If you’re planning a cruise on Liberty of the Seas and wondering what the pools are like after the refit, the main thing to know is that there is more than just one main pool area. And in this Liberty of the Seas Pools Guide I’ll walk you through them all.
On Deck 11, you’ll find the main pool deck, the sports pool, whirlpools, the adults-only Solarium and Splashaway Bay for children. The pool deck is also where the refit is most noticeable, with The Lime & Coconut, updated seating, private casitas and a brighter resort-style feel around the pools.
Then up on Deck 13, you’ll find The Perfect Storm waterslides, including Cyclone, Typhoon and Tidal Wave, with the FlowRider right at the back of the ship.
So although most passengers head straight for the main pool deck, it is worth knowing where the quieter spots, family areas, hot tubs and activity areas are before your first sea day.
Watch My Full Liberty of the Seas Ship Tour
You can also watch my full Liberty of the Seas ship tour below to see the pools, outdoor decks, restaurants, bars, cabins, entertainment venues and refit changes as they look onboard.
How Many Pools Does Liberty of the Seas Have?
Liberty of the Seas has three main pool areas and a water park at sea. The main pool deck is on Deck 11 and includes the main pool, sports pool, whirlpools, Splashaway Bay and The Lime & Coconut.
At the front of Deck 11, you’ll also find the Solarium, which is the adults-only pool and relaxation area. For families, Splashaway Bay is the main children’s water play area, with splash features and shallow water areas.
Then up on Deck 13, Liberty of the Seas has The Perfect Storm waterslide area, with Cyclone, Typhoon and Tidal Wave.Right at the back of the ship also is the FlowRider, Royal Caribbean’s surf simulator.
So while Liberty of the Seas does not have pools spread across lots of different decks in the same way as some newer ships, it does have a lot of outdoor pool and activity areas close together.
Main Pool Area on Deck 11
The main pool area on Liberty of the Seas is on Deck 11, and this is the main daytime hub of the ship. This is where you’ll find the main pool and sports pool. It also has three whirlpools, sun loungers, a towel station, and the new Lime & Coconut bar.
It is also one of the areas where the refit has made the biggest visual difference. The pool deck now feels brighter and more modern than it did before, mainly because The Lime & Coconut has replaced the older pool bar setup. This gives the whole area more of a Caribbean resort-style feel, especially around the central pool deck.
There are also updated seating areas and resort-style furniture around the pool deck. There is also a sea screen above the main pool which shows movies during the day and in the evening
The main pool deck is best if you want atmosphere, music, easy access to bars and food, and the classic Royal Caribbean pool day feel. It’s also where the Sailaway Party is normally held.
But it is not the quietest area onboard. On warm sea days, this is one of the busiest parts of Liberty of the Seas. If you want a sunbed close to the main pools, it is worth getting there earlier rather than leaving it until late morning.
That said, you don’t need to stay right beside the main pools to enjoy the outdoor decks. If the central pool area feels too busy, move up to Deck 12, look around the upper Lime & Coconut area, or go further forward or aft depending on what kind of space you want.
The Lime & Coconut Pool Bar
The Lime & Coconut is one of the most obvious changes on Liberty of the Seas after the refit. It sits around the main pool deck and has both a lower bar on Deck 11 and an upper bar on Deck 12.
The lower area is right in the middle of the pool deck, so it is one of the easiest places to grab a drink during the day. The upper area gives you a raised view over the pools and outdoor spaces below, which can be a better option if you want to stay close to the atmosphere without sitting directly beside the water.
The Lime & Coconut has changed the feel of the pool deck quite a lot. It gives the area a much brighter and more Caribbean-style look than the older setup, and it makes the pool deck feel more in line with other amplified Royal Caribbean ships.
Around this area, you’ll also see some of the newer seating that was added during the refit. There are also private casitas on Deck 12, which are upgraded poolside cabanas that you can hire during the cruise if you want a more private and comfortable place to relax.
Splashaway Bay on Deck 11
Splashaway Bay is the main children’s water play area on Liberty of the Seas and is located towards the aft section of the pool deck on Deck 11 and is one of the key family areas onboard.
Splashaway Bay has slides, a kids pool, shallow splash areas and space for younger children to enjoy the water without needing to use the main pools. This area has not really changed as part of the refit, but it is still an important part of the pool deck. There are also two whirlpools as part of Splashaway Bay as well.
If you are travelling with younger children, Splashaway Bay is likely to be one of the most useful pool deck areas on Liberty of the Seas. It’s close to Sprinkles, El Loco Fresh, Cantina Fresca and the Windjammer, so you do not have to keep moving around the ship for food, drinks or ice cream during the day. It can get busy, but that is because it is one of the easiest family areas to use on the pool deck.
Solarium on Liberty of the Seas
The Solarium is at the front of Deck 11 and is the adults-only pool area on Liberty of the Seas. This is one of the best places onboard if you want something calmer than the main pool deck. The Solarium has its own pool, bar, loungers and seating and is quieter than the main pool deck area.
The standout feature is the pair of large cantilevered hot tubs that sit out over the side of the ship. These are one of the best features of the Solarium because you are sitting out over the edge of the ship with views down towards the sea. They are also covered, so they can be used even when the weather is not perfect.
The Solarium is adults-only, but that does not mean it will always be quiet or empty. On sunny sea days, it can still get busy because a lot of adults head here when they want a calmer alternative to the main pools. But compared with the central pool deck, it usually has a more relaxed feel.
If you want a pool area without the children’s splash zone, music and busier family atmosphere, the Solarium is the best place to start.
The Perfect Storm Waterslides
The Perfect Storm waterslide area is on Deck 13 at the aft of Liberty of the Seas. This is where you’ll find Cyclone, Typhoon and Tidal Wave.
Cyclone and Typhoon are the twin racing waterslides, while Tidal Wave is Royal Caribbean’s boomerang-style waterslide at sea.
Instead of just twisting down like a normal slide, Tidal Wave sends you down, up the wall and then back again, which makes it feel quite different from the racing slides beside it.
Together, these slides give the aft of Deck 13 much more of a waterpark feel than the main pool deck below.
FlowRider on Liberty of the Seas
The FlowRider is right at the back of Deck 13. This is Royal Caribbean’s surf simulator and one of the main outdoor activities on Liberty of the Seas. Even if you don’t plan to take part yourself, it is worth stopping by for a few minutes because there is usually something going on.
Passengers can try surfing or bodyboarding depending on the session, and it is often just as entertaining to watch as it is to take part. The FlowRider is one of the areas that gives Liberty of the Seas its active Royal Caribbean feel. It sits close to the waterslides, sports court and rock climbing wall, so the aft of Deck 13 feels very different from the pool deck below. As with the waterslides, check the daily schedule for opening times.
Hot Tubs and Whirlpools on Liberty of the Seas
Liberty of the Seas has several hot tubs and whirlpools around the pool areas. The most noticeable are the two large cantilevered hot tubs in the Solarium. These are some of the best hot tubs onboard because they sit out over the side of the ship and are covered, so they can be used in different weather conditions.
There are three whirlpools around the main pool area and two more near Splashaway Bay. Like most cruise ship hot tubs, they can get busy, especially on sea days and later in the afternoon.
If you want a quieter experience, try using them early in the morning, during port times, or later in the day when some passengers have gone to dinner or evening activities. The Solarium hot tubs are probably the most interesting ones onboard because of the views, but they are also very popular.
Sunbeds on Liberty of the Seas
Sunbeds are always one of the biggest talking points on cruise ships, and Liberty of the Seas is no different. The main sunbed areas are around the pool deck on Deck 11, the upper pool deck and running track area on Deck 12, the Solarium, and the forward mini golf area on Deck 13.
The most popular loungers are the ones closest to the main pools and the Solarium. On warm sea days, these areas can fill up quickly. If you want a prime spot beside the pool, especially on a sunny itinerary, you will usually need to be out earlier.
But Liberty of the Seas has more outdoor space than you might realise at first. There are loungers around Liberty Dunes at the front of Deck 13, and this area can be easy to miss if you only stay around the main pool deck.
Deck 12 also has seating and loungers around the upper pool deck area, although the running track can get busy with people walking through.
The Deck 4 outside promenade is another place to know about. It is not a traditional poolside sunbed area, but it is a lovely place for a walk close to the sea and can be much calmer than the main outdoor decks. The important thing is not to assume the first busy area you see is the whole story. If the pool deck feels too crowded, move.
Quieter Outdoor Areas Near the Pools
Liberty of the Seas is a busy ship, but there are quieter outdoor areas if you know where to go. The first place to check is the front of Deck 13, around Liberty Dunes. This is the mini golf area, but there are also loungers nearby. Because it is not directly beside the main pools, some passengers forget about it. It can be a useful alternative on a busy sea day if you want to be outside but do not need to be right next to the water.
Another good option is the upper level around The Lime & Coconut on Deck 12. There is a small seating area above the top bar that can feel a bit tucked away. You are still close to the music, bar and pool deck atmosphere, but it can feel calmer than sitting right beside the main pools.
The Deck 4 promenade is also worth knowing about. This is a wraparound outside deck close to the sea, with shuffleboard courts and a more traditional cruise ship feel. It is a good place for a walk, especially if the upper decks are windy or crowded.
The helipad at the front of Deck 5 is another excellent outdoor spot when it is open. You access it from the Star Lounge area and follow the outside walkway forward. It is one of the best places onboard for sailaway, with open views straight ahead. It’s not a pool area, but it is one of the best places to escape the busiest decks for a while.
The biggest tip is to explore properly before deciding where your favourite pool area is. Liberty of the Seas has a busy main pool deck, but it also has quieter corners if you know where to look.
Related Guides
If you want a full overview of the ship, including restaurants, bars, cabins, entertainment, pools and outdoor spaces, you can read my full guide to what’s onboard Liberty of the Seas after the refit.
For a closer look at what changed during the refit, my Liberty of the Seas refit guide covers the new venues, what was removed, what was not quite ready and what you need to know before booking.
My Liberty of the Seas dining options guide explains what’s included, what costs extra, where to eat onboard and which venues are worth knowing about before your cruise.
If you want to know where to get a drink onboard, my Liberty of the Seas bars guide covers the main bars, lounges and outdoor drinking spots around the ship.
If you want to know what evenings are like onboard, my Liberty of the Seas entertainment guide covers the theatre, ice shows, Royal Promenade, live music, quizzes, activities and late-night venues.
If you are trying to decide whether to buy a drinks package, my Royal Caribbean drinks package guide compares the different options and looks at when a package may or may not be worth it.
Liberty of the Seas Pools: Frequently Asked Questions
How many pools does Liberty of the Seas have?
Liberty of the Seas has 4 pools with a main pool area on Deck 11 which include the main pool and a sports pool, an adults-only Solarium pool and Splashaway Bay pool for children. It also has 7 whirlpools, The Perfect Storm waterslides and the FlowRider surf simulator.
Does Liberty of the Seas have an adults-only pool?
Yes, Liberty of the Seas has an adults-only Solarium at the front of Deck 11. It has a pool, bar, loungers, seating and two large cantilevered hot tubs.
Does Liberty of the Seas have waterslides?
Yes, Liberty of the Seas has The Perfect Storm waterslide area on Deck 13. This includes Cyclone, Typhoon and Tidal Wave.
What waterslides are on Liberty of the Seas?
Liberty of the Seas has Cyclone, Typhoon and Tidal Wave in The Perfect Storm waterslide area on Deck 13. Cyclone and Typhoon are twin racing slides, while Tidal Wave is a boomerang-style waterslide.
Does Liberty of the Seas have a FlowRider?
Yes, Liberty of the Seas has a FlowRider surf simulator at the back of Deck 13.
Does Liberty of the Seas have Splashaway Bay?
Yes, Splashaway Bay is on Deck 11 and is the main children’s water play area on Liberty of the Seas.
Is Splashaway Bay new after the refit?
No, Splashaway Bay has not really changed as part of the recent refit, but it is still one of the main family areas on the pool deck.
Are there hot tubs on Liberty of the Seas?
Yes, Liberty of the Seas has several whirlpools and hot tubs. The most noticeable are the two cantilevered hot tubs in the Solarium, which sit out over the side of the ship.
Where is The Lime & Coconut on Liberty of the Seas?
The Lime & Coconut is around the main pool deck, with a lower bar on Deck 11 and an upper bar on Deck 12. It was added as part of the refit and replaced the older pool bar setup.
Are there enough sunbeds on Liberty of the Seas?
There are plenty of loungers around the pool deck and upper outdoor areas, but prime spots near the pools can fill quickly on sunny sea days. If you are flexible and explore Deck 12, Deck 13 and the outside promenade, you have more options.
What is the quietest pool area on Liberty of the Seas?
The Solarium is usually calmer than the main pool deck because it is adults-only, although it can still get busy. For quieter outdoor seating away from the pools, try the Liberty Dunes area on Deck 13 or the Deck 4 promenade.
Which pool area is best for families on Liberty of the Seas?
Splashaway Bay is best for younger children, while the main pool deck is great for families who want to be close to food, drinks, ice cream and the Windjammer. Older children and teenagers may prefer the waterslides, FlowRider and sports areas on Deck 13.
Can you use the pool areas on Liberty of the Seas in bad weather?
The main pools and outdoor areas are open-air, so bad weather can affect how much you use them. The Solarium hot tubs are covered, which makes them more useful when the weather is not perfect.
Useful Cruise Items to Consider
These are a few simple items that can make your cruise more comfortable and help you stay organised onboard. I personally use variations of these when cruising, and they’re all practical rather than essential.
Magnetic hooks Perfect for extra storage in your cabin
Packing cubes Keep your suitcase organised
Cruise luggage tags Protect your tags at the port
Travel Extension Lead UK For charging multiple phones, cameras, and laptops
Toiletry organiser Great for small bathrooms
You can also browse my full Cruise Essentials list for more useful items I use or recommend for cruise holidays.
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Affiliate disclosure: This section contains an affiliate link. I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through the link, at no additional cost to you. I haven’t personally tested the Saily cruise eSIM yet, so check the current coverage, data allowance and compatibility with your phone before purchasing.