites are fine for me, so I save lots of money by booking them.

 

I'm sure you'll be happy with what ever ship you choose, but I recommend trying the Freedom class at least one time.

[time4me2fly]

You got that right. Moving the location and creating a new name doesn't necessarily equate to a better product!

 

True, but it allows for more seating and people watching from both ends of the promenade.

[jam82]

Thanks so much for all the quick replies. I'd probably look at sailing the Voyager from Galveston (30 minute drive) or the Adventurer out of San Juan (expensive flight, but cool ports). Before I looked at prices, my first choice was the Liberty for an 8 day from Miami or the Freedom out of Port Canaveral. We can probably fly to Florida for free on miles. I can get an OS on the Voyager or the Adventurer for the same price or less as a GS on the Freedom or the Liberty.

 

WWYD?

 

P.S. I also looked at Allure and Oasis but had a hard time getting excited about the itineraries. I'm also a little concerned with the size of the ship.

[Ocean Boy]

Thanks so much for all the quick replies. I'd probably look at sailing the Voyager from Galveston (30 minute drive) or the Adventurer out of San Juan (expensive flight, but cool ports). Before I looked at prices, my first choice was the Liberty for an 8 day from Miami or the Freedom out of Port Canaveral. We can probably fly to Florida for free on miles. I can get an OS on the Voyager or the Adventurer for the same price or less as a GS on the Freedom or the Liberty.

 

WWYD?

 

P.S. I also looked at Allure and Oasis but had a hard time getting excited about the itineraries. I'm also a little concerned with the size of the ship.

 

We did the 8 nighter on Independence this past February. We had a great time on her and I really like the ship. I also really like the 8 nights. That one extra day and night seem to make a big difference in the relaxation department.

 

That being said, I love the southern itineraries and we have done four sailings out of San Juan. As far as I am concerned, it is worth the extra air fare to get there. Ideally, I would love to see a Freedom class ship sailing out of San Juan as I could have my favorite class of ship along with my favorite itineraries. However, as I stated in an earlier post, I would have no problem going back to a Voyager class ship and sailing out of San Juan. You still get a great ship and great ports to go with it.

 

As far as Oasis and Allure go, I think the thing is to get excited about the ships because, I agree, their itineraries do little to get me fired up. As far as the size of the ships go, I can't comment yet as I won't have been on one until this coming February, but I have not read any negative comments from people who have already sailed.

[jjb415]

In addition to what has been mentioned, I would add that the Fitness Center has many more aerobic machines along with a larger free weight area due to the previously mentioned elimination of the Peek-A-Boo Bridge. There is also a better selection of weight machines. The Windjammer is also somewhat larger with a bit more seating to the sides. For Diamond Crown and Anchor members, there is a private Diamond Lounge in place of the 19th hole. There is a permanent karaoke bar area and the casino is larger.